Monday morning Coffee!

So after a long week of being sick I am back in the game of life back doing my day to day things. With having to take a week off and being in bed about 90% of the time I did alot of thinking. Thinking about God's people and how no matter how hard you try only Christ can change the heart of the man. I have been reading in Act over this past month and the main theme I have come to is when there is ministry for Christ there is persecution. Oh how I have lived this many many times over the years. A pastor friend of mine reminded me this week Romans 12:12; "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Oh how it's hard to be patient in any tribulation. But once again as years past and many time before I keep moving forword. I have learn over time that there is always victory after a time of tribulation and I am starting to remind myself that daily. Well I am off to start on my mile long today list. But I leave with sharing a post from Debbie's blog this morning that I felt was a great reminder to what and who Christ has called us to be.

Someone Doesn't Like Me by Cecil Murphey
Across the street lives a neighbor with whom I had a minor run-in last year. Since
then, she doesn't "see" me when we pass each other in the neighborhood. If her
husband stops to talk to me, she keeps walking. She doesn't like me and
probably never will. I figured out long ago that there will always be a few
people who probably won't ever like me.That's true with all of us: Some
people don't like us. Won't like us. Ever. Often we don't know the
reason. I've tried to engage her in conversation and
several times I gave her plants from our garden, but she hasn't warmed up to
me. I recently admitted that regardless of anything I do, she'll probably
continue to have no use for me. Years ago I began to pray for
individuals who disliked me or spoke against me. I prayed for God to repay them
for their sins and their hardness of heart. That was self-righteous, indignant
praying, and I no longer pray that way. To my neighbor I owe
thanks for helping me to change my attitude. I pray good things for her every
day. I expect no change, not even a friendly smile. From that situation,
I understood something significant for me. First, those don't-like-me
individuals push me toward self-examination. I honestly search my heart to
figure out if I'm guilty of wrongdoing toward them. Most of the time, no answer
comes. (When it does, I apologize.) Second, whenever my
neighbor walks down the street, I see her slumped shoulders and the lack of joy
on her face. I don't know much about her and I don't ask other neighbors. I
simply believe that she must be an unhappy woman. Each day and each time
I see her, I pray for God to fill her with peace and joy. Maybe
God will answer my prayer.

I read this one before when Debbie shared this story and I am thankful again for what a great reminder to how true this story really is. So I pray the same for all those people who lack joy, and may the Lord give fill them with compassion and love like they have never seen before.

In His Grip,

Pastor J

~A Week of Sickness~

SO It seems I spent this whole week sick as a dog. It seems that everyone from Ethan, Emily to Debbie and I think even the dogs may have been sick this week. This was so not the week to be sick with Fall Fest, Church Fall revival, and so much that needed to get done. However God showed Himself tonight during the fall fest with having atleast 400 + show up. I was shocked at how big it turned out to be. I think next year we will do alot of things differant at least I hope so or it might be the last. Well I am beat and must get to bed. I still am feeling a little blah but glad I am able to move and do the things that need to be done.

In His Grip,

Pastor J

Am I still Alive?

I am starting to feel the rest of my body and I was able to get up out of bed for a few hours this morning however I went back to bed for the rest of the day... I will try again later!

In His Grip,

J

Not a good day!

~Anchor~

New song this past week at NPCC called Anchor. What powerful words. I found this song to be very anointing this week. When in the storms we face we can know our God is a mighty God!

I was thinking....

So I was watching a bug's life this morning with Emily and it hit me. What If? So in a hours time this is what I came up with:

Busy Bees!

Busy day but great show tonight!

SOLD!

so after a few weeks thinking and praying over what to do with our van we put it up for sale. Well within the next 24 hours we had a buyer and Sold it! The question come to me head that maybe we sold it too cheap.. However I have to remind myself that it was a little over blue book and the reason for that is it was a strong running van and I really wanted at least part of what we put into it over the time we had it. It was still a steal for what it was. Our biggest prayer is that it could be a blessing to someone else as it has been for us. The man we sold it to have been over seas working in missions and is looking to get back on his feet here in the USA. So with that behind us we start the next few months researching a new car. (at least newer for us) We would like to get a car/small suv or even crossover this time. The biggest thing is it needs to have 4 doors, great on gas and be able to fit a fat man inside LoL :) and lets not forget two car seats in the back. I am thinking: Toyota Camry, Nissan maxima, or maybe a Hyundai, or Kia, or even a Ford Escape. Who knows we are going to start the research now and start praying the Lord will line up something for us that fits our family needs and budget. Praise the Lord for a good sale today!!

In His Grip,

Lets Say...

I spoke to a old pastor friend of mine the other day and we started talking about church growth and the death of some churches. It seems in past few weeks two churches within his city closed their doors and 3 churches lunched in the past week. One being a church plant from his ministry and home church. It got me thinking, and seeking for an answer... this is what I found.

So if a church isn’t growing, what’s happening? Rick Warren says it’s dying, that it’s diseased. It’s a bleak image, but one that seems fairly accurate. However, living organisms do get sick. It’s fairly natural for churches to go through sick periods when they get off track and need to heal. As a result, growth may sputter.It also seems applicable that plants often need pruning. It’s an image that comes up in the Bible a few times. Pruning in itself isn’t growth and it may be a necessary stage—but it’s worth pointing out that the whole point of pruning is to further growth. Perhaps we can conclude that if a church isn’t growing, it should be going through a process that will eventually lead to growth. Maybe it needs time to heal. Maybe it had to remove a tumor, and such a process would hinder growth temporarily. But the point of removing a tumor is that the body can be healthy and growing again.It’s also true that organisms die. Death is a natural part of life. While it’s disheartening to see, some churches may need to die. But I think we see them being reborn as new churches are planted. Taking the analogy of the church as an organism a step farther, that body can die, and return to the ground and so fuel other living organisms. It’s the cycle of life. Perhaps local churches aren’t meant to last forever, but the universal Church is, and so it will continue growing in some way.

I came across a book a few years ago that was a great read. By, Robert Scott Stiner called Lessons from a venetian vinedresser. I could go into writing a book on just this book but wow was a great book that talks about how in order for stronger growth we at times have to be pruned and shaped up by the Father the vinedresser, "I am the vine and your are the branches and my Father is the vinedresser." It's a great book that brings to life to John 15:1-9!! Well I will stop now before I write too much. :)

In His Grip,

~Monday Morning Coffee~

I have been doing alot of studying in the book of Acts this month and been working on a few series I would like to do. I am not really sure it's for students but who knows maybe oneday God will use it somewhere else down the road in my ministry. While working in this series I can across this key point in the life of the church and within the body of the church. "Be a fountain not a drain." Oh how I could go on and on about this one key point, but I won't just yet. Happy Monday morning coffee to you!

In His Grip,

Pastor J

~Sunday Blessings~

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

A dear friend of mine from College Laura Story who most people know now-a-days as Christian music artist and song writter wrote Blessings. In this song she writes that even in the darkess times in life there is Hope and Hope can come even within a tear drop. Years ago during the time Laura was leading worship for our Chapel at CIU and playing bass for the group Silers Bald there was a song she wrote back in the late 90's called Nothing Else Beside. It was another great remember at how only Christ matters and in the darkess times only He shines!

I hope and pray your week is fullfilled by the Greatness of God!

-Pastor J

~One Statement~

Oneday I will give detail to why I love this picture.


"Holy Spirit dwell in me"

It's Friday!!

My little man is still not doing very well. I felt I needed to come home early today to give Debbie a bit of a brake and I also needed to get the front grass cut. Ethan had a high temp when he woke up from his afternoon nap however while I have been watching him he has been doing okay for now. Praying he returns to him old self very soon.
In other news I have really been amazed by what God is showing me as I redo my study in Acts this month. I have read this book many many times in the past and it seems God is opening up a whole new view I have not seen before. I will do a more detailed study post about it later. I had a old pastor friend of mine email this week some very kind words of encouragement for me and my current ministry here in Guyton. Thanks to everyone for their support and prayers as the Lord works in great ways here. Boy how I do miss some things from the past. But thankful I am where I am at. I came across a few items today while going through my ministry book. Mostly some past sermons written some for churches and some for college class. While looking back on them I shock myself wow could it be at one time I wrote that... Powerful stuff some of it and other stuff LoL wow how things in my heart and mind have changed. I view somethings different then I did before and somethings are the same. Oh how we change! But Hey as one of my college profs always said change is part of growing in the Lord!
In His Grip,
-Pastor J

Football Team Stats:

Here are the stats for my Carolina boys... WOW so far a great year!

Sat, Sept 3 vs East Carolina W 56-37
Sat, Sept 10 vs Georgia W 45-42
Sat, Sept 17 vs Navy W 24-21
Sat, Sept 24 vsVanderbilt W21-3
Sat, Oct 1 vs Auburn L 16-13
Sat, Oct 8 vs Kentucky W 54-3

now my TN vols are a differant story this year.. they need to shape up. The main issue we have this year is there are so many young guys on the field this year and just don't know what they are doing. I think there has been a few bad calls made this year too. :( This up and coming saturday they are going to be playing LSU and talk about bad called last year just sucked at the last touchdown being recalled. Blah... maybe this year we can beat their butts! Oh well off to enjoy my rainy, foggy thursday!

-PJ

Notice!

Great night tonight! This week Notice someone! Why because you might be the only Hope!

Thanks to everyone and the prayers for Ethan. Here is the latest from Debbie:
Thank you so much for your prayers! Ethan is home and sleeping for the time being, which is a huge blessing, as he is overly exhausted. Where we have no definite answer as to what is causing the night/sleep terrors, after 2 1/2 hours in Memorial's Pediatric ER Ethan is finally able to stop vomiting and has kept down both medicine and a few ounces of liquid. Zofran is such a wonderful medication! It was an almost immediate difference. Another huge relief off off our shoulders is that his belly/intestines are clear (for those who don't know he had issues with that as an infant and these screaming fits have been very reminiscent of those early weeks with him). We are praying for a restful night for all of us, that Ethan would continue to rehydrate well and get back on his normal sleep cycles again.

Thanks again. We now pray for much needed sleep for the whole family.

In His Grip,

Pastor J

New Awana Training....

I am thinking about starting a new training this week to become an Awana at Home Director. More test and studying... Blah! I am not sure what I am going to do with it or if I will ever use it. But after seeing my 24/7 ministry leaders jump on board with their BT training and becoming passionate about it, I need to uphold my role and find something to do as well. I asked a old friend of mind from Awana International who did my training years ago, whats the next step for me as I am already a commander and have been for a while now. This will be my 6 year working with the Awana program. It's been a few years from the time I was last able to use it.. over 5 years now so it's great to be able to reactivate myself again. And pick things back up after so many years. My friend requested I join Awana At Home leadership team. It's a new program to me as it's only been a round for a short time. (at least to me). I can't see where any of this will lead to but I took him up on his offer this week. So I start training in a few days....Praying something great will come of it. I guess time will tell. Well off to get more work done.
In His Grip,

Pastor J

P.S. I have noticed that a few of my blog post don't post on the same day it was written... Oh well the world of PCs.

11 years ago this month My ministry started!

<----The 1st church I preached in.

From Old Churches to Young Churches to Church Plants!

Ministry Roles: Broadcasting Dircetor, Media Pastor, Intern, Pastor of Students, Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor.

From Big Ministries to Small Ministries and back again!

From South Carolina, Tennessee to Georgia.

From Computers, Adults, Children and Students

Hard Times and Good Times! God is Good!! I look forward to seeing what God has in store over the next 11 years.

I love this picture!

'Christless' Christianity

I think he is right on!! I think I just added a new book to my list.

It's Friday!

So it seems I am still sick and feel like crap, Blah!!!! Praying I start to feel better in the name of Jesus! I have so much today today but not feeling like doing anything. Maybe things will get better. I am however going to start a new study in the book of Acts today and hoping God will show me some great things I have never seen before. Maybe. Well off to study for our 24-7 Ministries training this saturday. I am so glad to have some great leaders who step up and said "We know God's at work and we want in" Thanks guys for everything. And I want to always take time to thank my Diversity leadership team for all they do. God is at work in many areas of the Church and I can't wait to see what happens. I am sadded to see my small group on sunday nights go. I have always enjoyed leading adult small groups however I don't think I am done anytime soon with adult small groups. God have giving me many things to think about... Hint Hint!! :)

In His Grip,

New Student Ministry- Kick Off!

So It seems over the past few weeks there has become a great need on Sunday nights for our students. Now if you know me you would know I am all about simplifying church and ministry and I teach and preach it over and over again to keep it simple! So this is a very new to me having to launch another student ministry all in one place. But God is still a great and big God, and knows whats He is doing! After some deep, long and mind blowing prayer and talks with pastor friends over the past few hours and days I move forward with this new ministry. We will be 24-7 Ministries this Sunday at 6:00 PM. It seems the Lord has already started moving in great ways. From leadership, to study, to layout even to providing funds to kick this thing off. This will be set a side of what we are doing on Wed nights at Diversity Student Ministires and will not be apart of it. From differant leaders, layout, training and over all purpose. All I know is I am am holding on and letting God drive us where He wants us to go. With seat belts on here we go!
Let me share just a little about what 24-7 Ministries is for the ones who don't know. 24-7 Ministries is part of the Awana Clubs that meet in churches all over the world. 24-7 ministries is for middle and high school students and even goes up to college in some areas. There are two parts of 24-7 one Trek. Trek challenges middle-school students to consider their destiny in Christ and pursue it through life application of God's Word. This is a great starting point for all middle schoolers who are seeking there place in the world. Next is Journey, Journey challenges High School students in an energetic look at biblical based content, life application and an emphasis on Scripture memory and discipleship. This is great for any students who want to deepen their walk with Christ and who is wanting more out of life!

I have been part of Awana Clubs now for 5 years in past churches I have been apart of, this making it my 6th year. I started out as a leader moving my way up to club director then to club commander and adopt-a-club director. So I am ready to get back into something I know works and if done right works well. (I have noticed that most churches don't do Awana Club right and need more training over the past few years of me watching other churches) But away we will how things play out if this is what Christ wells for our ministry may be be fulfilled.

In His Grip,

How I feel!

Lord, let me day go by fast, so I can return home to go to bed!

Do not disturb, Gods at work!

On phone and skype meetings today with other pastors and friends going over a few new items and issues we have been faced with this past weekend. Praying the Lord would provide something greater then ourselves and humble all God's people with HIS plans NOT theirs.

In His Grip,

Pastor J

What Church should learn from Google!!! (LifeChurch Version)

The title speaks for itself…so here ya go.

Make your user interface simple!

There are few user interfaces that are simpler to use than the Google search box. Who would have imagined that the massive scope of the entire Internet could be navigated through that simple box? In contrast, we (The Church) often seem to create extremely complex interfaces to the same basic, but yet important, content. Now, to be fair, many times that is not intentional. But…that’s actually the problem (lack of intention)!

Just to clarify, I’m not simply talking about our websites. We make it complex for people to find answers about God or be a part of a church in general. We put so many barriers in front of people and try to simultaneously convey way too much information and give people very little control over what information they receive and how/where they receive it.

I would never use Google if it required me to leave my house and travel to an unfamiliar building on Sunday only once a week…listen to 30 minutes of unrecognizable music, followed by a person talking for 30-40 minutes, and still possibly have to try to find a person who looked “official” just to find “results” for my search. That would be absurd! But, that is a substantially abbreviated version of what so many churches put people through who are searching.

I’m not talking about the content you communicate (though that should be easy to understand/navigate too!), but rather the way people access and interact with that content. Is it easy for them to find what they’re looking for? And what about things they don’t even know they should be looking for—is there a simple flow of involvement that leads them there?

Some of you have already simplified the “interface.” What are some examples of things that need to be simplified in the Church interface?

I could add so much more however but I will save time and won't atleast tonight.

In His Grip,
Pastor J

Game Day!