~Bombs Away~

Some days I am not really sure what Ethan eats. Some days we are fine and others.... oh boy watch out! I have to put on the Daddy suit and go in for the kill or in this case the Clean! Thank the Lord for Scented candles.
Someone really should make an automatic diaper thing. Sit the child in, it cleans, replaces and leave child baby fresh. If there is anything out there I have overlooked let me know!

-Pastor J   

Get Ready!

It's been a slow week and to be honest I have not gotten much done. I think after the last few weeks I needed some time to just rest and get things in order. I think we all need that time to take and rest and get ourselves ready for the work ahead. While picking up Emily this week at school I have had some time to sit in the car pool line and talk with Ethan or more me talk he listen, however today as he was quacking at the birds out the window I was able read a word in The Word while we wait. I came across this truth found in Proverbs 24:27, I really like the way The GN translation puts it. "Don't build your house and establish a home until your fields are ready, and you are sure that you can earn a living." So in a way I feel I am getting ready for the fields for a great harvest that's coming. Maybe you feel that same way. Well I hope to take some time early next week to look at some whys I feel we can get the fields ready for that next chapter in your life or harvest He is bringing like that new season I spoke about a few days ago. As the summer months come to a end we start on the coming season of fall and boy and I ready for it to come. I enjoy the cool days and smells leading up to Thanksgiving and then to one of the great seasons of Christmas. I can't wait. 
In His Grip,

Pastor J  

New Season

Stayed home from church today while Debbie and the kids went... To be honest I am glad I did. I hated missing the fellowship at church however I really needed the "Me and Jesus Time". After sometime in The Word here is what He gave me:

As it's a New Season in my life this is how He spoke to me in a few different ways to prepare for this coming season.

1) Embrace the Bible as true and Holy

2) Honor the Word of God

3) Guard my mind

4) Forgive

5) Speak Right things though and over people

6) Build my own Faith and stand firm

7) Pray like never before!

This is just some highlights I got out of this morning. Sounds like a new sermon outline coming huh.. Just might be ;)

Hope and Glory

In His Grip,

Pastor J

~Finally An Update~

    Yeah I know, It's been a very long time from the last time I blogged. It's been about a month. Sorry for one and let me start off by saying I have missed being able to have time to blog and hope over the next few weeks be able to do more again. Let me give a update to whats been going on over the past few weeks in my life as well as what God's been doing overall.
     Let me start off with Ethan. Well it seems you can't keep the kid from getting into everything and he seems to love being able to walk all all over the house. He seems to have become the thinker of the family. He will have these moments where he is in deep thought, I can only wonder what is going on in his head. As he becomes a little boy he is ways finding ways to look as cute as he can be.
     Emily: One would think as she grows older she would be less talkative. Think again! I am not sure I would really want to know what's going on in that head of hers. She seems to live in Emily's Playland! She has started dance a few weeks ago and in just a few weeks she will be starting school. I so don't think I am ready for her to go off to school just yet. She is growing up so fast and I am so ready to beat off the boys when she becomes a teenager.
    Debra is working as hard as always and seems to always be busy with something. As always she never sits down and always has something on her mind. She is always on the go from meetings, bible studies, to MOPS leadership retreat to something.
    So how am I doing and "whats up?" Well currently there is a lot going on from family, to work, to ministry, to life. I don't even know where to start. My health is slow now-a-days and I guess it's better then what it has been. My back seems to hurt less however I still have pain here and there. I have become a lot more active as it seems over the past few weeks from what i do at home to outside to even working. The biggest thing is I have lost a lot of weight and that's something I won't complain about. I have hit some big goals for me and lighter them I have been in years. I am currently working one day a week on Fridays for Debbie's company as a Crew Leader. It's only till the end of Oct as they needed someone to run a new crew on Fridays just to get them to the fall. So far I am still alive and I can't wait till it's over. I am not as young as I was years go when I ran my own landscaping company. I am still working at LifeWay at least for now. However after looking over our Income and Lose statements each month and with prayer I have cut back on my days and hours to only one day a week and every Saturday. It's seems with the cost of childcare vs. what I am currently getting paid it is costing me money to go to work each day I work at LifeWay. The promise from management was I would be working full-time and in a different role that I am currently in now. However once again I am reminded that mans word can and will fail us. But God is in control and all things work... So as a result of these current things and after some prayer I will be staying home with the kids. This is not the frist time I have joined the SAHD (Stay-at-Home-Dad) club. I did it once with Emily a few years back. (Yeah, I know some people have their own opinions about SAHDs however I have my own opinion about lazy and careless Fathers but I won't go there) Anyway, while staying home it will not just help us save money but it will also give me more time to be able to blog more and spend with the kids. I have also be able to get back to cycling. I will also be able to get some much needed things done around the house.
       Ministry: Well here is the bigger question of them all. Where does everything stand with my ministry? It's a great question to ask. God is forevermore more active today in my life then ever and seems to show himself in great and powerful ways. The past few months have been healing in my body, mind and soul in so many ways. I can't say that waiting on the Lord has been easy nor has it been a joy to do. I have learned not just that God is for us and wants to see great things and have His favor on our lives. I have learned a new way of looking at our prayer life and the meaning of a God size prayer. He can do the impossible even in the 11th hour. So over the next few weeks and months I will be relooking at the vison God has given me for Jonathan David Ministries and look at the over all ministry. In this I will be looking at turning to the next chapter for the ministry and embarking in to a larger area of ministry. One would call this a step of Faith! It's has been great to network with pastors and church leaders over the past 7 months and hearing their story. I understand more and more about what Christ has been training me to do and how to better serve those pastors and churches in need. I can't wait to see what God does.
     Well instead of turning this post into a mini book I best leave it before it turns into a blah blah moment. There will be some changes on this site over the next few weeks so stay tuned and yes I will get back to my daily blog soon.
 In His Grip,
 Pastor J

~Delayed~

Sorry for the delay in blog post... However It's nee a very busy few weeks. From not having power a few days and storms to working more hours and trying to do 4 things at once. I will be sure to sit down over the next few days and give some updates as well as start back with my write ups. I have a great new book I am currently read and will do a review soon on that as well. 

In His Grip,

Pastor J 

~Happy 4th of July~

"But you are a chosen generation, 

a royal priesthood, 

a holy nation, 

His own special people... 

who once were not a people but are now the people of God...." 

                     -1 Peter 2:9,10

On the 4th of July

Independence Day, 

folks used to celebrate in their own special way. 

It’s not the same now, 

there’s no joy or great pride as Old Glory is carried to honor who died.

Have we forgotten how America began

giving freedom and spirit to every man? 

Our forefathers risked all that they had even their lives were threatened called bad. 

But they forged ahead fighting King-rule 

Great Britain they’d left to be nobody’s fool. 

A revolution incurred against taxes they spurned 

because King George the 3rd wanting all that they earned. 

God was their guide in plans that they struck  

Their goals not entrusted to their egos, or luck. 

They fought to be FREE, keep America strong. 

Now tell me, dear Liberal, was that oh, so wrong? 

How can we forget what those settlers gave; “Land of the Free” 

“Home of the Brave?” It’s not a cliché, It’s not just by chance, not to be wasted, 

but to honor enhance. So, open your eyes don’t take for granted lives that were lost, or seeds that were planted. 

We all benefit from the future it brings, 

when we remember our past, and let Liberty ring.

Andy Griffith (1926-2012)

The loved Andy Griffith passed away today. He is left by many fans and family. I was even a fan of his show called "Andy Griffith" I can hear the theme song over and over in my head. Andy was 86 years old. Family and close friends state Andy was a born-again Christian and was active in his church. He will be missed by many.

 "When a man carries a gun all the time, the respect he thinks he's getting might really be fear. So I don't carry a gun because I don't want the people of Mayberry to fear a gun. I'd rather they respect me." -Sheriff Andy Taylor (played by actor Andy Griffith)

-Pastor Jonathan

~No Power~

Sunday night we where left in the dark as the storms came blowing our way. It was the first time living here the lights went off and stayed over for more then an hour or so. We light the candles and prayed we would not be blown away. The kids woke up and we all snuggled in the den until the worst was over. Kids back to bed and we opened up windows to get some much needed air in. Thankfully we had a little bit of wind. After a bad night rolling and rolling in bed not sleeping much we woke up to pack our bag to head to a place of power, AC and running water. We returned home a day and half later to a house with power again. We where thankful we had a safe place to go. Over all it was nice to be able to get away for a day out of the city. However we had no phones and no internet but that was okay we were enjoying being with each other. It was great to be home again safe and sound and God reminded us how blessed we are to have the things we do. He not only kept us safe from the storms but sent us a blessing after. We returned home to find all our food in the house went bad. Debbie went shopping the afternoon before the storm so we had everything packed ready for the next few weeks. It's was sad  to have to trash all the melted and wasted stuff. But God has provide a check for us to replace all the food and things we need to restore what we lost. God is good even in the storm. Even in the storms can we learn to lean on Christ!

In His Grip,
Pastor J

Boil Peanuts!

What a busy week it has been. Most of my week was dealing with computers being down, changing things around, changing phones and fixing my head lights in my Dodge. One of the headlights on the new car went out this week and I found out today it is going to cost me a arm and leg to have the dealer install it. Sadly I am unable to as it's some light you can't buy. Whats with these new cars now-a-days. Sounds like to me they are making it that way so you have to take it in and pay for the labor that only took 5 mins to do but say it take 3 hours to do. It's all crazy! Oh well things will work out I am so thankful I am able to have today and Saturday off... It's a rare weekend to be able to have off and get to enjoy my time home and with family. So to kick off my 3 day weekend I am making me some of my deep southern boiled peanuts. It's been forever from the last time I got to make them and there was a fresh crop of peanuts that came in today so I had to jump to it and grab about 5 pounds. I can't wait to eat them after many hours of waiting. May people always ask me what I do to make them so good and really nothing more then any other person from the south would do. I only use water and salt to my liking however the trick is I boil mine much longer then most with at least 10 plus hours. May people are shocked it takes me that long however in the end it's what keeps people coming back for more! :) When I am 70 years old I hope I am still around making my boiled peanuts like those guys do on the side of the road you some times see here in the south. Yeah I know it's not this big shocking goal to have in life however someone has to do it and why not enjoy what you like to do besides maybe then I will be a millenaire and be able to have a gold boiling pot. HAHA...Happy Friday and may the Lord be your light in all you do.

In His Grip,
-Pastor J

Back to the Future... Really?!?!

I am a big fan of Back to the future. While surfing Facebook today at lunch I came across this photo and I started to put my mind at work... From what I remember this was not the date I remember from the movie. So I did some search and sure thing I found the following: 

"If somebody tells you it's the day that Marty McFly and Doc Brown time traveled to in "Back to the Future Part II," better check the tape. Or, here in the future, the DVD.

Some Internet users were fooled Wednesday by an image that claimed to show June 27, 2012, as the futuristic date the characters played by Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd were whisked to in their souped-up, flux capacitor-powered Delorean time machine. Not so.

In Robert Zemeckis' 1989 sequel, the characters are transported 30 years into the future, from Oct. 26, 1985 to Oct. 21, 2015. Sorry, "BTTF" fans, but the magic date is still more than three years away.

An apparently doctored image with the "Oct. 21, 2015" changed to "June 27, 2012" raced across Facebook, Twitter and other sites Wednesday, fooling some users."

~Know when to Pull the Plug~

In 2008, Pixar announced that they were going to be making a movie called “Newt” about the last two blue-toed newts on the planet and their adventure to save the species. The film was referenced at a couple of Pixar events since that initial announcement too. Hard-core Pixar fans were really looking forward to something original coming from Pixar with most of other movies in process at the studios being sequels. (Toy Story 3, Cars 2, and Monsters, Inc. 2 were slated around Newt.) Then, suddenly, in May of this year word leaked out that the entire film had been canceled. No explanation was given but the cancellation was confirmed and the film became the movie that never was. Surprisingly, Pixar put a bunch of pictures of the artwork from the film on their Facebook page. The description on the photo album says “As most of you already know, ‘Newt’ is no longer in development at Pixar. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t share some of the Pixar artists’ amazing artwork with our Facebook fans!” This is a very interesting move. I can’t recall a time when a studio has released something like this on a canceled project, especially so close to the cancellation date. As pastors, I think there’s a lot we can learn from this whole thing. 

1. Not Every Project Makes It. You know it and I know it but it’s good to hear that even a company as successful and creative as Pixar has to scrub a project every now and then. The truth is that every swing at the bat can’t be a home run and Pixar did the right thing to kill this one project to protect their stellar record if they thought it wasn’t up to par. When you consider that this film had been in production was on the official schedule and had been announced in big ways AND the fact that they had to move other films up in production to cover the hole this film was going to leave, it’s easy to understand that this wasn’t an easy decision for them. However, they did the right thing even though it was a hard thing to do. Pastors, sometimes, you have just got to rip the band-aid off, kill the project and move on. Refuse to let one project (no matter how much you’ve invested in it or love it) take the whole ship down. 
2. Celebrate the Artists. The fact that the movie needed to be canceled didn’t mean that people didn’t work hard on it. I’m sure that folks were pouring themselves into this like any other Pixar movie and the fact that Pixar decided to post some of the powerful artwork on their Facebook page acknowledges as much. Pastors, just because you have to kill something doesn’t mean that you can’t spend some effort praising the hard work that people put into it. 
3. Reward the Fans. Pixar could have swept this thing under the rug and never acknowledged it again but instead they effectively just said “hey, the film didn’t make it” and they rewarded the fans with a little bit of what did work from the project. Again, the temptation is to distance ourselves from things to don’t work but I bet someone in your church or ministry might find some value in knowing what you’re trying to do even if it doesn’t pan out. I think the Pixar fans now feel closer to Pixar and have a bit more respect for them because they’ve been so open about this whole thing. Sure, some people are disappointed but the greater lesson is that Pixar cares for and shares things with their hard-core fans. To that end, this was a big win for Pixar and the fans. 
Pastors, perhaps we should be more open with our committed core folks about what is and isn’t working and allow them to see that we are willing to sacrifice certain projects and programs for the greater good and our most important mission.


In His Grip,
-Pastor J

~Lucy Doesn't Wear Pink~

Okay yeah I know the topic is not one I would write or blog about however as requested from a co-worker and Pastor friend I am doing what was asked. Now I could spend the next 10 minutes on the following book about how this girl doesn't wear pink and how God made her different and the life she lived. Going into detail after detail of the following book however I can't come the the point I REALLY want to read the book to find out what happens. So instead I will write one of the short blogs I have ever written about books and parenting. So here it is the post everyone has been waiting for. Get ready sit back and enjoy this post I put hours into.


~Parent Reading~

  Research shows that parental involvement is the number-one determinant of how children do in school.
 Reading to your kids is one of the best ways to teach them about reading, expand and enrich their vocabularies, and broaden their experiences.
 The End...

Yep that's all, if you missed it, read it again. That's my post I worked on for a whole hour. Great request huh?!?! Well If you have a request for a blog write up let me know and I will be happy to do it.. God is good! :)

In His Grip,
-Pastor J

I have worked with students for years and one time while speaking to a few I heard this young teen make the statement "Jesus is my BFF..." It took everything to not blow up in a sermon on how I dislike this statement or even the next one I over heard a student saying. "Hey Dude... Jesus is my Homeboy!" and to top it off I once heard a young teen girl make the statement to her friends. "Jesus is my boyfriend!"

Even in some of the so-called "praise & worship" songs I hear today sound like mushy gushy love songs a smitten young woman might sing for her boyfriend. This very effeminate style of praise and worship music certainly generates "worshipful" feelings, but at what cost? Have we forgotten that our worship is rising to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords? Jesus isn’t your boyfriend nor your BFF or even your Homeboy! He’s God the Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity! You wouldn’t sing some sappy romantic doodle to an earthly king. How much more does the King of Kings deserve our respect? Pastor Doug Wilson made a strong point in saying this: “The current emphasis on feeling worshipful is frankly masturbatory, which in men produces a cowardly and effeminate result.” He seems to use strong words here however I think he has a point when it comes to the lack of respect many people give God today.

 As I was at work last Friday on some stock I was thinking about respect or lack thereof and what causes someone to not show respect for someone or something else. This thought process was stirred up after seeing the following teen folder with the words. "Jesus is my BFF" as pictured. Somehow our culture has arrived at a distorted, watered-down image of Jesus. Even among some people who say they follow Him, that He’s Lord of their life, seem to have not realized who it is they’re following. When I worked in Christian radio years ago I once saw some kids at a concert we hosted, wearing shirts that said, “Jesus is my homeboy.” I’m sure whoever made the shirts had harmless intentions, just being funny, but it seems way too familiar a title for Him. The relationship we can have with God is such a mystery and paradox. He is creator, all-powerful, all-knowing, present everywhere, the beginning and the end, King of kings, ruler of everything, Holy, just, true. At the same time He chooses to be Father, counselor, deliver, guide, and even friend to us when we put our faith in Him. How does that work? It boggles my mind! (my new word for things I don't understand)  All of this brings me to this, lack of respect for God, for Jesus, comes from a sense of self-importance. I don’t mean that we are necessarily arrogant, not everyone at least, but that we think too highly of ourselves and not highly enough of the God of the universe. When I think of disrespect in other aspects of life, I think it’s the same. Students who don’t respect teachers have an inflate sense of self importance. They have forgotten or not realized their place, as a student and subordinate to the authority of the teachers and adults at the school. Kids who disrespect their parents have forgotten they are the child and not in charge. People who generally don’t respect other people feel they and their needs or wants are more important. Even though Jesus is our friend, our Savior, and loves us so much he died for us, he’s not our buddy who we should slap on the back or take along for the ride as we do our thing and call the shots. He’s not just a listening ear for whenever we need to ask for help, seek advice or comfort, or need something from Him. He is so much more, more than we can comprhend in this life. Remember when Jesus told his disciples for the first time that they were his friends? He said it was because they did what he commanded (See John 15:14). It was a friendship founded on respect and remembering that Jesus is Lord and Master – a Master who treats us as friends. We only love God because He loved us 1st. And the only reason we can even draw near to Him and have a relationship with Him is because He chose to sacrifice for us, even when we were at our lowest and ugliest. We deserve punishment but He gives us forgiveness and mercy. We deserve death but He gives us true, rich life. It’s His to give, we can’t muster it up for ourselves. Even as Jesus walked on the earth and was spending so much time with the disciples, I imagine them having good talks and laughs from time to time, but I’m sure the disciples always remembered He was greater than them. remember the "I < Christ". After all, He could tell the wind to stop, raise people from the dead, cast demons, heal and fix the broken. They walked with Him in respect because they knew their place. He was teacher, they were learners. He was the leader, they followed. This was one relationship that put them and us in a loved position, a saved position, a hopeful position, but not an equal one. The day will come when Jesus will come back and a time of judgment will happen for each and every one of us. I can’t imagine having to face God after mocking Him and His love. Psalm 111:10 says, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.” God is love and longs to have a close relationship with each and every person He made, but He is nobody’s homeboy or BFF.


In His Grip,
-Pastor J

~Sunday Praise Break~

There is nothing worth more
That will ever come close
Nothing can compare
You're our Living Hope
Your Presence

I've tasted and I've seen
Of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart becomes free
And my shame is undone

Your presence Lord

Holy Spirit You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence Lord

Your presence Lord

There is nothing worth more
That will ever come close
You are our Living Hope

Your presence Lord

I've tasted and I've seen
Of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart is set free
And my shame is undone

Holy Spirit You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence Lord
(Repeat)

(end)
Let us become more aware of Your presence
Let us experience the glory of Your goodness
(Repeat)

Lord
Holy Spirit You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence Lord

~Garden of Your Mind~

Here is a remix of Mr. Rogers called Garden of Your Mind. I was a big fan of Mr. Rogers growing up not just because we have the same last name but he was a overall a humble man of God and lets not forget a Pastor to top it off. 

The following mp3 version of Garden of Your Mind includes lyrics that are not in the PBS video version. Listen carefully to the music and you’ll hear Fred Rogers’ pastoral theology come out clearly: “‘Agape’ that’s one way that you say ‘love.’ Hello out there! There are so many ways of expressing love in this world. Imagine every person that you see is somewhat different from every other person in the world. Some can do some things, some can do others” (see 1 Corinthians 12 and 13). You knew Mr. Rogers was a pastor, right? Just a Cool remix to the heart of one man. I am sure in the line he was in with TV it was hard for him to share Jesus on Air and I am sure they have to keep watch over every word he would say however deep down with a little time you can see He shared much more then puppets and trains. 

In His Grip,

-Pastor J 

"Just Keep Coming Back to me..."

Today I want to share with your another song That leads into a Seek His Face point in life we all face at some point. Sometimes we have to just keep coming back to Him. Please note I am not saying fall away from Christ and run away to what every you want whenever you wish. I am saying we must die daily making the choice to wake up every morning to do what ever He calls you to do. To say "YES LORD". As you start your day listen to this song and let it be your prayer. Here are the words to follow along:

So cast all your cares on Me

Cause I care for you

I care for you

Cast Your cares on Me

For I care for you

I care for you

Cause all your fountains are in Me

I have everything you need

Just keep coming back to me

Those who call upon My name

They will not be put to shame

Just keep coming back to me

So come to Me if you're weary

And I'll give you rest,

I'll give you rest.

My yoke is so easy

And My burden is less

My burden is less

Cause all your fountains are in Me

I have everything you need

Just keep coming back to me

Those who call upon My name

They will not be put to shame

Just keep coming back to me

In His Grip,

-Pastor J 

~My Own Little World~

If you know me you will know I am a fan of LEGO so I wanted to share with you this video. I try to keep my blog fresh and I like to keep things changing day to day so I wanted to share with you this video. Music by Matthew West. Enjoy! 

-Pastor J 

SBC Changing for the good...

The Southern Baptist have a historic year as they vote in Dr. Fred Luter as the first black SBC president today. I think it's one of the best things they have done for years. This past weekend I was able to be apart of the streaming Pastors Conference and boy what a great conference I have been to in the Southern Baptist. I think Dr Fred is a little firecracker and God will use him to wake up the SBC. It's overly needed and I pray that change everyone has been shouting about happens for them. If not this will be the end of the SBC as we know it. And I am not sure if thats a good thing or not. Praise God you don't have to be a Southern Baptist to get to heaven. :)
 The line up of pastors and speakers where great. One highlight I enjoyed was Dr. Hoskins sermon. He preached on the Holy Spirit something that the churches and the pastors there so needed to hear. I think Dr. Hoskins is a underground Bapicostal.
One person I was shocked at hearing for the first time was David Platt. I have read his books and have enjoyed reading his heart on paper however I didn't feel his gift was speaking to the public. I about feel sleep a few times. But don't get me wrong his books are great and I would tell anyone pick them up. Another great highlight for me was James MacDonald for many reason however he is one of the best pastors and preachers I have heard. I have done many of his studies and hear him weekly on his radio broadcast he airs. His words are like nails that go straight to the heart and God has done a great work in his life. What a honor it is to always get to hear him minister.  Over all I have to admit that was a powerful Pastor's Conference I think one of the best I have ever seen and I am shocked by some of the changes the SBC is willing to embrace. I pray these changes will create a new awaking among the southern baptist and they get to experience the Holy Spirit in a new way!

In His Grip,
-Pastor J

No Foot Prints here!

One night I had a wondrous dream, 

One set of footprints there was seen, 

The footprints of my precious Lord, 

But mine were not along the shore. 

 But then some stranger prints appeared, 

And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?" 

Those prints are large and round and neat, 

"But Lord they are too big for feet." 

 "My child," He said in somber tones, 

"For miles I carried you alone. 

I challenged you to walk in faith, 

But you refused and made me wait."

 "You disobeyed, you would not grow, 

The walk of faith, you would not know. 

So I got tired, I got fed up, 

and

 there I dropped you on your butt." 

 "Because in life, 

there comes a time, 

when one must fight,

 and one must climb.

 When one must rise and take a stand, 

or leave their butt prints in the sand."

~Happy Father's Day~

Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers out there! Enjoy your day and be bless. Check out this video at the following link. Enjoy:  My Dream Father's Day 

A dad is someone who

wants to catch you before you fall

but instead picks you up,

brushes you off,

and lets you try again. 

A dad is someone who

wants to keep you from making mistakes

but instead lets you find your own way,

even though his heart breaks in silence

when you get hurt. 

A dad is someone who

holds you when you cry,

scolds you when you break the rules,

shines with pride when you succeed,

and has faith in you even when you fail...

In His Grip,

-Pastor J

Foot Prints in the sand!

One night a man had a dream. 

He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. 

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. 

For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: 

one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, 

he looked back at the footprints in the sand. 

He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. 

He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

 This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:

 "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, 

you'd walk with me all the way. 

But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,

 there is only one set of footprints.

 I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

 The LORD replied:

 "My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

Is This Church?

How true is this today that the internet and smart phones have taken over the world as we know it. Who would of ever guess only 30 years ago this would have happened.
   Times have change however The Word of God have never changed. I am not a big fan of Francis Chan however I came across a sermon of his the other day. It was interesting hearing him talk to his church, and the thing that struck me was that he kept telling his congregation that he was not comfortable in calling what they were doing "church". After listening it made me wonder if, what I had experienced all my life could have been called "church". This is not a church bashing blog however I know a few readers out there think that however on the thought of simplifying our lives and simplifying the church I have to go deeper.
   Pastor Chan stated, “If I were stuck on a desert island with nothing but the Bible, what would I end up with?” I have to ask myself, “Is that what we have today? Is that what our churches look like today?” My thought after listening to this message was, have we put way too much of us into making a church that we have forsaken the Bible and what it calls us to do.
   Have our churches really become more about what we would like then what the Bible has called us to do. I fear that even those who are “rethinking” how church should be done are doing nothing more than what those did who got us in the place we are in now – came at it with a there personal view in the front and Jesus on the side. Don't get me wrong change is needed in the church for a dying church.. Note I spoke on this many weeks back. Pastor Chan stated, “If I had this to do over again, start church, here is what it would look like. A group of devoted people meeting together; Loving Others, Getting the Message of Jesus out to others, Depending on the Holy Spirit, Doing communion regularly and together, and last Praying together" It made me think, for anyone thinking of planting a church have they come to this fact of what they want in a church or of what God already defined the church to look like. I hope in ten years down the road, I can look at my people and say, THIS IS CHURCH!

In His Grip,

-Pastor J

Asking God...

Sometimes I'd like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine, and injustice in the world when He could do something about it...but I'm afraid God might ask me the same question.

~Exclusive Song~

It's not a lot I get to share with you new songs, however I wanted to share with you today a exclusive song called "Have Your Way" By Elizabeth Hunnicutt. If you notice this goes alongside my post from early this week. Let the words come over you. Enjoy!

In His Grip,

-Pastor J

~Have Your Way~

As a pastor I have always been one to watch and notice the actions of people and how the spirit moves on people at services during worship, Over the years I have become aware that many refused to let God do what He wants in their lives because they feared what that would mean.
I realize this by itself is not a huge, earth-shattering revelation. We have all feared what God would ask of us and that we would either come up short or have to give up something we were not willing to let go of (maybe a pet sin, immorality, personality trait, etc.).

Something just hit me again as I thought about this though, and the only way to kill a lie is with the living truth.

God’s way is healing!

God’s way is goodness!

God’s way is wholeness!

God’s way is peace…

We think we have to maintain that selfishness so that we can protect ourselves from being hurt while our Father calls to us to lay down the defenses and let Him bind your broken heart.
We think we have to keep it all together, be the strongest, and keep hiding when God is wanting us to be vulnerable (not sure of the spelling) so that we can be liberated from the pain that engulfed us. We think we need that validation from someone of the opposite sex even though it threatens intimacy with our own spouse while God desires for us to find our identity as a child in His Kingdom. However, the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. "For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him." –Isaiah 30:18
Our deep thoughts and pursuits seem right but end in death. (Remember the sermon set I preached on called "Soundtrack"?!?) His wisdom and love lead us to life. I know I’ve been as guilty as anyone, but really why are we fighting Him? God is good and His ways are good. It makes me cry out all the more, “have your way, Lord!” I don’t say it as everything falls apart and I have no options left because I feared what He would require of me. I say it with a heart filled with praise for the Father who loves me beyond my frailties and brokenness and desires to bring restoration to every part of me. What do you think? Have you ever had trouble honestly saying, “Lord, have your way”? Do you need to say it today to Him?

Just something to think about as you go about your day, Be Blessed!

In His Grip,

-Pastor J

~Happy Iced Tea Day~

When you enter the South one thing you have entered is the land of SWEEEET SOUTHERN ICED TEA! One of the best things growing up was always having some good sweet tea in our house. We might not of always had food, bread or milk in the house but we always had some homemade sweet tea. We had some mint growing in the back yard around our pool and I would sneak out to pick some to put in my tea and boy did it just make it heaven to drink. OH So Good! As I grow older it seems I have it less and less and when I am able to make a some it's always a treat. Weather you like it hot or cold, sweet or not go enjoy a cup today on this National Tea Day!

In His Grip,

-Pastor J

~PastorJonathanDavid.com Makeover~

Okay so after a few months I wanted to give my blog a face lift or can we say a updated look. The main reason for this is, this new look should look better on smartphones and Ipads aswell as other tablets. I had one of my readers the other week state the layout didn't show up very well on his tablet. So I hope this helps. The page does take a little longer to load however If you know me I am not one to keep something the same for very long so I am sure I will change again in a few months, weeks, days ect. This new layout does allow for readers to change the layout of how post are viewed on their computers, phones or tablets by clicking to the left of this post. Have a safe and blessed Saturday!

In His Grip,

-Pastor J

~Apple Leadership~

I think a lot of churches could learn something about leadership from Steve Jobs. I also think there are some managers and company leaders who could take a lesson from Steve and his set-up. I think the key statement here is:

"If you want to hire great people and want them to stay working for you, you have to allow them to make choices, and a company be run by ideas not hierarchy."

In His Grip,

-Pastor J

A Note from Dr. Rainer

Today I want to do something different. I want to share with you my CEO's blog post from a few weeks back. Many may know Mr. Rainer and some may not. Thom Rainer is CEO and president of LifeWay.


From Rainer:
I have the incredible opportunity to interact with pastors regularly. In recent conversations, I asked two questions. First, have you ever experienced burnout in your ministry? Second, what do you do to prevent pastoral burnout?

Interestingly, every pastor with whom I spoke had experienced some level of burnout. And so they s
poke from the voice of experience when they shared with me what they do to prevent burnout today. I aggregated their responses to seven keys to preventing pastoral burnout, not in any particular order or priority.

Remember your call. Ministry can be tough and dirty. It can be frustrating and confusing. But if we remember Who called us and Who sustains us, we are able to persevere. We understand that we are not doing ministry in our own power.
Pray for your critics. Criticism in one of the most frequently mentioned causes of burnout. Pastors on the other side of burnout told me that they have learned to pray for their critics almost every day. It has given the pastors a fresh perspective. A few pastors even noted significant change in their critics shortly after they started praying for them.
Wait a day before responding to critics. Somewhat related to number two above, some pastors shared that ministry began to take its toll when they engaged their critics negatively in writing, in pers

on, or by phone. Now these pastors wait a full day before responding, and they are amazed at how differently their responses take shape.
Be intentional about down time. Pastors need it. Their families need it. Every week. Don’t skip vacations. Go on occasional retreats. Don’t lose your family by trying to save your church.
Find a friend to share your burden. For some pastors, it was another pastor. For others, it was a retired pastor. Some mentioned that key confidants in the church had become their best friends. Pastors need someone they trust to whom they can unload their burdens.
Do not neglect your prayer life. Pastors told me repeatedly that, as their prayer life waned, their burnout increased. Prayer was first ongoing conversations with God. But it was also a time for spiritual refueling.
Do not neglect your time in the Word. We heard similar stories from pastors who began neglecting their time in the Bible. As that time waned, burnout increased. All the pastors noted that time in the Word was time beyond sermon preparation. It was a time of personal devotion and study.
Pastors are burning out every day. Many are leaving the ministry as a result. It is a real and immediate problem with many pastors and many churches.Pastors and other staff:

Do you have stories of burnout and recovery? What lessons can we lea

rn from you?

Laypersons: What can you do to help pastors prevent burnout?

-Dr. Thom Rainer

~Walk the Walk~

The account of David’s sin with Bathsheba is often used to teach about temptation, especially sexual temptation. I will agree this is a great story for us to use, but often, there is a great lesson to be learned in the from the text proceeding the story.

"And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem." -2 Samuel 11

Interesting isn’t it? The author made it a point to state that David “tarried still at Jerusalem.” Traditionally, in David’s time, kings would go to any battles in the Spring with their armies. In previous chapters, you will see David leading his army into battle. Why this time did he stay home? No one knows the answer to that question, we just know the outcome. I believe there is a good lesson for men to learn from David’s epic fail, and essentially, the epic fail of most of us who call ourselves Christians.

The very minute we decide to get off the battlefield and tarry around or hang back is the very second we open ourselves up for temptation. Although we do not do physical battle, we do have battles we fight as outlined in Ephesians 6. We have continue to immerse ourselves in the Word of God daily and if we don’t, it is the same as us staying off the battlefield. We open ourselves to potential attacks, the sneakiest of kinds.

As noted by many references, David was simply strolling on the roof, not really looking for trouble. The fact is, if he had been at battle where he should have been, that glance would not have turned into a question which turned into a meeting which turned into sin and destruction.

Here are some quick items to walk away with:

• If you’re not in God’s Word daily, change that!
• If you are not meeting with an accountability partner or group, get into one
• Get into a church family that will nourish your walk and help keep you focused on Christ
• Stay in the battle. If you feel yourself getting off the battlefield, let a fellow Christian know

In His Grip,

-Pastor J