Balancing Ministry N' Work

For most of 2015 I have been reading these verses over and over. I started with a couple of them and have been adding to the list as I felt inspired. These verses have had an impact on me this year and I wanted to share them with some of the comments I have written for myself. I pray these will encourage, strengthen, and guide you as they have me.  “’For I know the plans I have for you’ this is the Lord’s declaration ‘plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” - Jeremiah 29:11 I do not know what is to come but even my medical issues are part of God's plan and are for my greater good. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord” – Jeremiah 17:7 I will trust in the Lord! Put my trust in God, not in what I am capable of doing on my own. “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” - ...

I am floored that the post linked below has 1,068 hits as of this evening! Most of my posts range from 10-50 views with only one other breaking the 100 mark. So breaking 1,000 blows me away. Sermon on Jeremiah 29:11 I love that it is a sermon on the most popular googled Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11. This sermon, titled 'God has a Plan' was originally given when we lived in Spencer, IA and I was filling in for Pastor Ross. I pray that the 1,068 people who were guided to the post were helped by what they read and I pray that any future readers are also blessed. I know I am blessed by the thought that something I typed and preached may have impacted even a single person. 11  For I know the plans I have for you” —this is the Lord ’s declaration—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12  You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13  You will seek Me and find Me when you search for M...

So far their are 5 videos of people from Planned Parenthood (not a good name) talking about harvesting body parts of unborn children and 'selling' them to research companies. Yes, there is outrage. People who are 'ok' with others having abortions are upset over the selling of body parts. It is a start, but be angry over the right thing. The selling of baby body parts is horrific but the sheer amount of murder that is performed at these abortion clinics is mind numbing. Yes I said abortion is murder. We all need to wake up to the murder of babies that is taking place in our cities every single day. Society may not care what the Bible has to say anymore, but it speaks pretty clearly about murder. One of the Ten Commandments, that list that used to be posted pretty much everywhere, states pretty clearly 'Do not murder.' Abortion is murder, it is an abomination in God's eyes. It is one of the original rules given to the Israelites when they were rescued from...

I am currently reading Kyle Idleman's book "not a fan." and it can be pretty thought provoking. Today I read a section from chapter 6 'self-empowered or spirit-filled?' that got me thinking. Kyle talks about how we believers often talk about wanting to ask questions of those who came before us. Ask David about slaying the giant, ask Elijah how amazing it must have been to call fire down from heaven, or ask Moses what is was like to meet with God on the mountain. Kyle talks about how everyone in the Old Testament lived in a time where God was 'with' them but that changed after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension. Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witness in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." When Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to us, humankind no longer lived in a time where God was 'with' us because all believers had God 'IN...

May 26, 2010 is a day I will always remember. I remember driving to Ann Arbor for a 5:30AM check in with Alexis with me in the Durango and my Mother following in the van. I remember talking to Alexis about not blaming God if things did not turn out as expected. I remember the nervousness I felt walking into the hospital. I remember Pastor Maynard coming and praying with us before my surgery. I remember the pic-line being put in and how painful it was. A dozen or so hours later I remember the Dr. coming in and asking me to smile. He liked what he saw. I remember riding on a gurney from one room to another and getting hit with vertigo. I remember the disappointment finding out I had a spinal fluid leak and would be in the hospital for a few more days. I remember being afraid that they were going to say there was a mistake and I had to stay as we were leaving the hospital. I remember the sigh of relief when we finally pulled out of the parking garage. I remember thin...

To often in our busy lives in this modern day we think we need to come up with new and catchy way to share the message of Jesus Christ. To often we may feel like we are to busy explaining what we stand for or why we are against something. In the culture war we are battling, that may be important. To reach each new generation we may need to adjust where and how we portray the message. But the one thing that cannot change is The Message. The Message is very simple. There is one and only one way to the Father. “For God love the world in this way: He gave His one and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16 “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6 Buddha, Allah, being a good person, or material possessions are NOT the way to God. The only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ. His death on the cross followed by His resurrection paved th...

I am currently teaching through a series on the Book of James at church. We are only into the second chapter but one thing is certain, James is not bashful, he is not afraid of speaking the truth. James is the brother of Jesus and he did not believe his older half brother was his Savior until after Jesus' death and resurrection. Reviewing James' letter shows us that his faith was strong and he was determined that people would hear the rightful message AND how it should impact their lives. James' faithfulness in speaking the Word of God eventually led to his death. He was stoned for his faith and his determination to see the Gospel spread. Today as Christians we are faced with a new set of trials. We have seen Christians sought out and killed in Nigeria, Libya, Syria, Kenya, Somalia, and Pakistan to name just a few. Christians are been persecuted in a way that no one alive today has ever witnessed. Many of our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who have died w...

I started this blog roughly 5 years ago before a lot of things started happening in my life. Five years ago I received the call for my first Senior Pastorate, completed my MBA, was ordained with the SBC, and found out that I had a brain tumor. There was a lot going on.  As I look back I can see God at work even though my plans were being changed. I never expected to need brain surgery,  I never thought I would have left the pastorate due to that surgery, never expected my past employer to move us around so much, and never thought I would have left that employer. Life throws us curveballs. I am sure most of you would agree. Life has not turned out as I expected, but God knows best. Jeremiah 29 : 11 "11 For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Yes, I had a brain tumor and have some medical issues I will deal with the rest of my life.  You know what? ...

2014 was challenging and rewarding. Medically - 4 hospitals, 11 doctors, and Zero answers. Work - My work family had more than our share of people pass on. Family - Have seen my kids continue to grow and excel at whatever they put their minds to. Church - We have seen our small church grow. While 2014 was not horrible, I am glad it is behind me and am looking forward to what 2015 brings. I don't know if I will get any answers from the doctors or if I will be able to get back on my road bike. Not sure what new challenges or blessings will come, but I do know that I am not alone. My wonderful wife will be by my side every step of the way, and our Lord Jesus Christ will be with us! As I was thinking about 2015 here are some of the things I will be remembering and focusing on. “’For I know the plans I have for you’ this is the Lord’s declaration ‘plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” - Jeremiah 29:11 I do not kno...