Green Grass

Thought I'd share some of the results of the early spring yard work I blogged about in an earlier post. I know it's still not the best lawn in town, but I sure am pleased with it. Normally the best time of the year to plant grass in the fall. But I went ahead and gave it a try this spring. So far it is doing really well. But, the real test is these next three months. We are expecting near 100 degree temps for the next 5 days. As long as I can keep it moist it should be okay.

Give or Take

‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35

Sunday mornings we are currently going through the three temptations of Christ: 'the lust of the flesh', 'the lust of the eye', and 'the pride of life.' Satan takes full advantage these natural desires in our lives to tempt us to sin. We all want to satisfy what our bodies desire, to get what our eyes see, and to be promoted in this life. To win against the 'lust of the flesh' we have to walk in the Spirit. To win against the 'lust of the eyes' we have be generous. To win against the 'pride of life' we must have a humble heart.

This week we are going to take a close look at how selfishness leads to sin.

The tempter takes takers, but God guards givers.

Are you a giver or a taker?

10 Life Choices

I'm really excited about Bob Perdue's new book and ministry. Bob has a real burden to help those who are hurting and broken. There are a lot of people who can give advice and council, and that's good. But, Bob offers help from his own journey and the trials he has overcome. Bob is the senior pastor of Old Dominion Baptist Church. He has used these 10 Life Choices to help so many people.

Be sure to check out http://www.lifenowministries.com/. If you know of anyone who is hurting, here is a good place to send them for help.

Memorial Day Picnic

Wow! Can you believe the weather today? Definitely a perfect day for a picnic in the park. We had a great day at Gilbert Run Park. I always enjoy the hike around the lake after lunch...such a good time to talk and at the same time reflect. Not to mention work off some calories:)

Gilbert Run Park

The Memorial Day service was great. Just want to say thanks to all that worked and participated in the service this morning. I thought it was a great honor to those who have given their lives for our freedom.

Tomorrow we'll enjoy our annual Memorial Day Church picnic at Gilbert run park. Nothing like food cooked on the Grill.

Memorial Day Service

Really looking forward to all the activities this weekend. We are planning a special service to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We can never take freedom for granted. Freedom is never free! Here is a video some of our young adults have put together to remind us of the price of freedom.

Special Evening Service

Really enjoyed spending the day with Dan and Janette Smith. Dan was ordained in our church a couple of years ago and then called to pastor Central Baptist Church in Onley Virginia. He and Janette are wonderful people. So encouraged by his genuine and growing love for the Lord and ministry. Speaking tonight you could sense his increased passion to win the lost.

I was challenged as he shared his struggles and how the Lord has used those very struggles to help him to grow and to develop in his ministry.

I look forward to how the Lord is going to bless and continue to use him.

Deal No Deal Launch

We launched our 'Deal No Deal' series this morning. I really felt I shared what the Lord wanted me share today. But, in dealing with the 'lust of the flesh,' it was difficult being relevant and at the same time keeping it respectable. So much more I really wanted to share.

Satan has no boundaries in His presentation and enticements. But preachers have limits in showing the degree to which sin destroys.

So many lives are ruined when the temptation battle is lost. I pray today's message will help our people win this battle.

Happy Mother's Day

Really enjoyed Mother's Day today. Just want to say thanks to all who were a part of the service. So great to hear the testimonies for mothers...all three were a blessing. Neat having the children do special music...a great job! Props to Christina for doing the Mother's Day Video Card...soooo cool. It was a perfect conclusion for the message 'Just Mom!'

After service our family had a super dinner together. The girls and their guys shopped for the food...did all the cooking...It was wonderful! Terry stopped by the Butcher in Bryans Road and picked up for Gi and I a NY Strip... he cooked it on the grill... and man it was good.

Nathan cooked up some of the best Green Beans I'd ever eaten...Definitely a dish I'll want again. Brittany made a dessert that I really wanted seconds of. Amanda made some of the best mashed Sweet potatoes ever...anything that good had to be High Glycemic.

Of course I topped it off with some lattes:)

We then enjoyed the evening at home.

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day Service Ideas

Really looking forward to Mother's Day this Sunday. After fifteen years of solo planning the Mother's Day service I thought I'd enlist some help. This year I asked some of our mothers. 'What would be your dream experience for church on Mother's Day?' Well, I didn't personally ask them, but I did ask one of our ladies to meet with a group of mother's to brainstorm some ideas. They really came up with some great ideas that I think will make this Mother's Day very special for everyone. Here are a few Mother's Day service ideas we are planning:

1. Testimonies... One by a daughter. One by a mother. And two by sons.
2. Recognize and honor certain mothers with gifts...All Expectant Mothers, First Time Mothers, Mother with the most children, Grandmother with the most grandchildren, Great-Grandmother with the most great-grandchildren.
3. Special gift for all mothers.
4. Music special by children.
5. Mother's Day Video Card...maybe next week I can blog it. We'll see...
6. Sermon of encouragement for mother's.
7. Not sure we can do this yet, but we will try to get replacements for all the mother's who serve in the nursery or children's ministry this Sunday so they can be in the service.

I really hope the service is a worthy tribute to moms.

Deal No Deal

Life has many alluring temptations. But most will lead you down a path of deception and destruction. Don’t be fooled! They might look like the “real deal”, but they’re not! Join us starting May 18th on Sundays @ 11 AM and follow the discerning path that leads to truth and a life well lived. Be Discerning; Not Deceived!

Club Member or Enlisted?

Bob Perdue discussed the church's vision and mission yesterday morning. People lose sight of the church's mission and instead focus on the church's programs and ministries. Programs and ministries are not an end in themselves. They are simply a vehicle to accomplish the mission. Our church's mission is preparing effective ambassadors for Christ. Seeing unsaved people begin loving God, people, and serving.

The mission is the big deal.

It's not just something the church does...it is what the church does.

Many people become 'club members' because they like a particular person, program, or ministry a church offers. When mission minded leadership sees the need to reinvent those ministries or programs because it has lost effectiveness in accomplishing the church's mission, 'club members' leave in search of another with that person, program, or ministry. An observation about 'Club members': they never accomplish the mission. They have no spiritual 'family tree.' They have no one that they have personally lead to Christ who's now an effective ambassador for Christ.

On the other hand 'enlisted' people are for the mission. Enlisted people quickly see when something may be fun but does not accomplish the mission. The enlisted welcome needed change for the sake of the mission. Enlisted people bear fruit. Enlisted people have spiritual babies and grand babies they are nurturing and discipling. Enlisted people prepare and produce effective ambassadors of Christ.

Should you enlist?

National Day of Prayer

It was so neat getting invited to the White House today for the National Day of prayer. The President reminded us how important prayer has been to previous presidents, and he personally thanked us for praying for him during his two terms in office.

It was also cool meeting some people for the first time...recognize this person?

If not...here's a clue...

I really enjoyed being able to meet and talk to Beth Moore. She has been such an encouragement to so many people.

We do need to remember to pray for our president and other national leaders.

'I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior' (1 Timothy 2:1 - 3)

The influence of a changed life

'And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.' (John 12:32)

One of my favorite stories is Jesus witnessing to the Samaritan woman at the well. So many lessons in this story for winning lost people. But what really grips my thought is how a woman of such bad reputation can gain the ear of so many in her town. I really believe they saw in her the change that Jesus made in her life. I believe this change had a far greater impact than the words she spoke. Her changed life lifted up the Lord.

I'm convinced that people will believe more from what they see in my life than what I say about my God.

I want God to actively change my life, so that others can see that God is alive.

We lift up the Lord when He changes our lives.

Proverbs 11:30

Che' Hensley shared his testimony Sunday. I was really challenged with all he said. Such a blessing to hear how God changes lives. But, what really spoke to me was how he tied Proverbs 11:30 in with Psalm 1.

'The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.' (Proverbs 11:30)

I've always focused on the second half, 'he that winneth souls is wise.' But Sunday what stood out for the first time to me was the first half of the verse as the key to winning souls, 'The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.' The NLT says, 'The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life.' Psalm 1 says of the righteous, 'They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.' Jesus said that we are to be 'salt and light.'

If we want to win lost people to Christ, we must become Christlike. We must allow Christ to influence and change our lives. When we love and care for people as Christ does, we will become more effective witnesses, winning more people to Christ.

Sunday Reflections

Exciting, eventful Sunday...we had five people join the church, one baptized, observed the Lord's Supper, wrapped up our 'iChanged!' series, and heard from three people how God is changing lives. The final message of the series focused on the importance of sharing our story. So important to give glory to God by telling all He does for us.

'Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.' (Psalms 107:2)

A Dogs Life!

A dog's Life!...Buddy is 14 years old...At that age a good afternoon nap is too precious to pass up.

I love my mom!

Mom had never had a latte before her visit this week. The first one I made her was a plain latte. She really liked it. For her second one I made a vanilla latte. She thought she had died and went to heaven. For her third one, I made a Caramel latte. She's HOOKED!

This morning as she was leaving to go home, she asked if I could make her one for the road. So, as you can see, I did...I love my mom!

Sunday Reflections

I really enjoyed church this weekend. A lot going on and that's always exciting. During the morning service the children's ministry did an outstanding job sharing what they they're learning this year. The Master's Club ministry had a regional activity Saturday and won several ribbons. I love the young people of our church and I'm so proud of them. I can't say enough about those who minister to them, they are doing a great job.

The music ministry is really progressing. I really felt the spirit moving during the praise time and thought people were ready for the message. So great to see more people getting involved.

I loved preaching 'Live - by Looking Forward.' So convinced that many people miss God's plan because they stay in their comfort zone never truly following were God leads. Change requires doing things you are uncomfortable with. The more you do it, the comfortable it becomes to you.

Christina put together a promotional video for baptism. So cool! Hopefully I can post it so you will be able to see it.

We wrapped up the morning with a 'Newcomers' dinner. Great food, fellowship, and so excited about people adding to the County Church family.

Air Force One

Jeff's retirement ceremony was a real blessing today. So amazing being in the hanger of Air Force One. The back drop for the program was the actual 747 dedicated to moving the President. The Air Force One crew is one of those organizations that you never hear anything about and that is good. In this case no news is good news. Their mission has been so successful for so many years. They work behind the scenes of the public, with such precision and dedication, yet they never receive public recognition for what they do. I heard the History Channel recently did a documentary. Be sure to watch. It debuts this June.

I really enjoy being invited to the work place of our church members. So cool to see what they do and to be able to meet the people they spend their lives with.

It was great spending my day at Air Force One. Truly is one of the perks in pastoring here in the DC area.

Congratulations Jeff for a very successful 23 years!

I'm sore!

My mom came up to visit last night. She is always such a joy to be with. She truly is one of the godliest people I know. It was great that she was able to be in our prayer meeting last night. Today she wanted to work in the yard. We worked all day. the yard is sure looking better, but now I am sore! We will probably work several more hours this weekend to finish some of the projects we are working on. I'll enjoy it, mostly because I am able to spend time with mom.

Tomorrow we will break for a few hours. Jeff Clark, one of our church members is having his retirement ceremony. He has served in the Air Force for 23 years. I have the privilege of doing the opening invocation. Both my mom and I are really looking forward to celebrating and honoring Jeff. I am a huge fan of our military. So appreciative of their sacrifice for my freedom.

Never Give Up!

Jacob's life really resonated with me this past week.

If any one ever had good reason to quit, it was Jacob. At this point in Jacob's life he had plenty of reason to be discouraged, out of fight and without hope. It seemed as if everything he touched ended in a mess. Imagine taking from your twin brother his most precious possession: The family birthright and their father's blessing. Jacob had deceived his own father to steal his twin brother's blessing. As a result he fled his childhood home fearing for his life.

He meets Rachel and falls in love with her. To marry her he agrees with Laban, Rachel's father, to work 7 years. After the seven years, Laban tricked him, and Jacob unknowingly ends up marrying Rachel’s sister Leah. Laban insists Jacob work another 7 years before he could marry Rachel. Jacob agrees. He works another seven years, but the marriage is in trouble from the very beginning. Rachel, his true love, is unable to bear children. She becomes jealous of Leah. Now Jacob's home and life is worse than ever.

In time Jacob’s family outgrows his father-in-law’s family. This further adds to the list of 'messes' in Jacob's life. Jacob once again must leave town. To make things worse, Rachel steals and desecrates her father’s god’s, so now Jacob has an angry father-in-law. What else could go wrong?

So Jacob gathers his family and all his belongings and begins his journey back to his homeland; Canaan. But, before he would reach Canaan, Esau is in pursuit of him.

So, it's the night before Jacob's face-off with Esau. Jacob is all alone. It's the middle of the night. And, a stranger comes out of nowhere and starts a fight with him.

Jacob must have been thinking, 'Why doesn't anything work out for me? Why go on? Is it worth all the trouble? Why continue to fight? Why not just give up?' But, Jacob did not give up. In fact, he fought with this stranger all night. What resolve! Jacob obviously had not lost all hope.

He made the right choice. The stranger turned out to be the Lord. And, God gave Jacob a new name: Israel - 'God's Fights for His people.' With God fighting for us, why should we give up. God had a purpose and a plan for Jacob and his dysfunctional family. God promised Jacob that through him would come a great nation. A nation that would bless the entire world. Wow! What a turnaround!

I want that same resolve to never give up. I never want to make the mistake of giving up when my greatest victory may be just on the other side of one last fight!

VBC Accreditation: TRACS Candidate Status

What a day! Today the we met with the TRACS accreditation commission and they granted the college Candidate status. This is the last step before full accreditation, so it is a real milestone for the college and a real victory. Gotta give a shout out to Jeff Walton. He has done a great job as Executive Vice President making this happen.

Sermon Test-Driven

Never Give Up!

That's my message tomorrow. I love preaching, teaching, and working with people as a pastor. A part I don't like is God taking me through experiences to make the message personal. Preparation for preaching involves more that just study. It often involves proving that what you say actually works. I'll definitely passionately preach tomorrow. We must never give up! As long as we stay in the race that God has for us, He guarantees victory. Big mistake to quit!

Small Group Cookout

Looking forward to our small group cookout tonight. We just finished our six week study 'Strong Foundations for Newlyweds.' Thought we would spend an evening and just fellowship. The group wants to continue meeting, so we are praying about our next study. This has been a great group. I look forward to what's ahead.