David's Blog

I Love This Video

2011-06-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

For a sermon series that we are doing at HHBC I have been interviewing some of our members about what God has been doing in their lives. During those interviews I heard a lot about what church is all about and why it is important to go to church. I compiled this video to use in last Sunday's sermon. But I have to put it up here as well. There is no doubt that fellowship with other believers is important in every Christian's life. If you aren't committed and regular at your church you should be.

Do You Need Proof?

2011-05-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

Do you doubt? Oh, come on I know you do, even I have doubts from time to time. Sure they span a range of severity from doubting something uncertain to total doubt, but they are doubts. Usually these doubts come in waves when I’m tired, frustrated, down, or sometimes come randomly with no apparent reason. But no matter when they come it is always a shock to me. I am surprised by the thoughts and questions that bombard my inner dialogue with the intensity of a full military assault, and for a moment my heart is at unrest, I am shaken.

It is moments like these that we ask God for a sign, a symbol, proof that I can trust you, proof you are real, proof I’ll make it through this time. We make agreements with ourselves, if I just saw this, heard that, or if this happened, then I would never doubt again.

I am reminded of Thomas. Who when the disciples told him they had seen Jesus after the resurrection, responded “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Later Jesus does appear to Thomas, and he does put his fingers in the nail holes, and he does believe.

The truth is, I have had many experiences in my life that leave me with no question, God is real, Jesus is my savior, and he uses me to fulfill his purpose. I have seen the proof time and time again, but in those waves of doubt it seems our senses leave us, and we ask again, for proof. Jesus replied to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The real question is. Do you really need proof from God, or did you know all along, have you seen the proof many times in your life?

Full Dedication

2011-03-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

I got this email the other day, from on of our church members, Harry. Needless to say Harry is committed, pluged in, serving, everything one could hope for in a church member.

A person always has to protect himself from burn out, and make sure they are taking time for themself, their family, and private time with Jesus. But that doesn't mean you don't do your best for Jesus. I can't help but admire and respect Harry's attitude in this. Keep leading the way man.

Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 8:59 AM

To: David
Subject: Church

I thought I would let you know this. I went to bed @ about 9 last night & woke up about an hour later, running to the bath. Well I have never had such a problem with acid. Within minutes I could feel my throat getting smaller & soon I was gasping for air. There were a few minutes that I wasn't sure, I thought this was the end, but I wasn't worried because I knew Jesus was with me. Later I got my air back & Regina told me she thought I was trying to hard again. I thought about it & prayed most of the night. When I got up I read Open Windows Mar. 22 & God was giving me the answer I needed. The verses were Acts 20:22-24

On my way to work this morning I felt I needed to share my story. If your hearts not right with God please get it right for we don't always get a second chance!

Harry

Thanks, Harry.

"Don't tell me what to do!"

2011-02-11T14:03:00.001-08:00

This week while I was doing my bible study and sermon preparation. I had a revelation that came from the scripture indirectly but was poignant none the less.

I am preaching on the story of The Good Samaritan this week and at the very beginning of the passage it hit me. Jesus almost never just answered questions. Now it doesn't really have a lot to do with my sermon Sunday but it is a note worthy thought. Jesus almost never just told people the answer. He either asked them another question or told a story.

It made me realize when you're in the business of changed lives then it is not really worth while to shout at people about how they should be or what they should do, as the Church has a habit, or at least the reputation, of doing. It is more about bringing people on a journey of self discovery, led by the Holy Spirit.

Now don't get me wrong Jesus preached. And I love to preach. But some times we get so caught up in trying to tell people the answers to their lives that we neglect the value of letting them find the answers on their own.

I have always tried to illustrate my sermons like Jesus with surroundings and parables. But this point is probably most important when wearing my counseling hat.

God, continue to shape me and make into the man you've created me to be, and teach me to apply this lesson to my life.

Time to Get Started

2011-02-01T22:44:00.000-08:00

I have been avoinding my New Years resolution. I've know what it was since June last year, when I knew that I had hit a plateu on my weight lose journey. I had started a life long transformation of losing weight at the beginning of last year. In May I reached 90 lbs into my weight loss journey. I held that place for most of the year. Then the holidays came. I knew that I resolved to continue losing weight but with family in town for the Holidays I figured I could let go a little. Then Matthew was born and the days in the NICU with him and the changes at home when he came prolonged my lack of resolve. Today I am set back by 20 lbs. and I am ready to change.

While watching "The Biggest Loser" tonight I was inspired to get back on track. They advertised the Pound for Pound Challenge, a charity that will donate a pound of food, for every pound of weight you will pledge to lose. The best part is they donate it to a local food pantry.

The Tarrant food bank is one of the food pantries on their donation list. They provide food to Helping Hands in Alvarado and other food pantries in our area. So I pledged to lose 50 lbs. and get back on track with my life transformation. If you have some weight to lose I encourage you to make a pledge. Just click on the logo below.

That Time of Year Again

2011-01-26T11:26:00.000-08:00

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Romans 12:1

Well it is that time of year again. Have you backed out on your New Year's resolutions? Have you given up already? Maybe your like me and you haven't gotten started yet.

Why is it we only try to make changes in our lives based on an arbitrary schedule. "It's the New Years time to loose weight, quit smoking, or start to excersise." Shouldn't being a better person be a constant pursuite? Sure it's hard and we face setbacks and struggle more sometimes than others, but if you care about yourself, and if you are commited to what God wants for you, shouldn't you always be focused on being a better person?

I love the way the Message translates Romans 12:1. "Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering." If your going to make a resolution, shouldn't that be it? Then all the other arbitrary goals times and dates fade away and your life focus becomes pleasing God in everything you do. Eating, sleeping, working, playing, loving, it all becomes service to God.

"God this year, I give you my everyday, ordinary life—my sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life.— Have your way with me."

Miracles

2010-12-30T21:10:00.001-08:00

Today Layney and I went in for a doctors appointment to check her BP after being on a bed rest all week. The doctor sent us down to labor and delivery for some tests and decided that we needed to induce and bring Matthew into the world now.

I am amazed because Prior to this week we weren't finished we had no car seat we had a todo list and would have been super stressed sitting her now. Accept we had a warning on Monday and Layney's sister is in town to save theory day. And now here we sit calm with everything ready for Matthew. And God is good.

I am amazed because of the way the body works the way life is created and the way God ordains it all. It is awesome.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

this while process is exciting and awesome. God is at work and it's cool.

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I Love This Church

2010-12-21T09:21:00.001-08:00

A lot of really cool things are going on at Happy Hill right now. I have to say I love this church.

This Sunday was the first time most of our members saw the work that has been going on in the children's wing. It is really looking awesome. (pictures below)

As she was leaving Bonnie Medford one of our wonderful seniors looked at the decorations in the children's wing and exclaimed, "I bet there is not another baptist church like this in all the land!"

While I am not sure our children's wing is the most unique or creatively decorated around I have to agree with Bonnie, there is no other church like HHBC.

HHBC is the kind of church that will step out on faith make a $12,000 renovation to the sanctuary and see God provide every penny without explanation in a troubled economy. HHBC will completely demolish the church, without complaint, to build VBS sets and make sure VBS is awesome for the kids. HHBC takes care of their staff and supports their ministries, thank you! HHBC is an amazing church filled with committed people who are willing to do anything to follow God and join Him in His work. HHBC is a place where people are more concerned with Gods will than tradition, more concerned with working for God than their comfort, and more concerned about God working through us than we are about what we can get from church. It is a place where you can be excited about what God is doing every day. Truly there isn't another church like this in all the land.

Happy Hiller's, I just want to say thank you for being you.

Below are some pictures of our sanctuary and the current projects in the children's wing.

Get ready even more is yet to come!
Eph 3:20-21

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Location:Farm-To-Market Road 917,Alvarado,United States

Why do I do it?

2010-08-30T16:05:00.001-07:00

I have this problem. It has plagued me most of my life, although I haven't always viewed it as a problem. But I am an emotional eater. I will eat for any and every emotion, joy, sorrow, and especially boredom.

For the last year, accept for the last few weeks, I have conquered this problem. My victory has enable me to lose approximately 100 lbs. However, I still seem to make stupid mistakes especially, in the past few weeks.

I don't understand. I get ready to eat. I think mmm, I want ice cream, Mexican food, chicken fried steak, or whatever and I decide to give in. Not just once or not just a little but a full on 7 bowls of salsa old fashioned gorging. The really funny thing is that I have been eating good long enough that I know eating like that is going to hurt me. I know I will feel sick for days after eating like that. I know I will see the weight gain on the scale I know I still have 40 more lbs to lose. I know I don't want to be that emotional eater any more. But I do it anyway or at least I have been doing it anyway.

Temptation is a funny thing. In itself it is powerless it only has the power we allow it to have over us. What is true of my vises with food is true of all of us in the temptations we face. You say I don't want this anymore, but then temptation rises and you choose to give in. Afterward you look back and feel sick, guilty, and weak. The result is usually that you just give in easier next time because you have already been defeated.

But the bible says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." If you resist the devil, resist temptation, then he will flee from you. For a year I have practiced resisting the temptation to eat poorly. Sure I had treats but I made good choices and didn't allow myself to eat emotionally (which is my real problem). The more you practice resisting temptation the easier it is. "resist the devil and he will flee from you."

It is possible to fall back into temptation, to stop practicing resistance, however the answer is the same as it was the first time. Resist, it gets easier from there.

So if you have been giving in to temptation. Offer up stubborn resistance it sternly say no. Resist and you can over come.

(Inspired by my ice-cream belly ache and a renewed desire to get my diet back on track.)

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Gratitude

2010-07-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love! 1 Thess 5:12-13 (Message)

This past Sunday my church surprised me! It was the third anniversary of my coming as pastor here at Happy Hill and they planned a surprise party like no other. It was truly great. They took up donations and went together to buy me a Weber Gold 26.75 Charcoal Grill. This is the Cadillac, no Roles Royce, of charcoal grills. It has been all I have talked about to my wife for several months, since my previous grill became to rusty to enjoy using.

I am overwhelmed with Love and appreciation. Thank You church, you mean the world to me. Your appreciation fuels my fire as I labor along side of you for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Yes it is a lot for a charcoal grill, and some of you might not understand it, but I am just trying to be like Jesus, after all he was a charcoal man. When he appeared to the disciples at the lake after his resurrection, and he told them to cast the nets on the other side of the boat so they caught a lot of fish, this is what the scripture says about what Jesus did next. "But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish. So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread." John 21:9

Once again, THANK YOU church you overwhelm me.

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Time w/ Jesus

2010-07-20T08:01:00.001-07:00

There is no Better way to start the day than spending a little time with Jesus. Especially if that time is accompanied by good coffee.

Christianity isn't about living a perfect life, it isn't about trying to do good, it isn't just about going to church. Christianity is about having a relationship with Jesus Christ. God doesn't say to us "be spiritual," but "walk with me."

"He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

The most important thing you can do to build any relationship is spend time together. For the Christian this means spending time reading scripture and praying daily. There is nothing in your day more important than that. If your spending time with Jesus he will move you to make the changes you need to make in your life.

Are you just trying to get by, to be good, or are you living in relationship?

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VBS 2009 Monday night

2010-06-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

Monday night was a hit at HHBC VBS 2010. Last night the effort and cooperation with our decorations really paid off. We had the most kids we have ever had on a Monday night and still things seemed to run smoother than ever.

I have huge expectations for tonight. If you weren't here last night you missed out. Please stop by and see what's going on at the best VBS in TX.

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Something to read.

2010-03-25T10:01:00.001-07:00

So yesterday I let my habits get the best if me. I way over ate. Really I guess it's ok because I at broccoli. But come on really five stalks of broccoli in one sitting that is rediculous. It was nit hunger but something else.

Then this morning I got this article. "Check Your Fuel Gauge Before You Fill Up"

It worth a read if you struggle with eating the way I do.

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Courage to make it to the top.

2010-03-24T11:31:00.001-07:00

This past weekend the HHBC youth group went "rock" climbing. What I mean by that is that we went to a climbing club in town and climbed artificial rock walls.

So, I am a little afraid of hights, when I first tried out the climbing wall, my wife Layney was on belay. Now I trust my wife. I would never say otherwise. However she is very tinny and I…well I am not. So when I got halfway up the wall I began to fear. All the scenarios I could come up with that ended in death played through my head. I convinced myself that it was too hard I was too tired, Layney didn't want to belay, I would have another chance, anything else that would work and I stoped climbing half way up the wall. I gave up. Despite all the safety gear despite the trust I have in my wife I gave up.

We too often in life allow our reason and fear mix and talk ouselves out of taking risks. We let our fear stop us from going where God wants us to go. We give up when the blessings God has for us is right around the next corner.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The awesome truth is that we are more than conquerors because of Jesus. We have the ultimate safty harness, weapon, friend, guide, master, Lord, protector, provider, the ultimate God. There is nothing we should ever fear when it is directed by God. In fact our only fear should be getting out of His will.

I did get back on the wall and I fell. And then I got back on the wall and I climbed all the way to the top. (pictured below) I didn't have to fear I had safety. And it took a couple of tries but reaching the top was awesome.

In your life there are things that you have wanted to do things that you have dreamt of. Maybe it invovles your job, asking for a raise or trying a new project. Maybey you have wanted to chang something about yourself your weight or the number of books you read. Maybe you know there are risks that you need to take. Don't fear. If you are following God you can not fail. You may fall but he will always catch you.

Step out. Be bold. Climb to the top.

God is working at Happy Hill

2010-03-22T14:33:00.001-07:00

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us... Ephesians 3:20

I never cease to be truely excited and amazed when God works. It's not that I don't expect it or know that God is going to work according to his will, but it always instills a sence of awe in me. It is impossible to become bored with what God can do because he "is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine."

God is working at Happy Hill. This past weekend we got an extention on our parking lot. For free! Not because of anything we did but because God is powerful and is preparing this church for growth.

Check out these pictures and as you do think about the things that God is doing in your life that instill awe in you. Thank him today for how he is working in your life.

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Who do you influence.

2010-03-16T18:53:00.001-07:00

John Sawyer, one of our youth, and I have spent several hours together today while I have been teaching him the art of sermon writing. John is doing a great job and I am looking forward to the day he preaches at HHBC.

As he works I am reminded of the importance of leading by example. In first Corinthians 11:1 Paul tells the Corinthians to follow him as he follows Christ.

It is a monumental responsibility to say follow me, but the truth is that all of us are leading someone whether we know it or not.

There is always someone watching how you live and looking to you as an example. If you have kids they are watching, the people that you work with they are watching, who ever you are there is someone watching.

Pay attention to how you live because you never know when you are being watched and what you might be teaching those who are watching.

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HHBC Sunday School Retreat

2010-03-15T16:48:00.001-07:00

This past weekend several from Happy Hill got away to Latham Springs Baptist Camp for our SS retreat. The camp and weather was incredible and we had a fantastic time. We were almost all up until 2:00 Friday morning playing games and getting to know each other better.

We introduced the group to the 3D Sunday School concept which we are adopting at HHBC. A Sunday School class should have three health dimensions working together. They should invite others to come to class and be excited about the class and there meetings, they shold discover God's word together, and they should connect to each other developing close relationships.

Pray with us that as we implament this strategy God will bless our efforts and blow our mind with how he uses us to reach people with his love.

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It is good to have fun.

2010-03-11T21:46:00.001-08:00

With our endless todo lists, long days, lack of vacation time, and overpowering stress we often forget that we are intended to have full and abundant lives.

Having fun is a good thing. As Darren pointed out in our Men's Abassadors for Christ (MAC) meeting tonight, God created us for relationship. Relationship with Him first and second with our fellow man. One of the natural ways that we build relationship is through having good times together.

If I were completely honest much of the reason I am serving Christ today is because at many times in my life the most fun thing for me to do was at church. Our youth group was fun and we had wild times together.

I wonder how many more people would be a part of the church, or allow Christ into thier lives if they didn't think being a Christian was going to be boring. God is not here to take your fun away. He just wants to be a part of the fun in your life.

For your viewing pleasure here are a couple of clips from our MAC meeting. And no we don't restrict ourselves to only gospel songs.

Sorry if this is sideways. I am still trying to figure it all out. Thanks for being patient.

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To My Pastor Friends: Where the message comes from.

2010-03-10T21:59:00.000-08:00

"We are not saved to be "channels only," but to be sons and daughters of God. We are not turned into spiritual mediums, but into spiritual messengers; the message must be part of ourselves." -- Oswald Chambers.

As a pastor it is more than vital that we stay in the word of God. Sermon preparation is never an acceptable substitute for personal devotional time and bible study. If you are finding that it is dificult develop sermons and a direction for your sermons, or if you always have to look outside of yourself for sermon ideas and direction; it is because you are not allowing God to work his will in you. Your sermons and what you preach should come from an outpouring of your soul.

"The natural heart will do any amount of serving, but it takes the heart broken by conviction of sin, and baptized by the Holy Ghost, and crumpled into the purpose of God before the life becomes the sacrament of its message." -- Oswald Chambers

If you are having a dry time in sermon preparation. If you are not deeply convicted about where to go next. You must get alone and get into the word. Find out what God wants in you, and from that your soul will cry out to your congregation through the Holy Spirit. Then your life and message will be a sacramtent to God.

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 2:4 (NIV)

I'm praying this for us all my brothers.

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Location:Vistaview Dr,Burleson,United States

Failures and Triumphs: They are all a part of life.

2010-03-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

I have not done so well on my commitment to blog three times a week. Sure there are always valid reasons. There has been a great deal of work for me lately and I have been putting in longer hours than I should, but still these are excuses.

I have learned that life is full of successes and failures. They will come for us all however, what we do with them is what matters.

For instance I could give up. I blogged three times the first week of my commitment and now I have gone two full weeks without touching my blog. So I could say, "The commitment was wrong I underestimated how much was going on in ministry and life and I shouldn't make commitments to blog when there are so many more tangible ministries I am in." Then I could allow my failure to cause me to give up on the commitment I made.

Or, I could stay the course. Even though I have missed my goal and I am seemingly behind, I could pick up where I left off and keep on going.

It's like being in a race and being behind but still doing your best to finish. A few weeks back I was watching the winter Olympics and the cross country skiing was on. They were showing the finish of the race and talking about the dramatic battle for the gold. The discussion continued long after the medals had been decided. As we continued to watch the goal line stretch a racer came around the corner and with a dramatic burst of adrenaline he pushed hard to overtake the racer in front of him. He battled down the stretch to edge him out of 32cd place.

As he collapsed from exhaustion I laughed and thought, "32cd place or 33rd place, does it really matter." But now I realize it does. It was his personal best that counted, his time to shine, his defining moment.

In life we aren't always in a race but Paul says we should always be racing, striving for the prize. The only competition is against yourself, it doesn't matter if you fall behind as long as you keep going and finish strong.

So if you experience failure remember when I am weak, then I am strong, and keep on running.

A New Year a New Direction (Part Three: The Church)

2010-02-24T22:04:00.001-08:00

A new direction in the church.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of
three strands is not quickly broken. Ecc 4:12

This year we are also planning some changes in the Sunday School
department. I am personally stoked about the upcomming SS retreat
march 12-13. Were we are doing training in the 3Dimentional Sunday
School. A healthy SS should invite, connect, and discover. It should
be both fun and inspiring.

God is amazing and has been doing amazing things at Happy Hill. I look
forward to see what comes next.

Ps. I'm also already getting excited about vacation bible school. And
yes I do plan to ride a horse.

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A New Year A New Direction (Part Two: My Personal Life)

2010-02-18T22:09:00.001-08:00

New direction for my personal life.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16.

I am currently preaching a sermon series on being intentional in life, living by decision instead of default. To be perfectly honest I came up with the idea for this sermon series more than a year ago, but for a couple of reasons I didn't start until this year. The main reason is because I have never been comfortable preaching about something that I have failed to get grasp of in my own life. The other reason is that I wanted to do more research on the topic. However, in the interim I have gained at least a moderate grasp on being intentional in life. Layney and I started with our finances, that was a tough one for me but it has been a real blessing. We have also focused on being intentional in our relationships, work, joy, spiritual growth, and health. Some have needed more work than others, but all have been a blessing in our lives. (for example I've lost over 60 lbs.)

For more information on being intentional join us on Sunday morning or
check out http://www.theintentionallife.com/
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A New Year and a New Direction (Part One: This Blog)

2010-02-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

1 God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

7 The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalms 46:1-3, 7

2010 has been a hard year already for many people that I know. In the last four weeks at Happy Hill we have lost two dearly loved church members. While we know they are sharing eternity now with our Lord our hearts are still aching. Yet still there are many more losses that our members have elt on a personal level. I admit even Layney and I have experienced several deep personal losses in the past couple of months. But even when times are hard and it seems the world is falling down around you, God is your refuge and strenth. By leaning on Him you can get through any challenge.

A new direction for this blog.

This year I planned several changes for this blog, however the hardships I mentioned above got in the way. but now it is time to get started.

While evaluating this blog and where I should take it this year I thought about all of the blogs I like to read. Usually they are leadership blogs focused on encourageing and helping pastor's. As a young pastor I need as much help as I can get. So I thought about my own audience and asked what is the best thing I can share with you.

God has instilled in me a desire to lead people to have a better life, by the practical application of God's word, helping them draw closer to God, and by sharing the wisdom God has given me through my experinces and by listening to His voice. That is parially why I am a pastor, and the fact that I am called.

With that desire in mind I thought it would be good to adjust slightly how I think about this blog. So here are some changes you can look forward to.

I Plan to post more frequently. My initial goal will be three times a week; sometimes they will be long sometimes short, sometimes they will be in a devotional style like I have done before and sometimes they will just be informative of what is going on for me.
I am going to be more candid in my posts. Previously because I allways want to put my best foot forward I would not post a blog unless I had worked on it for a long time, reviewed it twice, and usually had my wife read it for grammer and spelling. But since I am planning to post more often I will have to just post thoughts.
I am going to do my best to share my passions, God's word, any wisdom I have, and lead us all (me included) to living better lives through Christ.
I want his blog to be relevant to where you are, and what you want to hear about, so for that reason I am listing my email address in my profile description. I also get an email from every comment on here so please feel free to ask questions and make comments.

My sincere hope is that you will enjoy and get a lot out of my blog this year. I look forward to hearing your feedback.

Cleaning Up the Outside

2009-07-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

I think one of the biggest problems in the church is that we have become too focused on cleaning up the outside of a person and in turn have forgotten the inside. Like the Pharisees, the church that focuses on teaching people how to clean up their lives (usually in the south than means “don’t drink, smoke, chew, or go with women who do”) instead of preaching Jesus Christ, misses the mark and can cost people their eternal salvation. (Matt 23:15, 27-28, 33)

Jesus teaches that we should not focus on cleaning up the outside, but should preach the message that can lead a man to Christ so the inside may be cleaned then the outside will follow.

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” Matt 23:25-26

Where is your heart this week? Does the outside of your cup reflect the inside, or is it a false front?

Let Jesus reign in you and he will take care of the cleaning. I had a friend tell me once that when he received Jesus Christ. Then Jesus changed his “want to.” After that changing his life was easy he didn’t “want to” do the things he used to do anymore. Let Jesus change your “want to” today.

The Wings of the King

2009-07-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

In Matthew 23 Jesus gives the Pharisees and teachers of the law one of the harshest beatings recorded in scripture. As I read this passage this morning I kept thinking, man He is FIRED UP!!

But then, after all that; then you see what Jesus heart is really like.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” Matt 23:37.

As wretched, worthless, arrogant, selfish, and sinful, as they were; Jesus still loved them. Under the hen’s wing is a place of protection, a place of warmth, and a place of love. Jesus wanted to shelter and hold Israel close, but they rejected him. As much as the King of Kings wanted to shelter, guide, and love his people their selfish ambition kept them away. They rejected his love because they wanted it their way and for their glory.

How often have I failed to come into the master’s wings, when he has offered them for protection? Why do I ever choose my way over His?

Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life, but how often do you choose to do things your way instead of his.

Vacation Bible School 2009

2009-07-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matt 19:14

Just some thoughts about Vacation Bible School

This year VBS was AWSOME!!!

It has taken me far too long to post this blog, but to be honest I have been crazy busy.

Why was VBS Incredible?

We had a train station in the sanctuary.
We had a cave in the fellowship hall.
We had more kids present than at any event since I have been pastor here.
God moved, nuff said.

July 5, we had 4 baptisms in our evening service as a result of VBS this year. Did you catch that? 4 children crossing over from death to life because of VBS. God is Awsome and it never gets old seeing him work.

Check out the Pictures here if the slide show isn’t working. Happy Hill VBS 2009

When God asks you to do Something Uncomfortable

2009-04-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:29

Routine is a good thing. At least in some situations it is. For example with exercise, the more consistency you can develop in your workout routine the more likely you will be to go and work out. However, routine can also cause you to hit a plateau, a place where you level off and stop growing.

Just like in a workout, routine can be both good and bad in your spiritual life. If you have the routine of daily bible study and prayer, it is a great thing. Much like weight lifting you only get stronger if you are working out daily. But we can also reach a point of plateau in our spiritual lives. We become complacent with where we are and how God is using us and we level out. The plateau is easy and comfortable but it is also stale.

When was the last time that God did something major in your life, something that rejuvenated your spirit and made your grow by leaps and bounds? If you are having trouble thinking of a time then maybe you have reached a plateau in your spiritual life.

When working out the only way to get past a plateau is to change something about the workout, do something you wouldn’t normally do. In your spiritual life if you are at a plateau then it is time to step out in a new way and take your relationship with God to the next level.

If you do not practice a daily quiet time with God then it is time to start. If you do that but haven’t served in your church yet, then find a ministry to get involved in. Where ever you are, take it to the next level.

I think if we are honest with ourselves then most Christians have reached a plateau in our spiritual lives. My challenge to you today is break the plateau by doing something you might normally never do. Invite a stranger to church with you this Sunday, if they won’t come invite another until your find someone to come with you. Offer to buy them lunch, I don’t care pay them to go with you. What ever it takes bring someone to your church this Sunday and you just may be a part of God changing someone’s life forever. What would be more invigorating than that? What could launch you off that plateau more than that?

It may be uncomfortable to walk up to a stranger and invite them to church or to start a conversation with that neighbor that you only ever see when they mow the lawn, but when God asks us to do something uncomfortable and we do it. Then miracles are usually the result.

Jesus went walking out to the disciples on the water. Peter opened his big mouth and said “Lord if it is you tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus called his bluff and told him to “come.” Then something amazing happened. Despite the waves, despite the wind, despite the fact that people can’t walk on water, despite the fact that the boat was comfortable and he was just fine there in the boat, Peter got out of the boat. Jesus asked him to do something out of the ordinary something uncomfortable, and Peter got out of the boat. Because of his willingness to get out of the boat, out of the box, or out of his comfort zone; Peter “walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”

If we will get out of the boat, then we will experience miracles. Remember if God asks you to do something uncomfortable then get ready because he is about to work a miracle in you, if you will only get out of the boat.

When God Says No

2009-04-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

Then Job replied to the LORD:

2 "I know that you can do all things;
no plan of yours can be thwarted.

3 You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?'
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.

4 "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.'

5 My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.

6 Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes."

This morning God used my cat to teach me a lesson. I had just gotten back from the gym and started fixing breakfast. Out cat Romeo, who is only compassionate in the morning when he thinks he might get some coffee creamer as a treat, was all over my feet and watching me cook breakfast. When my eggs were done I dumped them in the plate and started to wash out the skillet in the sink. Then out of the corner of my eye I saw Romeo on the counter getting ready to walk right across the ceramic top of our range.

I Shouted “Romeo No!” Though it startled him he barely slowed down. The dish brush was full of water; desperate to make him stop I flung the water from the brush right at his face. Romeo jumped down from the stovetop and ran to the couch put his paws on it and looked back at me almost as if he wanted to punish me for throwing water at him, by doing something I don’t like.

Then it hit me, Romeo doesn’t know that I was frantically trying to save him from danger. That the stove was still hot enough to hurt him very badly, it had only been off a matter of seconds. He doesn’t understand that sometimes when I say no it’s for his own good. If you have children then you know how often you have to say no to protect them. When they are young they can’t understand the dangers that you’re protecting them from, and as they get older they just think that you are trying to take their freedoms away.

God used that feline fiasco to remind me of a valuable lesson. Sometimes when God says no, He is protecting us, and what he commands he commands for a reason, it is better for us to obey them. We have to trust that he is God and knows what is best for our lives and that he has the power to do what he wills.

Job was a man who, even though he was righteous and didn’t deserve it, lost everything he had. He family and his friends tried to convince him that God was wrong and encouraged him to curse God and die. But because of his faith Job never turned his back on God. He learned through his experiences that God is good and in control of everything that humans face, and we must trust that God knows what is best for us, even when he says no.

At the end of the book of Job, when Job finally understands he says to God, “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” Job realized that God is loving and no matter what happens or how he answers us we know that he is always going to do what is best for us.

Today make sure that you are thankful for God’s leadership in your life, even when he says no or asks you to do something you aren’t comfortable with. Show him you’re thankful by doing something that will bring him Glory.

______________________________

Don’t forget this Sunday is Easter and we have a great service planed and you will want to be a part of it.

Have you thought of someone to invite to church next week? We have the greatest information in the world how to have eternal life in heaven, let’s be bold about sharing it.

Don’t forget about the Easter egg hunt Saturday at 10:00. Bring lots of friends, a basket, and your camera it will be a blast!

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-04-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

We had a couple of great services today. God is really moving at Happy Hill. Here are some thoughts about the day.

It was great to have the sanctuary painted and decorated today. The back wall of the baptistery looks awesome. (Thanks, Danny, Dean, Dan and Fran)

I love to see God moving in our church.

Even I felt convicted by my challenge for our need for passion in evangelism today. I hope you will all take seriously the challenge to bring someone un-churched to service next week.

Sunday Night was a great look at Paul’s ministry and how we need to depend on God’s power for success in ministry.

I saw lots of little green shoots coming up in the Garden today and I am getting excited about serving the community at harvest time.

The choir stayed in the choir loft today. I enjoyed having them up there. My prayer is that next week for Easter our sanctuary will be so full there would be no hope for the choir to sit in the pews.

I am already looking forward to next week’s service I am planning to really stretch myself with my sermon. You will need to be there to see what I mean but I promise you will not want to miss it.

Blessed Steeple

2009-04-03T13:21:00.001-07:00

Blessed Steeple
Originally uploaded by RachelM857

I found this picture online while setting up my flicker account. It is an incredible photo of our church. Thank You to the photographer.

God is incredible, I love it whenever I have the opportunity to recognize the beauty of his creation. Take time today to remember all that Christ has done for you.

Faithful Managers

2009-01-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

1 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God's mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance that I should be evaluated by you or by a human court. In fact, I don't even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (HCSB)

I was reading from 1 Corinthians and this passage struck me hard. It ties in so perfectly with what we have been talking about in our church.

When I lived in Kentucky I managed a restaurant. It was family owned and when I started working there the restaurant was entirely run by the owner and his wife. As time went on, I gained their trust with hard work and success. The owner started handing over more and more responsibilities to me. Eventually, I was named the manager and basically ran the whole place, all because they had entrusted me with the responsibilities of the restaurant.

We are entrusted with doing God’s work here on earth. It is our responsibility, in the church, to do the work of Jesus Christ. We must influence the community with God’s ways and live an example of his love for the lost. That doesn’t mean that we have to make the lost people act like Christians, or try to influence legislation or politics, but that we need to love them, teach them, and let God change their heart. The world doesn’t need to act like Christians they need to be Christians.

We don’t work for man, who is often overly critical of our efforts. The church should never do things to be recognized or to please man, just like leaders and servants in the church should never do things to be recognized, or to please man. Instead, out of a desire to serve Christ, we should be found faithful in doing God’s work.

I think far too often those who are most willing to serve God with their gifts and talents are discouraged from it, because of the criticisms of man. Pastors, ministers, volunteers, and Christians in general should hold themselves to one standard of faithfulness, the evaluation of the Lord. Challenge yourself to say, “I am doing all I can do to please God in my ministry and service,” and then the criticisms of man can roll freely off your back.

Are you a faithful manager of God’s mysteries? Are you a faithful servant of Christ? Could you do more?

A Church of Influence:

2008-12-29T09:28:00.000-08:00

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

God has been rocking my world lately. I have been praying that God rock our world at HHBC as well. There are a lot of ways that God speaks to us: through the scriptures, through pastors and sermons we hear, through what other people say and sometimes do, through a still small voice or pull on our heart and sometimes he speaks in a loud thunderous voice that echoes inside our bones. God has used all of these to start sharing his vision for our church with me. Now it is ringing loud and clear it is echoing in my bones, we are to be a church of influence in this community. We are going to bear fruit. We are going to drastically change the community around us because we are going to be open to God’s work in our lives.

Sunday, I shared these statements regarding where I think we are going in 2009. I want to post them here incase you missed them:

I want to share with you today a little of what I have been praying for this church and where I see us Going. I have been praying that we will remain open to God’s work in our lives. And we will continue to see him move in us and drastically change our circumstances so that we may be a church of influence in the community. When I close my eyes and think of where we are going. I see a church whose people are unified, praying, and full of God’s spirit. I see a church that is so dependant on God that nothing can stop it or stand against it. I see a church with a message so clear that lives are permanently changed and God moves working in our lives. I see a church so compassionate that people are drawn from impossible situations into a loving and friendly circle of hope, where answers are found in the word of God and acceptance is given in the hearts of all. I see Happy Hill Baptist Church as a Church of Influence in this community.
Happy Hill will be a “Church of Influence” in this community, a church that bears fruit. We will bear fruit through Evangelism. We will bear fruit through Example. We will bear fruit through Engaging the community where they are.
I know that we can become a church of influence because GOD CAN! Nothing is impossible with God.
Happy Hill will be a “Church of Influence” that bears great fruit in 2009.

I hope that you are as excited about what God is doing in our church as I am. There is no better thing than to be used by God. Get ready for it. 2009 is going to be great.

Open to God's work.

2008-12-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:35-38

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:20-21, 24-25

We had a great time Sunday at the Christmas Fellowship. For those of you who weren’t there you really missed out. What a fun time! We had more desert than we could possibly eat and a wonderful ornament exchange. I haven’t ever seen that much stealing in a church. (Part of the game is that you can take gifts that have already been opened.) It was a wonderful time of fellowship and fun.

It is obvious that God is working at Happy Hill, if you have been here for very long I know that you feel the energy that has surrounded the church and our fellowships in the past 2-3 months. God moves in many ways in the church. Our fellowships are stronger and more fun, because more people are involved in programming, helping, and leadership. We have more people involved because God is moving and changing people’s lives around us. God is moving and changing people’s lives because we are opening ourselves up to his will and are keeping Christ the center of our church instead of our own self interests.

Mary, had to be confused and scared when the angel Gabriel gave her the news of Jesus. I can’t imagine the questions that she and Joseph must have had. But aren’t you thankful that they were both open to God’s work in their lives. Despite the fear, uncertainty, change, or un-comfort Mary and Joseph let God work in their lives. They let God Drastically change their circumstances, and the world has benefited from it.

As Charlie reminded us with his testimony Sunday night; God will always move his kingdom forward. It is far better to be where he is working than left in the aftermath, or on the outside avoiding God’s work in your life.

My prayer for our church is that we will remain open to God’s work in our lives. And we will continue to see him move in us and drastically change our circumstances so that we may be a church of influence in the community. I pray that we will be a church whose people are unified, praying, and full of God’s spirit. I pray that we will be a church so compassionate that people are drawn from impossible situations into a loving and friendly circle of hope, where answers are found in the word of God and acceptance is given in the hearts of all. I pray God work in us!

This Christmas you have a great opportunity to be a witness to your family and friends. Just ask them if you can share what Christmas means to you. You will find that when you make yourself available to be used by God he will never let you down. He will always do something great in you, or through you.

Happy Hill Church Picnic

2008-11-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:9-13

We had a great turn out at our fall church picnic. Great food and perfect weather, made for a wonderful worship atmosphere outside on the grounds.

I always appreciate when the church displays some of what it truly means to be a part of the family of God. I am proud to say that at Happy Hill we are “devoted to one another in brotherly love.”

I also want to encourage each of you to focus on “keeping your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” We have started a new Sunday morning sermon series, Intimate, which focuses on how you can keep your faith fresh and how you can develop an intimate relationship with God.

God is doing great things at Happy Hill, keep in step with what God is doing by keeping close to him. We are seeing God change lives each week and there is no better place to be than where God is moving. Don’t miss out.

We finished the James sermon series during the church picnic. Last night if you missed it we started our new Sunday evening bible study series on the book of Jonah. One of my favorite Old Testament books and one of the most gripping stories ever told. You will not want to miss this one. Join us next Sunday Evening @ 6:00.

Thank you, to Jessica who provided us with the video slide show of our picnic.

Fishing With Charley

2008-10-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth! …

…When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor…

…O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8 (excerpt)

Charley and I had an incredible time fishing this last week. Men if you are not excited about our men’s fishing trip then you should be. We will have a great time for sure.

I am continually amazed by God’s handiwork. I think, that is why I like to be outside so much. Looking at the heavens and earth and all that his hand has created causes me to stand in awe of his power and might.

What am I? Who are we to experience the Love of Jesus Christ? It is unfathomable that the creator of the universe would care about man and our tormented lives. But he does. He cares enough about us to send his son to earth and the cross for us. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

God also cares about our daily lives and how we treat one another. Are you living like you know God’s love for you? Are you living like you know everything you have comes from God? Are you allowing God to have control over your life? Let the creator of the heavens and the earth, and everything in them guide your life and your actions.

Charley and I were able to experience a beautiful lake, sunset, fishing trip, and catch some incredible fish, all because of the creator’s love for mankind. “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

Fellowship

2008-10-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

The other day at Men’s Ambassadors for Christ, we had a great time of fellowship and encouragement. If you missed it, you missed a great time.

One of the purposes of the church is fellowship. It is vital to the Christian life, to share in our experiences with others who are followers of Christ; we share in joys and sorrows, we share in hurts and pains, as well as in growth and gains. That is part of what being the family of God is all about. It is important because is you want to walk closely with God then you have to spend time around people who will encourage you to do so.

When a chef wants to sharpen his knife he rubs it against a sharpening steel, which is made of the same material as the knife. If we want to sharpen our lives we have rub against people who are directing their lives in the same direction we want to go.

You should always be careful that you don’t rub yourself too much against people heading in the wrong direction or you will become dull instead of sharp. However the knife that never cuts meat or engages in an activity that will dull it, is useless. A good knife is one that can hold an edge while working but also retunes often to the steel for sharpening.

We have several events that are coming up in the next few months that will provide opportunities for you to rub up against fellow followers of Christ, have a great time, and remain sharp.

Church Picnic: October, 26 5:00
Men’s Fishing Trip: November 7-8 contact David Falkenberg
Granbury Live: November 15, contact Patsy Hilburn
Thanksgiving Dinner: November 23, 5:00pm followed by 5th Sunday Sing.
Hanging of the Greens: November 30, 5:00pm
White Elephant Ornament Exchange: December 14, 5:00pm
Candle Light Service: December 21, 6:00pm

In His Courts

2008-09-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere…” Psalms 84:10

God has blessed me so much in the preparation for our upcoming sermon series, Fireproof Your Marriage. One of the ways that God is blessing me is through the book The Love Dare. It is a book written by the makers of the movie Fireproof. The Love Dare is a 40 day challenge to strengthen your marriage and teach you God’s kind of love.

As you know I am married to the greatest woman in the world. She is a blessing in my life in every way. We have always had an incredible bond and strength in our marriage. Yet even as much as you hate to admit it, it is really easy to get caught up in the stress of life and business of working, school, or raising kids, and forget to do those little things that tell your spouse you love them.

During the past week I have added The Love Dare to my daily devotional and have taken each challenge very seriously. Through that, God has really blessed me spiritually, blessed my feelings for Layney, and in the words of Emeril Lagasse, “Kicked it up a notch, BAM.”

It is incredible to be in the courts of God where he is working actively in your life. Just like marriage it is very easy for us to get caught up in the stresses of life and forget the little things that really bring us close to God.

God is moving in this community and in our church. It is time to “Kick it up a notch” in your relationship with God. Are you reading scripture and praying daily? If not it is time to start. If so, are your just going through the motions? It is time to start taking God seriously and knowing for a fact that he is moving in your life.

I challenge you to freshen your relationship with God much like you could a marriage. Tell him the great things he has done for you and what his great qualities are. Study him and get to know him. Spend time with him in prayer. Most of all ask him to move in you, ask him to make a change in your life, and know that he will.

Better is one day in his courts, where we can allow him to work and move in our lives. There is no better place to be. Are you in God’s Courts?

Healthy Grief

2008-09-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!"
He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 2 Samuel 12:21-23

I am an observer by nature, especially of people, their behavior, development, or their responses in certain situations. I just love to observe people being people. Some of you know that Mom passed September 1, 2008 after a 2 year battle with cancer. I come from a family that has a very healthy view of grief and loss. Well, at least most of us do. During the weeks following her death I observed many people who responded to grief in many different ways. These observations have inspired me to take a brief look at what healthy grief should look like.

There is a time for grieving, a time to cry, and a time for sadness. However, in our culture we often protect ourselves from grief in a way that we don’t understand the way it actually works. I remember the first funeral that I attended as an adolescent who was old enough to observe and analyze what was happening around me. I remember sitting at the table at the reception meal after the funeral service and wondering how could people be laughing. Everyone was sharing stories of our friend and the funny things he had done.

Some how for some reason I just didn’t think that should be ok. “Did they not care about him?” Of course they cared about him. They cared very much. But we have so many emotions and in healthy grief they will come and go in waves. When you are facing grief in your life remember to allow yourself to feel your emotions honestly. It is possible to really love someone you lose and still laugh when you remember them. It is possible to really love someone you lose and still carry on with your life after they are gone.

When grieving you should also be aware of when it is time to get up and get moving again. Sometimes when you experience a great loss the best thing to do for healing is to keep busy. Anyone who spends their time dwelling on sorrow and loss will wind up depressed. It is far better to honor the memory of your loved one by continuing to live a full and rich life, and continuing to make a difference in your world.

Take a moment to read the story of David and his child with Uriah’s wife Bathsheba. It is found in 2 Samuel Chapter 12. We see in this man a healthy view of grief.

King David’s son was struck sick and David grieved him greatly, David would not eat, he mourned and pleaded with God to spare the child however when the child died he got up took a bath and went to eat.

When we face suffering and especially loss we have to remember that God is in control of our lives. We are to take comfort in the knowledge of God and find his strength to carry on. Are you facing grief at this time? Is it time for you to “get up and eat?”

I will go to him but he will not return to me.

I heard a compelling description of heaven recently. It depicted our loved ones and people who had been influential in our lives greeting us and welcoming us home. I am comforted by the thought that we have not lost the ones we love. We are just taking a short leave of absence from their presence. The long life we live here on earth is less than a drop in the bucket to the time we will have in eternity.

King David was not ashamed to express his emotions, he knew when it was time to get back to his responsibilities, and he knew that God was in control of his life and his eternity. He had a healthy view of grief.

Be a Seed Spreader

2008-08-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

“He also said, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters sead on the ground. Night and day, weather he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.’” Mark 4:26-27

Once long ago or even recently someone said something to you or showed you the love of Christ by example and changed your life. They planted a seed in you that has grown into an interest, desire for more, or a Christian life.

Many times as Christians we get overwhelmed by the task of evangelism or reaching out with the love of Christ. We forget the scriptural mandate on our lives to go making disciples. We get overwhelmed because we expect to see success instead; we often never know if our words, actions, and prayers have made a difference.

It is inherently human to want to see success we are invigorated by it, supercharged by the proof of progress. I love to paint; fences, walls, it doesn’t matter because painting goes fast and shows progress.

But too often when it comes to evangelism and fulfilling the great commission we forget that the success is up to God. We are merely ‘Seed Spreaders’. Jesus parable reminds us that we can never stop reaching out, never stop touching lives, never stop looking for opportunities to spread the seed of the Gospel. It is up to God to determine if the seed will grow he simply wants us to keep casting it.

Have you been a ‘Seed Spreader’ this week? How can you keep focused on reaching out with the love of Christ?

God help us always be aware of the opportunities that you give us to minister to others and spread the seed of the gospel in someone’s life.

A Broken Spirit is God’s Fertile Field

2008-08-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:17

God has blessed me with an incredible wife, she listens to God, she is wise, she cares for people and for my family, and she has an amazing understanding of Scripture. Yesterday as she was giving the children’s sermon I was struck by her illustration of a box of crayons, I was intrigued especially by the broken crayon.

How often do people come into our church that are broken and in need of God’s spiritual healing?

Brokenness can come in different forms. Some times we are broken down by the world that we live in and the problems that we face in daily life. Other times we are broken down by our spiritual state, the things we have refused to hand over to God, and God uses our brokenness as a sharp snap back to his loving Grace.

In either case God can use our brokenness to grow an abundant spiritual blessing in our lives. It is when we are destitute, and in our most desperate state that we finally learn to hand everything over to God and allow him to have his way with our lives. In that condition we are a fertile field for God’s work and blessing. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. God’s power works best in our weakness, and brokenness.

Are you in need of brokenness? If you are stuck in a rut in life or stuck in a rut spiritually, you need to experience brokenness. Pray for brokenness. Pray that God will help you find a place where you have no choice but to put all of your trust in him.

Are you broken? If you are currently at the end of your rope and don’t know which way is up then you have to just let go and allow God to have his way with you. It is time to rely on his power for healing. Pray for God to show you his power and lift you out of your despair.

Have you been broken recently? If you know the wonder of being lifted lovingly out of your brokenness by God’s power, then you have a responsibility to share your experience. Reach out to the broken around you and help them find God’s powerful hand reaching down to lift them up. Pray for God to use you and keep you strong on the mountain top that comes from being lifted out of brokenness.

Slow Fade: Watch out for the little things.

2008-08-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Originally Posted: July 29, 2008

“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4

I was working in my office today and listening to an album by Casting Crowns, a Christian group with great talent and a powerful message.

One of their songs is called Slow Fade. The words of the chorus are.

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

I was reminded of a verse that we covered recently in our study of the book of James on Sunday Nights James 1:4. As Christians we want to be mature, ‘not lacking anything.’ Because the little things we may lack can hurt us more than we know.

Many of us are doing great as a whole. But there are parts of our lives that we constantly struggle with, remnants of our old life before Jesus Christ that we have just left incomplete. But, if we want spiritual maturity, if we want to fulfill the true purpose that God has for us, then we must hand over all aspects of our lives.

It is a slow fade from black and white to grey. When we allow sin, or even a lazy attitude spiritually, to have control over small pieces of our lives, even the secret parts, then we run the risk of fading slowly away from God. Eventually we wind up a crumbled broken mess. Are you slipping away from God in some small and secret way? Is that affecting the way that you live, your relationships with others, or you ability to stand for Christ in your life?

We should allow God to have control over all aspects of our lives. Not only does our relationship with God need to be right, but the expression of that relationship in our lives needs to be right. Ultimately God will let nothing escape, everything is under his scrutiny. He will continue working with you until you have given every part of your life over to him.

It takes endurance to continue working on your life until you are ‘mature and complete.’ Let us not ignore the small and secret parts of our lives; that can, if left unattended, cause us to crumble.

“Be careful little eyes what you see…”

Check out Casting Crowns Music Video “Slow Fade” here.

Check back often to see more blogs.

Summer: IT'S VACATION TIME,

2008-08-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

Originally Posted July 24, 2008

Summer: IT'S VACATION TIME,

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:15a, 17.

It’s summer and vacation time. Summer is in full swing and as we are approaching the mid-point for summer vacation, many people are taking their last opportunity to get away. It is great to get away from life for a while. Whether you are taking a long vacation, just getting away for the weekend, or even going to see a great movie, it’s one of the best things you can do to recharge your batteries and keep yourself at your best.

This year remember that even though vacation gives you the chance to take a break from much of life it is not a time to take a break from Jesus. Scripture reminds us that no matter what we are doing ‘whether in word or deed’ we are to do it in the ‘name of the Lord.’ As a Christian you are an example for Christ to everyone who looks at you, it is important to show them an accurate picture wherever you are.

Make your vacation a time to grow closer to God by spending time with God each day, recognizing the majesty of his creation, and being thankful for the blessings he has given you.

Incredible news, The Building fund has been paid off,

2008-08-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

Origianlly posted July 10, 2008

Incredible news, The Building fund has been paid off,

It is Great to see the way that God is moving in our church!!! A couple of years ago under the leadership of Pastor Jim Scott this church set out meet the needs of a growing church by building a new fellowship hall. By working together and faithfully trusting in God the fellowship hall and improvements on the original building became a reality. It is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity to tell you that your faithfulness and your united efforts have brought Happy Hill Baptist Church to another great milestone. We have paid the loan on the building in full. With our debt behind us we look forward to see what great things God has in store for this church and I trust that he has big plans for Happy Hill. I commend each of you for your faith in God and the roll that you played in proving that when we work together there is nothing God can’t do. We will be having a note burning ceremony as soon as the paper work comes in. Keep your eyes open for the date.