Fair - Faith - and Stones of Remembrance

This has been an emotional weekend.  I just finished a series at Northside called Ready.  The last two weeks have been on Hell and Heaven.  Both are very real places, and Jesus died to provide the way to Heaven.  My mind is on eternity and what is at stake.  My heart beats for people to be inspired to know Jesus.

This is also the time of the NYS State Fair.  I learned from a member of Northside (the church where I serve as pastor), that yesterday at the cattle barn, he met two people I have a connection with from 39 years ago.  Tonight Kathy and I visited them both at the fair.  So here's the story.

I grew up on a dairy farm.  We would show Holstein dairy cattle at our Country fair.  If we did exceptionally well, they would be chosen to go to the state fair.  We would make the journey to Syracuse.  We did this on a few occasions.  After my Dad sold the farm, I continued in 4-H and competed in Dairy Cattle Judging.

In 1974, I made the top 50 in the state and was blessed to go on a trip to the Toronto Royal Winter Fair.  One of my roommates on the trip was a guy named Joe Axtell.  I was a new believer - having given my life to Christ at the age of 14.  I thought it unique - and rather amazing - that Joe had a Bible in his suitcase.  I would learn that he too knew Christ as Savior and Lord.

The next year, I competed again and interestingly, I made the NYS dairy judging team placing in the top 8 in the state.  Joe Axtell also made the team.  The two of us along with Christel Ripley and Tim Coon would represent our state at the National Dairy show in Columbus, Ohio and compete against other states.  Our coach was Dennis Hartman from Cornell.  Here's where it gets interesting.

As it turns out, Our coach, as well as three of the team were all believers - Christel, Joe and myself.  Tim did not know the Lord at the time.  We spent several days together, competed and returned home.   The rest of the story would be learned years later.

Joe would marry Christel in 1979.  Joe and I would both become pastors - he and Christel went to Liberty University and I went to Roberts Wesleyan College.  Tim came to Christ 15 years later and today loves Jesus profoundly.  22 months ago, Joe went home to be with Jesus.

Tonight, Kathy and I returned to the fair to meet Christel, and we also met her Dad - a highly respected Guernsey farmer.  In addition - we met Tim.  He too is still in the industry and a highly regarded cattle judge.  He is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ today.  I marvel at how God works.  The picture below is from this evening.  Kathy and I are joined by Tim in the center, and Christel (Joe's widow) and Christel's Dad.

This evening was the reminder of the awesome providence and plan of God.  God brought Joe and Christel together and he gave them five wonderful children.  He surrounded Tim with four believers - that though not realizing it at the time sowed into his life and God would later bring him to salvation.  He put Joe in my life to remind me of the beauty of being bold for Christ.  All of us grew up on farms and were impacted by the heritage of family and faith.

For me tonight was like visiting stones of remembrance - right here in Syracuse (you will have to read Joshua 4 for that one).  It was remembering the powerful working of God in the life of a 17 year old boy who was blessed to spend a week with four other amazing people - and through that our lives and the lives of many others have been forever changed.  To God be all the glory!!!!

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.