A New Season

This week, our family is coming home.  I can't wait.  Growing up in New York, summer was always my favorite season.  I enjoy the warmer weather, and on some occasions we were able to travel and visit family when the farm work and crops were up to date.  As I grew older and had my own family, we would sometimes 'go home' to visit - and frankly we did that whenever we could.  It was often at Christmas.  I love all the seasons, summer just happens to be my favorite.

I still remember Kathy and me driving from Tennessee to return home for Christmas, with our young two month old daughter.  Beginning this weekend, we aren't going away, but our family is coming home.  Now the kids have grown up.  Saturday I will see our oldest, and hold two granddaughters in my arms.  Sunday, our son will be home.  Wednesday, our next daughter with her husband.  For a few days with the exception of one son-in-law unable to make the trip our whole family will be together.

For years I've believed that to keep the fire burning, you just need a few things.  First, faith is the priority.  Nothing is more important than trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord.  He keeps my fire burning.  I'm so grateful for His presence, His word, His power, and His direction.  Second, it's family.  Particularly in ministry, (but in any field!), don't miss out on the blessing of your own family!  I love my wife, my children, their spouses, and my grandchildren.  Third, thank the Lord for friends.  Just today, I saw a friend in the parking lot of Starbucks.  I had the privilege of leading him to the Lord a few years ago, and he has been an encouraging voice into my life many times and continues to be.

Seasons change.  I'm not a little boy on the farm anymore.  I'm not a young single college student.  I'm not the newlywed, pastoring his first church in Tennessee.  I'm not the father of a newborn.  Life is different now, but I've got to say it feels like Christmas in July.  From casual conversations, to golf, to dinner, and yes  - worshipping together, I'm so grateful for the week the family is coming home.  Thank you Jesus.

I Believe

This has been an amazing day.  It's Sunday and I like Sundays.  It's the weekly reminder of Easter Sunday - the resurrection of Jesus.  He rose on the first day of the week.  We gather to celebrate a living Savior who died for us and rose to live again.  Amazing.  Simply amazing.  I believe.  I believe that Jesus is Lord.  I believe He is the way, the truth and the life.  

At Northside we finished our series called Transformed this morning.  We've looked at seven areas of life - and have set goals to move the needle in a positive direction in all seven areas of our lives - spiritual health, physical health, mental health, emotional health, financial health, vocational health, and relational health.  This week we will continue with the final seven days of devotions and our final life group gatherings for this series.  I'm so grateful for 65 life groups and over 600 people who are meeting in them to process and discuss these areas in greater detail.  I believe in the local church and the ministry of life groups.   

This afternoon Kathy and I attended a graduation party for one of our seniors.  I hate when we miss any of them, but sometimes we do.  I'm so grateful for our graduating seniors and the potential and promise they have to make a difference in this world for the glory of God.  Congratulations seniors.  I believe in you, am praying for you, and am cheering you on!!!

The day ended with friends gathering with our family at our home to watch the USA/Portugal World Cup Soccer match.  I love the game of soccer and I love our team.  USA.  In fact the motto surrounding them has become - 'Believe' - or 'I believe' - or the full version - 'I believe that we will win'.  Tonight's match concluded with a heartbreaking game tying goal by Portugal.  I believe in our team.  I believe they will show up Thursday against Germany just like they did today - and play with heart, focus, skill, determination, great coaching, and endurance.  I believe that we will win.

Ultimately, I believe that Jesus already won.  Not a game - not a World Cup - but the victory over sin, death and the grave.  We are called to believe in Him.  The Bible says - 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.'  It's more than religion - it's a relationship.  It's more than head knowledge, it's heart surrender.  He loves you so much He stretched out His arms to say 'I love you this much!' - and then died for you!  Receive Him today.  Trust Him with all your heart.  It will make an eternity of difference.  He already paid the price.  I believe.  I want you to believe too.  

It's Not About Me

This weekend has been an amazing experience in my journey with the Lord.  I’ve realized again with profound significance, as Rick Warren said in the opening line of the Purpose Driven Life:  ‘It’s not about me.’ 

My wife was the guest speaker for a women’s conference near New York City.  She invited me to go with her and I was honored to do so.  On top of that, after ten weeks of preaching three times a weekend, I was due for a much-needed speaking break. 

What a thrill it was to be there to serve the Lord by serving Kathy.  She is amazing.  I love her heart and her love for Jesus.  I love how much she loves, believes and lives the word of God.  So did every woman who heard her this weekend. 

When I arrived to pick her up, they were asking for their picture with her, having her sign her books, and thanking her for her ministry.  She had not just ministered the word, she had given of her life. I was so blessed to witness those moments.  I was glad to not be the one in the limelight and realize again – it’s not about me!

From there we headed toward Dover, Delaware.  We decided we would drive a little over 3 hours further and spend time with our son and worship with him on Sunday.  We had a beautiful dinner Saturday night together and found out a few days ago he was actually preaching this weekend. 

Today I sat in the third row back on the right hand side.  I sat with the crowd, and witnessed my 26-year-old son, bring the word to the congregation where he serves as worship and youth pastor.  I’ve heard David’s messages from recordings, but never live from a church service.  It was one of the most humbling moments of my life. 

I’m grateful for all my kids.  They are a huge blessing in my life.  They are a big part of what keeps my fire burning.  I love what I do.  I’m a pastor.  It’s God’s call on my life.  I love to preach the word of God and the glorious gospel of Jesus.  But everyone needs a break.  This weekend, it was my turn to step aside.  It’s not about me.

I watched with wonder, blessing and amazement at the ministry of the Lord through my wife on Saturday and my son on Sunday.  I got some much-needed rest, and I heard clearly from God.  I love my church family and am grateful for the privilege to serve at Northside.  But it’s not about me.  It never has been and it never will be. 

David told us of a young man who tells his mother when the weekend comes, ‘It’s time to go to church, starring Jesus!’  I like that.  I like it a lot.  It’s not about me.  It’s all about Him.  

Faith Without Works is Dead

This past Saturday, I gave blood.  I hate to give blood.  I do not like needles and the thought of one being stuck in my arm for an extended period of time is one of the least pleasant thoughts I could have.  On top of that, through the years those who have drawn blood from me at times have had a hard time finding the veins.  But this is what you need to know:  I didn't do it to prove a point, and I didn't do it because I enjoy it.  I did it because it matters.

A lady in our church was once in an accident, and in the next three days she received 70 units of blood.  She helped host the blood drive at Northside this past Saturday as she often does.  Her husband was there as were two of their sons.  Their first son died as a result of that accident.  God has miraculously blessed them with two more.  Whenever I see Jamie and Katie, along with their two sons, I am highly motivated to sign up for the blood drive.

As I lay on the table, I listened to some music and reflected on many things.  You see I was there the night of Katie's accident, and I am still overwhelmed with gratitude that she is alive today.  She was walking through the valley of the shadow of death, but God spared her.  He also used the blood of many people to help sustain her through those critical hours.

I thought Saturday of the verse in James that says 'Faith without works is dead.'  In that passage of Scripture -  in it's broader context we read of three kinds of faith - one is a dead faith - no evidence of the saving grace of God demonstrated through good works.  One is demonic faith - knowing about God - but certainly no surrender to his Lordship.  One is dynamic faith - not a faith that is secured by works - but a faith that works.

No one is saved by good deeds.  The truth is we all have sinned.  Someone else gave His blood for that purpose.  Jesus did.  The blood of Jesus covers the sins of all who place their trust in Him.  That was the greatest blood donation of all time.

As the attending person from the Red Cross gave me my final instructions, took care of the blood I had given and was about to let me leave, I reached in my pocket and pulled out a magnet with the information about our Easter services on it.  I said - actually - I'm the pastor of this church - and I would love to invite you to our services at the Oncenter.  I believe that she and her husband may attend.  I'm praying they do - or one of our weekend services before or after that as I told her about them as well.

I didn't give blood for my salvation.  Jesus did that.  I gave blood so someone can live another day to learn of Him and be saved, or live for Him and bring others to Christ.  I was reminded again, that faith without works is dead.  We were created in Christ Jesus unto good works.  It's time to go for it.

Lessons from a Soccer photo

Today is one of those sentimental days.  My wife has gone north to visit her parents and enjoy precious time with them.  I'm taking care of a few things on the home front and getting some work done.  I've been a little nostalgic for sure.  It took me down the road and by the house we lived in for 19 years.  I love our current home, but I just wanted to see again the place where we have 19 years of memories.

Later, I found a picture of our son.  The picture is of his soccer days with the Salt City Raptors.  They were a powerful team.  He was a very good player.  I love the picture.  It has him heading up the field with a focus and determination that has been his heart from the start.  To be honest, I see that heart in each of our kids.  Dave, however, is a fierce competitor.  He doesn't like to lose.  I actually admire him for that.

Dave played with amazing alertness, quickness, skill, determination and a desire to succeed - or win.  I also love that the picture has his coach directly in the not so distant background.  If a picture is worth a thousand words - then here is how I translate it for us today.  We are all on the field of life, but this is no game.  We should live with focus, determination, a rightly directed passion, and desire to succeed - as believers - particularly in the will of the Lord.

The cool part is that our coach is also close by - He sees us, He knows us and He is coaching us - that is the Lord of course.  But better than that, He has given us the Holy Spirit who is in us.  He's not just watching us, He is indwelling us and empowering us.  That's amazing.  So, press on in the will of God for the glory of God.  On Dwight L. Moody's tombstone, in Northfield, Massachusetts, are the words in the old King James Version from 1 John - 'He that doeth the will of God abideth forever'.  Focus on God's will like Dave did that soccer ball and head up field with hope in your heart and don't give up on all that God is doing and wants to do in your life.

I talked with a friend today from out of town.  He is a precious gift from the Lord.  We don't talk often but when we do it is always valuable.  That's the way friends are.  I needed him today.  His last words to me this morning were 'win the day'.  Sort of reminds me of Jesus - 'live one day at a time'.  My pray for you today is - 'win the day'.  That's my new objective and I challenge you to make it yours.

Small School with a Big Impact

I walked out of the cafe on campus this afternoon.  It was time to head home.  I had taught my class, and then finished up the message for the weekend while at the cafe.  

I am privileged to teach ministry students one day a week at a small school in Johnson City, New York.  When you drive on campus, the size of the school does not overwhelm you.  When you walk into the main building, you are greeted by a rug that says, 'Pursue God'.  If you ever attend a chapel service, you will find that's more than a statement that greets you.  It's the heart of the campus and it flows from the leader.  The school is Davis College, and the President is Dr. Dino Pedrone.  

I first learned of Davis College while on a mission trip to Nicaraugua in the year 2000.  It amazes me how the Lord works.  I was joining another pastor from the United States to teach in a leadership academy housed in a home where young people came daily for classes to be trained to be indigenous Christian leaders.  The other pastor told me about this school near Binghamton that his family had been a part of previously known as Practical Bible College.  I had never heard of it before that trip to the best of my knowledge.  

This semester is my first to teach there.  I've spoken in chapel and at a couple of other events over recent years.  As I left today I was struck by the sight of Binghamton University that I could see in the distance.  More than 12000 students attend SUNY Binghamton.  I'm confident they have some very good programs that have helped a lot of people.  

As I was leaving the tri-cities area and heading north, I saw the exit to Broome Community College.  More than 6800 students are enrolled there.  Once again, I'm sure there are many opportunities that have helped many people at that school and from that school.  

Davis College has an enrollment of just over 300.  It's sort of a David and Goliath scenario.  What difference can a school of 300 in Johnson City, New York make?  It can have an eternal impact for many.  One of my professors in my Doctor of Ministry studies at Liberty University is the Provost of Liberty (the largest Christian University in the world).  He's a graduate of this little school in Johnson City.  In recent years my son-in-law is a graduate and is now in seminary preparing for a life of ministry.  

This semester I'm teaching nine men who are preparing for ministry.  Four area pastors are sitting in on the class as well.  We are discussing 'Strategies for Kingdom Expansion'.  With all due respect to the other institutions of the area, I didn't leave today discouraged.  I left with a great hope that something is happening in a small place that has made, is making and will make a big impact for the glory of God.  I pray it may be a place that sparks revival and that many souls come to know Jesus through those who are trained there, and serve there.  I'm blessed to be a part of it.  

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  It has been for a long time, and continues to be.  It seems simpler and a little more stress free.  There is less commercialism associated with the holiday.  It's pretty much just family, food, and football.  Well - I don't need the football - but I'll take it.  It's also a profound time to reflect and be grateful.  Life slows down for a bit and the things that matter most are more clearly in focus.

Today I am most thankful for the cross of Christ, the resurrection of Jesus and the eternal hope we have in Him.  There is no greater gift than the Lord Jesus.  Today I am grateful for Norman Bell leaving North Carolina to come to New York and minister for a number of years from 1960 until the 1980's.  When I was two years old, God sent a man to New York who would lead another minister to the Lord about 12 years later and that man would be assigned to our church and become our pastor.

I'm thankful for Lanny Fox, who preached Jesus at the Burke Methodist Church and influenced me to Christ.  I'm thankful for Frank Wood - our pastor from 1978-1982 who in just four short years, baptized me, licensed me to the ministry, ordained me to the ministry, directed me to the right seminary, believed in me, prayed for me, was there for me and my family when my father died, preached my father's funeral, and performed Kathy and my wedding ceremony.

I'm grateful for my father and mother.  I have a great heritage and I'm forever grateful.  I'm grateful for growing up on a farm and learning the values of faith, family, and hard work.  I'm grateful to have witnessed the laws of sowing and reaping for many years and helping prepare my heart for ministry in a way that God still uses to this day.

I'm so grateful for my wife.  No one could be a better partner in life and in ministry.  I cherish our marriage and our memories.  I look forward to making many more memories together until we see Jesus.  Kathy keeps me balanced.  She believes in me, loves me, encourages me and stands with me.  Next to the Holy Spirit, she will always be my greatest cheerleader.  I love her so much.

I'm grateful for our kids.  It's hard to believe that 8, 5 and 2 are now 29, 26, 23 and 14.  This thanksgiving we are spread out.  Kathy and I will host dinner at home.  Dave and Emily will join us and my Mom is with us.  I'm grateful for this day.  Our two oldest daughters are cooking their first thanksgiving dinners and hosting friends and family in their own homes - one in Ohio and one in Michigan.  I'm proud of them and blessed to be their Dad!  I miss them but celebrate the blessings in their lives.  Andrea and Charity, you are amazing women and I love you!

I'm grateful for two godly son-in-laws.  Matthew and Joshua.  I'm grateful they know Jesus and love Him first.  I'm grateful they love their wives who happen to be my daughters.  I'm grateful they are good providers, protectors and spiritual leaders.  I'm blessed to have them in my life.

I'm grateful for two beautiful granddaughters.  The love I have for them is greater than I could have imagined.  I pray for them and I bless them in the name of Jesus.  They bring great joy to my life and put a smile on my face every day.

I'm grateful for the call to serve Jesus.  Last night my wife and I went to a hospital emergency room to minister to a family in an hour of great need.  I'm nobody - but Jesus is everything.  To be the reminder to a hurting family that the Lord has not forgotten them is one of the greatest privileges in life.  My heart still aches for their pain this morning - but I know the Lord will sustain them even in life's darkest hours.  He is the good shepherd.  Everyone needs a pastor - including me - and I'm thankful for mine for the last 19 years - Jeff O'Brien - as we've served the Lord together.  Even this week, he was helpful and offered me great counsel on a simple decision.  I'm grateful for that.

I'm grateful for the seasons of life.  To be honest - I struggle a little with this one - but today I am choosing to move forward with nothing but gratitude.  I miss the days when all the kinds were here - but to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.  God has a plan.  It's fun to watch it unfold.  So - I'm about to enjoy what I have for 55 years of life.  Family, friends, food, and football!

Most of all I'm thankful for faith - the Lord Himself.  He is the hope that is steadfast and sure.  He is the anchor for my soul.  From the rising of the sun to the setting of the same, the Lord's name is to be praised.  Hallelujah!  and - Happy Thanksgiving!