upward & inward

Heading back to the United States today and plan to update this blog with pictures and text once I get all my resources together. As I consider my nearly two weeks here, I offer just a few observations of the time spent here. Generally speaking, the people of Africa are welcoming and pleased to receive guests. This is especially true in the rural areas of both Uganda and Kenya. In fact, a very common phrase we heard was "You are welcome." This wasn't in response to a "Thank You", but simply a declaration that we were welcome there. I want to be more welcoming to my guests. Although poor economically, the rural communities we visited are rich spiritually. Their faith is strong as is their resolve to be obedient followers of Christ they're called to be. This spiritual wealth is something I want to invest in! The infrastructure in Uganda is quite limited. Although the infrastructure was more advanced in Kenya, they still struggle in the rural areas, espe

On Tuesday, it was another warm day. Joni had a great idea the previous day of setting out the tarp used to cover luggage from the top of the van as a sort of awning. Modified somewhat to make the most shade we could this was put in place again. Shade always draws a crowd. Soon we had kids, moms, and grandmas resting under the awning. After shooting an interview with Tim and Colleen, Colleen had arranged for me to meet my new sponsor child, Janette. She's a sweet girl and shy. Because of the timing of her visit to the church site, I was unable to spend a lot of time speaking with her - so I still don't know her age or circumstance. I do have pics, tho. Because Colleen had to drive to Kampala, I volunteered to drive the van on TAPP visits. It's amazing how that van can fit into walking trails. We had good visits and even led two older men to the Lord! Meanwhile work continued on the building as the platform was completed, a door installed, and the roof was finished o

As we arrived the first day (Monday), we saw that the roof was already begun. The building is an elongated octagon. The rafters, already in place, have been treated so that they can resist termites. These pests are a problem as we learned of another church in the district which lost its original building due to an infestation. The roof is made of overlapping corregated steel. The building itself is brick. By the end of the day, the roof was in place. All that remained was the steel caps that cover where the roof angles meet along the ends and sides. The doors and windows would come in the next days. The building site was a hive of activity as the floor was cleared and rocks were brought in to support and fill the platform area. Many of us helped in this and we were humbled as the village women and girls would haul huge rocks on thei heads! They are accustomed to this as they have to carry water from the local well to their homes. Water is carried in Jerry cans weighing 45 pounds. Some

Sunday morning, after breakfast, we split up into two teams of 8 each. My team had Grant, the Toupins, Joni, Twyla, Cassie, and Matt. Tim Stevenson was also with us. They sang several songs, we sang two (I played guitar) and they asked for an encore for which we were unprepared, and there were testimonies from the community and our team. Then I spoke from John 9. The service was less than 3 hours but didn't seem that long. The picture here is of the table at the front of the service. People were instructed to come forward to present their tithes and offerings. The tithe basket was empty. The other was filled. You can see the offering basket at the top of the picture. Most of the cash came from us. There was an egg from a woman (possibly like the widow from the Bible), a note, and a partially eaten roll. Humbling. After service there was an altar call for those who needed prayer. I was asked along with Tim to pray. All women, one had a baby wth malaria (baby Lazarus a

After arriving from Kamuli, I had the opportunity to shop for some Ugandan gifts. This is something I don't do well. In fact, this is something my bride does really well - wisely choosing the right gifts is itself a gift that she has received. After getting an email list from Sherry, I made my purchases and, because some of the articles were made by widows, I was able to help others, too. When the team travels we go in two vans with our luggage, supplies, and tools on top. Our group, piloted by Moses Magoolo, left first and landed last. In the group were Jill, Grant, Joni, Jeannie, Twyla, Heather, Cassie, and me. When we left Kampala, the plan was to go to a guest house first because we would arrive so late. En route, plans change. We went directly to the church and was welcomed by singing, dancing, yodeling women, smiles, shaking hands, and cries of "You are welcome!" If I had to imagine what a believer's reception into heaven would be like, this picture would com

Kamuli Town, in the Kamuli district, is a small town with two gas stations and several small shops to purchase food, merchandise, livestock, and so on. We stayed in town at a guest house where the couples had their own rooms and the rest of the team were divided into groups of two or three. I roomed with Moses and Carl Gordon in a small room where three twin beds were shoe-horned into. The doors were locked with a padlock and remained secure the whole time we were there. In fact, the guest house was a walled compound with a gate to drive into a courtyard in the back. The church site is on the outskirts of town past several private schools named after Catholic saints and filled with colorfully uniformed kids. The church property was purchased at the end of a road - also purchased to reach the larger site. As a guess, I think the property is less than acre while the road is about 200 feet long. The church, as we arrived, lacked some brickwork, a roof, doors, and windows. The trus

It's been nearly a week since I updated this blog. It's been more than difficult to get my laptop to connect to the network. So, I'm using the Stevenson's computer to provide a brief update. Remember, more info can be read on Central Community's Mission Blog . All of us arrived safe and sound (with all our luggage) on Tuesday. Tired after well over a day of traveling, it was good to arrive and meet the people we've all heard so much about. Moses was our group's driver and has been as we've traveled to one village already. He's a great guy - kind, always happy, and loves the Lord Jesus. Tim and Colleen welcomed us and continue to provide guidance, encouragement, and support as we encounter many new experiences, sounds, sights, and smells. The team has gathered together well after having to separate on our trip out. Our first visit was to Kamuli - a town northeast of Kampala, beyond the Nile River.

Many of you may know that I have been planning for many months to go to Uganda. After many changes of flights, we finally ended up with a start date of yesterday morning - waaaaay too early in the morning. We arrived at the airport and discovered that our flight was cancelled which threw the team into uncertainty. Fourteen of us (another 2 had planned to come 2 days later) were at the mercy of Northwest Airlines and Delta. After more than a few flight plans and changes, we ended up splitting the team into 2 primary groups. The first group (I'm on this one) leaves today and will arrive in Uganda on Tuesday afternoon. The second group leaves early tomorrow (Monday) and arrives Tuesday evening. Our group has a more circuitous route through Dubai and Ethiopia and the other groups follows our original route straight from Amsterdam through to Uganda. Why go? We listen to the stories of those who've gone before and desire to make a difference - to be a part of something greate

Ok. I've got a blackberry and I used to use it to update my status on both facebook and twitter. However, it became too clumsy to update both so I decided to just update facebook. Well, at the Innovate09, I, along with scads of others, were updating twitter to reflect what we'd been learning and the Innovate engineers were displaying the rolling updates on #Innovate09. Then, I saw a little more than what I had previously regarding the value of Twitter. I can see common themes (like Innovate09) and learn as a group what folks are learning and observing along with me. Very cool. But, the problem remained: how to update both facebook and twitter once? Well, thanks to one of my peeps (who seemed glad to see me tweet more often), I learned that there are facebook apps that handle the integration. The one I chose was SupaSync. It integrates with my Twitter account so that whenever I tweet, it shows up on Facebook. Just logon to facebook, search for SupaSync and follow the in

Spent a few days in Northern Indiana for the Innovate Conference. It's the first step in an opportunity God has provided to me to be a part of Granger's Executive Pastor Coaching Network. I'll be going there several times over the next 9 or so months to learn, think, grow, and be challenged as I seek to be the best I can be in the calling of God. At Innovate, I observed the following (some new, some old lessons): Every morning, my feet must hit the ground running toward Christ, His calling, and purpose (personally and professionally) - and away from self! Each day I must review the mission, purpose, and vision for myself - and the church. This implies, of course, that these exist for myself and the church. Within that framework, my day must be so ordered. Task cannot always trump people. My personal holiness impacts me, my family, and the church. I should care more for the effectiveness of what we do than whether we make mistakes or complaints are generated. Jesus should

Here is an interesting decision made in Kentucky recently. A judge considered this phrase in the charter of Kentucky's Office of Homeland Security unconstitutional: "dependence on Almighty God as being vital to the security of the Commonwealth". A state representative, also a minister, added the phrase that caused a few in Kentucky to take notice and file motions to have it struck. However, in the current preamble of Kentucky's constitution established in 1891 this reference to God is presented: We, the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy, and invoking the continuance of these blessings, do ordain and establish this Constitution. So, Kentuckians thank God and give Him credit for the blessings of civil, political, and religious liberties and want Him to continue giving us these blessings. But, refuse to depend on Him for security? In His Word, God shows that He is patient, long-

The B-I-B-L-E, yes that's the book for me. I stand alone on the word of God. The B-I-B-L-E. Today, I'm confessing my love for God's Word to a group of 3rd and 4th graders. While they'll probably look at me like I grew a third eye right in the middle of my forehead, I don't care. God has sent His Spirit, to use His Word, to form me (and them) into the likeness of His Son. What's not to like about that? "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word...I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:9,11 "All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." 2 Tim. 3:16 "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1:8

I've got many Bibles in my house. My primary one pictured here is marked up and worn. It feels good to hold it and to read it. Better yet, it feels right . I even like the smell of its pages. God's Word is holy, active, real, accurate, and relevant. It is both a window and a mirror. And, no one is wanting to arrest or execute me because I own a Bible. Not so in North Korea. Read this article and consider the blessing we have to have and to study God's Word openly and in freedom.

My bride pointed me to a post by Mark Beeson, pastor at Granger Community Church that resonated with me. In it, he shares that service to and for God is worship - just as lifting holy hands in song and adoration is worship. It's not either/or - it's both/and. When we serve others for His sake, we are worshiping God. Romans 12:1 - Finally, my dear brothers, in view of God's mercy offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. When we offer ourselves to God, then we do what pleases Him. And, as Mark reminded me, God is pleased by our service - our sacrifice to Him. Psalm 51:17 - The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. How many times have we missed the mark of true worship in the Spirit, because we ignore the opportunities to serve Him?

Gentle Reader, I'm trying to figure out why I don't want to write. Seriously. It's been since June 9 - over a month! I'm reminded of a few words from that song by Pink Floyd, "Money": The time is gone, the song is over, thought I'd something more to say. At the beginning of the year, I committed to write more and I did. But, I got to the end of Spring and my interest in writing had sprung. Done. Over. Nothing more to say? No, I have something to say but I'm not quite sure I want to say it here. Ever feel that way? I want to talk about Jesus, my bride, my family, the church, government, weather, complex matter and anti-matter anti-aging compounds, and a host of other things important to me... But, I'm just not sure they should be placed here. Jesus talks about not throwing your pearls before swine . Of course, in the context of the Sermon on the Mount, He seems to be warning against placing God's Word before those who will not only t

The Bible says:  Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.  Psalm 145:3 A.W. Tozer writes: The dictionary says that to admire is "to regard with wondering esteem accompanied by pleasure and delight; to look at or upon with an elevated feeling of pleasure." According to this definition, God has few admirers among Christians today. Many are they who are grateful for His goodness in providing salvation. At Thanksgiving time the churches ring with songs of gratitude that "all is safely gathered in." Testimony meetings are mostly devoted to recitations of incidents where someone got into trouble and got out again in answer to prayer. To decry this would be uncharitable and unscriptural, for there is much of the same thing in the Book of Psalms. It is good and right to render unto God thanksgiving for all His mercies to us. But God's admirers, where are they? The simple truth is that worship is elementary until it begins to

How important is planning to you? I struggle with planning.  Because God has often surrounded me with those who are far more accomplished in this regard, I've relied on them to push, cajole, and sometimes shame me into it.  However, even though I know how important it is, I'd much rather do something else - like watch paint dry - or simply solve problems.  But, even the thorniest of problems can require solid planning to ensure they are solved rightly in a timely fashion. We as a staff are going through an abbreviated process of strategic planning for the year.  We settled on May 28 as the first day, with June 10 as the final discussions regarding what we hope to accomplish as a team and within the ministries for which we are individually responsible. As we approached the first day, I sensed what felt like spiritual opposition to the event.  I wanted to cancel it several times.  Then, even during the event, Sherry and I had a personal event within the family which I found to be

As we think through the filter of strategies, goals, and tactics required of us as leaders in the church, we are reminded that we already have a mission and vision for this church - and that we can and should use this foundation to form strategies to accomplish what we can to God's glory.  So that we remain aware of the simplicity of what God has called us to do here at Central, here is a summary of our vision and mission. What's the vision? To become a biblically functioning community of believers so that the purposes of Christ can be accomplished in the greater Wichita area and the world.   What are the purposes of Christ for our church? Exalt God in biblically aligned worship Evangelize the lost Encourage God's family Educate the believer for maturity through discipleship Equip the church for ministry and service to others What's our mission?  Changing lives: turning uncommitted people into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. What's a fully devoted foll

Here is another quotation from the first president of these United States, Geo. Washington.  These words are from the closing words of his first inaugural address on April 30, 1789: Having thus imported to you my sentiments, as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign parent of the human race, in humble supplication that since he has been pleased to favour the American people, with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and dispositions for deciding with unparellelled unanimity on a form of Government, for the security of their Union, and the advancement of their happiness; so his divine blessing may be equally  conspicuous  in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend. As I understand it, some founding leaders of this nation would refer to God in a variety of ways.  George Washington

I've always tried to smile for my driver's license photo.  Weird, huh?  However, according to this article , I wouldn't be allowed to smile if I got a driver's license in Indiana, Arkansas, Nevada, and Virginia.  As I read the article, I guess I understand the motives, but, really?  No smiles?  What about those people (admittedly, not me) who smile even when they don't try?  Would they have to try to "look dull?" What do you think?  Do you smile for your driver's license photo?

In today's world, manners and civility are increasingly rare.  Here are a few of today's headlines: Northern Ireland Soccer Mob Beats Catholic Man to Death Graduation Party Shooter Was Jealous Over Ex's New Boyfriend, Police Say Kiefer Sutherland Apologizes for Head-Butting Incident That Injured Designer In another era, young men (and women) were often asked to write down their own rules of civility and manners as they were taught them.  In this post , you can read the approach of the first US President, George Washington, he listed his  Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation. As I read this list, I was amazed at Pres. Washington's focused approach to dealing kindly and respectfully to others.  In addition, I was also humbled in my own often coarse approach to speaking with and listening to others.  Here are just a few of the president's 110 considerations. #48 Wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more pre

I first saw this video years ago and it's making its rounds again.  Enjoy.

In this article , the director of a movie at Cannes Film Festival discusses how his movie isn't Anti-Christian, but against fundamentalism.   What is fundamentalism?  The director,  Alejandro Amenabar, describes it as "the idea that ‘I will kill you for what you think'".  The story is set in Egypt in the 4th Century A.D. and includes the persecution of pagans by Christians. For centuries, people have been destroyed for what they think.  While we can look into the history of Christianity and find painful examples of how Christians have persecuted others (including other Christians) for their belief, Christians have also suffered for theirs.   Fox's Book of Martyrs lists those who were tortured and killed for what they believed and goes on to describe the often gruesome ways these deaths were accomplished. Fundamentalism, as Amenabar describes it, has a peculiar heritage and still goes on today - for religious reasons and others - simply because people don't ag

Once more, Christians are singled out for abuse and persecution with no coverage from US-based media.  Check this article for more information.

When the disciples were beginning to feel real persecution as a result of their declaration about Jesus, they were told by Jewish leaders to keep quiet.   But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19-20 Here's a quote from A.W. Tozer in his book, God Tells the Man Who Cares:  To escape the snare of artificiality it is necessary that a man [of God] enjoy a satisfying personal experience with God. He must be totally committed to Christ and deeply anointed with the Holy Spirit. Further, he must be delivered from the fear of man. The focus of his attention must be God and not men. He must let everything dear to him ride out on each sermon. He must so preach as to jeopardize his future, his ministry, even his life itself. He must make God responsible for the consequences and speak as one who will not have long t

In this article , I learned of a man who willingly returned, later in life, to defend our country.  How many men and women do you and I know who are so willing to give up so much for something far greater than themselves? This hero gave his life for his country.  As I age, may I be so willing to give up my life for the cause of Christ - whether for my family, my friends, or my country.

This week, my son Lewis enjoyed his last day of High School.  Wow.  It's hard to believe that he's 18 and ready to complete a major milestone in his life.  In addition to graduating from High School, I chose this time to hold a ceremony of sorts to declare our common understanding of what it means to be a man. In a previous post , I wrote how I believe that men of God are called to obey His will, work as He leads, and love a godly woman without condition.  Well, this week, Lewis and came to the agreement that a man of God: rejects passivity, accepts responsibility, leads courageously, and  and expects the greater reward. This is completely counter to what the world defines a man to be - essentially a human male .   Being a male is possessing a specific arrangement of chromosomes.  Being a man is a choice. So, this is what he and I agreed upon this weekend as a few godly men surrounded Lewis, prayed for him, and witnessed his decision.  I thank God for what He has done, is doing

Lately, I've spoken with more guys who are out of work. One guy's wife and son are in college and bankruptcy processes have been engaged. He feels lost, directionless, and wondering what God is up to in all of this. Another fellow is angry at how his loyalty has been "rewarded" as he was summarily dismissed from his job under questionable circumstances without a consistent explanation as to why was asked to leave the company. As I consider my experiences in the workforce and lay-offs (on both sides of the table) and dismissals, I offer these thoughts for consideration. If you're going through something similar, then I hope this will help. As responsible men and women, we have a tendency to wrap our identities in what we do and the company for whom we work. It's difficult to accept a time like this when we aren't going to the workplace and accomplishing something in return for pay so that we might provide for ourselves and our families. As the days, weeks,

Last Sunday at church, there were so many babies in the nursery who needed someone to hold them that we had to grab folks we knew to come and do just that: hold them. This got me thinking: why is it so hard to find people to spend the time necessary to care for kids? Normally, if someone brings in a newborn, that kid has nearly everyone's fingerprints on him/her before getting out of the building. Supposedly, everyone wants to hold a baby, but why is it that no one will raise his hand to be counted upon as one who will spend the time to care for a young one. Why? Before I try to answer this, let's review something about service: it's a privilege to serve God. Privilege? When we are the devoted followers of Christ He has called us to be, then we should be eager to serve. It's not a "have to", it's a "get to." When one is eager to serve, then it becomes a privilege. According to the Bible, as we understand God's mercy upon us, then we se

Read this article concerning the killing of Christians in Iraq. Why aren't we hearing more about this in the general American media? I did a search and, in addition to this article in the Christian Post, found references to this in Reuters, World Magazine, and an Asian internet news site. The only other American site was the Houston Chronicle. Even the Pakistan Daily references this tragedy. Why must I go out of the country to read about the slaughter of the church? The references in history regarding the criticality of Christ in the formation of this country is beyond contestation, yet we as a nation ignore the reality of His sovereignty. Abraham Lincoln was once quoted as saying "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." He, of course was quoting the Bible, of which he was a practiced student. Psalm 33:12 was his reference. In the Bible, however, the word "Lord" is capitalized as "LORD" signifying the reserved word, YHWH. Specifically, Abraham L

If all goes as planned, and the Lord allows, six months from now I'll be in Uganda. Here are my thoughts on the matter... 1) When I was younger, I enjoyed travel. While I no longer look forward to it, I typically enjoy it once I get there. Sherry, the boys, and I traveled to Europe with my parents and sister a couple of years ago and I felt the same way. While I wanted to go visit my daughter and see her graduate from High School, I really didn't look forward to the trip itself. Of course, I enjoyed the trip and in some ways would have preferred staying. This Uganda trip is worse for me because my family isn't coming. I'll be without my bride and my boys for two weeks. Yikes! 2) While I can intellectually accept the notion that the trip will be life-changing and that I will have the privilege of forging life-long relationships with my teammates and with folks from a completely different culture, I have deep reservations about going. What else will be achieved? How will

In a few short weeks, Sherry and I will have been married for 21 years (that's her at a Mercy Me concert a few weeks ago). Wow. Here are some thoughts on the first twenty-one and the next... Marriage, as a particular relationship, is transformational, NOT transactional. What?! Anyone or anything which transforms, must lose itself first. The butterfly is no longer a caterpillar. The baby is no longer an ovum. And I am, thank God, no longer the guy she met so long ago. While I remain me, I am no longer me. I am the me who is joined with Sherry. And, she is no longer Sherry but the Sherry who is joined with greg. We're different - because we're united. We rely on each other to be who God has called us each to be - individually AND united with one to the other. I love to hear her laugh and she still makes me laugh. I love being with her - in fact, there is no one on this planet with whom I'd rather be. While there have been times in our relationship when I have not demonstr

Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you. --Hosea 10:12 Read this quote. Another from Brother A. W. Tozer... The fallow field is smug, contented, protected from the shock of the plow and the agitation of the harrow.... But it is paying a terrible price for its tranquility: Never does it see the miracle of growth; never does it feel the motions of mounting life nor see the wonders of bursting seed nor the beauty of ripening grain. Fruit it can never know because it is afraid of the plow and the harrow. In direct opposite to this, the cultivated field has yielded itself to the adventure of living. The protecting fence has opened to admit the plow, and the plow has come as plows always come, practical, cruel, business-like and in a hurry. Peace has been shattered by the shouting farmer and the rattle of machinery. The field has felt the travail of change; it has been upset, t

What do I mean? In a meeting this week, I was less prepared than I should have been. What's more irritating is that I checked ahead of time to be prepared and felt assured that I didn't need to be. As a result, I missed a chance to lead. Now, we have to wait until we meet again to resolve and capitalize on an important opportunity. Secondly, there has been a brewing issue that's turned into the "rotting carcass" in the room. In other words, everyone knows it's there, but nothing is happening to solve the problem and we all get to smell the remains. Yuck. The resolution seems simple but it's not simple - because the problem has been left unsolved since before I arrived. While I've mitigated the problem, it remains a thorny issue that will require stamina, courage, and additional patience (maybe even long-suffering) in order to solve the problem and deal with the aftermath of its resolution. Lastly, we have just come off of a big change in whose m

Read this post by Michael Spencer. Are we really following the path of Western Europe - spiritual apathy, biblical abandonment, and secular victory? Oneida, Ky. - We are on the verge – within 10 years – of a major collapse of evangelical Christianity. This breakdown will follow the deterioration of the mainline Protestant world and it will fundamentally alter the religious and cultural environment in the West. Within two generations, evangelicalism will be a house deserted of half its occupants. (Between 25 and 35 percent of Americans today are Evangelicals.) In the "Protestant" 20th century, Evangelicals flourished. But they will soon be living in a very secular and religiously antagonistic 21st century. This collapse will herald the arrival of an anti-Christian chapter of the post-Christian West. Intolerance of Christianity will rise to levels many of us have not believed possible in our lifetimes, and public policy will become hostile toward evangelical Christianity, see

I came across this video and wanted to share it. Have we really traveled so far from what this country started out to be? While I don't agree with all his suggested remedies, I do agree with much of how this man describes the problems we're facing as a nation. What he doesn't emphasize is the lack of moral core we're suffering from. The early leaders of the revolution were quoted as saying, "No other king, but King Jesus!" If every leader truly made Jesus the king He has been given authority to be, what would our country be like?

I admit it. I find it reheheheheally tough to post blogs. Why is that? Here are a few reasons... Whenever I feel like writing, I'm doing something else. It's in the morning, usually, when it hits me to write. During the week, I'm working. Saturday, I'm either sleeping in or working on projects in the home. Sunday, I'm worshipping. Whenever I don't feel like writing, I'd rather not try generating the enthusiasm. Seriously. When I get home, I want to eat dinner, spend time with the family, chill out, etc. Even my non-biblical reading has really dropped off. I've become less trusting about what I should post for all to see. Not sure how to explain this, because nothing external has caused this, that I know of. I'm facebooking/twittering more. It's easier because I can update on my phone as I go..:) Ok. So, now that I've confessed, I'll try harder to post. In the meantime, have a great day and let me know what you'd like me

Ok, I know this is just a commercial - a looong commercial - but I really liked this and wanted to share it.

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 From A.W. Tozer: Save me from the error of judging a church by its size, its popularity or the amount of its yearly offering. Help me to remember that I am a prophet--not a promoter, not a religious manager, but a prophet. Let me never become a slave to crowds. Heal my soul of carnal ambitions and deliver me from the itch for publicity. Save me from bondage to things. Let me not waste my days puttering around the house. Lay Thy terror upon me, O God, and drive me to the place of prayer where I may wrestle with principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world. Deliver me from overeating and late sleeping. Teach me self-discipline that I may be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.... And now, O Lord of heaven and earth, I consecrate my remaining days to Thee;

Many of us are tracking the incredible challenges that the leaders and citizens of Fargo, ND, are facing right now. The pictures speak a thousand words of drastic changes to their lives as they deal with the current calamity and plan for the aftermath of cleanup. One quote stood out to me from Tim Mahoney, a Fargo city commissioner as they tracked the onslaught of incoming water: "Now it's time to stand and defend." Have you ever felt that way? I have - and I do still sometimes. Those are the times when I've done all I can within how God has enabled me, but then find it's time just to stand and defend. As I read how the federal government has responded to the current onslaught of economic and social woes, I sometimes feel that way. I feel that all I can do is stand and defend: God's honor and glory, the sanctity of life, and the sanctity of soul-to-soul relationships between husband and wives, brothers, and sisters, parents and children. Today, there is snow

Today I was privileged to teach one of our Sunday School classes. Whenever I teach, I like to spend a few hours the previous day getting ready, speaking through what I feel God leading me to say, as I pray through the lessons He's teaching me so that I can teach others. Speaking to the class today, I was warmly greeted and, for the most part, intently listened to. I suspect that Fred Winters did the same thing this past week - going to God in prayer, studying the scriptures, searching for illustrations, pinning down how his listeners might take the lessons and apply them in their lives. This morning, he drove to the church - perhaps early ahead of his wife and daughters so that he might finish his spiritual preparations for the privilege of sharing God's Word with those who have ears to hear. During the 8:15 service, I wonder what he was thinking when a man came up the center aisle toward the front of the church. Did Fred know him? Was Fred wanting to help him? Fred used

What is a dangerous man? The first image that comes to my mind is someone who is armed and seeks to hurt someone - anyone. But, I was reminded of a quote by author James Baldwin: “The most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose.” Nothing to lose. The Apostle Paul had nothing to lose. Everything he'd been given he considered far less than the "surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus." Do we consider Christ above all else? Really? This is a tough one. While I know from God's Word that the true treasures for me are waiting in heaven upon my arrival, I still demonstrate in thought, word, and action that I hold too tightly on that which is temporal. To what are you and I holding too tightly that prevents us from being dangerous men and women for Christ - true world changers?

Funny, yet informative, video!

Monday, I received the resignation of Brenda Moffitt from the KIDS Ministry at Central Community Church. She feels that God is calling her out of ministry and into her first love – teaching. I have known Brenda a relatively short time, but have grown to deeply appreciate her servant’s heart and passion for the Lord and His KIDS. Working closely with her, I have seen her come to the conclusion again and again that the administrative aspects of her role get in the way of what she really loves doing – teaching kids what they need to know to be all that they’re called to be by the One who carefully crafted each of them. God has used her mightily at Central Community. Her smile, laughter (abundant and unique), and love for the kids have deeply impacted their lives and ours, too. Her leadership of Women’s Ministry, VBS, Junior Camp, Pumpkin Bash, the new Trunk-or-Treat, and KIDS ministry itself has been a blessing to us and will be missed. She assures us that she’s not going anywhere and, af