Two Sundays ago, Donny concluded our message series about redesigning our lives with a very challenging message about redesigning the garage. Most of us have garages filled with stuff other than cars. One of the things Donny emphasized is that what the bible teaches about possessions is very different than the American ideal that we always seem to be striving for. Nowhere does the bible teach the importance of gathering as many possessions as you can in order to make yourself happy. Donny closed out the sermon with some great questions that should cause us all to think about how we handle the money God has given us. Here they are:
· What if you and I were as diligent about seeking out people who had a need and meeting that need as we are about preparing for our own retirement?
· What if we desired seeing poverty eliminated as much as we do our own careers taking off?
· What if we searched as intently for helping the poor, the widows and the orphans as we do looking on the Internet for cheap tickets to the next game?
· What if, as a part of our regular individual budget, we set money aside for the sole purpose of giving it to someone who needs it?
· What if we pursued righteousness with the passion that we pursue our favorite hobby?
Richard Foster in his classic book Celebration of Discipline said, “May God give you and me the courage the wisdom, the strength always to hold the kingdom of God as the number one priority of our lives. To do so is to live in simplicity.”
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Thoughts on last week
The events of last week were by far some of the most difficult I have ever dealt with. Please continue to pray for Kenny's family. Here are some reflections and thoughts about last week.
- Prayer really works: I'm sure you're thinking, "duh", but I was reminded on Thursday of the truth that prayer really does make a difference. Preparing the funeral message on Wednesday for Kenny's service was extremely emotional. I was very concerned that I would not be able to deliver the message on Thursday without losing it. Throughout the day on Wednesday and on Thursday morning I received lots of e-mails and calls from many of you telling me that you had been praying, and that you would especially pray during the funeral. When I woke up on Thursday I felt strong. I told Sherry that I knew people were praying because what I had felt I couldn't do on Wednesday I now knew could happen.
- Bill Hybels was right: In his book Courageous Leadership, Bill Hybles talks about how when you lead a church with the right people you should be so close to them that you would love to retire together. After the funeral on Thursday, I thought back on all the people of Freedom that were there grieving together, and I couldn't think of another group I'd rather spend the rest of my life doing ministry with.
- It's a shame you've got to live so long to be so wise: That's actually a quote from Donny about Rev. Crocker. I was honored to perform Kenny's funeral service with "preacher Crocker" (that's what everyone calls him) at my side. The words he shared brought me so much comfort, and I know his words and presence brought comfort to Kenny's family. The time I spent with him before and after the service confirmed what I've known for years, everyone loves him because he has spent years showing love to others.
I promise to write more often this week. By the way, Blake keeps complaining about a linc to his blog not being on here, so I have added his blog to the blogroll, for now.
- Prayer really works: I'm sure you're thinking, "duh", but I was reminded on Thursday of the truth that prayer really does make a difference. Preparing the funeral message on Wednesday for Kenny's service was extremely emotional. I was very concerned that I would not be able to deliver the message on Thursday without losing it. Throughout the day on Wednesday and on Thursday morning I received lots of e-mails and calls from many of you telling me that you had been praying, and that you would especially pray during the funeral. When I woke up on Thursday I felt strong. I told Sherry that I knew people were praying because what I had felt I couldn't do on Wednesday I now knew could happen.
- Bill Hybels was right: In his book Courageous Leadership, Bill Hybles talks about how when you lead a church with the right people you should be so close to them that you would love to retire together. After the funeral on Thursday, I thought back on all the people of Freedom that were there grieving together, and I couldn't think of another group I'd rather spend the rest of my life doing ministry with.
- It's a shame you've got to live so long to be so wise: That's actually a quote from Donny about Rev. Crocker. I was honored to perform Kenny's funeral service with "preacher Crocker" (that's what everyone calls him) at my side. The words he shared brought me so much comfort, and I know his words and presence brought comfort to Kenny's family. The time I spent with him before and after the service confirmed what I've known for years, everyone loves him because he has spent years showing love to others.
I promise to write more often this week. By the way, Blake keeps complaining about a linc to his blog not being on here, so I have added his blog to the blogroll, for now.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Pray
On Monday's blog I promised to write later this week about Donny's sermon and this weekend's game. The reason I haven't done that is because on Monday afternoon I got a call that has changed my plans and the lives of lots of people in Greer. One of my friends, who was a faithful member of our church, took his own life on Monday. Monday evening and all day Tuesday were filled with lots of tears, prayers, questions, and hugs. Please spend some time in prayer for the following people:
- Barbara and Nicole: Kenny's wife and daughter. Nicole is 13. Kenny and Barbara were married for 23 years.
- Jack and Jan: Kenny's parents who lost their only other child, Tina, in a car accident over 20 years ago.
- Scott Nix, Mike Whitener, Steve Salvato: Kenny had so many friends, but these were three guys who had spent hours and hours with him trying to help.
- Freedom Fellowship: There's really no way for me to explain what Kenny meant to so many people in our church family.
- Me: The family has asked me to lead the funeral service tomorrow at 11:00. Pray that I will bring words of comfort to the family.
I along with so many others loved Kenny dearly. One thing I can be thankful for is that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Kenny is with Jesus, and for the first time his mind is at peace.
- Barbara and Nicole: Kenny's wife and daughter. Nicole is 13. Kenny and Barbara were married for 23 years.
- Jack and Jan: Kenny's parents who lost their only other child, Tina, in a car accident over 20 years ago.
- Scott Nix, Mike Whitener, Steve Salvato: Kenny had so many friends, but these were three guys who had spent hours and hours with him trying to help.
- Freedom Fellowship: There's really no way for me to explain what Kenny meant to so many people in our church family.
- Me: The family has asked me to lead the funeral service tomorrow at 11:00. Pray that I will bring words of comfort to the family.
I along with so many others loved Kenny dearly. One thing I can be thankful for is that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Kenny is with Jesus, and for the first time his mind is at peace.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Monday Morning Quarterback
I had a great weekend all around. Here's some of the highlights as well as some other stuff on my mind this morning.
- Dan and Amber Ploof invited us to their place on Saturday night for a cookout. Dan works for Hormel so we had four different meats on the menu. It was a vegetarian's nightmare, and since I'm not a vegetarian it was awesome! I could have made myself sick on the beef brisket. Also, Dan gave me some of this classic meat product to take home. It now comes in single servings. Just what we've all been waiting for.
- Sunday morning Donny did a great job teaching us what the bible says about our possessions, or as I normally call it, our stuff. He challenged us with some questions we should ask ourselves. I will post those questions on tomorrow's blog.
- Tom Glavine is coming back to the Braves! I know that he is not as good as he once was, but to (kinda) quote Toby Keith, "he's as good once as he ever was". It will just be cool having Smoltz and Glavine in the same rotation again.
- The guest drummer on Sunday was Brett Ensley. Hopefully, Brett will be playing with the band about once a month. Brett is also a very talented keyboard player. It doesn't seem fair that he can tear it up on two instruments, and all I can play is my ipod. I guess I should have practiced my piano more when I was taking lessons from Mrs. Shrontz as a kid.
- I noticed on my way to Wal-Mart the other day that a Copper River Grill is being built where the old Quincy's was. There is one in Columbia that my parents love. With all the cool new stuff coming to Greer, (maybe a Bass Pro Shop) pretty soon we won't need to go to Greenville or Spartanburg anymore.
- The Carolina Clemson game is this Saturday. I will not be making any predictions, but I will write a post later this week detailing why this one of the greatest rivalries in sports.
- Sherry and I took the girls to the movies and out to eat last night. We saw "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" and it was great. I thought it was one of the best non-animated kid's movies I've seen in a long time. There is one sad part, but my girls didn't cry. I did, but they didn't.
- Dan and Amber Ploof invited us to their place on Saturday night for a cookout. Dan works for Hormel so we had four different meats on the menu. It was a vegetarian's nightmare, and since I'm not a vegetarian it was awesome! I could have made myself sick on the beef brisket. Also, Dan gave me some of this classic meat product to take home. It now comes in single servings. Just what we've all been waiting for.
- Sunday morning Donny did a great job teaching us what the bible says about our possessions, or as I normally call it, our stuff. He challenged us with some questions we should ask ourselves. I will post those questions on tomorrow's blog.
- Tom Glavine is coming back to the Braves! I know that he is not as good as he once was, but to (kinda) quote Toby Keith, "he's as good once as he ever was". It will just be cool having Smoltz and Glavine in the same rotation again.
- The guest drummer on Sunday was Brett Ensley. Hopefully, Brett will be playing with the band about once a month. Brett is also a very talented keyboard player. It doesn't seem fair that he can tear it up on two instruments, and all I can play is my ipod. I guess I should have practiced my piano more when I was taking lessons from Mrs. Shrontz as a kid.
- I noticed on my way to Wal-Mart the other day that a Copper River Grill is being built where the old Quincy's was. There is one in Columbia that my parents love. With all the cool new stuff coming to Greer, (maybe a Bass Pro Shop) pretty soon we won't need to go to Greenville or Spartanburg anymore.
- The Carolina Clemson game is this Saturday. I will not be making any predictions, but I will write a post later this week detailing why this one of the greatest rivalries in sports.
- Sherry and I took the girls to the movies and out to eat last night. We saw "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" and it was great. I thought it was one of the best non-animated kid's movies I've seen in a long time. There is one sad part, but my girls didn't cry. I did, but they didn't.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Self awareness: Music
As long as I can remember I have loved music. Every once in a while someone will ask me what type of music I like, and I usually say, "all of it". There is not a form or style of music that I have heard that I don't like. Obviously, I prefer some more than others, but I generally like everything from rock, rap, country, blues, etc.
There's something more to my love for music that I have become aware of. I don't just love music, I need it. Sometimes during the middle of the day, if I haven't left my office because I am in the middle of studying for a message, I will take a break and listen to two or three songs on my ipod. When I'm done I feel energized and more creative. I experienced this exact thing about an hour ago. I was at a point in the day where I wanted to take a nap and couldn't concentrate. I put my earbuds in, listened to The Eagles, and now I'm ready to finish out the afternoon.
What are the things in your life that God uses to refresh you?
There's something more to my love for music that I have become aware of. I don't just love music, I need it. Sometimes during the middle of the day, if I haven't left my office because I am in the middle of studying for a message, I will take a break and listen to two or three songs on my ipod. When I'm done I feel energized and more creative. I experienced this exact thing about an hour ago. I was at a point in the day where I wanted to take a nap and couldn't concentrate. I put my earbuds in, listened to The Eagles, and now I'm ready to finish out the afternoon.
What are the things in your life that God uses to refresh you?
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
SC Baptist Convention, and Bob Dylan
The South Carolina Baptist Convention annual meeting begins today in Florence (South Carolina not Italy). For the first time in several years I will not be attending any of this year's meeting. The main reasons are the timing this year is not good for me personally, and because the meeting is in Florence. Nothing against Florence, I was born there, but I just didn't want to go there this year and have to get a hotel room and all that stuff.
The SCBC meeting is two days of reports and usually some discussion over issues. The reports I usually enjoy. It's cool to hear about the good work going on at schools like Anderson and Charleston Southern, or to listen to stories about how God is working through mission efforts all over the state. The part that I can't get into much is the discussion over issues. I love a good healthy discussion (even a debate) over issues that really matter. The problem is that the issues that are talked about aren't that important. That's probably not a fair statement to make. Maybe what I should say is that the issues discussed aren't important to me. After all, life is all about me right? ;) The main issue that I keep harping on is the 3.5 million lost people in South Carolina. That should always be the main topic of discussion. It's obvious that the old tried and true methods for reaching this huge group need to be evaluated and where needed, changed.
If I were given the chance to speak before the group at the annual SCBC meeting(which won't be happening any time soon) I would probably read the words of a Bob Dylan song. He does a better job of making the point about the changes that need to be made than I could:
Come gather around people wherever you roam,
and admit that the waters around you have grown,
and accept it that soon you'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you is worth savin',
then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone.
For the times they are a-changin'.
Come writers and critics who prophesize with your pen,
and keep your eyes wide the chance won't come again,
and don't speak too soon for the wheel's still in spin,
and there's no tellin' who that it's namin'.
For the loser now will be later to win.
For the times they are a-changin'.
Come senators, congressmen (maybe pastors and DOM's?) please heed the call.
Don't stand in the doorway don't block up the hall,
for he that gets hurt will be he who has stalled,
the battle outside that's ragin'
will soon shake your windows and rattle your walls.
For the times they are a-changin'.
Come mothers and fathers throughout the land,
and don't criticize what you can't understand
your sons and your daughters are beyond your command,
your old road is rapidly aging please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand.
For the times they are a-changin'.
This sinus junk is still kicking my tail. I'm going home to get back in bed.
The SCBC meeting is two days of reports and usually some discussion over issues. The reports I usually enjoy. It's cool to hear about the good work going on at schools like Anderson and Charleston Southern, or to listen to stories about how God is working through mission efforts all over the state. The part that I can't get into much is the discussion over issues. I love a good healthy discussion (even a debate) over issues that really matter. The problem is that the issues that are talked about aren't that important. That's probably not a fair statement to make. Maybe what I should say is that the issues discussed aren't important to me. After all, life is all about me right? ;) The main issue that I keep harping on is the 3.5 million lost people in South Carolina. That should always be the main topic of discussion. It's obvious that the old tried and true methods for reaching this huge group need to be evaluated and where needed, changed.
If I were given the chance to speak before the group at the annual SCBC meeting(which won't be happening any time soon) I would probably read the words of a Bob Dylan song. He does a better job of making the point about the changes that need to be made than I could:
Come gather around people wherever you roam,
and admit that the waters around you have grown,
and accept it that soon you'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you is worth savin',
then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone.
For the times they are a-changin'.
Come writers and critics who prophesize with your pen,
and keep your eyes wide the chance won't come again,
and don't speak too soon for the wheel's still in spin,
and there's no tellin' who that it's namin'.
For the loser now will be later to win.
For the times they are a-changin'.
Come senators, congressmen (maybe pastors and DOM's?) please heed the call.
Don't stand in the doorway don't block up the hall,
for he that gets hurt will be he who has stalled,
the battle outside that's ragin'
will soon shake your windows and rattle your walls.
For the times they are a-changin'.
Come mothers and fathers throughout the land,
and don't criticize what you can't understand
your sons and your daughters are beyond your command,
your old road is rapidly aging please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand.
For the times they are a-changin'.
This sinus junk is still kicking my tail. I'm going home to get back in bed.
Monday, November 12, 2007
That's how you do it!
A few months ago one of my friends at Freedom approached me after the service and said, "I felt like shouting today. Do you mind if I do that?" My response was, "If God leads you to shout, then next time you better shout!" Since then my friend has shouted and I love it. It always fires me up when people get overwhelmed by God in a worship service, and they let loose with praise. I'm not talking about putting on a show to try and impress people, but really just being moved by God's Spirit to shout, dance, jump up and down, whatever. Yesterday the band did their bluesy version of Trading my Sorrows, complete with harmonica, and when they finished one of the kids behind me busted out with a loud, "that's how you do it!" That was without a doubt my favorite moment in worship yesterday! Just being free to have fun while worshiping together is something we should experience every week.
I had a great time Saturday doing a wedding for a couple who grew up in the youth ministry that I was in charge of at Fairview Baptist for ten years. That made me feel kind of old. Maybe the real reason I felt old was this sinus infection I am fighting. I should buy stock in Kleenex this time of year.
Thanksgiving is a week from this Thursday. I can't wait. That is my favorite holiday. Don't overlook it and go straight into Christmas.
I had a great time Saturday doing a wedding for a couple who grew up in the youth ministry that I was in charge of at Fairview Baptist for ten years. That made me feel kind of old. Maybe the real reason I felt old was this sinus infection I am fighting. I should buy stock in Kleenex this time of year.
Thanksgiving is a week from this Thursday. I can't wait. That is my favorite holiday. Don't overlook it and go straight into Christmas.
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