The Day America Went to Church, Part 2

I remember that week very well.? It seemed that everyone spent hour upon hour watching the tragedy.? Praying that people would be found.? Praying for those who hadn’t heard from loved ones.? Watching the dedication and honor of the rescue workers.? I can remember one of my first statements in my sermon on 9.16.2007.? I said that I feel totally exhausted from watching the horror over and over.? It was amazing that we would stay up until the early hours in the morning just shocked with the pictures and video.

I remember using Isaiah 25 as the text of my message.? An unbelievably powerful message of restoration and hope.? Here are some excerpts: Read more

The Day America Went to Church

I was reminded of the 9-11 tragedy again last night as MSNBC had the day “as it happened.” I can still remember sitting with Jenny and Taylor (about 5 months old) in the living room before leaving for church. At the time I left for church, the towers had not yet collapsed.

I remember that event quite well because it matches up with my calling to plant this church. We had been struggling with a calling to start a new church that would be focused on those outside of the church–not necessarily ignoring those inside the church, but basically reaching those who don’t have a “place” in the current church landscape. Read more

Back from Kid’s Camp 2007–1 vs. 99!

We made it back yesterday from Kid’s Camp up at beautiful downtown Roach, MO at Windermere. We really had a great group of kids that went, 64 kids total. There were at least 5 decisions for Christ over the week and several more decisions to follow Christ in obedience in baptism! Praise God! That is why we do what we do–in order for Christ to change lives!

The theme was “The Game Show of Life: The Great Commission.” There were three main teaching times. The first was on the parable of the Lost Sheep told by Jesus. Read more

Moving Experience

Just helped Larry and Marsha Wofford move this evening. They had been on the mission field in South Dakota for 23 years! Gettin’ it done for 23 years. It was amazing to see some similarities on that truck with moving trucks that I have had before. Being a pastor and professor, Larry had a ton of books.? I would hate to have to box up all my books again.? I have need for more bookshelves in my office already–just think of 23 or more years of ministry.? I began thinking of all of the stuff that one, or two, might obtain and collect of the course of a lifetime. More stuff than you could really fit in a U-Haul, I bet. You would have to give away a bunch. Get $2 at a garage sale for some more. Guilt your kids into taking that which you don’t want (just kidding mom!–not really)! I think that is why my grandparents never moved from their little general store converted house in Cabool. It took several years for my mom and her siblings to sort out all of their stuff.

There is part of me that would love to move. The smell of fresh paint and carpets. The excitement of a new place. The little things that “the next house will be different” that will be–well, different. But then again, I might have to get rid of a bunch of junk that I don’t want to get rid of. Sounds like a lot of work that I’m not willing to do.

Isn’t that the way life is?? I sure would love to have (insert item).? I wish I was in shape more.? I wish my debts were paid off.? I wish . . . ? But honestly, I’m not really willing to sacrifice my stuff in order to do it.? I am that way with my Christian life as well.? I want to be more like Christ, but most of the time am not willing to part with my stuff.? Baggage really.? Some of it is really dark stuff.? But most of it is simply stuff . . . not necessarily bad stuff, but not the BEST stuff for me to have and walk closer to Jesus.? Maybe I need to load up the truck and it’s moving day!

God Said “No”

Got this from one of our folks today. Thought it was really good. Don’t make a habit of forwarding emails, so this is as good of a place as any for this truth.

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