MICHAEL VICK'S SENTENCE

Today Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison for his role in a federal dog fighting conspiracy. The judge stated that Michael Vick should have been more responsible with his position as a role model.
When I heard that statement I had to ask myself a question, "how well am I doing with my responsibility as a Christian witness?" We will all set before a judge some day and give an account for the way we have lived. We will either hear "well done" or "depart from me". A great preacher of old named Robert Lee put it this way, "there is a pay day, coming some day."
Lord, help us to live a life worthy of your calling!

WHAT A RESPONSE!

I was so proud of all of those who got behind our efforts to support the Christmas outreach to kids with AIDS in Nashville. To see all of the paper angels taken off of the tree was a real testimony of a church that cares. I pray that our support will not end with a Christmas outreach but we will continue to pray for those who are sick with AIDS in our community and ask the Lord to give us many more opportunities to reach out to this neglected part of our community. Remember the words of Jesus, "as much as you have done it for the least of these, you have done it unto me."

THE LEAVES DO FOLLOW HIM!

I have spent a lot of time here lately going around the house picking up leaves. Why you may ask? Every time our dog Max goes outside to do his business he seems to be a magnet for leaves. When we open the door he just dashes in and before we can grab him to pick the leaves off his body they are everywhere on the floor.
As I was picking leaves up today a thought crossed my mind. What am I leaving in places I go and in the people I know? I believe we leave a little bit of us where ever we go and what we leave is based on what is in us. If bitterness, anger, or frustration is what is in you, that is probably the trail you leave, but if God and the fruit of the spirit is what is in you then you will leave a trail of love, joy, and peace wherever you go.

SOME TIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO LET GO!

Tyra and I have really been wanting to sell our house. We had it on the market for over 6 months and were a little discouraged when it did not sell during that time. We decided to take it off the market during the holiday time and reconsider putting in on the market again some time next year. To our amazement two weeks after taking off the market we got a contract on our house. There was not a sign in the yard or an add on the Internet or magazines, yet a buyer who had seen the house previously decided they wanted it.
It was like God was saying to me, "I really don't need you to accomplish my will for your life." That is humbling but it is so true and some times things seem to work out when they are totally out of our hands and released into the hands of the Master.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I want to wish everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving! I love this day and think it is one of the purest and uncommercialized of all the holidays. Don't forget as you eat turkey today to express your gratefullness to your family and friends for the wonderful relationships of this life. But most importantly, "GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD!"

I LOVE THIS CHURCH!

In just a couple of weeks Tyra and I will celebrate 8 years of being the Lead Pastors at Music City. We have experienced great victories and some trials in this time. I truly do love this place because of the one constant at Music City, God has blessed us with wonderful people to pastor. I think the greatest people in all the world are found right in our church. We might not be the mega church in town (yet) but the unity and spirit in our church I would not trade for anything. Those of you who read this blog from Music City, thank you for being so great. Those who read it who are not from Music City, come join us and experience for yourself!

THANKSLIVING

I love the Thanksgiving holiday. It is truly a time to be reflective and thankful for friends, family, and all of God's blessings in our lives. I also enjoy the turkey, dressing, and all of the fixings. The truth is we should not just celebrate Thanksgiving one day a year but we should practice ThanksLIVING every day of the year.
It is so easy to take for granted all the blessings of life, but remember "every good gift has come from above."
SAVE ME A PIECE OF PIE!

BUBBA

Bubba goes to the revival and listens to the preacher. After a while,the preacher asks anyone with needs to come forward and be prayed over.Bubba gets in line. When it's his turn the preacher says, "Bubba, what youwant me to pray about?" Bubba says, "Preacher, I need you to pray about my hearing."So the preacher puts one finger in Bubba's ear and the other hand on top of his head and prays a while. After a few minutes, he removes his hands and says, "Bubba, how's your hearing now?" Bubba says,"I don't know, Preacher. It ain't until next Wednesday."

GOD IS AMAZING!

I have received several Emails about the service we had yesterday. It was awesome and God did some pretty special things. I have already heard a few but I can not wait to hear all the testimonies of the miracles that transpired in our time at the altars. You know God never surprises me but He always amazes me!

YOU ARE SACRED!

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple." These were Paul's words to the church of Corinth in I Corinthians 3. Think of the significance of this statement. You are God's temple and you are sacred to God. I know God is sacred to us but did you know you are sacred to God. Sacred is defined as devoted or dedicated to or worthy of respect. God has deemed you worthy of respect and he is totally dedicated to you. What does all this mean? God is committed to your success. He is for you, "and if God be for you who can be against you."

THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR

I had a friend call me from another city who said, "I am looking at a truck on EBAY and it is at a dealership in Nashville. Could you go look at it for me?" The pictures looked great, the price was right, but when I got there the truck looked a little different on the unphotographed side. It was apparent that not only had truck been wrecked but the workmanship in repairing it was very poor.
Things are not always as they appear. That is especially true with the temptations of life. The enemy paints a pretty picture of what could be if we indulge ourselves, but what he don't reveal is the other side of the vehicle. Our indulgence leads to trouble and often times a wrecked life. So the next time you are tempted, make sure you look at the other side of the temptation before you buy into it.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE SURROUNDED BY WOLVES

The Wyoming government had a problem with timber wolves. They offered $5,000 bounty on each wolf captured alive. That turned two men, Sam and Jed, into bounty hunters! Day and night they scoured the mountains looking for wolves. Exhausted one night they fell asleep dreaming about the fortune they would make capturing wolves. Suddenly Sam woke up to find that they were surrounded by 50 wolves with flaming eyes and bared teeth. Sam screamed, “JED, WAKE UP WE’RE RICH!!!!!!”
If you find yourselves surrounded by wolves it just might be an opportunity!

LET'S HAVE FUN!

When I go to play golf I always have a good time but I really like to concentrate on my shot and try to shoot a good score. A good score of course is by my standards and not Tiger Woods. I have the tendency to be really hard on myself. I want to hit every shot perfect and when it don't happen I tend to let myself hear about it.
Today, Mackenzie and I went out to play a round of golf. The objective that I have for her is not to shoot birdie golf because she has only been playing a short time and is only eight years old. The order of the day is to HAVE FUN when we go out. There were not any birdies and there were a few more mulligans than a normal round of golf would have but the company was never better and a day never more enjoyable.
Try something new today. If there is something that you take way to seriously, just have fun with it.

INTRIGUED

I have a painting hanging in my office that I really love. A friend gave it to me but it drives me crazy that I do not know anything about the artist or the subject. I have tried many times to find out about the artist so I could hopefully find out the town the painting is reflecting. The longer I have the painting the more intrigued I grow.
Many times the ways of God are the same way to me. I don't understand them. Though His signature is all over a situation it can still be so hard for me to comprehend. I find in my life the mysteries of God draw me closer to Him. The things I don't understand about God make me want to know Him more!

ATTITUDE CHECK

In a Peanuts cartoon Lucy says to Charlie Brown, "I hate everything. I hate everybody. I hate the whole wide world!" Charlie Brown says, "But I thought you had inner peace." Lucy replies, "I do have inner peace. But I still have outer obnoxiousness".
Lucy was quite often in need of an attitude check. When I was child we use to have periodic ATTITUDE CHECKS at church. Some children's church leader would say, "ATTITUDE CHECK" and we would respond by saying as loud as we could, "PRAISE THE LORD." What were they trying to teach us? It is impossible to have a bad attitude when you are praising the Lord.

Are there things that are causing you to get a little unnerved or negative. Take time to step a way from them and praise the Lord, it just might turn things around or at least your attitude!

IMPORTANT CORRECTION

It has been brought to my attention that last night while I was speaking I made reference to "the man my father married". While it is true that I had two fathers growing up, a step father who raised me and my biological father I can assure you that they were never married.
Isn't it amazing how sometimes we say something and hear it for what we meant to say rather than what we really said. I am just glad that no in the church knows my stepfather who would call him and say, "I did not know you were gay." I might be grown but I think he would drive to Nashville and pull the belt out on me!

AND SHE CHEERED

Last night we had our 3rd basketball and things went a little better. That is we only got beat by 19. Mackenzie and a few other girls from the church are our cheerleaders. They literally bring pom poms to the game, paint there face, and do organized cheers. I looked over at her when it became apparent that the game was out of reach and she was still cheering. I hit a three pointer and she jumped up and down and I heard her say that's my daddy. She did not care a bit that we had no chance of winning at that point she was just excited to be cheering on the team. When we got in the car she said, "Daddy, the team did really good tonight."
I love having people like that in my corner. They are encouragers and not just when things are going good but at all times. Even when you are getting spanked in basketball.

TIME REALLY DOES FLY!

I have been in the process of doing a total over haul of my office. I guess it needed it after looking the same for the last 9 years. I was looking through some of my old books and I ran across a book that someone had given me on fathering when our first child Mackenzie was born. I opened it up and found a poem that I had written to Mackenzie on the day she was born. I have to tell you that I had a Beaches or The Notebook (Not that I have ever seen either one of those chick flicks) type experience right here in my office. It wasn't that my words were as eloquent as Browning, Elliott, or Byron. It was the fact that 8 1/2 years have gone by so quickly. Mackenzie was in the office when I found the poem so pulled her aside and told her when I wrote it then I read it to her. I hugged her and begged her not to get any older. Time does fly and I have a feeling the pace continues to pick up.

BASKETBALL BLOG

Unfortunately game 2 went about as good as game 1. Slaughtered again! There is no one that I have ever met that hates to lose worse than I do, but when you get beat that bad all you can do is laugh; that is after you have cried. We got dunked on about 10 times and they were great dunks. I am talking NBA caliber dunks, three of them were alli oops.
I know what you are saying. That is so embarrassing how could you write about that for a second week in a row? I am just believing there very soon we are going to have a "the last shall be first experience." Don't laugh it could happen!

IT ALL STARTS WITH A THOUGHT

Do you realize that every great invention was at one time just a thought in someones mind? The first automobile did not start out on the assembly line but in the mind as a thought. Between the mind and the assembly line there was a process that had to take place for the thought to become a reality. Unfortunately some of the greatest products have never been created because they have gotten stuck in someones mind and did not go beyond a thought.
The same is true with sin. It always starts out as an unchecked thought. Here is a thought that might help you in that regard.
Watch your thoughts; they become words
Watch your words; they become actions
Watch your actions; they become habits
Watch your habits; they become character
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny!

ARE YOU A PRACTICAL ATHEIST?

I was at a conference last week where one of the speakers (who happened to be a pastor) made a startling confession. He said that he had lived most of his life and done most of his ministry as a practical atheist. I was stunned! How could this man admit to such a thing? This was his definition of a practical atheist. "To say you believe God exist but to do ministry or live life as if he doesn't." In other words we say we are people of faith but our lives are lived with absence of faith and more trust is put in our abilities than God's power.
WOW! I HAVE BEEN GUILTY AT TIMES OF BEING A PRACTICAL ATHEIST, WHAT ABOUT YOU?

DOMINATION STARTS NEXT WEEK

Ok, this weeks basketball game did not go as planned. Domination took place but unfortunately we were on the wrong side of it. What do you do when things don't go as planned? You live for another day. So I am announcing on the blog tonight that Music City domination starts next week!
I hate to lose but in life it happens, but your not a loser unless you refuse to play again. Take it from again who just had is his rear end handed to him on the court, there is always tomorrow.

IT FELT RIGHT

I spent the last few days of the week in Atlanta at the Catalyst Leadership conference with our music pastor Craig. Thursday night we decided to go out to eat in downtown Atlanta. I have to tell you that I have been to Atlanta many times and I can not remember one single time when I did not get lost at some point during the trip. This trip felt different, I was certain that I would not get lost on this go around. As Craig and I were leaving downtown I took a little bit different route than the one we came in on. Craig asked why? I told him it just feels right and I was confident that it would get us back to the hotel. An hour later I realized this was not such a good move. If it was not for anther friend of ours who lives in Atlanta that thank God answered his phone and mapquested me out of the God forsaken area that we found ourselves in we would probably be on the back of a milk carton by now.

How did this happen? I trusted my feelings. The problem is my feelings don't have GPS or mapquest. Nor as I found out do they even no what direction north is, because when it felt like I was going north I was actually going south (for a long time...just ask Craig). Our feeling are not always wrong, but they are never the best source or council for important decision making in our life. If I would have GPS in the car that night I would have caught the first 8 innings of the Yankees game. God's word is the Christian's GPS. You can trust it and if you will rely on its wisdom rather your feelings you will save a lot of heartache and a lot of wasted time.

I FEEL LIKE I GOT HIT BY A TRUCK

We had our second basketball practice for the church basketball team tonight. I had a great time but when I came home set in the bed for 5 minutes I started to feel the affects of the practice. If I got it, it hurts. I really do feel like a got hit by a truck.

I am sure you are wondering how I am going to pull some great spiritual truth out of this one. I am wondering the same thing because right now I want to take a few Advil and go to sleep.

A CHICKEN AND A PIG

I read a story of a chicken and a pig recently that I thought was very humorous.
A chicken and a pig came upon a church building and read the advertisement on the billboard out front, which read, “Help Us Feed the Poor.” Immediately the chicken suggested they help feed the poor with bacon and eggs. The pig thought for a moment and said, “There is one thing wrong with feeding bacon and eggs to the poor. For you it only requires a contribution, but for me it requires total commitment.”
What does your service to the Lord require of you? Are you contributor to the cause or are you totally committed to it.

USE THE RIGHT TOOL

Today when I got home from the office I found Tyra frustrated trying to put an air filter in her van. Now I applauded her for trying, but when I looked at the job I realized in 2 seconds why she was frustrated and unable to do the relatively simple job; she was using the wrong tool. It doesn't matter how many times you try or how hard you turn, a philips head screwdriver in a hex head screw is not going to do the job.
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a real life situation? You live frustrated and no matter how hard you try you can not seem to get your self unstuck. Maybe you need to try a different tool. Perhaps you have prayed and prayed and now you need to get up and go to work. Likewise maybe you need to stop working so hard to get out of your mess and just start praying. If you use the right tool in the right situation there is no circumstance that you can not come out in victory!

TWO MORE NUMBERS

I had something very frustrating happen to me as I was traveling through a very rural part of Tennessee. I was needing a Nashville phone number and so I called the operator and asked for the number. The operator happens to cost $.99 a call. My car does not have air conditioning and I had to roll the windows up in order to hear and it was hot. As I have already mentioned I was going through a rural part of the state and reception was hard to come by. The automated operator had given me all of the first five numbers when all of sudden I lose reception. Those first five numbers were useless without the last two. I was so mad, but what could I do. I had to call back and spend another $.99 for two numbers.

HEADS OR TAILS

Deuteronomy 28:13 says, "And the Lord will make you the head and not he tail; you shall be above, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them."
Do you know God made you for success and not failure? Why do so many then fall short of this privilege as a believer? Because they are not careful to observe the commandments of the Lord and the principles of scripture. Are you sick of being the tail? Are you sick of demotion and ready for promotion in your life? Start living your learning. Don't just heed the commandments and principles of God,be careful to observe them.

GO FOR IT!

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory or defeat."
- Theodore Roosevelt
What is that you want to do that the fear of failure has kept you from. Go for it!

MY FAVORITE MEAL

Tonight Tyra made one of my favorite meals. Poppy seed Chicken, Green Bean Casserole, Corn Casserole, Macaroni and Cheese, and Peach Cobbler. I prepared myself all day for this meal. I got up this morning and I ran a few miles. I then saved up all my calories for the day by not eating. I mean I did not eat anything until I came in and smelt the fresh aroma of the food she had prepared. When it was time to eat I pigged out, I mean I really pigged out. We even had guest over but it did not matter because it was my favorite meal. Just when I thought I could not get anymore in my belly Tyra broke out the peach cobbler. I instantly made room. I know from a nutritional stand point this not the proper way to manage a diet, but I lived all day in anticipation for the meal. Isn't it amazing the sacrifices we are willing to make for things we really desire.
What is it you desire spiritually? What are you willing to sacrifice to get it? Sacrifice is not always easy, but usually the sacrifics we make on the front end pay off in the long run. Someone once said it this way,"You can either play now and pay later or you can pay now and play later." It is a choice we all have to make.

AUTHENTICITY

When we were in Thailand we noticed there was a huge black market for items that were fake. There was one polo shirt I almost bought until I realized the polo horse looked more like a camel. I guess $3.00 for an authentic Ralph Lauren Polo shirt was just too good to be true. I was looking for something real at a cheap price. I wonder sometimes if in our pursuit of Christian Community if we want full benefits without paying full price.
Authenticity is a mark of true community! But it is not easily or cheaply obtained.

I'M A PRO NOW!

I went skydiving today for the second time, I guess that makes me a pro. Yeah Right! Things are different the second go around. I don't think anything could ever compare to scooting out of that plane for the very first. I was nervous, I was scared, I was excited, quite frankly I was ready to have earth under my feet. The second time I just enjoyed the ride and I even got to pilot the chute on the way down!
If you have a new adventure before you today or this week, go ahead take the leap of faith and jump out of the plane. It might be scary but it is worth it. If there is something you have been doing for so long that it has become old hat allow yourself to enjoy the trip a little more. Life passes by to fast not to!

CREED

This Sunday we begin a series of messages that will present a vision that I feel God has given me for Music City. This week I will speak on Connecting Locally which deals with our need for community. If we as a church can shift from being a congregation to a community I believe that it will translate into a healthy church that does great things for the kingdom.
A congregation is a group of people who congregate together. A community is a group of people who are connected together and share in the successes, failures, joys, despairs, and victories of life. A community is vibrant with life and driven by a common mission.
What do you say, let's be a community!

IS IT TO LATE TO POST A BLOG

So it is 11:59pm if I post this blog right now it will count for the day, right! Procrastination is my greatest sin it brings me much sorrow. I think I will quit, probably tomorrow.

THE BENEFIT OF CONFIDENCE

I read an interesting scripture today that is found in Hebrews 10:35,36. It says, "Therefore do not cast away your confidence which has great reward.
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise."
I started thinking after reading this how many times a lack of confidence has kept believers from doing the work of the Lord. God puts a dream on our heart or a responsibility on our plate and we say, "I don't know if can do this." Is there any person who should be any more confident than the child of the Most High God. Philippians tells us we "can do all things through Christ who gives us strength."
What is it that God is wanting you to do? What dream has he laid upon your heart? Your confidence in those matters will bring forth the reward of a fulfilled dream and a harvest of fruitful ministry.

BE STILL... REALLY!

Today I had one of those days that felt like I was in fifth gear the entire day. I had an early morning meeting and when I got back to the office it was if the phone would not stop ringing. I would be on the church line and my cell phone would ring, I would be on my cell phone and the church line would ring. Then someone would knock at the door and need to talk. You get the picture, because you find yourself there quite often as well. On my way home I felt a tug on my heart no doubt one that was prompted by the Holy Spirit saying, "you did not take any time to just be still and experience me today." Conviction fell right there in the car because I know you can not argue with the Holy Spirit. I was busy, but when you don't make time for God even when you are doing His work you are too busy. So be reminded to take time just to be still today and enjoy His presence, you will be glad you did!

VELVET ELVIS

I have been reading a great book entitled Velvet Elvis. I always like to pass good resources on to others and I think this is a book that any one will enjoy the read.

Rob Bell does a great job writing about many different aspects of the Christian faith. Here is a quote from the last page of the book that I think sums up the book pretty well.

"I am like you. I have seen plenty done in the name of God that I'm sure God doesn't want anything to do with. I have lots of reasons for bailing on the whole thing... But... I am not going to stop dreaming of a new kind of faith for the millions of us who need it. I am not going to stop dreaming of new kinds of communities that put the love of God and the brilliance of Jesus on display in honest, compelling ways. I am not going to stop dreaming of new ways to live lives of faith and creativity and meaning and significance."

I hope you will pick the book up and give it a read. If you are in the Single young adults class we will start using this book for our class discussion and teaching next week. ENJOY!

GREETINGS FROM IDAHO

This week I was given the honor of sharing in the Board of Regents meetings for Asia's Little One's missions organization. This is the organization that we worked through to build the boy's home in Thailand. The meetings are in Coeur D' Alene Idaho and it has to be one of the most beautiful places on the earth. I have been given the opportunity of sharing the testimony of Chase and the Boy's Home with so many people. It has been awesome! Thank you for your prayers as God continues to make a difference through the short life yet lasting legacy of our son.

LABOR DAY SERVICE

What an awesome service we had today! It was really cool to see all of our people come together to pull it off and to see so many new faces on a holiday weekend. It was great to see 7 people give their heart to Jesus Christ, that is what it is all about. We had three families that came and said they were just driving by and saw everything going on and they had to come up and check it out. Thanks to all helped with the services, set up, or tearing down, you all did a great job.
It is really neat to see all God is doing in the church right now and we know the greatest days are still ahead.

DIVINE APPOINTMENTS

This morning as I was getting ready to take a jog I ran into a friend that I have not seen in a year or so. He was visiting a neighbor and I just happened to be walking out my door as he was leaving. I set and talked with him for an hour or so and really had an opportunity to talk to him about his relationship with God. The Lord really did do an awesome work.
I pray that I never take for granted these divine appointments but I have to admit it is easy to pass these moment by sometimes. It is easy to get in such a hurry to do the things we want to do in a day that we miss the things God want us to do.
PRAYER: God help me and all that read this blog to realize the opportunities You put before us today and take the time to make the best of them.

BE THANKFUL FOR YOUR JOB

Maybe you have seen the show on Discovery Channel call Dirtiest Jobs. Mike Row goes from job site to job site in search of America's dirtiest employment opportunities. One of the shows features men going through sewers with piles of cock roaches, rats, and of course sewage. I got sick just watching. One of these guys were asked how could you do this and he said, "I am just thankful to have a job." I remember similar remarks from a woman in Kenya who worked 12-14 hours a day and made the equivalent of $2.oo a day.
Your job might not always be the source of overwhelming joy. In fact it might be down right frustrating at times. Even if your work can be difficult at times, during this Labor Day weekend take time to give thanks for your job. It is a blessing from God!

THE JUST WONDERING IF ANY ONE NOTICED BLOG!

I noticed after writing my last blog several days ago that it had been a while since any one had read or posted a comment so I had this crazy idea that I would not write until someone noticed that there had been no knew blog postings. Thank you Kevin!
One thing I have noticed since doing this blog is that it is a lot funner to do it when people read it and especially when they comment. I guess it is that way with anything in life. Take time tomorrow and tell someone thanks for the things they do or let them know that some one notices their hard work. It might seem insignificant to you but it might make a real difference in their life.

BUT HANNAH MONTANA vs. JESUS

My daughter Mackenzie is a huge Hannah Montana fan. Today tickets went on sale for her concert in Nashville and they sold out in like 2 seconds. I know most of them went to ticket brokers who trying to resale them for ungodly amounts of money. We have seen single $50 tickets going for as much as $700. Is that not ridiculous?
Now it is no slap at Miley Cyrus who is Hannah Montana because I know her and her family seem to be great Christians, but I wonder why why her concert sales out so quick and churches have a hard time getting people in the pews. I know it is not the product because it does not get any better than Jesus. So the question has to be asked is the church relevant to this generation? Jesus said if we would lift Him up that "all men would be drawn unto Him." I know He will keep his end of the bargain but I think we could do a little better at ours. JUST A THOUGHT!

THE ONE TIME

I thought I would share with you one of the most precious possessions of our family. A baby laughing might not seem like much to most people but it was the only time that it ever happen with our son Chase. God allowed us to capture on video by accident. I actually thought I was taking still pictures and I had the digital camera set to video mode. A year in a half after Chase past away it still blesses me that THE ONE TIME Chase laughed and giggled God allowed us to capture that memory and have it for a life time. GOD IS GOOD!

PRAY THE PRICE

Occasionly my wife Tyra can talk me into going shopping with her. When she does I have a ritual that I go through about everytime. I go immediately to the clearance section and see if there are any bargains that would save me 50% to 75%. If I see nothing that would make me feel like I stuck it to the store then I find a chair and wait on Tyra to finish.
I have to admit if I am not careful I can have this same approach in my prayer life. I know that sounds terrible but I am guilty of doing this on more than one occasion. James said, "The fervent prayer of a righteous man is powerful and availeth much." Do you ever go to God and want a bargain. A big miracle with little effort on your part. Fervent prayer is not easy, in fact it is hard work and is often time consuming. But it is this kind of prayer that the Bible says God responds to.
Have you been believing God for something? To get it you have to PRAY THE FULL PRICE.

PRAY THE PRICE

I love going into stores and finding bargains. In fact if my wife can ever get me into a store I will go to the clearence section and look at the items that are 50% to 75% off. I love feeling like I stuck it to the retailer. If I don't find a bargain quickly I go outside the store and find a chair and wait for Tyra to finish up the painful excursion that we call shopping.
Unfortunately I have to guard myself about having this same approach with God. I find myself going to the Lord in prayer and wanting the 50% to 75% deal, meaning I spend little time and get great rewards. I have found this does not work. There are no short cuts in prayer. If you want God to meet the need you have to PRAY FULL PRICE!

CREED

CREED is defined as a set of religious beliefs or guiding principles. I have been thinking about the principles that guide my life, and the principles that guide our church at Music City. What are our guiding principles?
Connecting locally-- That deals with being a community of believers and not just a
congregation.
Reaching globally-- This speaks to our commission to evangelize our community and reach
ourworld with the gospel.
Engaging worshipfuly-- Worship is one of the chief purposes we were created and is that the
unites believers and brings us to a place of being in one accord.
Equipping purposefully-- The great commission is not just about winning the lost but
also making disciples. Discipleship is a life long journey that equips
believers to live for Christ and achieve his purposes and plans for
their life.
Driven by Eternity-- Colossians says that "everything" we do should be unto the glory ofGod.
Our mission or creed guides us but eternity drives us.
My prayer is that these would not be words only, but truly our CREED (the principles that drive us).

A PIECE OF JUNK THAT DOES COOL TRICKS IS STILL A PIECE OF JUNK

Last night while on my way home a piece of junk car pulled up beside me at a red light. When I say a piece of junk I am not making fun of this person or exaggerating. I looked at the guy in that car with his girlfriend in the passenger seat and he looked my way eye contact. I nodded my head as to acknowledge him and he looked at me with a look of disgust. He then did something that made me laugh and his girlfriend bury her head in her lap with apparent embarrassment. What had he done? He hit the hydraulic button on the car and the front of the car began to elevate then the right side went up in the air then down again. It was quite a show and I guess it was his way of showing off. The car sputtered off and all I could think about as I laughed rather hysterically was this guy must have spent more on that hydraulic system than he did that car.
I was not impressed and it was obvious his girlfriend was not. I am sure she was thinking the same thing I was; why did this guy not put more money into a better car that would be more dependable.
I guess it is a question of priorities. We resource what we value. It was clear this guy valued looking cool and not a dependable car. What do you value? Jesus said it his way, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

THE HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC PHENOMENON

Last year Disney made a movie for $4.5 million called High School Musical that made them over $500,000,000 and brought in over 170,000,000 viewers. Most of you probably are like me and don't get the reason for it's success. My daughter Mackenzie along with the 10's of millions who watched the sequel last night totally get it. Disney has made and properly marketed a product that resonates with it's target audience.

Christians have the greatest message that there has ever been but we do not always do the best at marketing this Gospel message. How do we market the message? "Let your light so shine before men, that they might see your good works and glorify God in heaven." Disney's cause is to gain another viewer and make another dollar, our cause is to pull people from darkness into light and bring souls to eternal life. Let's get excited about our cause.

WHAT DID CHURCHES DO WITHOUT A/C?

My father tells me that when he was a child their church nor home had air conditioning. He says that the local funeral home would provide fans that the congregation would use during service to keep cool. I have been to so many churches overseas where to speak of air conditioning in church was to open the doors and windows of the make shift building.
Our church sanctuary today had three of the 4 units that cool the sanctuary go out. I have to admit it was hot. In fact I was so mad that this happened until I begin to think about all of the people who are around the world today who meet in underground churches with none of the modern convieniences we know and they risk their life to do it. When I think of it like that, I thank God for the freedom we have to worship even if it is in a hot building!

WHAT'S HAPPENING IS NOT ALWAYS WHAT'S GOING ON

All through the Bible we see stories where it appeared things were going terribly wrong only to find out what was happening was not really what was going on. In the case of Moses living in a wilderness as a wanted felon is what was happening but being prepared by God to lead a nation of people out of slavery and bondage is what was going on. In the case of Jesus a cruel death on criminal's cross is what was happening but God brining forth the means of salvation to a lost world is what was going on.

I still struggle at times with the death of my son Chase. I know that God has a purpose even in such devastating situations. I firmly believed that when we stood in Thailand dedicating the boys home that some of God's purposes were being revealed. It is our prayer that a nation could be changed because of the boys who come out of this home.

We all go through situations where we do not exactly understand what is happening but we must believe that what is going on is that God is working all things out for our good. It is impossible to understand when we are going through it but what is happening is not always what is going on.

BACK TO SCHOOL

What a powerful service we had this morning as we sent out our students as missionaries on to their campuses. It is very important for us to remember our students in prayer and resource them as the missionaries they are to make a difference on their campuses. I did not get to this point this morning but here is a few ways we can pray for our students and children as they go back to school.

1. Pray for the Lords protection upon their lives
2. Pray for God's boldness in their witness
3. Pray for their influence among class mates and faculty
4. Pray for the vision to see their school as a mission field where they can make a difference
5. Pray that they would not be negatively impacted by culture but that they would positively impact their culture

Let's commit to pray every day for our children and students just as we would missionaries we send out on the foriegn mission field. Remember, "You don't become a missionary by crossing the sea but by seeing the cross."

NEW LEADERSHIP

It was a long process but after to days of deliberating we have a elected a new Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. It is always amazing to see God unfold his plan for his people. Dr. George Wood is our new Superintendent and Rev. Alton Garrison the assistant. Please pray for these men that God will help them as they lead the Assemblies of God. Please continue to pray for us at this council that God will give us continued wisdom as we have a lot more business to conduct in a short amount of time.

PRAY FOR THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

I am asking that each one of you pray for our denomination over the next couple of days as we meet for the General Council of the Assemblies of God. This is our national assembly that is held once every 2 years but this year has great importance. Our General Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and treasurer have all resigned or retired and we will vote in new leadership for our denomination. Tyra and I will leave tonight after church so we covet your prayers as we travel to Indianapolis for these meetings. The elections will begin tomorrow at 11:00am so pray that God's men will be brought into these very important leadership roles.

MAN IT'S HOT!!

I walked outside carrying a ladder at the church today and when I came back into the office I felt like I had spent a week in the Sahara. It feels like it is 200* outside.
My dad's family were Share Croppers growing up. So he worked long days picking cotton and then came in to a non air conditioned home. I remind myself of that every time I am tempted to complain about these kind of conditions. I also think about the men and women in our military who are in the heat of Iraq with full fatigue's on and carrying a 80 lbs of supplies on their back. You know when you think about it we really don't have it that bad, even when the temperature has hit triple digits!

THANK YOU GOD FOR A FLAT TIRE

Yesterday as we were traveling home from Memphis we had a flat tire. We had prayed before we left Memphis that the would protect us and give us His traveling mercies. It would have been easy to complain about changing a tire on the side of the Interstate, but all I could say is "Thank you Lord." I just had a feeling that through the inconvienience of a flat tire God was saving us from something. Maybe it was an accident, maybe it was a ticket, perhaps it was just a lesson in dependence that he wanted to teach. Reguardless, I say thank you Lord for that flat.
This morning when we woke up and was on our way to the church would you believe that another tire on the same vehicle was flat. What if they would have both gone out on the interstate? That would not have been good. So we had to replace two tires today, but my family is safe and God is good.

LATE FOR THE PLANE

I was in an airport early this morning in Hawaii and there was a family who came in who missed their plane. This was a local airlines who sells cheap tickets to hop from island to island and if you miss your flight you are just out of luck as this family found out. First, I over heard the argument at the ticket counter. Then I heard the argument as he called the corporate office with no avail to get another flight at no additional cost or at least a matching rate. They informed him (I know because I was being nosey) that his tickets were void and the discounted rate was only available 30 days out. The bottom line was it was going to cost him an extra $1400 for his family to get from Maui to Oakland, CA. Needless to say this guy was not a happy camper.
Two thoughts came to me as I watched this scene play out. The first was I wonder if we could charge a double tithe for people who are late for church. (just a thought) The second and more serious was about all those people who would miss the rapture. For what ever reason when Jesus returns they are just not ready and it will really cost them.
God help us all to live right and do right that whenever we die or the rapture of the church takes place we will not be caught in the position of this man and his family, no ticket to the destination we desire.

WOWIE IN MAUI!

Tyra's father who went to Thailand with us was generous enough to rent a condo in Maui for a couple of nights so on our way home from Thailand we could fly in and have a litte R and R. The plane ticket was like a $100 extra to come on our way home from Thailand but I can tell you it is the best $100 I have ever spent. This morning I got up and went on a 7:00am snorkel. I was alone in the ocean at that hour (at least as far as people goes). The thought went through my mind as I saw fish of every color and shape, that I was swimming in God's aquarium. We serve a wonderful creator and we are prize of His creation. I hope I am not making all of you jealous but I had to share my experience. I really felt close to God out there though I did keep my eyes open for JAWS. I went 20 minutes with out bringing my head out of the water and when I brought it up I realized I had gotten a pretty good ways from shore.
Thank you for your prayers! Though the ministry leg of the trip is over we pray God will refresh us here and give us safety as we begin traveling home!

LONG TIME NO BLOG!

I have tried like crazy to get to a computer and have found it very difficult until today. Thank you so much for your prayers God has really brought forth fruit for the kingdom. The last day in Chiang Rai the missionary took us to have a little fun, an elephant ride through the jungle. Mackenzie was white as a ghost and so fearful. I did not think that we would ever get her on the elephant but once she did she loved it. I thought how much that is like our walk with God, the greatest experiences often are the most fearful to step out and experience but once we do we realize how awesome the journey is and how great our God is. We also held a 15 ft. 200lb. snake. Now God had to help me with some fear issues on that one!

GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE

What a service we had? As we were ministering to the children at the orphanage I had the wonderful opportunity to speak at their church service. This serves not only as a church for the orphanage but for the whole community. Their were probably 200 people in attendance. I had a simple word, "God has a plan for your life." It was amazing to see 15-20 young people respond to the call of ministry and surrender to God's plan their life. Can you imagine what a difference that could make in a country where less than 1% is Chrsistian though the gospel has been here fro 200 years. Let's pray that the next Billy Graham will be in that group.

THE RIBBON HAS BEEN CUT

I wish you all could have been there today as we Tyra, Mackenzie, and myself cut the ribbon on the Chase Whitehurst Home for Boys. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life. The Holy Spirit was working in a RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY, who would have thought it. I have tried my best to get pictures uploaded but it just was not working so I will continue to do so over the next couple of days.
We stood with 50 boys who's faces I will never forget who's lives are being shaped every day by Jesus Christ through the legacy of a 4 year old boy they will never meet until heaven. GOD IS GOOD! The Home is beautiful and the pictures that you have seen does not do it justice. I can not wait to bring a group from the church to minister in Thailand though I am afraid you would not want to leave without one of these kids.
Thank you for your continued prayers!

FLEXIBILITY

We have had to experience a little flexiblity as our trip to the boys home got moved back until tomorrow because of air flights. God has all things in this hands and we know that this is according to his will though we are so anxious to get to Chiang Rai and love on those kids. God has been gracious to us during our time in Bangkok. Tonight we had dinner with two of our missionaries Terry and Debbie Waisner. It reminded me of what partnerships we have for the kingdom. They are two of the choicest servants you could ever meet and God is using them all over Asia to make a difference. Tomorrow we will for sure be at the boys home so we covet your prayers as we know the Lord has great things in store. Blessings on you all!

WHAT LANGUAGE BARRIER?

Today I was in a store witnessing to a young lady. I am not sure of here name though she gave it to me I am not sure it would do me any good to try to spell it as I can't really pronounce it. I was telling her about the boy's home in Chiang Rai that we are building. With almost everyword I spoke she had to look it up in her Thai/ English dictionary. I could tell she was very eager to learn English better. She was almost in tears as I told her about Chase and the legacy that he would have through the boys home. Her emotions became even greater as I shared with her that God had a plan for her life through his son Jesus Christ. It took about 45 minutes because of the language barrier but I walked away encouraged that the Holy Spirit has a way of breaking through any barrier to show God's love to the lost.
Tomorrow we leave for the boys home so I do not know my how accesible a computer will be but I will do my best to blog as often as possible. Tyra and Mackenzie are doing great and send their love. Blessings to you all!

CAN I GET AN INTERPETATION

We made it to Thailand! Praise the Lord. We will spend the next couple of days in Bangkok before going to the orphanage. The trip was very smooth and without incident. Be praying for us to recover quickly from the jet lag that we might be fresh for our ministry at the orphanage.
I pray everything I am writing comes out legible and correct grammitically. If not don't blame me all I can see is Thai language on the computer screen. I would click English but I can not read Thai to figure out where that is.
I will write again soon!

LESSON FROM A FROSTY

Today while traveling down the road we stopped at Wendy's to eat. Mackenzie got a Vanilla Frosty and after my meal I asked her for a bite. To my surprise (not really) she said "NO". I wanted to scream I was so mad but I held myself back, knowing how possessive kids can be witht there stuff. There were a few things Mackenzie did not understand.

1. I am bigger and stronger than her and if I wanted to force my will on her I could have easily done it and ripped it out of her hand and not given her another bite.
2. The frosty was paid for with my money.
3. I had enough money in pocket to by her 10 Frosties if that's what she wanted.

I started thinking about this in terms of my relationship with God and how often I forget He is strong and able enough to do whatever he wills and everything I have is a gift from Him. I also fail to remember at times that God has an abundance and can provide for my life in an abundant way. So remember next time God ask for your frosty give it to him. You will fill better about yourself for doing so but most importantly you will realize with whatever measure you give to God he is going give it back to you.

EARLY MORNING JOG BLOG

This morning I got up and decided I would hit the pavement for an early morning jog. The truth is I have not been doing near enough of it lately and I am feeling it. I took a route that I was very familiar which felt like it was up hill all the way. One hill in particular feels like the Everst of neighborhood hills. Every time I get half way up I say to myself, "no one would ever know if turned around at this point on my route." This morning I did not even feel like I was running up it felt more like a brisk walk, a painful brisk walk. About that time a small economy junk bucket of a car came whizzing by me. (You can tell I am bitter) This car went effortlessly up the hill at a speed quite over the limit while the owner set inside with the comfy a/c blowing. I thought to myself that it would sure be nice to have that kind of horsepower in my legs.
I think we are obsessed with power in this culture. We have power steering, power brakes, power drills, power saws, power bars, powerade, we even have power naps. I am not implying this is always a bad obsession after all life is a lot easier with power. That hill was definately easier with power.
I see so many Christians struggling. They look just like I did trying climb that hill this morning. They are making through life but not enjoying the trip. Acts 1:8 says, "You will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you." Living an authentic Christian life is not always easy, but sure helps to have God's power at work with in you.

LOOK BOTH WAYS

The first rule of the road that most kids learned is any time you cross the street, "look both ways." We were all told the danger that could come if we did not give respect to cars.
Today I was reminded of this rule near a road when I was driving down a street on my way to visit someone and a man stepped right off of the sidewalk in front of my car. I slammed on my breaks and the car stopped with his hands on my hood. My heart was racing but I wondered if his was still beating. I saw fear all over him. It was evident that if I had not hit the breaks he would be dead or very seriously injured.
What happened? He ignored that first rule of the road. He looked at the traffic coming from the other direction but I watched him and he did not even look at the traffic of the lane he was about to step into. Perhaps he was in a hurry or had a lot on his mind, but whatever the case it almost cost him his life.
It is easy at times to get so complacent in life that we ignore principles or rules that were established for our benefit. The principles of God's Word are the most important of these. That is why Proverbs 3 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Sometimes it feels right to go but God's word says wait. Trust Him and take Him at His word, who knows what he his saving you from.

CHASE'S LEGACY

In just a few short days Tyra, Mackenzie, and I will be in Thailand where we will dedicate the Chase Whitehurst home for boys. I can not wait to meet the boys whos lives are already being touched by the legacy of a 3 1/2 year old boy that they will never meet. I heard from the missionary this week that 46 boys are already in the home. Who knows that one of them will not be the next Billy Graham of Thailand or the world for that matter.

A year and a half after my sons death I still do not have all the answers to why his life was so short, but I am seeing how God "works in all circumstances for good, if we love Him and are commited to His purpose."

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT

Go ahead you know you want to, sing it. Ok, I will do it with you. Row, Row, Row your boat gently down the stream. Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily life is but a dream.
Here is the problem. Rowing a boat is not always a merry job because sometimes you have to row upstream against the current. Going downstream the oars steer you more than push you, but when you are going against the current you can row to your arms fell like they are falling off and get know where.
Life is like that. When things are going well rowing is a merry job, but when you are fighting against the current of life it can be miserable.So what do you do; keep rowing and eventually the tide will turn. But most importantly remember Joshua 3:10 say, "The lord your God fights for you." In this case you could say he rows for you. He is in the boat and he will not bail out on you.

THE GROSSEST BLOG EVER

Last night Tyra went to the Women's Ministry meeting at the church and I stayed home with Mia. I had a bit of a headache and laid down on the bed as Mia was asleep and I watched a really cool show on the Discovery Channel called Man vs. Wild. The show is about a former Special Forces soldier from Britain who is dropped in remote locations or wilderness and is given the task of finding his way out with nothing but a water bottle and a flint rock. On last night's show he was dropped in the Australlian Outback. After only an hour in the 120 degree temperature he was out of water and on his way to being dehydrated. In a move that I can only describe as desperate and gross he resulted to drinking his own urine. That's right you heard in the Pastor's Blog, he drank his own urine which according to him is 95% water. (I'll take his word for it)
He made a comment that "in times of desperation you must be prepared to make any sacrifice to survive."
You are asking yourself right now what spiritual analogy is going to be made about this one? I am still trying to figure that out myself. In fact I will let you make your own analogy today. Maybe you will go the route of desperation in times of spiritual drought or maybe you will just jot down a note in your survival memory bank in case you are ever stuck in the outback. Whatever the case you probably won't forget this blog?

ALL THE WORLD

It is a very sobering thought that after nearly 2,000 years we have more than one billion Christians worldwide. That is a little less than 20% of the world. To many that might seem great except for the fact that Jesus did not die for a percentage of the world. He died for the WHOLE world. There are roughly five billion lost persons on earth today. The question the church must answer is are we willing to do what it takes to to reach those 5 Billion? That is overwhelming!
Realistically we know that know single person will be able to reach 5 billion people that are lost in the world. That is why we must understand the mission we were given by Christ can only be accomplished by each one reaching their world. Your world is not comprised of the 5 billion but the people in your work place, neighborhood, and family that you interact with on a daily basis. I am convinced that if each one of us would concern our self with all OUR world then all THE world will be reached.

THE UNDERDOG

I decided to switch things up a bit and write in the morning today. I figure even if the blog is not good, I can not be accused of being a procrastanator.
Last night I had a dream about my high school reunion. It was a bit crazy because it was 25 years later but in my dream everyone looked the same way they did in high school. There was one guy at the reunion who surprised everyone, his name was Brent. Brent was a kid that everyone laughed at in school because of his hand me down clothing and learning disabilities. Maybe he was a bit "nerdy", ok a lot nerdy, but Brent had a good heart. My friends laughed at me because I was always nice to Brent and always made time to talk to him. I even introduced him in front of the entire student body when he wanted to run for Senior Class President.
In my dream Brent was the only one who looked different. His unfasionable duds were replaced by a three piece suit. A very expensive suit at that. He had made something of himself and became very wealthy in the process. Now I have know idea if that dream mirrors reality for Brent or not, but I do know that in my dream everyone now wanted to talk to Brent. Not only that they wanted their picture taken with him and his autograph. The strange thing is Brent was still genuinely kind to everyone even though they had treated him poorly in years past.
The older I get the more I like the Brent's of the world. People who are not given much of a chance by peers, but always seem to defy the odds and achieve.

WATCHES vs. TIME

Why did God make patience one of the fruit of the spirit? Sometimes I think it was just to keep me frustrated! I am just kidding (sort of) but it is something that I struggle with. Today I went and played golf and we got behind four of the slowest golfers I have ever seen. They would stand over shots for what seemed like eternity and then hit 15ft into the woods. Most of the time in golf etiquite when there is a slow group they will let others play through and keeps the pace up for everyone.
I know it must be a reflection of my spirituality but it bothered me. I wish I were more patient at times but in certain cases it is difficult for me. When I was in Kenya on a mission trip they said, "Americans have watches, and Kenyans have time." It is very true for the most part that as Americans we are controled by watches and dayplanners and don't take as much time as we should to enjoy time.
I guess this blog is a confession of my impatience at times and a prayer that God would help me to develop the spirit of patience in my life.

DROOPY FLOWERS

Today when I got home from the church I was wheeling the trash cans around to the backyard and noticed that the flowers in our backyard were very droopy. Not dead just droopy. They looked like that guy in the movies who is crawling through the desert craving just one drop of water. I watered them and then went inside for just a short while. Within an hour I looked out the back door to see the plants and flowers vibrant and all the droopiness gone.
Now of course there is a great spiritual analogy here! I myself go through those times when my spiritual walk is a little droopy. I am alive but not vibrant in the faith. I know that sounds like a terrible thing for a pastor to admit to, but I have been there quite a few times. It is amazing how refreshing and revitalizing God's word and spirit can be to our lives. As the Psalmist David said, "As the deer thirst for water so my soul thirst for you oh Lord."
Refresh yourself in the lord today by praying, reading your Bible, or just spending some quiet time in meditation before Him.
HELLO DEBRA AND KEVIN. IF ANYONE ELSE IS READING LEAVE A COMMENT!

THE LATE NIGHT BLOGGER

"Procrastination is my biggest sin, it brings me much sorrow. I think I will quit, and I will stop tomorrow." I am not really a procrastanator, but this blog has been easy to put off until the end of the day. Here it is 10:15pm and I am just getting home from the day and writing a few lines.
Where am I going with this? I have no idea! Actually, if there is something you have been putting off in your life that you know you need to get done. It is never to late. Go ahead get it done, you will be glad you did.

I LOVE TECHNOLOGY

I have a confession to make! I don't really love technology. It drives me crazy! I have posted several blogs that I am now observing are not showing up on the homepage of my blog. Who know's if this blog will be visible, but if it is be sure and go to the JULY archive to read the past few blogs. They will show up on the archive but I can not figure out why they are not showing up on the mainscreen.
It just makes me remember a very important fact, JESUS IS COMING SOON. Daniel 12:4 says, "in the end times people will run to and fro and knowledge will increase." Can you think of a time when people were any more busy than they are now and can you think of any other time in human history where knowledge and technology has moved at such a rapid pace. Would you have ever thought 15 years ago that you would be able to watch a movie, listen to music, write a letter, do office work, and talk on the phone on the same device. IT'S CRAZY!
I pray to God there are no computer's in heaven!

JUST A THOUGHT

Would you rather be a living rat or a dead lion? Think about it. A living rat may be living but its existence is of the poorest conditions and courage is not needed to scavage through garbage. A dead lion though dead lived with courage and strength. While living it took some risk and thrived though life rather than surviving a pitiful existence.
God said in Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Paul encouraged us that "we are more than conquerers."
Rats squeel, while lions roar. Rats hide and run if seen, lions are seen, known, and feared by all in their surroundings. Don't live beneath your privledge, be the lion God has called you to be. Act today with courage and don't merely survive but thrive in this life and you will know the riches of the next.

CONSEQUENCES

I just got finished taking a four hour online defensive driving course for a speeding violation. For all those who know me that is not very hard to believe. On one of the first sessions of this online course the narrarator who talked like a smalltown AM radio personality said, "All of your actions have consequences." DUH! Why do I need to be reminded of that? Of course the answer is that when you are driving behind the wheel, many times are caught up in the moment and don't think about how driving unsafely could affect you and others.
Why is it so hard to think of the consequences of our actions when we are in the heat of the moment? Paul said in Romans 6:23, "The consequences of sin is death." It is much easier to read that than to remember it when we are tempted. It is both a natural law and a spiritual law that to every action there is a reaction. Let's choose wisely our actions today that there reactions will be pleasurable and not painful.

FINISH THE JOB!

My father and law and I have spent the better part of the day wiring their new outdoor spa. It has been one of those jobs where every time you feel you are about to make some head way you realize that way is not going to work and you have to start again from square one. The three hour job has turned into a ten hour job and here we are at 10:30pm with no spa. It is sort of hard leaving the job unfinished until tomorrow but we know our energy is gone for the day, so we will FINISH THE JOB early morning before we have to head back to Nashville.
What job have you started and it is still left undone after hours, days, months, or even years? I want to encourage you to FINISH THE JOB! Paul said in Colossians 3:23, "Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your heart as working for the Lord." So paint that room, finish restoring that old car, build the shed, travel to that dream location, or finish filing that stack of papers on your desk and do it as unto the Lord. You will be glad you FINISHED THE JOB!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Fireworks, pool parties, and barbecue all together on the same day can only mean one thing. It's the 4th of July! This has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love the patriotism that is in the air and every one always seems to be in a festive mood.
This morning I was reminded once again of what this day is all about as I watched yet another tragedy in Iraq on the news. It always saddens me to see our soldiers die in this or any war, but it makes me realize yet again how blessed we are to live in the "land of the free and the home of the brave." So take time on this day especially to pray for our troops and thank God for this country that celebrates it birthday today.

BUILD A BRIDGE

This morning started as most, with our 8 year old daughter Mackenzie crawling into our bed asking "can someone make me some breakfast." But since we are at her Papa and Nana's house who happen to have a swimming pool there was another question that followed. "After we eat can someone take me swimming." I love to swim but it is not usually on mind at 7:00am. I began to give all of the reasons that this was not on the agenda until at least 10:00am. It was then that daughter who at times proves to be a great theologian says, "Dad, build a bridge and get over it." Wow, don't you love it when you are put in your place by an 8 year old. Now our daughter is not a disrespectful girl, but her point was well taken. So I did what any father would do in my situation, I fixed her a bowl of cereal and we suited up for the early morning swim.
What is unneccasarily holding you back today or what excuses are you making that are keeping you from the truly important things that today holds. Take some advice from an 8 year old, "Build a bridge, and get over it."

ARK!

In the movie Evan Almighty the main character who is a politician makes a campaign promise to Change the World. How many times have we heard that? But by the end of the movie it is revealed that we change the world by one Act of Random Kindness at a time. Tonight I was at my father in laws church in Cordova, Tennessee and they are in the middle of a Random Acts of Kindness campaign. I was so encouraged to hear the testimonies of how ordinary people are changing their world with one act of random kindess at a time. It doesn't have to be monumental, and it does not have to cost a lot of money, but one act of kindness can be encouraging and life changing for the recipient. So go ahead and try it! Intentionally commit some act of kindness for a person who does not expect it today!

SMALL BEGINNINGS

Right now Music City Assembly of God seems to be in the days of small beginnings. Though we have been plugging along for several years now it seems that we have still not begun to reach our full potential for the kingdom. Zechariah 4:10 is one of my all-time favorite passages. "Don't despise the day of small beginnings." It is easy for us and ecspecially me as the pastor to think negatively towards these seasons because they do not seem as grand as we have dreamed, but we must not despise them for they are the building blocks on which God will build our success.

GET OUT OF THE PLANE!

Last Saturday I went skydiving! I had always wanted to go but I had never pursued the opportunity. I never will forget the feeling I had being at 12,000ft and having the instructor say, "now scoot off of the edge of the plane." I know to truly skydive you have to get out of the plane but it was a little easier to visualize getting out of the plane while the plane was still on the ground. Everyday we are confronted with opportunities that in order to experience them "we have to get out of the plane". It's scary stepping out into the unknown, but it so rewarding. The Bible says "faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) All of us have hopes and dreams. The challenge is to make sure the "things not seen" do not rob us of their fulfilment.

First Blog Post

Today is the first posting on my blog. I am new to this but I hope that the daily devotional thoughts, stories from my day, or just a meaningful quote will be an encouragement to you. I welcome your thoughts, feedback, and ideas as I begin this journey of the blog!
"Some people skip through life; some people are dragged through it. I sometimes wonder whether we are moving through time or time is moving through us." - Donald Miller
TAKE TIME TO ENJOY THE WONDERFUL GIFT OF TODAY THAT GOD HAS GIVEN TO YOU!