tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82731960999394582022024-02-07T03:28:58.850-05:00Pastor ToddLead Pastor of Redemption Christian Church in Inverness, FloridaPastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-34147975720917419482009-12-24T08:45:00.003-05:002009-12-24T08:49:31.164-05:00Isn't there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?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 ..."<br /><br />And - with a little more of the expanded story - and yes - from a different translation of the Scriptures ... here you are ....<br /><br />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. <br />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. <br />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.” <br />13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, <br />14 “Glory to God in highest heaven,<br />and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” <br />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.” <br />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.<br /><br />"That's what Christmas is all about."<br /><br />Merry CHRISTmas!Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-15283451615429239182009-12-09T10:08:00.003-05:002009-12-09T10:27:51.347-05:00To cry or not to cry ...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."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.'"<br /><br />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."<br /><br />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! <br /><br />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."Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-3805668079967472722009-12-01T09:57:00.002-05:002009-12-01T10:08:42.752-05:00It's beginning to look a lot like .......It's <em></em> that <em></em> 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!<br /><br />So why is it that during this most wonderful time ... there are folks who forget all about things like ... "love, joy, peace, <em></em> patience <em></em>, kindness, gentleness and <em></em>self-control<em></em>?" 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!!)<br /><br />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!<br /><br />All the more reason to ask the question ... <em></em>What If ...<em></em> ... 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 ... <em></em>"I want a hippopotamus for Christmas ... only a hippopotamus will do ...."<em></em> <br /><br />Have a HAPPY Day!!Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-20313663007494803202009-10-24T09:06:00.002-04:002009-10-24T09:20:10.467-04:00Just an observation ...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)<br /><br />PAUSE<br /><br />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." <br /><br />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." <br /><br />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 ...Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-75603579119747889392009-10-22T08:54:00.002-04:002009-10-22T09:05:34.639-04:00Comparitively Speaking ...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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />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"<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiXF88hjmLgPastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-63576801557179497832009-09-24T19:14:00.002-04:002009-09-24T19:31:25.946-04:00FINALLY!!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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWi3t5QWNkyLo30PAz__DcWAp-OeeGf1E6N4M7R9urp3j7GZdU2W-_QynVJ3KwcC7Bd9xnSaTwv_rgsDrUXf4C7EBYtYA_vnGh0VKqVrpuwBQ50IhqfQDJtrqPPN9VlFnRp8l5f8HHdE7/s1600-h/THAMAILMORGAN1_20200.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWi3t5QWNkyLo30PAz__DcWAp-OeeGf1E6N4M7R9urp3j7GZdU2W-_QynVJ3KwcC7Bd9xnSaTwv_rgsDrUXf4C7EBYtYA_vnGh0VKqVrpuwBQ50IhqfQDJtrqPPN9VlFnRp8l5f8HHdE7/s320/THAMAILMORGAN1_20200.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385180474395782738" /></a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />And sometimes ... that is not the popular thing to do.Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-57484015823339848362008-12-22T18:50:00.001-05:002008-12-22T18:51:40.726-05:00Family Christmas LetterWell ... 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.<br /><br /> 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, <br />"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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!”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!!!)<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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!)<br /><br />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!!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!”<br /><br />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. <br /><br />Through the miles, our love and best wishes extends to each of you and our prayers for a wonderful 2009.<br /><br />Through Christ … “Merry Christmas,”<br /><br />Todd, Denise, Caitlyn and ChrisPastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-77173455816758894542008-10-14T13:14:00.001-04:002008-10-14T13:14:58.506-04:00What About Bob?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?"<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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!)<br /><br />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?"<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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?!"Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-33507824847459789682008-08-19T09:31:00.002-04:002008-08-19T09:42:19.294-04:00Reflecting on SummerThis 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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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)<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />I suppose I'll pick up the phone a lot in coming weeks ... just to check on her ...Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-23253874904049209902008-07-07T20:08:00.002-04:002008-07-07T20:11:24.024-04:006 Days ...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!!)<br /><br />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!Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-37772512150159917642008-06-15T21:17:00.000-04:002008-06-15T21:23:34.513-04:00The End of an Era ... the Beginning of Another ...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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Have a wonderful week ...<br /><br />Oh ... and GO TIGER!!!! What a golfer!Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-46920169474132485122008-05-16T11:37:00.000-04:002008-05-16T11:40:27.282-04:00Neon<span style="font-family:arial;">"Neon (Greek neos “new”), symbol Ne, colorless, odorless, nonreactive gaseous element that makes up a tiny fraction of Earth's atmosphere."</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Colorless.....</span><br /> <span style="font-family:arial;">Odorless ..............</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"> Nonreactive gaseous element ....................</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"> Makes up a <em><u>tiny</u></em> fraction of Earth's atmosphere.......</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">No wonder I missed it for so long!!!!!</span>Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-83973776404181744992008-05-14T08:48:00.000-04:002008-05-14T08:57:44.271-04:00God Never Lets Go<span style="font-family:arial;">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.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong>David Crowder*Band - Never Let Go</strong><br />When clouds veil sun </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>And disaster comes</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em> Oh, my soul Oh, my soul</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em> When waters rise </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>And hope takes flight</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em> Oh, my soul Oh, my soul Oh, my soul<br />Ever faithful Ever true </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>You I know You never let go </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>You never let go You never let go You never let go<br />When clouds brought rain</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em> And disaster came </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Oh, my soul Oh, my soul </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>When waters rose</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em> And hope had flown </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Oh, my soul Oh, my soul Oh, my soul<br />Oh, my soul Overflows Oh, what love, oh, what love </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Oh, my soul Fills hope Perfect love that never lets go<br />Oh, what love, oh what love Oh, what love, oh what love </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>In joy and pain </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>In sun and rain </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>You’re the same </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Oh, You never let go</em></span></div>Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-43614231734781982962008-04-30T12:05:00.001-04:002008-04-30T12:09:52.633-04:00The Sin of Omission<span style="font-family:arial;">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"</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong>The Sin of Omission<br />Margaret Sangster<br /></strong></em><br />It isn’t the thing you do, dear,<br />It’s the thing you leave undone<br />That gives you a bit of heartache<br />At the setting of the sun.<br />The tender word forgotten,<br />The letter you did not write,<br />The flowers you did not send, dear,<br />And your haunting ghosts at night.<br />The stone you might have lifted<br />Out of a brother’s way;<br />The bit of heartsome counsel<br />You were hurried too much to say;<br />The loving touch of the hand, dear,<br />The gentle, winning tone<br />Which you had no time nor thought for<br />With troubles enough of your own.”</span></div>Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-51511867507315156662008-04-07T11:23:00.000-04:002008-04-07T12:12:12.314-04:00Okay Dave, Just for You!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lU8VQfCBmfPNkG8ceomY9qvEvyDvZArsq_xY0acBCRxaZX1HGbYfdjJR_GuqCDwnlkkOlOxVQqu93fFQcEa8i7CmLMf50eslY23qGpCc09hFVYEDamGly4ggFdyrExVqS8hyqURY2I2B/s1600-h/LadyVols.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186534814293251874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lU8VQfCBmfPNkG8ceomY9qvEvyDvZArsq_xY0acBCRxaZX1HGbYfdjJR_GuqCDwnlkkOlOxVQqu93fFQcEa8i7CmLMf50eslY23qGpCc09hFVYEDamGly4ggFdyrExVqS8hyqURY2I2B/s200/LadyVols.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-13154597808808020182008-01-28T13:00:00.000-05:002008-01-28T13:03:27.917-05:00I Know It's Been A WhileGreetings!<br />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 ...<br /><br />Monday, January 28, 2008<br />They Like Jesus But Hate The Church? <br /><br />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."<br /><br />Interesting.<br /><br />And impossible.<br /><br />If I understand New Testament ecclesiology we don't have the luxury of separating Christ and his Bride.<br /><br />Jesus and the Church are one and the same.<br /><br />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<br /><br />Who was Saul persecuting? The Church.<br /><br />Who did the Lord accuse Saul of persecuting? Himself ("Me")<br /><br />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.<br /><br />We can't like Jesus and hate the church. It's a false dichotomy (Jesus on one side-His Church on the other).<br /><br />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. :)<br /><br />How you treat my wife is how you treat me.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />"Amen and Amen!"Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-5086447167669340442007-12-21T11:47:00.001-05:002007-12-21T12:03:41.055-05:00Merry "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!"<br /><br />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 <em></em>"representation of the birth of Jesus Christ"<em></em>. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />I think everybody would rather have a Merry Christmas instead of a Happy Holiday anyway!<br /><br />Merry CHRISTMAS!!!!Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-17116016409653325472007-12-17T14:59:00.000-05:002007-12-17T15:14:02.863-05:00FINALLY!!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.<br /><br />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!Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-67061339319194821802007-12-10T10:46:00.000-05:002007-12-10T11:01:30.767-05:00A Football ParableOnce 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-48971649622137725412007-11-29T11:46:00.000-05:002007-11-29T11:56:56.277-05:00Linus and Charlie BrownHere 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. <br /><br />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?"<br /><br />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."<br /><br />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?"<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Until then, have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-30424757466819312942007-11-21T22:35:00.000-05:002007-11-21T22:52:41.028-05:00Ranger<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6wWiWDdR8fvsz7reN1Qbc4yizL19TG1muZJ93MQUboJtdLKJIKSq59JsePgUcazJZmUrb-es7y_ll6OnbmLjXOwpibV5gMYoGDKn40WH3i1Suw342VbpISVJhAKZJqt-hokvSK5-N3XN/s1600-h/PB210140.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135503959232993170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6wWiWDdR8fvsz7reN1Qbc4yizL19TG1muZJ93MQUboJtdLKJIKSq59JsePgUcazJZmUrb-es7y_ll6OnbmLjXOwpibV5gMYoGDKn40WH3i1Suw342VbpISVJhAKZJqt-hokvSK5-N3XN/s200/PB210140.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />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!!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Well, I hope you have a very Blessed Thanksgiving. <em>Give thanks, with a grateful heart ... give thanks to the Holy One ... Give thanks, because He's given ... Jesus Christ, His Son.</em><br /><br />Until next time ...<br />... I'm off with Ranger!!<br /><br />Pastor ToddPastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-70012797478437079722007-11-15T09:42:00.000-05:002007-11-15T09:55:09.251-05:00Will Someone PLEASE Stop the Madness?!<span style="font-family:arial;">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 - <em>"Here's Your Sign,"</em> moment.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">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 <em>... "Santas warned 'ho, ho, ho'</em> <em>offensive to women</em>." 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 ...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">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 ...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">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!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Have a Happy Day!</span>Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-76527785568172304422007-11-02T13:04:00.000-04:002007-11-02T13:16:22.084-04:00Out of Water?<span style="font-family:arial;">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 <em>"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."</em></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></em><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">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.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">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?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">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.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">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.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Drink and be quenched my friends!</span>Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-77035665435488883212007-10-22T14:03:00.000-04:002007-10-22T14:17:42.465-04:00Siphoning<span style="font-family:arial;">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 <em>"chatted with a Florida Highway Patrol officer while on one of his missions."</em> </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">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!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">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.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">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 <em>"It's all about ME" </em>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. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Are you a servant or a siphon?</span>Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273196099939458202.post-5503090317071786802007-09-28T08:45:00.000-04:002007-09-28T08:55:08.464-04:00Don't just go to church ...<div><span style="font-family:arial;">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." </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">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 <em>"he took on flesh and lived among us."</em></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">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.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPYOtKe1zEN0lr9K9oszGEdegYhtTmz0BNlyIVYDRlboTk9kGUw-GXPVX1gK9o8fneOL_x-Kx4fPmra9WA0aFCCvcwVFu9CJTl7k3dYWEkz8xOUnVsKpuApTHBWFz44npfiipaJtRE33H/s1600-h/Britney.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115237524591786466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 74px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" height="124" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPYOtKe1zEN0lr9K9oszGEdegYhtTmz0BNlyIVYDRlboTk9kGUw-GXPVX1gK9o8fneOL_x-Kx4fPmra9WA0aFCCvcwVFu9CJTl7k3dYWEkz8xOUnVsKpuApTHBWFz44npfiipaJtRE33H/s200/Britney.jpg" width="87" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">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, <em>"No preaching. No criticizing. Just love. As a church, let’s love Britney the way Jesus loves her."</em> </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Let's BE THE CHURCH - instead of just going to church!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://movies.msn.com/celebs/celeb.aspx?c=62361&affid=100059&icid=T001MSN03A0901&mp=p&vpid=23317"></a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">See ya Sunday!!</span></div>Pastor Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453172336188608095noreply@blogger.com0