We are going to help change lives.
Period.
Please pray that our meeting on February 7th @ Lakeview with our Youth will be one that effects the rest of eternity...
We're basically going to attempt to have the young people set aside a dollar a day for a month to help missionary Jason Holt in Chile. My hope is that we raise at least $300 - hopefully more though!
Beyond that though, my prayer is that God grips the heart of our young people for service to Him. Service in the church, in the community and throughout the world... starting with Chile.
Check out our Youth blog for more information- - - and PRAY!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Jesus' Prayer
Pastor Mike preached a series on John 17 a few weeks ago and I just finished getting the sermons loaded online at www.lakeviewbaptist.net.
John 17 is an awesome chapter, on so many levels, but even more so when you consider the fact that Jesus prayed for future believers - people like me! (And I hope you!)
I encourage you to check it out and listen!
Here is the page link.
John 17 is an awesome chapter, on so many levels, but even more so when you consider the fact that Jesus prayed for future believers - people like me! (And I hope you!)
I encourage you to check it out and listen!
Here is the page link.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
New Home January 2010
We're getting there!
Another shot...
The view from the deck looking at the back yard!
Back doors
Looking in the guest bedroom - do you see the kids across the street at the school? LOL
The view from our bedroom!
Check out our bedroom!
Looking into the kitchen from the living room!
The living room!
The dining room!
Ben and Matt - our tireless laborers... eating and sitting around - LOL
From the driveway...
We are so thankful to God for His provision and blessing! Thanks to Sarah's Dad and brothers for their effort also... Lord-willing we will be in soon!
Gloria a Dios!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Jealous
I am envious of my pastor... So jealous...
LOL
Pastor Mike is heading out to the Minneapolis this weekend to attend the Desiring God Pastor's Conference. You can read more about it here.
With that said, I am thankful for my pastor who I know STUDIES the Word of God and is always learning. These conferences are a break from everyday life, a small vacation of sorts, but even more so it is a time for Mike to reflect, rejuvenate and receive.
No doubt, he'll come back refreshed and ready to go full throttle... I can't wait!
I told Sarah the other day, "I want to go next year!" Let's see if the Lord allows it - Ha! Let's see if Mike allows it! Anyways...
I just want to let you all know that I have an amazing Pastor; I thank God for allowing me to cross paths with Mike!
Who's jealous now?
LOL
Pastor Mike is heading out to the Minneapolis this weekend to attend the Desiring God Pastor's Conference. You can read more about it here.
With that said, I am thankful for my pastor who I know STUDIES the Word of God and is always learning. These conferences are a break from everyday life, a small vacation of sorts, but even more so it is a time for Mike to reflect, rejuvenate and receive.
No doubt, he'll come back refreshed and ready to go full throttle... I can't wait!
I told Sarah the other day, "I want to go next year!" Let's see if the Lord allows it - Ha! Let's see if Mike allows it! Anyways...
I just want to let you all know that I have an amazing Pastor; I thank God for allowing me to cross paths with Mike!
Who's jealous now?
You can hear Pastor Mike at our website. Click here to go there!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Procrastination
Trash. That is what I smelled earlier this week when I burst through the door of our apartment – the horrible stench of rotting rubbish! The seeds of my procrastination had taken deep root through out the day, as the neglected bag of trash sat quietly fermenting… I had truly reaped what I had sown!
The problem was avoidable. Had I just taken the time out of my “busy” schedule to deal with the trash that morning, there would have been no decomposition to dispose of. Instead, I had to hurriedly carry the stinky bag out the door and onto the deck, all the while holding my breath… YUCK!
Had I just taken time…
How many of us, myself included, are going to wonder that after our life here is done? When there is no more breath in our lungs and Eternity is where we reside, will we question what we did with our time on Earth?
James talks about that in chapter 4. God’s Word says:
13Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
16But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
17Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
We all live with this mentality that tomorrow is promised and that today is within our grasp! We take the gift every sunrise brings and waste it on ourselves instead of spending it living for and glorifying God. Like James said in verse 15, we ought to say, “If the Lord will, we shall live and do this, or that.”
Sure we would live for God… but not today. We will do it later. Procrastination in the church of America – she is one of our greatest enemies. As God commands us to share His message and glorify Him in all that we do, we continue punching the clock of our meaningless, empty lives. Me, me, me! Just like the garbage that sits neglected in the corner, we too will eventually stink with the stench of spiritual decay.
We are not promised tomorrow; if you think about it, you are not promised the rest of the day. What will we do with the few moments we have to make Jesus famous among the nations?
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
The problem was avoidable. Had I just taken the time out of my “busy” schedule to deal with the trash that morning, there would have been no decomposition to dispose of. Instead, I had to hurriedly carry the stinky bag out the door and onto the deck, all the while holding my breath… YUCK!
Had I just taken time…
How many of us, myself included, are going to wonder that after our life here is done? When there is no more breath in our lungs and Eternity is where we reside, will we question what we did with our time on Earth?
James talks about that in chapter 4. God’s Word says:
13Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
16But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
17Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
We all live with this mentality that tomorrow is promised and that today is within our grasp! We take the gift every sunrise brings and waste it on ourselves instead of spending it living for and glorifying God. Like James said in verse 15, we ought to say, “If the Lord will, we shall live and do this, or that.”
Sure we would live for God… but not today. We will do it later. Procrastination in the church of America – she is one of our greatest enemies. As God commands us to share His message and glorify Him in all that we do, we continue punching the clock of our meaningless, empty lives. Me, me, me! Just like the garbage that sits neglected in the corner, we too will eventually stink with the stench of spiritual decay.
We are not promised tomorrow; if you think about it, you are not promised the rest of the day. What will we do with the few moments we have to make Jesus famous among the nations?
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2000-2009: Let's Reflect
Today is December 31, 2009... The last day of the decade.
Time to reflect...
I graduated high school in May or June of 2000. It's funny I can't remember which month off the top of my head. I do remember walking across the stage, taking my diploma in hand with my family watching. Afterwards we went to Subway...
January 12, 2001 I trusted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior - while at a Bible college in Virginia. James Hinton was preaching at Calvary Baptist Church in Smithfield, VA. My life changed that day...
That summer I began working as a part-time teller with BB&T in Durham, NC. What a relationship we've had! I worked in three different regions - the Triangle, Southeast and Upstate... and now I work for the mortgage division.
The following semester, I enrolled at Tabernacle Baptist College in Greenville, SC. That is where I met some of my closest friends, still to this day, including my best friend. She did not attend "Tab" but was a member there - she was a student at Bob Jones University.
I remember seeing Sarah at church and thinking, "Man, she's cute!" Never in my wildest dreams would I ever imagine she would even dare to talk to me. The cute, quiet young lady who sat with her family, all of them packed in one pew - is now my wife.
A few years past and I had the awesome opportunity of "traveling abroad." I enrolled in a six month program with Baptist Committed for World Evangelism (BCWE). I had the opportunity of studying in Arequipa, Peru and also got to travel to Bolivia, Ireland and Northern Ireland. What an awesome learning opportunity...
Funny side note - while in Northern Ireland, we visited Ian Paisley's church - Martyr's Memorial, located in Belfast. While touring the church, we got to see Dr. Paisley's office. In my youthful "giddiness" I plopped my self right in the chair behind his desk - and wrote him a little note on a sticky pad. Ha! Anyways...
I worked as a Youth Pastor for a while at Bible Baptist Church in Holden Beach; I totally was not prepared for that as it turned out and soon found my self back in Durham. I began working at BB&T again and decided to finish Bible college at Brookhaven Baptist College in Greensboro, NC. I eventually graduated with my Master's degree in Biblical Counseling.
During this span, my Pawpaw and Grandpa passed away (Fathers of my Dad and Mom). There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about them...
Sarah and I began talking again (we had broken up), after she returned from teaching English in China. Our love for one another was undeniable and on August 30, 2008 we married! Woo Hoo!!!
We now live in our lil' apartment in Powdersville and we are building a house in Easley! We go to and serve at Lakeview Baptist Church in Pickens. Other than some bumps in the road here and there, things seem to be ok for now...
I'm not sure about you, but I know in my life that this past decade has been filled with heartache, sadness, indescribable pleasure, excitement and content. There were "ups" and "downs," death, life, family drama, relationship problems - you name it, it happened this past decade!
With all of that said, if there is one thing I could say about this past decade, one statement to sum up how I feel, I would have to cite John 15:5. Actually just the latter half, when Jesus said, "Without me ye can do nothing."
I could have never faced the tough times without Him. Some days I faced tough times because of Him, because of my sin. It didn't stop there - I was able to enjoy the good times because of His goodness to me!
This lesson isn't something I have conquered or learned... It is a lesson I am learning.
Everyday is a struggle; but everyday I include Christ in my dreams and plans, I find a strength only He can provide. (Philippians 4:13) I know that without Him I can do nothing and that He should be my source of strength but I so often find excuses to follow the rebellious tendencies of my flesh. It seems only after I slip, I go back to Him, limping and licking my wounds saying, "Lord, without You I could do nothing; without You I am nothing."
As I look back on the decade that is passing into the pages of history I can firmly say that had He not preserved me, I would have failed. Had He not held me, I would have fell. Had He not guided me, I would have been lost and hopeless.
Looking back, I want to say "Thanks Father. You were more than good to me."
Looking to the future, I want to say - "Lead me. Without You, I can do nothing."
Time to reflect...
I graduated high school in May or June of 2000. It's funny I can't remember which month off the top of my head. I do remember walking across the stage, taking my diploma in hand with my family watching. Afterwards we went to Subway...
January 12, 2001 I trusted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior - while at a Bible college in Virginia. James Hinton was preaching at Calvary Baptist Church in Smithfield, VA. My life changed that day...
That summer I began working as a part-time teller with BB&T in Durham, NC. What a relationship we've had! I worked in three different regions - the Triangle, Southeast and Upstate... and now I work for the mortgage division.
The following semester, I enrolled at Tabernacle Baptist College in Greenville, SC. That is where I met some of my closest friends, still to this day, including my best friend. She did not attend "Tab" but was a member there - she was a student at Bob Jones University.
I remember seeing Sarah at church and thinking, "Man, she's cute!" Never in my wildest dreams would I ever imagine she would even dare to talk to me. The cute, quiet young lady who sat with her family, all of them packed in one pew - is now my wife.
A few years past and I had the awesome opportunity of "traveling abroad." I enrolled in a six month program with Baptist Committed for World Evangelism (BCWE). I had the opportunity of studying in Arequipa, Peru and also got to travel to Bolivia, Ireland and Northern Ireland. What an awesome learning opportunity...
Funny side note - while in Northern Ireland, we visited Ian Paisley's church - Martyr's Memorial, located in Belfast. While touring the church, we got to see Dr. Paisley's office. In my youthful "giddiness" I plopped my self right in the chair behind his desk - and wrote him a little note on a sticky pad. Ha! Anyways...
I worked as a Youth Pastor for a while at Bible Baptist Church in Holden Beach; I totally was not prepared for that as it turned out and soon found my self back in Durham. I began working at BB&T again and decided to finish Bible college at Brookhaven Baptist College in Greensboro, NC. I eventually graduated with my Master's degree in Biblical Counseling.
During this span, my Pawpaw and Grandpa passed away (Fathers of my Dad and Mom). There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about them...
Sarah and I began talking again (we had broken up), after she returned from teaching English in China. Our love for one another was undeniable and on August 30, 2008 we married! Woo Hoo!!!
We now live in our lil' apartment in Powdersville and we are building a house in Easley! We go to and serve at Lakeview Baptist Church in Pickens. Other than some bumps in the road here and there, things seem to be ok for now...
I'm not sure about you, but I know in my life that this past decade has been filled with heartache, sadness, indescribable pleasure, excitement and content. There were "ups" and "downs," death, life, family drama, relationship problems - you name it, it happened this past decade!
With all of that said, if there is one thing I could say about this past decade, one statement to sum up how I feel, I would have to cite John 15:5. Actually just the latter half, when Jesus said, "Without me ye can do nothing."
Without Him = Nothing
I could have never faced the tough times without Him. Some days I faced tough times because of Him, because of my sin. It didn't stop there - I was able to enjoy the good times because of His goodness to me!
This lesson isn't something I have conquered or learned... It is a lesson I am learning.
Everyday is a struggle; but everyday I include Christ in my dreams and plans, I find a strength only He can provide. (Philippians 4:13) I know that without Him I can do nothing and that He should be my source of strength but I so often find excuses to follow the rebellious tendencies of my flesh. It seems only after I slip, I go back to Him, limping and licking my wounds saying, "Lord, without You I could do nothing; without You I am nothing."
As I look back on the decade that is passing into the pages of history I can firmly say that had He not preserved me, I would have failed. Had He not held me, I would have fell. Had He not guided me, I would have been lost and hopeless.
Looking back, I want to say "Thanks Father. You were more than good to me."
Looking to the future, I want to say - "Lead me. Without You, I can do nothing."
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Suffering - Romans 8
John Piper preached on suffering from Romans 8 on Sunday, December 27th at The Village Church in Dallas, Texas. A few posts ago I listed a link to Matt Chandler's blog, the pastor of The Village Church, who is battling brain cancer.
This message was preached to the church there but is true to all of us who have trusted Christ and have questions about suffering.
I encourage you to listen to this message. I promise it will be a blessing and encouragement to you.
This message was preached to the church there but is true to all of us who have trusted Christ and have questions about suffering.
I encourage you to listen to this message. I promise it will be a blessing and encouragement to you.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Anticipation
Interstate 85. Almost 4 hours. Traffic. Dodging State Troopers. Avoiding Crazy Drivers.
Yes, we went home this weekend...
It's hardly ever a "fun" drive but it is always worth it - getting to see my family is always worth it! On the trip up, I told Sarah over and over again that there was one thing I was looking forward to - Mom's cooking!
There was turkey, dressing, ham, green beans, cheese biscuits, bacon, "kitty chow," mashed potatoes, gravy... are you drooling yet?
That's not to say Sarah is a bad cook - Sarah is an excellent chef... but nothing touches Momma's cooking. I believe most people would agree. As much as I anticipated the cooking though, I anticipated my family's presence and fellowship.
I am reading in I Corinthians right now and this morning God blessed me in our little apartment. Reading from chapter two, Paul quotes Isaiah 64:4. The Word of God says, "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him."
The anticipation in a believer's life for the things and kingdom of God should be immeasurable. Our mouth's should drool over the fact that one day we will be in the very presence of Jesus Christ. Our stomach's should churn when we begin to think of what our eyes will see when we dwell forever in the company of the King. Our ears should strain to hear the holy songs of Zion.
This morning I could not help but get excited over what God has in store for me. I didn't get stirred up over the thought of a street of gold or mansion or crystal clear river, no, my heart welled up with the surety that one day I will live with the Creator of the Universe because of what Jesus did for me! He has so much in store for us that He says we could not even imagine it!
Live your life with an anticipation for the indescribable glory of God! Just imagine how much worry would fall by the wayside if we lived with anticipation for God's coming kingdom. How much more full would we live life if everyday we woke up and said like John, "Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!"
I could not wait to see my family Saturday - how much more should my desire be to see and experience God in His fullness! My heart yearns for Him this morning... Jesus, please come quickly!
2010 is coming - may we all live it in full anticipation of what awaits us in Christ!
Yes, we went home this weekend...
It's hardly ever a "fun" drive but it is always worth it - getting to see my family is always worth it! On the trip up, I told Sarah over and over again that there was one thing I was looking forward to - Mom's cooking!
There was turkey, dressing, ham, green beans, cheese biscuits, bacon, "kitty chow," mashed potatoes, gravy... are you drooling yet?
That's not to say Sarah is a bad cook - Sarah is an excellent chef... but nothing touches Momma's cooking. I believe most people would agree. As much as I anticipated the cooking though, I anticipated my family's presence and fellowship.
I am reading in I Corinthians right now and this morning God blessed me in our little apartment. Reading from chapter two, Paul quotes Isaiah 64:4. The Word of God says, "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him."
The anticipation in a believer's life for the things and kingdom of God should be immeasurable. Our mouth's should drool over the fact that one day we will be in the very presence of Jesus Christ. Our stomach's should churn when we begin to think of what our eyes will see when we dwell forever in the company of the King. Our ears should strain to hear the holy songs of Zion.
This morning I could not help but get excited over what God has in store for me. I didn't get stirred up over the thought of a street of gold or mansion or crystal clear river, no, my heart welled up with the surety that one day I will live with the Creator of the Universe because of what Jesus did for me! He has so much in store for us that He says we could not even imagine it!
Live your life with an anticipation for the indescribable glory of God! Just imagine how much worry would fall by the wayside if we lived with anticipation for God's coming kingdom. How much more full would we live life if everyday we woke up and said like John, "Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!"
I could not wait to see my family Saturday - how much more should my desire be to see and experience God in His fullness! My heart yearns for Him this morning... Jesus, please come quickly!
2010 is coming - may we all live it in full anticipation of what awaits us in Christ!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Matt Chandler
This is sad but amazing all at the same time...
Pastor Mike brought this to my attention last Sunday and I meant to put this up sooner...
Matt Chandler is a pastor in Texas, is a husband and a father to three young children. He has been diagnosed with cancer; surgery was performed on his brain a few weeks ago.
You can read updates on Matt by clicking here. His desire is to see God honored and glorified through this trial. He also requests prayer for his family and church. There is a video also; I encourage you to watch!
Pastor Mike brought this to my attention last Sunday and I meant to put this up sooner...
Matt Chandler is a pastor in Texas, is a husband and a father to three young children. He has been diagnosed with cancer; surgery was performed on his brain a few weeks ago.
You can read updates on Matt by clicking here. His desire is to see God honored and glorified through this trial. He also requests prayer for his family and church. There is a video also; I encourage you to watch!
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