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?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, December 29, 2008
A Church of Influence:
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:
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.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Open to God's work.
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.
"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.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Happy Hill Church Picnic
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.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Fishing With Charley
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!”
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Fellowship
“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
Thursday, September 25, 2008
In His Courts
“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?
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?
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