Don't You Love New Days?

You know, as much as I'm not a morning person, I've realized as I become older that the morning is my favorite time of the day! Rachelle gets up super early to get ready for work so I find myself up earlier than usual. This allows me to actually enjoy the morning instead of missing it while I'm sleeping!

Here's another reason why I like the morning, its brand new! Check this out, Max Lucado, in his book Everyday Deserves a Chance  Max tells us that every day is a brand new 24 hours. Yesterday's disappointments, attitude, regrets, etc. don't enter into today unless you take it with you. I pulled clip from his 30 Days of Thoughts blog:

Next time your day goes south, here is what you do: Steep yourself in the grace of God. Saturate your day in His love. Marinate your mind in His mercy. He has settled your accounts, paid your debt.

“Christ carried our sins in His body on the cross.”
1 Peter 2:24 NCV

Thats good stuff! Why should we worry about our failures when downfalls and sins when Christ already took care of them? A fulfilled life is merely acquired when you completely put your trust in Him! Allow Jesus to bless today, and guess what, you get another chance tomorrow!

Remember the woman that God used to assist Elijah? 1st Kings 17:7-16 tells you the story. She was poor and there was a draught. She lived with her son but neither was in good health. God instructed her to provide food for Elijah but she only had a handful of flower and a little oil in her jar yet she obeyed. Scripture tells us that every day God replenished the flour and oil. Every morning she woke up with just enough food to get through the day. Then, eventually, the rain came again and she was overwhelmed with blessings.

Allow Christ to give you enough flour and oil to make it through today. You may be at the bottom of your barrel, but He can provide if you trust in Him. 

Last verse to dwell upon: Philippians  4:19- But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

My Sermon from Earlier this Month

Me Preaching

WORLD LARGEST SNAKE FOUND DEAD! ★★★★★

How to plant a church

Dog says grace! Classic

Chris Tomlin - I Will Follow

Chapter 3- Stars and Stripes

If I were to ask you to choose one item that represents America, what would it be? Let me be more specific. If I asked you what you would consider to be the symbol of the United States since the Revolutionary War, what would you say it is? Well, you may have said a lot of things, but since I’m writing this book, I’ll tell you what I chose: The American Flag.

            Since the Revolutionary war, the American flag has been the symbol of freedom, unity, liberty and justice in our country. Betsy Ross claims to have sewed the first American flag and the design of 13 stars and 13 stripes became the first official flag of our country on June 14, 1777.  Although it has endured several alterations in its appearance since then, its meaning and symbolism has remained. It symbolizes that we are independent. We no longer have to live under the rule of tyranny and monarchy. We are a democracy and enjoy all of the liberties that come with that.

            Now, if I asked you to choose one item that represents Christianity, what would it be? Let me be more specific. If I asked you what you would consider to be the symbol of Christianity, what would you say it is? This is a little more difficult to answer. You could say the cross. But that only tells half of the story. You could say the manger, but that only tells half of the story. How bout we find a common theme. No, not wood! I mean Jesus. No other symbol reflects Christianity more than Jesus Christ. Our country was founded on the things that the flag stands for and our Religion was founded on the things that our Savior stands for. If you’d allow me, there are a few pieces of Scripture that seem interesting to dissect a little. Let us indulge ourselves in it:

Matthew 2:1-2:

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

The birth of Jesus is full of symbolism. The gifts that were brought to Christ all symbolized something. The gold represented Kingship, a symbol of power. Frankincense represented priesthood. It was a type of incense used during religious ceremonies. One symbol that isn’t as famous is the star in the east. This star was a phenomenon. It was a star that wasn’t present before the birth of Christ and wasn’t present after the birth of Christ. It was strategically placed so the wise men knew where to travel.

            Now, I know what you’re thinking. I forgot to mention Myrrh. No, I wanted to save this one. Myrrh was an ointment and was used to embalm the bodies of the dead. This symbolized his future death. Alright, so Jesus’ birth is now tied into his death. In fact, lets read about his death in detail: Isaiah 53:5

“But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.”

            Jesus wasn’t only nailed to a cross, He was completely tortured. The very thought of his back being beaten by a whip that contained glass, bones and metal hurts my heart. 40 times was He whipped across His back. Scripture describes these wounds as “stripes.”

            As we examine the symbol of our country, we think immediately of the stars and stripes. Now, when we examine the symbol of our faith, we immediately think of the star and the stripes.

            Remember the reason for this book is to help us realize how we can begin a revolution in our hearts. How about this idea: Invite Jesus to live in it! We want Christ to be the center of our hearts, let Him find a dwelling place in it!  July 4 is when we celebrate our nation’s Independence. America won the Revolution and now is a free country. The day you accept Christ as Savior becomes your “dependence” day. A day when you finally become dependent on a Savior and enjoy spiritual freedom from the tyranny of a devil and Hell. August 27, 1995 is the day that I celebrate my Spiritual Dependence. I was sitting in fifth grade Sunday School and my best friend’s dad was the Sunday School teacher. Mr. Hoyt talked about the love of a Savior and how His death on the cross was so I could have eternal life. I accepted Christ in my chair after class with Mr. Hoyt praying with me. A revolution began to occur in my heart. Granted, I wasn’t an alcoholic or sex addict. I didn’t cheat on the wife that I didn’t have nor did I cheat on my taxes. (However, I had sinful problem with walking through the convenient store and loading my pockets with the miniature Reeses Cups that were on the shelves.) The fact is, I didn’t have to be the worst kid on the block in order to need a revolution. God knew who I’d be in the future. Also, my need for a relationship with the Savior was as great at that time as it is for a man on death row convicted of murder.

            You want to get to the point where your heart turns to the Savior immediately rather than to yourself during a crisis, have a relationship with Him! Think of the star and stripes. Our country turns to the American Flag to reflect our freedom, we should turn to our Savior.

The Week Ahead

What a week I have in front of me! Our Pastor and Associate took a group to Branson for the week. That leaves me in the office! Today I brought my dogs to keep me company while I get a few things accomplished. Wednesday Nights have been a great program for our youth ministry. However, the last few weeks I've been convicted to change our format. A few good friends, Jason and Colston, discussed a challenge with me that I felt compelled to share.

Is our youth ministry actually a ministry? Why do more than 80% of students drop out of church within two years of graduating high school. I look around my church on a sunday morning and see maybe 8 single people between the ages of 19-26. Thats out of 350 people! Where is this lost generation? The youth group has been strong throughout the years but the people don't stay. Some have come back once they got married, had kids or reached their 30's but where have they been?

I'm convinced we're dropping the ball when it comes to training and discipling our young people. The problem is this: Teenagers fall in love with youth group. They meet friends, play games, go on activities, and sing cool music. We've developed this idea in youth ministry that "we are successful if we have the biggest youth group in town." We go to fellowship meetings and catch up with old friends and our first question to each other often is "how many are you running now?" We've lost focus!

I was challenged when I realized I have students in my youth ministry who I haven't gotten to know. I've been here 3 months and our Wednesday night program averages about 45-50 students. Some have been here every Wednesday night but I can't tell you anything about them besides their name. Relationships aren't being formed! The students come, participate in the service and then leave. They essentially become 1 of 50. I have 6th grade boys and girls all the way up to 12th grade boys and girls. Does my 20 minute challenge really leave a lasting impact on each one of my students?

We've decided to change things up! We're going to a small group atmosphere! We have wonderful adult leaders in our youth ministry. We've decided that if we can create a setting that is more intimate for our students to be challenged and interact at their level, relationships will be formed. Not just with us and the students, but a more intimate relationship with the student and their Savior! Why not have a challenge and group discussion with just Jr. High boys and one with just Sr. High Girls? They can relate to each other's struggles and desires more. Discipleship becomes a reality! Do you think we'll have more than 20% of our students stick around church after spending 4-6 years in a program like this?? You better believe it!

I'm looking forward to seeing our students Wednesday. Fellowship of Christian Students happens at Ira Jr. High School on Thursday during lunch. I feel we have an untapped resource here so we're taking advantage of the opportunity to reach out to these students. Keep us in your prayers!

Chuck

Chris Tomlin ' I Will Rise'

Hawaii five-o trailer!

A video from a friend at BBC

Chapter 2- Surrender

 George Washington was a general in the military. One word that never sat easy with him when thinking about what he had to do was “surrender.” That meant “giving up.” The moment that he uttered the words “I surrender” was the moment that he realized he couldn’t win the battle.

            Isaac Potts was a local grain farmer near the camp in Valley Forge. Washington ordered the local farmers to deliver some of the produce that they farmed to the soldiers encamped here. He told this story to a friend who later published it:

'There,' said he, 'laid the army of Washington. It was a most distressing time of ye war, and all were for giving up the Ship but that great and good man. In that woods pointing to a close in view, I heard a plaintive sound as, of a man at prayer. I tied my horse to a sapling & went quietly into the woods & to my astonishment I saw the great George Washington on his knees alone, with his sword on one side and his cocked hat on the other. He was at Prayer to the God of the Armies, beseeching to interpose with his Divine aid, as it was ye Crisis, & the cause of the country, of humanity & of the world.

'Such a prayer I never heard from the lips of man. I left him alone praying.^[1]

            The time of surrender had come. Even though he should’ve turned to Jesus in the first place, he realized no time was better than the present. The outcome of the war wasn’t quite clear to Washington at that time, but he knew one thing: It was now in God’s hands.

            We face our battles daily. We are the general and the army. Anything that is accomplished will be by our hands only. It is difficult to take the power out of our own hands.  Nobody likes being a bottom feeder. I don’t know about you but I enjoy being in charge. Isn’t it everybody’s dream to be their own boss? Nobody to answer to. Come in late whenever you want and leave early or not come in at all. Choose how much you get paid and when you take vacation! Everything is peachy until a disaster happens. Then who wants to be in charge? During 9/11, would you have wanted to be the captain of the NYFD or NYPD? I sure wouldn’t! Would you have wanted to be the President of the United States or Mayor of NYC? No Way! Who really wants to be in charge during a disaster like this? Hurricane Katrina gave me no reason to want to be in charge of the American Red Cross or the Governor of Louisiana. So tell me, why is it that you want to be in charge when your wife leaves you? Why do you want to be the one calling the shots when you lose your job and can’t pay the mortgage? Is it an enjoyable opportunity? If there was ever a time that your job or your marriage or your drug addiction should be given to God, this is the moment! It is called “surrender.” It’s a popular song that we hear during the invitation of a church service. “I surrender all, all to thee my precious Savior, I surrender all.”  Is it our practice?

            John 3:30 tells us very simply “He must increase but I must decrease.”  Ok, I never really was great in high school english and grammar. However, that word located smack dab in the middle of that verse seems to be important. He must increase BUT I must decrease. This tells me that either He (Jesus) or I (Myself) will increase (call the shots) or decrease (take orders). That word, though small in stature, is great in meaning. It’s either/or. Christ calls the shots or I call the shots. We can’t both be in charge. I’m wanting a revolution in my life but first I have to realize who is in charge. Our goal is for our heart to be revolutionized. When a disaster occurs in our life, we want God to be the first one that we turn to. This can only happen if He’s calling the shots and this can only happen if I decrease and Jesus increases. Washington didn’t know if his army would last another day. He found himself in the wilderness, knelt down in the snow with a sword in one hand and his hat in the other. The horse that he rode on was standing behind him observing. Washington’s knee was wet and cold yet at this moment, he took himself out of the equation. He relayed this idea to his Heavenly Father: You must increase but I must decrease. I’m not sure if these were the words he used, but I’m sure of the concept. A war is being fought and he realized he wasn’t ready to be in charge.

            What is it that you haven’t put God in charge of in your life? This has to be surrendered to Him. You know, even if a crisis hasn’t happened in that area of your life yet, it will. Do you think it makes sense to surrender your marriage to God before a disaster happens in it? What about your job? Your children? Your habits? Your behavior? Your relationships? A revolution needs to occur in your heart and it is a step by step basis. Here is step one: Surrender EVERYTHING to Jesus Christ.

---

^[1] Diary and Rembembrances” of the Rev. Nathaniel Randolph Snowden

Michael Buble - I Haven't Met You Yet Official HD + Lyrics + Downlaod link

Youth Group Tonight

We are meeting at the cross! Come be challenged as we analyze the inadequacies of Moses and as we surrender our weakness' to Jesus. 7:00 tonight. Bring a friend.

Transformed Student Ministry is the Jr. High and Sr. High ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in Snyder Texas. We offer a place where students can be trained to become a disciple of Jesus and understand how their actions and lifestyles can positively or negatively impact the lives of others. Jesus doesn't command us to be a fisher of men! He commands us to "FOLLOW HIM" and He'll MAKE us into fishers of men. His commandment is simple. FOLLOW ME. Come join us as we worship together and are challenged by God's Word. Sundays at 9:45am and 6:00 pm. Wednesdays at 7:00pm.

The First Chapter of the Book I'm Writing- "A Christian Revolution and the Valley Forge Experience"

He had no where else to go. He had nobody else to turn to. A man at the height of his profession, in the most desperate time of his life had finally realized that the creator of the universe was the only one who could guide him through the turmoil that would ensue. So, at Valley Forge in the bitter winter of 1776, George Washington excused himself from the company that surrounded him and rode his horse to a secluded part of the surrounding wilderness. It was at this time that he surrendered. He didn’t surrender to the enemy, he surrendered to the Savior. Washington realized that the country needed a revolution but his people were in poor spirits. Only God could make the impossible happen.

            Countless letters, diary entries, newspaper articles and family stories have been passed down through the centuries about Valley Forge. Although no battle was fought, it is known as the turning point of the war. The American soldiers were worn out. They were tired, sick, cold, poor, underfed and underpaid. They didn’t have proper supplies or a proper heart. Even George Washington, their fearless leader, expressed concern to congress in a letter that he wrote to them asking for more help. It was the moment in our history that seemed like we had no chance. Time to throw in the towel. Then Washington realized what he had been leaving out. He realized that the power had always been in his hands, but it needed to be transfered somewhere else. He had to put it in God’s hands.

            The story continues with the spring rolling around and the French joining America’s forces. More supplies came in. Better food and better clothes call for better attitudes. Washington enlisted captains that knew how to whip an army into shape and our great military went on to defeat the red coats of England and win the Revolution! There are so many places I could go with this, and I will eventually, but let us start from the beginning.

             A revolution contains a change in philosophy. According to one definition, a revolution is “a drastic change in behavior and the way of thinking.”  In other words, whatever and whoever you were before, get rid of it. A craze has swept across youth groups and youth camps all over our nation. A plea to start a “Revolution” has been heard through Christian music and Christian writings. The ultimate challenge given by speakers, musicians and writers has been to “begin a revolution in our country for the cause of Christ.” The unfortunate thing is, we don’t know exactly what that means. And if we did, we wouldn’t know how to go about accomplishing such a thing. That’s why I am writing this! There is a call to revolutionize our country and our world for God’s Glory but Christians everywhere don’t realize the need nor do they possess the practical knowledge needed to begin such a thing. Keep reading! In this book you’ll see the need. You’ll see the solution and you’ll see how you can begin the revolution in your own heart and watch it grow throughout your church, your community and your world!

            Do you ever realize that when there is crisis, people turn to God? The crisis has to be a very evident crisis. Let me give an example: September 11, 2001. This is the biggest crisis of my personal lifetime. I was sitting in 11th grade art class when another teacher ran into the room and turned on our television. We saw the first building had been hit and before our young, scared, unbelieving eyes, a plane flew into the second building. In days and weeks and months immediately following this dreadful day, our great country turned to what they knew as a natural place of solace and comfort: God. Lawns were littered with signs that read “In God We Trust.” Bumper stickers made residents on our cars that read the same message. Churches were flooded with worshippers coming to pray and seek the guidance of their Savior. A nation in crisis became a nation with faith. Those signs and bumper stickers didn’t last long though. The war in Iraq began and our focus went from trusting in God to criticizing the government. We no longer spent our time talking to God, we instead spent our time writing to our congressmen about our displeasures.

            The secret that isn’t so secret is the fact that we all battle crisis on a daily basis.  Some would be considered more of a crisis than others, but they are desperate times nonetheless. It is still a daily occurrence when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer or killed innocently in a car crash at the hands of a drunk driver. People are losing jobs on a daily basis and losing their marriage just as quickly. No, our stories don’t make the headlines on the major newspapers or news channels, but they are real. So why is it that we turn to anything and everything that we think will make things right, other than the only thing that can make things right? The answer to this question is cliche. Let me warn you, it isn’t going to blow your mind away when I tell you. Your first instinct isn’t going to be to put this book down and allow it to resonate in your mind and soul. The reason that we don’t turn to our Savior when we face a personal crisis is: our heart. Our heart isn’t programmed to do so. Somewhere down the line we made ourselves believe that we should rely on our own understanding and our own power to pull ourself out of the hole that we’re stuck in. However, God’s Word specifically tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding...” (Proverbs 3:5)

            Do you know why you are reading this? Because you can relate. People enjoy reading things that they can relate to. The fact is, if you thought about it just for a few seconds, you could create a list of things going wrong in your life. You have marriage problems or you have money problems. You look at websites that you shouldn’t look at or drink more than you should. There are personal crisis’ going on all around you and your heart isn’t in the position where it naturally turns to God first. So, let me tie all of this together before I go on too many rabbit trails. There is one solution for you. Our heart needs to experience a revolution! As stated before, a revolution is a complete change. The philosophy of how we react and who we turn to has to change. Our reason for living has to change. Our love for ourselves, others and our God needs to change. Our heart needs to experience a revolution. The next few pages will reveal to you that this is very practical. It is not impossible at all to make this happen. Follow the pattern that is presented in the next few chapters and you’ll experience the change in your life that a revolution can bring.

Above is a photograph of Horatio Spafford. Horatio lived in Chicago in the mid-late 1800's. He was an attorney, successful real estate owner and family man. He had a wonderful wife, 4 daughters and 1 boy. One day, his son came down with an illness. Shortly afterwards he died of scarlet fever. Soon after that, the great Chicago fire destroyed much of his properties. He and his family were devastated. He decided to have has family go on a vacation to Europe to get their minds off of the recent tragedies. Right before they were scheduled to depart, an urgent business matter forced the family to board the ship without Horatio. He told them he'd be a few days late.

Later on, Horatio hears word that a ship, sailing in smooth seas, struck a fishing vessel. The ship sank in 2 hours. He then received a telegram from his wife with two words: "Arrived Alone." In the course of two years Horatio lost his son, 4 daughters and a fortune. He boarded the next ship to Europe to go be with his wife. During the ride, the captain of his ship approached Horatio and took him up to the deck. He told him that they are at the location the previous ship went down. Overcome with emotion, Horatio went into his room and penned a poem and shared his thoughts. The overbearing wave of emotion that came upon him urged him to write these words:

"When peace like a river attendeth my way.

When sorrows like sea billows roll.

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say

It is well, it is well with my soul."

Has your peaceful, comfortable life been devastated by tragedy? Have the rolling sea billows become too difficult to bear? How do you respond? Keep in mind, our Jesus is the same Jesus when we reach the mountain top of achievement or fall to the valley of desperation. Rely on Him! Let Jesus make it well with your soul.

Finally Blogging

Alright, so I tried blogging over a year ago and it didn't work out the way I thought it would. Kinda got to the point where I had no time to keep up with it considering everything else I was trying to balance. I've been wanting to get back into it but wanted to make sure the time was right. I asked myself "What is my purpose for blogging, who do I want reading it and what do I hope to achieve." My answers " My purpose is simple: To record thoughts that deserve to be shared. I want everybody who has a passion for spiritual growth to read it and my hope is that a single life is impacted in some positive capacity as a result of my shared thoughts. Done!