The Silence

This year I'm once again writing out our Advent devotions for the lighting of the Advent candles at church. I will be posting each devotion here on the site. If you need some ideas for Advent in the future or you want to just copy and use these feel free. I have the previous years available also. Just look under the "Christmas" tag. Merry Christmas.

THE SILENCE

Isaiah 7:14 (New International Version)
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (New International Version)
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

Micah 5:2 (New International Version)
2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times."

For years the people of God had heard the prophecies. A child will be born. He will be called Wonderful, Mighty, Everlasting. They knew He was coming. The prophets of God had spoken truth for years. The people believed these things. They taught their kids about the one who was coming. They taught their grandchildren to believe the prophecies. Year after year they waited.

After a time the prophecies ended. The silence was almost deafening. The old prophecies didn’t seem to hold the same punch as they used to. Are they still valid? Surely this “special one” would have come by now. The silence lead to questioning. The questioning lead to doubt. The doubt lead to complacency in their worship, their relationships, and their lives.
We have an advantage today. We know that He came and His name was and is Jesus. We know that He lived a perfect life. We know he died on a cross and rose again. Because we know these things we also know that He is coming again one day. It may not be as quickly as we’d like but it IS going to happen.

This is a great way to begin the season of advent. We remember the first coming. We look forward to the second coming. We celebrate in the in between time!

Prayer

Father God, I know that you are from everlasting to everlasting. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. But as I enter this Advent season, it seems but yesterday that we celebrated the same things last year, and the year before. One Advent season seems to flow into another.

Lord, as we enter this Advent may I see beyond the busyness, the glitz and the glitter to a renewed awareness of your message of Advent. May I see Jesus, Immanuel - God with us. May I once again celebrate the birth of Christ with the expectancy of a new believer and the hope of one who believes that this same Jesus is coming again to establish peace, justice, and righteousness upon this earth made new. In the name of Jesus, The Prince of peace, AMEN.
(prayer written by Rev. Frank Hall)

best of all

This Sunday I am preaching on our identity in Christ. I'm kick starting the message by reading Max Lucado's children's book titled "Best of All". As I was reading this book it struck me that there were two types of people in this world.

1-People who need to know who they are.
2-People who need to know who others are.

One of the best ways to enter the Thanksgiving/Advent season is to realize that the ground at the cross is level. What I mean is, we all have the same access to a holy, almighty God that was provided by our gracious, merciful, savior Jesus. So I have no reason to look down on anyone else because we are all walking through this life together and need each other to continually point to our never ending need for that Savior.

Let's enter this season with an attitude of celebration. Celebrating the fact that God can and does use any or all of us to bring glory to Himself. Now that's a reason to be thankful.

Jesus wants the rose

Today I really had the urge to blog something but I really didn't know what. I've been reading and studying several passages in the Bible today and God really spoke some good stuff to me. I thought "I'll share some of that". I've also listened to some good music. I've spent some time with my son Micah. All of these things were good experiences and very blog worthy. But as I was preparing for Sunday's message I came across this video clip. It may be a little offensive to some. It may be a little distracting to others. However, the last few lines are worth the 4 minutes it takes to watch it. This video is not meant to promote anything or anyone other than Jesus himself and how much He loves you and me.



I hate that this type of thing happened in a church setting. I love church and as a pastor I am always trying to be creative in my attempts to communicate the gospel. My prayer for all of us is that in our efforts to be creative we would not distort the true gospel message. Jesus wants the rose!

Friday's randomness

• Check out Mark Batterson's 5 creativity equations...good stuff.
• This is, in my opinion, Perry Noble's post of the week for pastors and church leaders check it out here.
• If you ever get the chance to look at Ed Young's blog at http://www.edyoungblog.com/ you will notice that under other bloggers he has his wife Lisa listed before TD Jakes. Good move! I always knew he was a smart man.
• Leadership/team lessons we can learn from the rock band U2...mmmm....check it out here.
• Finally...here is a video about managing money that is priceless...enjoy it and your weekend.

Elijah Offering Video from Elevation Church on Vimeo.

Leadership check

Just this morning God brought up two thoughts that compliment each other as I had some very needed quiet time.

As I was reading Isaiah 58 I found these words, "They delight in the nearness of God." (vs.2) This, to me, describes a life that is flowing in the waves of the Holy Spirit. God is always with us. God is always at work around us. A submitted life will see this and delight in it while a life that is in rebellion will resent it and even fight against it. One who delights in the nearness of God is one who has nothing to hide and doesn't want to hide anything because they know that God is love and grace and does not reject His own.

The other moment that connected with this was when a friend talked about pastors/leaders wanting accountability. His thoughts were that any pastor or leader with any decency about him/her would welcome accountability. This is especially true when the goal is not our own personal glory but the glory of God and the betterment of the organization/church.

Here's my encouragement today. Just take a few moments and "delight in the nearness of God". Then write down what He is telling you today. God is good and that never changes.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13 ESV)

Seriously????

Wow...and I thought men played rough...check out this story.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Monday morning thoughts

• Great service yesterday! We walked through Psalm 30 yesterday and talked about different things to be thankful for.
• My Bible has this Psalm labeled as one used in the dedication of the temple.
• 2 Corinthians 6:16 say that "we are the temple of the living God."
• So is it far to say that this Psalm is not only "for" the temple but also "to" the temple?
• God never ceases to amaze me at how He sets things up some times. It's almost like He really is in control like He says He is....mmmmmm :-)
• It's that time of year where budgets are being combed through for the next year and people are getting more and more stressed about money...personally, corporately, and otherwise.
• Lord, help us to live and move and have our being as if You really are sovereign...Lord thank you for having a plan long before we realize we need one.
• Pastors and church leaders...it would benefit you greatly to read this post from Perry Noble...click here.

Clayton on fasting

Here are some highlights from a message Clayton King gave this year at Newspring Church in S.C. this year. Clayton does a great job of just laying things out there for people. Here's a sampling...

Lincoln Brewster

Here's Lincoln Brewster's album version of "Salvation is Here"...enjoy!!!

It's Friday!!!!

Today is Friday...it's been a good week overall...here are some thoughts for today...

• Check out Perry's blog on leadership here...even if you don't agree with all of his points he at least makes you think...
• There is nothing in the world that sounds like a baby laughing...Micah rocks!!!
• This morning when we found the shirt Natalie wanted to where her response was a loud "Hallelujah!"...never a bad time to praise the Lord.
• I can not wait 'til Sunday. We are going to walk through Psalm 30 and God WILL be praise and He WILL be exalted!
• There are a few video clips that I want to share so keep checking back for those.
• Tomorrow some friends are running in a race to help end human trafficking. You can read more about it here. beherfreedom.com
• If you get the chance read Psalm 30 in whatever translation you usually use...then read it out of the Message Bible...good stuff!

Monday Morning reflections

• Yesterday's service ROCKED THE PLANET! There is nothing in this world like the love of Jesus!!!!
• We switched our service time and Sunday School time yesterday. With the later service time we actually saw some folks that haven't been in a while because the earlier time was too difficult for them. It was great to see them.
• There is nothing like Trick or Treating at the mall. Lots of people. Lots of costumes. Lots of security.
• The Candy Store at the mall gave out little peppermints to all the kids. YOU"RE A CANDY STORE...GET A LITTLE CREATIVE!!!!!
• Sorry about that last line...I'm not bitter...not at all...:-)
• November is here and that means Thanksgiving is coming up. YEAH!!!
• Here's today's quote..."It's kind of fun to do the impossible."-Walt Disney

What are you listening to...

Just thought I would share what I'm listening to while I work today...

Quote of the day

“In the total expanse of human life there is not a single square inch of which the Christ, who alone is sovereign,does not declare,'That is mine!'”
Abraham Kuyper quote

Monday morning thoughts

• Yesterday the church had a time of pastor appreciation during the service. Several people had very encouraging and kind things to say about myself and Logan. Everyone was very gracious and you will probably never know just how much your expressions of gratitude mean to the both of us and our wives. Thank you.


• Yesterday I preached on the flow of the Holy Spirit in and through our lives. I was so excited to get to preach that message. As I was preparing it this question kept coming to mind. What if we are not only saved by Grace but we are to live by Grace as well?...and how does that look?
  
• I have started writing this years advent devotions for the Advent season and God is showing me some cool things in the process. (Each one is based out of the Gospel of Luke)


• Today we had our second funeral in three days. I can not wait until Jesus comes and there will be no more death!
  
• Allison went back to work today. That means Micah is with me and so far we are having a fine day bonding. I think he kinda likes my office. (He should...it's looking more and more like his place anyway:-)


• This Wednesday is the fall festival at church. This is going to be a great time of celebrating with the whole church together. Everyone please come out and be ready to have a good time.


• This year Halloween is going to be a trip. I know some people are against Halloween for one reason or another. That's fine...but I'm excited because my little girl is going to be Supergirl...and that pumps me up!

Friday

Today is Friday and I'm looking at the next few days thinking..."Wow, what a weekend." Over the next three days we have 2 funerals and our Sunday morning service. I know this is not the busiest schedule out there by any means. However, when you think about how much each of these things means to people it can be over whelming. Death hurts. It is an enemy. Thank goodness it has an end. In the mean time we must all endure the separation we experience when our loved ones die. These funerals will be more about the celebration of life than the tragedy of death but we could still use your prayers as we walk these families through this.

Sunday's sermon is one that has been on my heart and mind for a while now and I am absolutely pumped to bring it. God is at work and we need to recognize that He will accomplish His purposes. The question is...how can we ride the waves of His Spirit?

Here are a couple of quotes that I came across recently that tie into this whole weekend.

"The Bible without the Holy Spirit is a sundial by moonlight."-D.L. Moody

"In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him."-C.S. Lewis

Have a great weekend and please pray for us that we would be open channels to God's Holy Spirit.

Darkness

I just finished reading Matthew 26-28. I don't know that I have ever read those three chapters straight through together...without stopping. Although, I have to admit, I was tempted several times to stop...take a break...it's so much to take in...really you can come back to it.

The story is dark. To say that it is difficult to read is an understatement. The emotions. The betrayal. The neglect. The abuse. The lies. The mocking. The isolation. The hopelessness. The Crucifixion. The pain. The bitterness. The punishment. The suffering.

The obedience. The grace. The love. The victory. The resurrection. The celebration. The good news. The commission. The promise. The King. The Lord. The Savior.

My description can not even begin to accurately describe all that Jesus went through and accomplished because He loved us and still loves us that much today.

It overwhelms me. I don't deserve it. I never have. Yet He generously pours out His love and grace even today. Wow!!!!!!

I encourage you to read Matthew 26-28 today. Don't stop. Keep reading it. It will be hard to read. It will be difficult to watch as Jesus is punished. However, when you reach the end you will witness a hope and joy victory that is like nothing else. The eternal. The everlasting. Amen and amen.

Monday reflections

• Yesterday was Youth Sunday and the youth ROCKED THE HOUSE!!! They did a great job at presenting the gospel through greeting, drama, music, and the Word of God.
• Aunt Jo's surgery went well this morning but she is in a great deal of pain so they are keeping her in the hospital overnight. Please pray that her pain will ease soon.
• Getting back in the office when you have been gone for a week is harder than it looks.
• Vacation is over and the 1600 calorie/day diet officially begins today...ugh!
• I can not wait for this coming Sunday. I have been rolling this message around for over a month and this week I'm putting the polish on it. I'm am pumped about how God's grace works in and through our lives!
• Traveling with a 3 year old and an infant can add HOURS to your travel time. (...but you get to see a lot of bathrooms along the way...)

seriously??????

So I've been on vacation this week and we have had a great time seeing family and friends. We even had the chance to see some of the fall leaves throughout the mountains. I have actually worn long sleeves all week. The temperature dipped down to the 50's the other day and Natalie was convinced it was about to snow. Ahhh my poor little Florida child.

In any case I was having a great week relaxing when I came across this news story. My first reaction was "SERIOUSLY???". Then I couldn't help but just shake my head and be reminded of other well meaning people who are sooooo guilty of taking things out of context. Whatever your reaction is to this story please pray for these folks because I'm sure there is something more productive they could be doing to build God's kingdom.

Here it is...

The Journey of Giving-3/3

So God woke me up in the middle of the night with a question. I had been working and studying the concept of giving, especially as it relates to our giving to God and His ministry. Most of my thinking up to this point had centered around how much I should give or with what type of attitude I should give. However, here is the question that God brought to mind that really rocked my world.

"What if it's not about you?"

What???? At first I was a little stumped. Of course it's not about me. However, I soon realized that while I agreed that it was not about "me" it was only "me" that I was thinking about. How do I give? How much should I give? What's the best way for ME to give?

I was dumbfounded by my own selfishness.

What if it's really about a Holy and Almighty God who is always giving and refuses to stop giving? What if He is the best at giving and pours out generously based on His love and not our efforts? What if He is simply inviting us to be open to Him so that He may not only pours in us but through us as well?

Then I began to read familiar passage of scripture in a new way as God's giving jumped off the pages.
Read Romans 8:28-39.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.
Notice how God gives. Notice what He gives. Notice who He gives. Notice and recognize the giving God.

When I realized that it is actually God who is the true giver and... when I recognized what a holy activity giving was and...when I admitted that my efforts were not adequate to be considered sufficient and...when I confessed and submitted to my Almighty God...He opened a whole new world of giving that I had not known before.

I'm not saying that I have this perfected today but I am saying that God is at work in me, molding me into His image...the image of a giving God.

The Journey of Giving-2/3

Many people take Malachi 3:10 to heart when it comes to their giving. They faithful give their 10% every week or every month or every year. They give it out of obligation, duty, fear, or maybe even worship and love. However, recently there has been a thread of teaching that sees giving a little differently.

People are beginning to point out that Malachi is actually in the Old Testament and we are living in a post-cross, post-resurrection world that is not bound strictly to the letter of the law and the 10% that Malachi speaks of.

At first this line of thinking made me nervous...until God took me a step further in my journey of giving.

In 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 the Apostle Paul is relaying what has been happening in the Macedonia churches. They have been giving what they can and then giving even more! They are so consumed with the idea of giving that they can not even stop themselves. Paul sees this and it is his desire to see that same passion flow through all the believers. In verse 8 he even tells them that he's not commanding them to give but wants to see the desire flow out of their hearts.

Don't give because you HAVE to. Give because you WANT to! Don't be so consumed with the idea of giving 10% to the point where if you don't have it you don't give anything. Give out of your love for Jesus Christ no matter the amount. Give what some would call a "love gift" to God.

Wow! That is so freeing in some ways. To not be consumed with the logistics and calculations figuring up 10% every week. That is awesome! That sounds so much easier to me.

Then in the middle of the night God asked me a question about my giving that rocked my world and I still can not shake. This question took me yet another step forward in my journey of giving...