Merry "CHRISTmas"

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!!

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

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

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

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?!

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?

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

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 ...

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!

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?

"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!

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?

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

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

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

"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 ...

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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