Pastor Todd

Isn't there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?

2009-12-24T08:45:00.003-05:00

I love "A Charlie Brown Christmas." It is the classics classic! There just something about that old - mostly hand-drawn cartoon that warms the heart every year. Perhaps the best part, however, is when Charlie Brown - in anguish - cries out ... "isn't there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?" Linus steps in - "sure Charlie Brown - I can tell you ... lights please ..."

And - with a little more of the expanded story - and yes - from a different translation of the Scriptures ... here you are ....

1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

"That's what Christmas is all about."

Merry CHRISTmas!

To cry or not to cry ...

2009-12-09T10:08:00.003-05:00

I love the movie "A League of Their Own" - in one important and well known scene, Jimmy Duggan has just "chastised too vehemently" one of his players with the well worn line ... "Are you crying? Are you crying? There's no crying in baseball."

As anyone who has watched the Little League World Series knows, that phrase just isn't true. In the last few days, many have made a point to criticize, condemn, make fun of, you name it ... a sports hero - but more importantly, a life hero because of all things ... he dared to cry on national television. It is sad in our day that a man who is vaulted to the top of a pinnacle and falls hard - how many "Tigresses" are we up to now ... and I have not seen any sign of condemnation toward him in the Facebook community ... and yet a man who wears his faith in his eyes ... well - just under them - does something as humane as demonstrate his emotions ... and an entire group - "Tearbow for Criesman" pops up. I'm just not sure I understand.

The other evening, ESPN ran the "Jimmy V" acceptance speech from the ESPY Awards in 1993. In that speech, Jimmy V said this ... there are three things we should do every day ... "number one laugh ... number two think ... number three 'have your emotions moved to tears.'"

Arguably one of the best coaches in the sport of college basketball - Jimmy V summed it up ... "If you laugh, you think and you cry, that's a full day ... that's a heck of a day ... you do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special."

If showing your emotions on the side of a football field ... knowing this is your last hurrah ...knowing that the better team won that day ... but knowing still that God is still God ... well ... I suppose I'd rather be sitting right there next to 'Timbo" having a good cry!

By the way ... just in case you were wondering ... this is the verse those tears were running through ... John 16:33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

It's beginning to look a lot like .......

2009-12-01T09:57:00.002-05:00

It's that time of the year again! The music has changed ... the streets are brighter than normal ... houses take on a cheerier glow ... traffic is increased in certain parts of town ... and of course ... let's not forget the food! From cookies to cakes to pies and hams ... it is The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

So why is it that during this most wonderful time ... there are folks who forget all about things like ... "love, joy, peace, patience , kindness, gentleness and self-control?" I was in a national store of some notoriety while on vacation recently and was "moved" not once ... not twice ... but at least three times by different people in their attempts to secure their precious merchandise which I'm sure their "wonderful little angel" deserved more than life itself. I have seen people battle for parking spots (while I myself prefer to park at the far end of the parking lot and walk - it's good exercise - I can say this confidently as I know my wife doesn't read my blog!!)

Black Friday ... Cyber Monday ... and don't forget ... the Post-Christmas rush to return what didn't fit ... didn't like ... wrong color ... wrong intention ... etc. Or to buy those last remaining decorations at ridiculously low prices only to store them away until next year with great intentions to use them - only to discover sometime in February of the year after that those hidden purchases!

All the more reason to ask the question ... What If ... ... That's the series I'll start December 6. I think there is one verse of Scripture that answers that question well ... it covers who, what, how, when and where! Until then ... allow me to share a verse of one of my favorite Carols ... "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas ... only a hippopotamus will do ...."

Have a HAPPY Day!!

Just an observation ...

2009-10-24T09:06:00.002-04:00

I was looking through the local newspaper the other day (which for those who don't live where I live ... it doesn't take too long!) Anyway, I noticed all of the announcements for the upcoming "holiday" on October 31. I found it quite interesting the "wording" of our "Christian" versions of the day. It is as though we do not want to be considered heretical if we refer to October 31 as ... dare I say it ... Halloween. (inserting pause as you gasp in horror)

PAUSE

There ... are you back with me. You see, what intrigued me was this ... perhaps for the first time I recognized the irony of what WE do all the time ... "we" being "Christians." We chastize, criticize, demoralize, demonize, and ultimate polarize any and all who would take Christmas or Easter and illegitamize their names with things like "Winter Festival" or "Spring Holiday." We rail against corporations who would dare threaten their employees to say "Happy Holiday's" instead of "Merry Christmas." But yet, we, not wanting to appear in any form Satanic will legitimatize our own "Halloween" celebrations with a term like ... "Fall Festival."

It's just an observation ... but don't we sometimes get so caught up in the semantics that we miss the opportunity? Don't we sometimes miss the "forest through the trees?" Go ahead, call it a "fall festival" if it makes you feel better ... but for me, I'll still wish you a "Happy Halloween."

Oh ... and just in case you're wondering ... YES ... I will wish you a "Merry CHRISTmas" even if you offer me a "Happy Holidays." And hopefully, somewhere along the way ... I'll earn the opportunity through my relationship with you to share The One to whom we all owe our life to ... The One Who I call "Lord and Savior." For it is only through His Grace and Mercy that I write ...

Comparitively Speaking ...

2009-10-22T08:54:00.002-04:00

I attended a memorial for a friend's grandmother yesterday. It was an "interesting" service. The deceased was a member of a particular "religious group." I had many conversations with other members of that group in the past, but never really understood their teachings ... until yesterday. I patiently listened as the "Elder" shared memories and then a sermon that "the departed wanted us to hear." I was intrigued at how often he mentioned that this was "her faith." I wondered about his. I'm sure he is passionate about what he believes, but he only referred to what "she believed" through the message. Beyond that, he made reference to Scriptures that aren't in most Bibles and the ones that he did use, he pulled from context in many different ways. I suppose the part that got me the most though was this ... his reference to Jehovah God and Jesus ... being under Him ... in other words ... being much less than God Himself.

I wondered what he would do with passages like those in Isaiah which reference a coming Messiah ... calling Him "Immanuel" - meaning "GOD with us." Or what about John Gospel which opens, "the Word WAS GOD and the Word WAS WITH God." I know that this particular group has a passion for their message - they are on my street often - but being passionate about an incorrect message is still wrong.

I must wonder - however - why we who call ourselves "Christian" - who have the LIVING WORD of God ... sharper than any double-edged sword ... proven over the course of time ... continually living in our lives ... pointing us toward the ONLY hope for this world ... why aren't we as passionate with THE TRUTH as those are who do not know the truth? We are told ... "the truth shall set you free." If that is the case, shouldn't we be sharing that truth?

On a totally different topic ... I share this link for you ... it links to Sherwood Pictures Next Movie ... they are the ones who did "Facing the Giants" and "Fireproof"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiXF88hjmLg

FINALLY!!

2009-09-24T19:14:00.002-04:00

The other day, I visited with a new friend over coffee and breakfast. He shared how he had kept up with me through my blog ... last year. I suppose somewhere along the line it did not occur to me that I had not kept up with this. I'll try to do better!

As the second year of RCC is well under way, it is clear that Satan will not tolerate a good thing too long. He is a master craftsman at devising schemes, addictions, even doubts that can cause fear and intimidation in the lives of many. Often I wonder if it is worth the fight. Then I am drawn to a story like that of Cave City, Arkansas football player Thamail Morgan. He is an amazing football player who, during his junior year, received numerous scholarship offers from many Division 1 schools. Then ... he messed up. Satan distracted him long enough to lose his right to play football for his prestigious high school team and ... in the process ... lose those scholarships. That's when he was allowed to transfer to Cave City and at least have the hope of playing for this well-hidden team.

A couple of weeks ago, Cave City played Yalleville-Summit ... a co-op team that has so few players, the coach brings extra uniforms to the game - I suppose just in case he needs to pull someone from the stands. Late in their game, with Cave City clearly in the lead - Yalleville-Summit scored and then, surprising everyone, kicked off to Thamail Morgan. Thamail ran, as he nearly always did, through the pack and into the open field and prepared for one more touchdown. And then, inexplicably, he stopped.

He stopped at the two-yard line - backed up a few steps to the five and knelt down ... choosing to end the game there rather than score one more unnecessary touchdown.

Satan would have said ... go ahead ... rub their noses in it ... you deserve to score again. However, I think, Thamail realized that enough was enough and it was time for him to stand up and do the right thing ... or in this case, kneel and do the right thing.

I suppose the point is this ... we all have our own choices to make. We can choose to allow Satan to call the shots and constantly get us in trouble ... or we can take a knee and allow God to be glorified.

And sometimes ... that is not the popular thing to do.

Family Christmas Letter

2008-12-22T18:50:00.001-05:00

Well ... it has been a while since I've posted anything new, so I thought I would simply share with you my Family Christmas letter ... Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Well, here we are at the end of another year. It always amazes me how quickly a year passes and this was quite a year. In fact, I really have not caught that “Christmas Spirit” this year. However, the joy and the “return to normalcy” that I think my children are looking for needs to happen! So … with that, let’s do a quick recap of 2008.

For some … if not many or all … of you , much of what you will discover on this page is not new to you. 2008 began unlike many other years – the Tennessee Volunteers actually won their bowl game!!! Chris and I witnessed an incredible game from just 10 rows up in the end zone. As January proceeded, Caitlyn continued her Barbizon training. Denise continued teaching. I continued preaching. Nothing too out of the ordinary.

I suppose that is why God decided I needed a little excitement in life. Too make a REALLY LONG story short … things happened at First Christian Church of Inverness that were not admirable to God’s leading. (Any time you reduce “the lost” to “giving units” …) Anyway, after many left FCCI intending to simply worship elsewhere, the thought occurred to them … ‘why worship somewhere else separately when we could worship somewhere else together?’ And so, on May 14, a new church was born. A small group of 14 quickly grew to 25 then to 30 then to 40 then to … well, you get the idea. Through the “wise council” of my lovely bride and the continued knocks to the head that God was presenting to me nearly every day, I was approached by a good friend who simply responded to my question “what can I do to help?” with the words … “You can come and be our preacher!”

So, on Father’s Day, I concluded my ministry with FCCI and a month later began a ministry with Redemption Christian Church. We’re still in the same general area … in fact, I think RCC is a little closer to us! But, the way God is blessing this group is tremendous.

Well, enough about me! Caitlyn graduated from Barbizon School of modeling and is well on her way! She is going to Los Angeles in January for the International Modeling and Talent Association show and is also trying to get her foot in the door with Premiere Modeling in Ocala. (Not that I’m a proud Dad or anything!!!)

Chris is … well … he’s 9! Nuf said!!! Chris is actually doing very well … so well, in fact, that he would really like to be home schooled. He is typically ahead of nearly everyone in his class and he really wants to study some special things in the sciences and math. So … possibly in a year or so – middle school time – we may consent and start home schooling him.

Cassie and Jonathan are doing well. He is back in Iraq for a second tour of duty … hopefully his last! He’s only supposed to be there 10-12 months. Cassie is somewhat jobless right now! She is preparing to go back to school in January and will graduate in May with her A.A. in Nursing degree. She’s planning to pursue a P.A. degree and can get a good portion of it done while Jonathan’s is away.

Courtney and Daniel are doing well also. Both are still at Florida Christian College, although Daniel will graduate soon (I think!) and Courtney still has some time to go on her Elementary Education Degree but is really enjoying it (or so it appears!) Both are also doing really well at Universal. (I still think they’ll end up owning the place some day!)

That’s the ‘good’ update. There have been other things this year that have been challenging and I suppose that is why I’ve been a little tardy in this Christmas letter. In August, Mom went home to be with the Lord. For someone that never went to a doctor and seemed in relatively good health, her last days came very quickly. It’s been different not getting a card from her on our anniversary and Thanksgiving and now Christmas, and, while I know that death is a part of life … “a time to live and a time to die” … it is still a part of life I don’t like too much. Watching many of my childhood memories carted off by others at an Estate Sale and seeing the only home I ever have known simply sold off as a “part of the estate” is a memory I didn’t expect to make this year. Thankfully, Debby and Steve have really stepped in to handle the “legal” side of things that I don’t fully understand! Mom … in spite of being VERY meticulous in some things … never completed the will she had always talked about. So … the State of Florida VERY GRACIOUSLY stepped in to help!!

In October, Jonathan began his next tour to Iraq by first going to Texas and then flying to Kuwait the week before Thanksgiving. Then, just as soon as he arrived, we learned that his grandfather … one whom he had spent many a summer … passed away. Thankfully, the army allowed him an emergency leave and he was able to be home for the funeral.

And then, while we were in Georgia for Thanksgiving, my little buddy … Fezzik … went to Doggie Heaven … if there is a such a place. Beth, our good friend watches our house while we’re away and she came in Wednesday before Thanksgiving and found that my little pug had apparently died in his sleep during the night. For some, it’s just a dog … but for me … he was truly ‘man’s best friend!”

There are years when life seems to throw a lot of curve balls at you and this has been one of them! But in all of that, there is one thing that I know for an absolute certainty … GOD is STILL GOD! THE gift of Christmas … Immanuel … still means “God With Us” … and He is.

Through the miles, our love and best wishes extends to each of you and our prayers for a wonderful 2009.

Through Christ … “Merry Christmas,”

Todd, Denise, Caitlyn and Chris

What About Bob?

2008-10-14T13:14:00.001-04:00

It was a classic movie with Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfus. Murray played Bob Wiley - a man with nearly every physcosis known to modern science and then some. Richard played Dr. Leo Marvin, a cutting edge psychiatrist who's recent best seller, Baby Steps, was the catalyst for Bob's remarkable recovery. The bulk of the movie takes place at Leo's house in the country where Bob has tracked him and makes life miserable for Dr. Leo to the point that he tries everything he can to rid himself of Bob - including murder! Leo's family, however, has taken a certain liking to Bob and often asks Leo ... "What about Bob?"

Saturday, I used that phrase a few times ... mostly in jest - but certainly in disgust. Bob was the first vulture to show up. His stripped out station wagon was our first clue. His northeastern accent was identifiable. And ... with all due respect to those "honest" ones in the industry ... all Bob really needed was a good, bright, plaid jacket and he could have been a quintessential used car sales man!

Bob was a man on a mission ... a man with a purpose. Undoubtedly, he had seen the ad in the paper ... "Estate Sale" ... and he probaby began to salivate at that moment! As he entered our domicile, it was clear that he was a professional in the sense that the young ladies walking on Dale Mabry after dark are professionals! Bob quickly surveyed the material possessions that filled my mind with memories of all my 45+ years and I'm sure of my sister's __+ years. (She wouldn't want me to divulge her age since she is 12 years older than I am!)

Bob's vulturistic aim was to swoop in and capture the cream of the crop as it were ... to secure the most prolific deal that he possibly could ... and he did. Things that were ALWAYS there to me were suddenly, quickly, gone. Loaded and strapped in and on the beat up old station wagon for who knows where (probably Antique Roadshow), Bob departed ... his booty in tact. He would return once again to retrieve what wouldn't fit the first time and even to add one more item. Throughout the remainder of the day, occassionally, just to let out a little remorse, I would casually ask my sister ... "what about Bob?"

When mom died back in August, I guess it never occured to me that we would need to have an Estate Sale. All of those treasured "things" of the past are now living in someone elses home. I guess all that is left are the memories.

Of course, that's the best part! I wonder about the memories that will follow my life. Will they be good ones? I hope so. I guess I should wonder too ... "what about Bob?!"

Reflecting on Summer

2008-08-19T09:31:00.002-04:00

This is a summer I will definitely not forget. It began with my leaving a ministry I had enjoyed for 7-1/2 years ... long story but it is a classic example of what happens when God's Word is overshadowed by man's fear. I pray for that church everyday in the hope that God will cleanse out those whose lack of faith is a detriment to the growth of the body of Christ.

Well, on to a new ministry - same city - new location - incredible people! What a joy it is to serve with folks whose desire above every desire is to change the world for Christ. I know that may sound rather presumptuous, but it is the truth. The folks at RCC are people who understand that faith in the Godhead is a relational and motivational concept. I believe God is and will continue to bless this effort ... after all, He is the one who began it!

August 4th and 5th, however, are days that will not soon depart from my memory. On Monday, August 4th, I received a call from a good friend in Largo telling me my mom had been taken to the hospital. Doctors were still running tests, but she probably would need to stay in for a day or two. All seemed well - even from the nurses point of view. Mom - in her determined not to disturb me mode - did not want me even to know she had been taken to the hospital, but through the nurse, assured me all was well. (I think she knew what was happening and didn't want me there to witness that)

Tuesday morning, I left bright and early for the 2-hour drive to the hospital. I arrived in time to discover that her condition had quickly deteriorated through the night - once she saw me, things went even faster. I was able to see her for just a few minutes before doctors came in to draw more blood - and then - as quickly as it began - it was over. Mom departed this world for the next around 1130 that morning.

I'll miss my mom and I know my kids will. I never got to know my own grandparents and my kids had the privilege of knowing their grandma well. She was an inspiration to many, teaching a Bible School class of 3rd-5th grade girls for as long as anyone can remember. She will leave a void in our lives that is already felt. As a Tropical Storm approaches our coast, one of my first thoughts was to call mom and see if her house was okay.

I suppose I'll pick up the phone a lot in coming weeks ... just to check on her ...

6 Days ...

2008-07-07T20:08:00.002-04:00

So ... here we are ... 6 days away from launching a new ministry. I CAN'T WAIT!!!! I am so excited about this and know ... beyond a shadow of a doubt ... that this is where God needs me to be. Of course, the rumor mill is still churning out its fair share of meaningless platitudes. However, as Jim Carrey said in Liar, Liar ... "AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!" (I think someone else said that too!!)

Anyway - if you are in the Inverness, Florida area this Sunday, July 13 around 10 AM and want to join us at the Inverness Community Center ... Please do so! We'd love to have you!

The End of an Era ... the Beginning of Another ...

2008-06-15T21:17:00.000-04:00

Well, today was the end of an era for me. As a Pastor, you don't expect change, but you know that with God, anything is possible. That is true for me. I concluded a ministry this morning and have 4-weeks of well earned rest! Then, I'll begin a new ministry. The really cool thing is this ... I don't have to move anywhere!

God has given me the privilege of beginning a new ministry within this community. As this area grows, another Christian Church is going to be necessary and right now, the demographics are advantageous for that. The church I just concluded a ministry with became a church of particular comfort for many. The outreach and desire to seek those who were not like everyone else had long since taken over. My encouragement is my new ministry will be something brand new. It is exciting to see God work.

The only real unfortunate aspect of this for me has been those that we left behind. Many of them are so caught up in their own desires that they cannot see the forest through the trees ... they cannot see God's handiwork. I pray for them. I pray for you as you read this. I pray that God will touch you in such a way that you will reach out to him.

Have a wonderful week ...

Oh ... and GO TIGER!!!! What a golfer!

Neon

2008-05-16T11:37:00.000-04:00

"Neon (Greek neos “new”), symbol Ne, colorless, odorless, nonreactive gaseous element that makes up a tiny fraction of Earth's atmosphere."

Colorless.....
Odorless ..............
Nonreactive gaseous element ....................
Makes up a tiny fraction of Earth's atmosphere.......

No wonder I missed it for so long!!!!!

God Never Lets Go

2008-05-14T08:48:00.000-04:00

Several years ago, I had the privilege of spending time with David Crowder when he was a worship leader with Christ In Youth (CIY). I have watched as he has risen to superstar status in the recording industry and he is a remarkable writer. In light of events that have transpired in recent weeks ... both here at FCCI and around the world ... I thought I'd post what I believe to be one of David's most inspired songs. I hope it brings you encouragement.

David Crowder*Band - Never Let Go
When clouds veil sun

And disaster comes

Oh, my soul Oh, my soul

When waters rise

And hope takes flight

Oh, my soul Oh, my soul Oh, my soul
Ever faithful Ever true

You I know You never let go

You never let go You never let go You never let go
When clouds brought rain

And disaster came

Oh, my soul Oh, my soul

When waters rose

And hope had flown

Oh, my soul Oh, my soul Oh, my soul
Oh, my soul Overflows Oh, what love, oh, what love

Oh, my soul Fills hope Perfect love that never lets go
Oh, what love, oh what love Oh, what love, oh what love

In joy and pain

In sun and rain

You’re the same

Oh, You never let go

The Sin of Omission

2008-04-30T12:05:00.001-04:00

Within the past Sunday's Sermon, I used a poem by Margaret Sangster that many asked about. Here is that poem. It is also found within William Bennett's masterful collection titled "The Book of Virtues"

The Sin of Omission
Margaret Sangster

It isn’t the thing you do, dear,
It’s the thing you leave undone
That gives you a bit of heartache
At the setting of the sun.
The tender word forgotten,
The letter you did not write,
The flowers you did not send, dear,
And your haunting ghosts at night.
The stone you might have lifted
Out of a brother’s way;
The bit of heartsome counsel
You were hurried too much to say;
The loving touch of the hand, dear,
The gentle, winning tone
Which you had no time nor thought for
With troubles enough of your own.”

Okay Dave, Just for You!!

2008-04-07T11:23:00.000-04:00

So I've been reminded that it has been a while, January 28th to be exact, since I posted a blog. SORRY!!! So I'll make an attempt to share some words of wisdom!

How about these words ... Never, never, never give up! Those are easy words ... those are profound words ... those are perfect words ... IF ... we actually abide by them. Last night was a good example of those words. There were 7.1 seconds on the clock. My beloved Lady Volunteers were down 46-45. Candace Parker - the perenial All American was not on the top of her game following a twice seperated shoulder in a previous outing. Alexis Hornbuckle hadn't even scored 1 point all night. Only 45 points for a team that is used to dominating the game seemed quite shallow. And, with only 7.1 seconds left and the Lady's on the lower standard of the score, it seemed as though LSU was finally going to a National Championship game.

The inbound pass went to Candace. With her long frame she easily took the ball down the floor in just 4 or 5 steps. She dished off to Nicki Anosike, who herself was having a rough night. The "easy" lay-up was not even close. But, Alexis grabbed the rebound and dropped in a bucket ... literally within the last second. As the ball went through the net and the clock stopped at .7 seconds, the Lady Vols were up 47-46 and all LSU could do was hope for a miracle ... one which never came.

7.1 seconds for most people is nothing. The first paragraph took me longer than 7.1 seconds to write. 7.1 seconds ... easy to give up that much time ... however, time is our most precious commodity. It is the one thing that doesn't change with inflation ... it is the same every day ... 24-hours ... 1,440 minutes ...86,400 seconds every day. In the grand scheme of things ... 7.1 seconds just doesn't seem to amount to much.

Just remember though ... it just could be the difference between going home and playing one more championship game. Don't ever underestimate the value of a few seconds. It could be the most important seconds of the game!

I Know It's Been A While

2008-01-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

Greetings!
I know that it has been a while since I last blogged, but I've had a lot on my mind and figured it might all come out in one jumbled mass! However, today as I was reading one of my favorite fellow bloggers - his words really jumped out too me. So - I want to share them with you. This is from friend, fellow blogger and minister, Aaron Chambers ...

Monday, January 28, 2008
They Like Jesus But Hate The Church?

In a meeting I attended recently with some church leaders from around the country I heard this phrase spoken as a sample of how young adults view the Church: "They like Jesus, but hate the church."

Interesting.

And impossible.

If I understand New Testament ecclesiology we don't have the luxury of separating Christ and his Bride.

Jesus and the Church are one and the same.

When Saul was on his way to Damascus to continue his persecution of Christ's Church a blinding bright light appeared from heaven, Saul fell to the ground, and he heard a voice from heaven saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"Acts 9:4

Who was Saul persecuting? The Church.

Who did the Lord accuse Saul of persecuting? Himself ("Me")

What's the lesson? Jesus was taking the persecuting of his church personally. What you do to the Church you do to Jesus. What we do to--and say about--the Church, we're doing--and saying--about Jesus.

We can't like Jesus and hate the church. It's a false dichotomy (Jesus on one side-His Church on the other).

That's like saying, "I like Arron, but hate Rhonda (my wife)." Here's a little advice: Don't say that within swinging distance of my right arm. :)

How you treat my wife is how you treat me.

I understand the angst reflected in the statement ("I like Jesus but hate the Church"). Many young--and older--adults are frustrated with the legalism, traditionalism, and divisiveness they see in their congregations or the church as a whole. They love Jesus and want to see his Bride become all she can be, but I think they're . . . we're . . . going at it the wrong way.

In my opinion the best way to help the Bride of Christ (the Church) to become stronger, healthier, and more unified is simply to love her--and her Groom--even more.

"Amen and Amen!"

Merry "CHRISTmas"

2007-12-21T11:47:00.001-05:00

My daugher and I noticed it at nearly the same time ... but she voiced it first. With an air of disgust she noted the words on the sign to her high school as we pulled in Friday morning for the drop-off ritual. The sign had the politically correct greeting of "Happy Holidays" but underneath was the "Word of the Day" ... Nativity. She said, "that just doesn't make sense!"

I understood her lament. In a politically correct world - afraid to mention "Christmas" as you might offend someone - yet encouraging others to understand the word "nativity" ... a term whose very meaning is "representation of the birth of Jesus Christ".

May I suggest to you ... do what I have been doing ... when those who feel compelled to simply offer the politically correct "Happy Holidays" ... respond with a hearty "Merry Christmas." I've been doing that lately and have noticed some of the best responses from cashiers and clerks and even passersby.

I think everybody would rather have a Merry Christmas instead of a Happy Holiday anyway!

Merry CHRISTMAS!!!!

FINALLY!!

2007-12-17T14:59:00.000-05:00

It took 32 years ... 1,864 kickoffs ... and 90-yards ... for Michael Spurlock to accomplish something that had NEVER been done before. It sounds relatively simple, but for a team that has never done things in a simple way ... it was tremendous. For the first time in history, a Tampa Bay Buccaneer scored a touchdown by returning a kick-off. Finally, that monkey is off of their backs.

I'm sure all of us have had things we have attempted over and over and over - and yet over again - and continually failed to the point that we just gave up trying. Well, take a lesson from the many who have found themselves on the receiving end of a kick off or punt and had their hope dashed by some defensive player who tackled him short of his promised land of the end zone ... keep on trying ... some day - you'll find yourself celebrating in the end zone!

A Football Parable

2007-12-10T10:46:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, there was a football team. They were pretty good ... had a good team ... moved the ball well. But they just didn't score too many touchdowns. So, they tried some new plays and that seemed to work ... but pretty soon, the new plays became standard plays and they were back to just making it to mid-field and not much farther.

So, they decided to draft a couple of new players. They were full of energy and passion for the game, nearly to the discouragement to some of the players that had been on the field for a long time. All of a sudden, the quarterback had a really good receiver to go along with some of the seasoned veterans and he had a running back that could not only move the ball, but could block for the other backs when necessary. The quarterback began to notice that the team was playing at a level they had never played at before.

But then, one day, some of the veteran guards and backs and receivers started talking amongst themselves in the lockerroom. They didn't like the new receiver and running back too much. One of them didn't wear their uniform the same way everybody else did and the other one seemed to get the ball too much, they thought. Disgruntled, even though their team was winning, they decided, one by one, to simply stand on the field. They wouldn't move from their position. So, one game, the quarterback received the snap, went back to pass the ball and because he couldn't see over the line very well, he threw the ball to where the receiver was supposed to be, but he hadn't moved. The opponents intercepted and ran unimpeded to the end zone.

The next series of downs didn't go much better. The running back was handed the ball, but he just stood there. He didn't even try to move. The quarterback wondered what was going on, but recieved the next snap and by now, a couple of the guards had decided to simply do nothing as well and the quarterback, left ungaurded, was pummeled by the opposing team. After a couple more plays like that, he was simply carried off the field ... defeated.

The moral of the parable ... everybody has a place on the team and when one or two players purposefully decide not to play ... it leaves the team vulnerable and helpless.

Linus and Charlie Brown

2007-11-29T11:46:00.000-05:00

Here we are approaching CHRISTMAS again - notice I did not say the politically correct "Holiday Season." I'm not sure what everyone is so afraid of in refering to Christmas as "Christmas." Oh - anyway - that's another blog for another day.

Don't you just love "A Charlie Brown Christmas?" It is a perennial favorite and within that simple cartoon is a question of monumental importance. Charlie Brown simply (and loudly) asks ... "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

It is such a basic question and such a powerful one at the same time. Linus masterfully tells the story of Christmas and very casually announces to Charlie Brown ... "that is what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown."

I would imagine that we have a lot of Charlie Brown's in our world today who just want to know what it is all about ... in fact, some of their questions may even point toward a deeper well ... "why was Jesus born in the first place?"

That's what we'll be talking about at the church I serve over the course of the next few weeks ... He was Born ... to bring peace ... to fulfill the law ... to give life ... to die ... and ... to build a church. I hope that you will join us, either in person or via the webcast each week.

Until then, have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Ranger

2007-11-21T22:35:00.000-05:00

This is Ranger! He and I became acquainted for about an hour today. He is a beautiful friend and is quite knowledgeable of his job. He along with several of his friends shared their "expertise" with my family and I through the woods of the Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park. It was a beautiful day for a ride and the guides that accompanied us/led us through the oft-trod terrain were quite engaging. Chris had a pony that was just the perfect size for him. His cousin Julia an equally appropriate steed. As for the other two cousins, Caitlyn and Kathleen, their mounts were beautiful animals that were quite patient with them. As for Uncle John, Grandpa, and myself -- well, let's just say that Douglas Fairbanks, John Wayne and James Arness never looked so good atop their trusty stallions!!

I did find one thing particularly interesting. Our guide told us the basics of our horses, how to turn and of course, how to stop. What to do if they began to trot a little faster than we were comfortable ... and how to speed them up if we needed to catch up. Mainly, though, they encouraged us to stay on the path, particularly in a couple of narrow spots. I guess what was interesting was that the horses have been down these paths so often, they could probably do it in their sleep ... I think mine was!!! At times, no matter how much pulling I did on the reins, Ranger just wouldn't turn - even though it meant I might rub my leg against a tree or have to use one hand to bat the branch out of the way. I was simply trying to steer him in a more unobstructed direction.

People are like that from time to time as well. They have walked the same path for so long, that no matter how hard you pull on their reins, they just won't move from one side to another. We might say, they are set in their ways. How unfortunate! I mean, the smoother path ... the path with less obstacles ... the path that has fewer rocks ... could be just a step or two over ... if they would only heed the reins.

Well, I hope you have a very Blessed Thanksgiving. Give thanks, with a grateful heart ... give thanks to the Holy One ... Give thanks, because He's given ... Jesus Christ, His Son.

Until next time ...
... I'm off with Ranger!!

Pastor Todd

Will Someone PLEASE Stop the Madness?!

2007-11-15T09:42:00.000-05:00

I am continually amazed at the stupidity of the human race. I'm sorry if that is offensive to some ... but come on folks ... this is a prime Bill Engvall - "Here's Your Sign," moment.

Have you seen the headlines from Sydney, Austrailia? Hold on to your red and green argyle socks for this one ... are you sitting down? Okay - here it is ... "Santas warned 'ho, ho, ho' offensive to women." Sydney Santa Clauses have been instructed to say "Ha, Ha, Ha." Santas have been told that 'ho, ho, ho,' can frighten children and could be demeaning to women because of the US slang usage of the term ...

Of course, someone could venture to say that "ha, ha, ha" is to Christian and that Santa shouldn't use it either ... you know ... its just too close to "ha-ha-ha-hallelujah ...

I suppose we could try "He, he, he," but that might offend some men's groups ... we could try 'hi, hi, hi,' but some might consider that an encouragement to try drugs ... and "hu, hu, hu" just doesn't make any sense at all ... hmmmm ... maybe that's the one for Santa. I mean, we live in a world that just doesn't make much sense right now!

Have a Happy Day!

Out of Water?

2007-11-02T13:04:00.000-04:00

Have you heard about Orme, Tennessee yet? If not, you probably will hear about them soon. They are a small town ... 145 residents ... west of Chattanooga. They are in one of the severest drought areas in the southeast. For 3-hours each day, town mayor Tony Reames "drives up a dusty dirt road to the community's towering water tank and begins his nightly ritual in front of a rusty metal valve."

Between 6 and 9 PM, the townspeople drop what they are doing to make sure they are home to wash clothes, do the dishes, take baths or cook dinner ... in short, anything that needs water as those precious 3-hours will be their only opportunity for the day. The city has an annual budget of $13,000. Of that, thus far this year, $8,000 has gone to solve the water shortage.

While our prayers are with them, our concerns must rise as well. As more and more people depend and use water, the supply has to drop. We've seen that in our area lakes. We also probably wonder ... how do people live like that? Only 3-hours of water a day?

The sad thing is this ... there are probably more people in our world today that seemingly try to survive on even less. In fact, there are many within this very congregation. In John 4, Jesus shared with a woman by a well the concept of Living Water ... spiritual drink that all who follow Jesus desperately need on a daily basis. Yet more often than not, most attempt to only drink from the well for one-hour on a Sunday.

How sad that the town of Orme has to be limited to just 3-hours a day. How much sadder that too many Christian's limit themselves to just 1-hour a week when there is a limitless supply.

Drink and be quenched my friends!

Siphoning

2007-10-22T14:03:00.000-04:00

It was an intriguing story anyway you looked at it. A 70-year-old man, nonchalantly parks his heavy duty pickup truck with large trailer near the curb of a gas station, raises the hood, and proceeds to have "engine trouble." Or at least, that is the appearance that he desired to give. Once, 70-year-old Hobert Gibson even "chatted with a Florida Highway Patrol officer while on one of his missions."

His mission, you ask? Over the course of several months - on perhaps a daily basis - Gibson siphoned perhaps thousands of gallons of gasoline from the underground storage tanks of gas stations and convenience stores. A trap door in the trailer allowed him to obscure the view of passersby as he stole up to 3250 gallons of gas at a time. No wonder our gas prices are so high!

As I thought about that 'crime' it occurred to me that a similar crime happens every Sunday in churches all across the land. A worship leader, minister, choir, musicians, etc., spend all week carefully preparing, through the guiding of God's Holy Spirit, a time to worship and adore our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As His children, we are blessed with opportunities to raise our voice in song - whether or not we can carry a tune in a bucket. We are challenged to be in His presence in spite of our sinful nature. And, we are commissioned to fellowship with HIM in a way that is second to none.

Yet, every Sunday, there are those who will pull their "trailer" in and siphon the fuel of the Spirit from the Body of Christ through their critical spirit, their short-sighted thinking and their overall "It's all about ME" attitude. I want ... I want ... I want ... seems to be their mantra. Yet that is in stark contrast to Jesus attitude which had the mantra ... I serve ... I serve ... I serve ... even to the point of death ... I serve because of YOU.

Are you a servant or a siphon?

Don't just go to church ...

2007-09-28T08:45:00.000-04:00

We spend a lot of time "going to church." Some of you travel many miles ... others volunteer on the grounds ... still others are so hungry for God's Word that you come every time the doors are open. But we all know ... at least I hope we do ... that there is so much more than just "going to church."

We are called to "Be the Church." We are the "Body of Christ," and as such, we demonstrate Christ on earth. What are some of the things that Jesus did? He served ... He loved ... He healed ... He taught ... etc. While some of those things that Jesus did, he did from an "Immanuel - God With Us" stand point, but many of those, He did from the standpoint of "he took on flesh and lived among us."

So, how can we "be the church"? My wife shared with me last night that a church in our community, 25 or so of their members took the special volunteer class the school board offers, just so they, as a church, could volunteer at a local school. They adopted that school financially, but they wanted to do more ... they wanted to go.

Our brothers and sisters at Southland Christian Church in Lexington, KY did something different last weekend to "Be the Church." They wrote letters to Britney Spears. In the encouragement from Pastor Jon Weece, "No preaching. No criticizing. Just love. As a church, let’s love Britney the way Jesus loves her."

Let's BE THE CHURCH - instead of just going to church!

See ya Sunday!!

What a concept!

2007-09-21T13:29:00.000-04:00

I must admit, there are days in the ministry I long for Jesus' return more than others. I must admit, there are times when "God's People" really get me down because they act more like spiritual infants than the spiritual mature they should be.

Okay, now that I've got that off my chest! I like to surf! I bet you didn't know that about me ... but yes ... I am a surfer ... yup - just give me a mouse or remote and I can channel surf with the best of them!! At home, there are specific channels I surf to - most of them have something to do with sports or the news. But in the office - on the computer - my surfing is usually a little more wide open. I surf to other churches and catch a message from one of the myriad of wonderful proclaimers of God's Word ... I'll check a college to see how the new school year is going ... I'll find news venues from places I have lived in the past, and at times like today, discover that a good friend was in a bad accident. But I have some "bookmarked" surfing areas so that with one or two clicks of the mouse, I can arrive. One of those is good friend and fellow preacher, Arron Chambers. Arron is a wonderful speaker but also accomplished writer. He is also a triathlete. In a recent blog, Arron, comparing some triathlete accomplishments, made this comparison to the Christian walk that is too powerful to leave in his little corner of the world ...

"What if you could only call yourself a "Christian" if you helped to fulfill the Great Commission in the past 12 months by leading someone to Christ? What kind of impact would that have on the Church? What kind of impact would that have on our evangelistic efforts?"

Under that 'guideline' - would you be able to legitimately call yourself a "Christian"? Hmmm ... I must admit, there are days ...

Where Were You?

2007-09-11T11:59:00.000-04:00

"Where were you when the world stopped turnin’ that September day?"

That’s the question that begins one of the many songs that came from the day we will never forget. 6 years ago on this very day, time stood still. To answer that question, I suppose every one of us can remember where we were and what we were doing. I had arrived at the office at Hillside Court and was beginning the day. I hadn’t even really turned my computer on yet when the first call came in from Sug Poore. Her words were quick and to the point. Do you have the news on? “No, not yet I replied.” “We’re under attack” is all I remember her saying. Of course the Internet by then was jammed with others trying to find some news. We found a pair of rabbit ears for a television we had and were able to find some snowy scenes of the desperate day.
What took 6 years and 8 months to build was destroyed in 1 hour and 42 minutes. Since then, everything has changed and everything has remained the same. What I mean by that is this.
Everything in our vocabulary has changed. A “Daisy Cutter” used to be something only a gardener might understand. Now it is the nickname of the BLU-82 Bomb. After a heavy rain, boys (and girls) could be found outside rolling mounds of dirt into balls and hurling them through the air … their impact being a ‘dirty bomb.’ Today, we understand that differently to indicate something that contains and is intended to spread radioactivity.
No longer is 9-11 simply the emergency number that we call to summon the fire department or the police. And will we ever hear the two simple words “Let’s Roll” the same again.
Yet while everything has changed, everything remains the same. While our country came under attack that day and many sought refuge in the Sanctuaries of God around the country, that seeking quickly diminished, and today, we are right back battling the same ideological battles that we were on September 10. Our concerns are not focused on those who are lost without a Savior but instead are focused on such mundane things as what kind of music to play and how loud or soft to play it … how warm or cold the building is … the length or breadth of the sermon … and even the clothes on another man’s back. The imminence of the Lord’s Return just doesn’t seem to be a priority once again for most folks.
There are several assurances we have in Scripture. One of them is this emphatic word from God in Psalm 46 … I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. That is not just some empty possibility. That is an emphatic guarantee.
Allow me to close with this thought from the Apostle Paul … For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Where will you be the next time the world stops turnin’?

An interesting book!

2007-06-07T09:56:00.000-04:00

Gainesville is a really long drive! Okay - I know ... it's really not that long, but it seems so when you're driving by yourself! So, to aid in some companionship as I ventured to Shand's Hospital, I took a book along with me. I know what you're thinking - 'wait a minute Todd ... you were driving, how could you read!?'

Well, some time ago, I discovered the joy of "listening" to books. I can download books to my palm pilot, plug in a set of ear-plugs or a headset, and listen away. I found an interesting book from one of my favorite leadership authors ... Ken Blanchard. This one was intriguing because it wasn't your typical 'how-to' style book. Instead, it was a story. A narrative about the inner workings of a company (whether this was a fictional company or not, I'm not sure yet.) But the premise was highly intriguing ... a team leader whose team was floundering. She desired to understand "The Secret" of good leadership. Through a newly initiated company mentoring project, she developed skills and character to the point that she was promoted to a "leadership trainer."

If you are a part of our leadership team, you'll probably hear more about this later! But, allow me to share this one little portion. Leadership is all about serving. The greatest leader of all time was Jesus Christ ... would you not agree? What did He tell us ...? "I came - not to be served - but to serve."

Perhaps our greetings should not be - "what do you want?" Perhaps our greeting should be "what can I do to serve you?"

Think about that!
Todd

Do you hear the warning?

2007-05-29T09:52:00.001-04:00

My family and I took a little R & R this weekend. Sunday after church, we took off for Orlando, a favorite spot of ours in Florida. We had a place in Downtown Disney to stay for the night and did a little shopping, a little eating, and a lot of walking! Then, on Monday, we lazily got out of bed, found a GREAT all-you-could eat breakfast buffet (which I did!) and then went on to meet Courtney at her place of employment ... Universal Studios.

I called her from the parking garage just to let her know that we were there and then we began the long journey (if you've never been to Universal - there is about a mile or so seperation from the parking garage to the actual parks)

As we neared the security check point ... that wonderful little place where a complete stranger rummages through your belongings ... an alarm sounded. Not just any alarm, but the fire alarm. It was accompanied by the pre-recorded message that people needed to proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly fashion. I paused for a moment, checking to see if this were in deed an actual emergency.

The guards never missed a beat in their searches ... the visitors continued to stream on, only escalating their voices a little more in an attempt to talk over the still-blaring alarm. I called Courtney and she said it was probably only in the City Walk area ... "probably someone burned the popcorn in the theater."

I suppose that could be ... but what caught my attention was the absolute absence of any concern whatsoever to the sounding alarm. No one even seemed to notice.

Hmmmm ... that sounds so familiar. Where have I heard an idea like that before? Let me think ... let's see - wait ... I think I remember now ... something about a warning that no one listened to ... now where was that? Hmmmmm........

A New Day

2007-05-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

Sunday was a new day for me. I never woke up that way before. I've awoke to the sounds of deer rustling outside of my tent ... I have awakened to the thunderous applause of the heavens that the night is over and the new day has dawned ... I have even been startled awake by the ringing of a telephone in the wee hours of the morning. But this past Sunday was a first for me. Never have I awakened that way. In fact, it is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Oh sure, I will always awake that way from now on ... in fact, there will come a day (in the not too distant future) when my 'condition' will be doubled! And then - someday - possibly - tripled ... and then, believe it or not ... quadrupled!!!

I know that all three or four of you who read this probably really don't care that for the first time in my life, I woke up as a bonafide "Father-In-Law" but to me, it was pretty cool! Oh sure, I know there will be more 'firsts' in my life - but this is one of those that will never be repeated and I'm sure I'll remember it for a long time!

What are some of your 'once-in-a-lifetime' firsts that you recall? Your wedding? Your first born? Your baptism? Relish those thoughts. Don't ever let them slip by. They are precious to you!

The "Soak" Zone

2007-04-27T13:19:00.000-04:00

I went to Sea World with my son on a field trip yesterday. It was quite fun - although I can't recall how many times we have been there through the years. With annual passes there for a while, we went quite often ... however, in all of those trips, we never sat real close to the front of Shamu Stadium. 52 degree salt water cascading on me from a behemouth whale is not my best thoughts for the day!!

But, this time, I relented. As the "adult" in the midst of several 2nd graders, I found it my duty to supervise. I convinced them that the 5th row up would offer sufficient water coverage and they agreed. If you have been in Shamu Stadium, then you know that the lower rows are very clearly labeled "Soak Zone." NOT "splash zone" - but "SOAK ZONE." There is little doubt what WILL HAPPEN! The boys were eager with anticipation.

While we waited, another group came in - a group of middle school students (their shirts were a dead give away!) They sat in the first and second rows of the stadium ... in the clearly marked SOAK ZONE. And really, you can't be unprepared for the "Soaking" because the tell-tale sign is when the Cast begins their "Shamu - Shamu" chant and wave their arms in the air in Orca-tale like fashion. --- The first wave of water -- or should I say --- the first tsunami of water landed squarely ... if not perfectly ... on the first two rows. Four or five of the girls in that group were visibly (and unrepeatable audibly) upset. In fact, upset is not a sufficient word for what they were.

Yet, I had to marvel at their furious behavior because ALL Warning Signs - even Audible Warnings - were in place CLEARLY telling them ... they would be soaked.

I also continually marvel at those who are sitting in the Church Soak Zone! All of the signs are there ... If I go and prepare a place ... I will come back ----- no one comes to the Father except through Me ----- this is how they will know you are My disciples, if you love one another ---- do unto others as you would have done unto you.

Yes, all the signs are there ...

...yet I have a feeling when the day comes that the tsunami of truth that those signs represent casts down upon us, there will be those who are going to react as though they had no idea that wave was coming ...

Think about that!!
See ya Sunday!

Something to ponder

2007-04-23T11:00:00.000-04:00

"Brendan Watson is 25. Last year, he bought his first house in St. Pete. Last week he bought his first handgun, a 9mm. He doesn't like guns. But feels he needs one." That's the way a recent article in the St. Petersburg Times bagan. Brendan is a writer for the paper and his words really hit me as I read them ... particularly the last line I quoted ... "[he] feels he needs one." I have never been a "pro-gun" advoctate nor an "anti-gun" supporter, but I am concerned when a young man writes that he "feels he needs one."

Granted, we live in a country where violence seems to be on the upswing, but doesn't this just make matters worse? We already have signs of what "feels he needs one," type of thinking gets us. We could just as easily be talking about alcohol or drugs or even sexual issues. The need for just one more will eventually lead to a habit ... which leads to character ... which leads to destiny.

I think somewhere along the way we have missed the mark. Our philosophy of self-protection equals safety doesn't always compute to a level playing field - as we learned so unfortunately last Monday. Perhaps a better philosophy to live by is the one that Jesus gave to us ... Treat others the way you would want yourself to be treated. Love your enemies. Love your neighbor as yourself. Husband's love your wives the way Christ loved the church. Wives, respect your husbands. Children, honor and obey your parents.

Maybe I'm tilting too many windmills - but it seems to me that The One who created the Universe in perfect order knows a thing or two about how we should behave and treat each other.

Think about it!!

There are days you won't forget ...

2007-04-16T14:07:00.000-04:00

December 7, 1941 ... January 28, 1986 ... April 20, 1999 ... September 11, 2001 ...

... and now ... April 16, 2007 ... the day America saw her worst school shooting in history. Reports are still sketchy coming in - but so far, reports say 22 dead and at least 28 injured in a shooting at Virginia Tech. A premeditated plan to "go out in a big bang," as one commentator just said. Where is our world going?

May your prayers be with the families that are hurting right now. This is a day we won't forget. Perhaps it will help us to remember it ...

... then again - maybe it won't.

Behold the Lamb

2007-04-05T08:48:00.000-04:00

Last night in our Bible Study time, we studied the concept of Jesus' Passion week. I found it interesting that as soon as I turned on my Computer Radio - set to JoyFM of course - they were talking about the same thing!

If looking at the Biblical story from today's dateline - today - Thursday - would be Passover ... the day that Jesus shared a last meal with his Apostles - washing their feet ... a task usually reserved for the lowliest of servants - even washing the feet and dining with the one who would betray Him and the one who would deny Him.

It was a time of prayer - intense prayer for Jesus in the Garden - praying so diligently that his sweat fell as drops of blood to the ground.

John the Baptist - 3 years earlier looked to Jesus and said of Him "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." Now, during this Passover season, Jesus would demonstrate just what that meant. The Blood of The Lamb covers the doorposts of our sinful hearts, protecting us, keeping us, saving us.

He was wounded for our transgressions - wounded for our iniquities.

If you have time today - go to www.thejoyfm.com and download "The Easter Song" that they created. It is a powerful time of worship!

Pastor Todd

May my Tennessee friends PLEASE FORGIVE ME!

2007-04-03T09:34:00.000-04:00

Okay - I'll admit it - I was cheering for the Gators last night - Oh alright - I was cheering for the Gators last night! It just seemed natural to cheer for a vicious reptile rather than a worthless nut (or so I have been told that is what a "Buckeye" is) - although I have a friend who makes a candy called a "Buckeye" that is scrumptious!! But I digress ...

I listened as the commentators continually praised the team work of the 2 time - 2 time - 2 time - National Champs! Did you know that they had 5 starters with 1,000 point seasons? If you are a true Gator fan you did! That is almost unheard of in this day of showmanship and self-gratification. But the commentators last night not only impressed upon their audience that fact, but also recognized how unselfish the players were. Just because they might have an open shot - there might be someone with a better open shot and they would pass it off. Florida can be proud of their fine team. I would hope that they would consider sticking around. Lee Humphrey (a Tennessee boy!!) is the only senior of the starters to graduate out. Could anyone say "3-peat!"?

Hmmm ... what if? Oh - no - it's probably too much to imagine! What if the teamwork in the church ... ? Hmmm - I wonder .....

WOW!

2007-03-30T12:09:00.000-04:00

WOW!! I'll say it again backwards ... WOW!! What an awesome concert last night that the Mountain Mission School choir shared with 192 wonderfully blessed people! We had several from area churches here to join us for the amazing night and the offering for the school was great.

A very special THANK YOU to all who helped in the Kitchen to feed the crew dinner ... to Gene for getting everything set up, clean up and locked up! And to all who helped with housing. God is Good! In spite of a couple set-backs in housing, we still had more than enough beds for all of the kids! Thank you ... thank you!!!

If you missed the concert - shame on you!!! I've already had folks ask when we can do a missions trip to Grundy and that is something we'll check into. I think it would be a tremendous opportunity.

Well ... have a great weekend and don't forget - this Sunday is not JUST April Fools Day -- but it is also Palm Sunday --- and we have some special things planned for worship. Don't miss it!

See you then
Pastor Todd

An Upgrade

2007-03-20T09:13:00.000-04:00

I have my home page set to MSN so that I can catch up on the news each day. I always try to find time to tab over to the "Peculiar Postings." The other day I came across this headline ... "Woman Upgraded After Dying in Coach." That almost screams out READ ME!!!

So I did! It would seem that an elderly woman, flying with her daughter from Dehli to London, expired after take-off. Instead of landing the plane at another airport - (I would assume that simply landing in a foreign country to drop off a dead body is frowned upon in most parts of the world) - they moved her corpse to first class ... along with her daughter who was quite obviously grieving the loss of her mother. A passenger woke up to "a shock when he found himself sitting near a corpse."

To make matters worse ... the article continued ... that due to turbulence, the body kept slipping out of the seat belt and onto the floor. The "shocked" passenger said, "it was horrific. The body had to be wedged in place with lots of pillows."

Perhaps the line that caught my attention the most, however, was this from British Airways ... "they chose the option they thought would cause least disruption."

Hmmm ... moving a corpse from Coach to First class. Yeah, I suppose that would be too disrupting! But then again ... it has happened before. Well - maybe not with a corpse, but I do seem to remember a story about a Guy who went from first class to coach to baggage and back to first class again. And if I remember the story correctly - I seem to remember Him saying that if we wanted to go from coach to first class - we could do that too! And the incredible thing is that we wouldn't have to pay any extra - He had already paid for the upgrade! In fact, He even said, "I AM the way!"

I've put in for my upgrade ... how about you?

Have a Happy Day!
Todd

March Madness

2007-03-09T10:43:00.000-05:00

I love this time of the year! In the words of Dick Vitale ... "It's March Madness babeeeeee!" There's just something about college basketball that I really like. I really don't have an absolute favorite like some do ... although I try to follow the biggies ... Duke, North Carolina, Florida - of course, Tennessee!

I think what appeals to me is that they really try! I mean, when you see guys throwing everything they have for 40-minutes to win a game - that's exciting. I really don't watch much of the pro's anymore. For what compensation they receive, I don't think there is an adequate return. They have lost the joy of playing the game for the fun of it and seem to be more caught up in the paycheck that comes at the end of the week.

I know a few Christians who are still in college - Praise God! They still hustle every time they are on the court. They don't let some guard stop their pursuit of sinking a "three:sixteen pointer" or shooting a GRACEful FREEthrow into the open bucket of someone's heart. Their zealousness is based in keeping their eye on the prize before them.

I know a few Christians who are "pro's" too. They have signed their name to the contract and feel quite confident that their "paycheck" will be there regardless of how hard they play the game. If they foul out early - it really doesn't matter to them because they'll still draw their compensation.

So ... "it's March Madness babeeeee!" Are you with me? Let's play for the title! Let's "keep our eyes on the prize before us." Our Head Coach continues to cheer us on! Let us keeping shooting - keep pressing forward - keep up the faith. It may only be a couple of 20-minute halves away before the clock expires and the horn sounds for the last time!

Have a GREAT weekend!
Pastor Todd

Being Stoned

2007-03-06T15:51:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been "stoned"? Oh - now come on - you know what I'm talking about - get your mind out of the gutter!!!! Seriously, this past Sunday, I preached on the passage in John 8 that talks about the Pharisees bringing a sinful woman before Jesus - in order to trap Jesus. The proper punishment was to be stoned ... and apparently, they came prepared.

The more I have thought about that, I've come to realize that many times when we "bring people to Jesus" in prayer or in 'conversation' - we come just like the Pharisees did. What I mean is this ... we bring our stones with us. We say "Lord - this person has sinned and the good book says they should be punished ... now what do YOU say?"

I wonder if we will ever really hear His words, "let the one who is without sin cast the first stone"? He's been saying it so long and yes - I readily admit to casting a stone or two. And yes, I have felt the sting of one or two hitting me.

There is only one who is adequately qualified to cast stones our way - that's why I hope I'm never stoned!

You think about that!!!

Pastor Todd

The Tomb of Jesus Christ?

2007-02-27T09:41:00.000-05:00

I read with great interest the post yesterday from MSNBC in regard to the supposed find that producer James Cameron is propogating. In particular, I was intrigued by the article caption ... "A book and movie allege the final resting place of Mary, Joseph and the King of Kings has been found. Controversy to follow." You think!? "Controversy to follow" is one of those phrases that just have to make you chortle - or at least smirk!

As followers of Christ, however, things like this should not surprise us. Consider these words from the Apostle Paul as he wrote words of encouragement to his protoge Timothy ... from THE MESSAGE translation ... "You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant."

Our job - is not necessarily to feed the "Controversy to follow" routine ... but instead to remain firm and faithful to the SOLID TRUTH of the Word of God.

Dave Lost His Check

2007-02-26T16:51:00.000-05:00

Last evening was quite an eventful one. As services dismissed, Dave, Dustin and I met for a little while - our only chance to have a staff meeting all weekend. When that was concluded, Dave realized that he had misplaced his check. What followed was a 15-minute period of franticness! We seached HIGH. We searched low. We searched places we didn't even know we had. Dave retraced his steps throughout the weekend, seeking help from anyone he could. Frustration was about to give birth to acceptance of loss when Dustin, taking one last search of his van, discovered the wayward renumeration under some other packings -- and oh, the joy that ensued!!

In the last few weeks, I've thought a lot about those who don't know Jesus as their Savior. I'm wondering, if there will ever come a time when they will realize something is missing and if they do, will they search HIGH and search low and search everywhere they can possibly imagine. And if they are just about to give up - will there be someone who can offer them hope by saying "I've got what you're looking for."

Lost in thought,
Pastor Todd

Technical Difficulties

2007-02-24T22:16:00.001-05:00

We are having technical defficulties using the remote update right now. This blog will be updated soon.