2,311

2,311, that is the number of hits I have had on my blog during the month of January. Now 2,311 hits is not that many compared to other blogs out there but it is a giant leap for me considering in December I had 388 hits and in November there were 295 hits. So how did I get 10 times as many hits in January as I did in November and in December? Here are the reasons I came up with recently...

• The power of FACEBOOK, each week I post my Sunday Night Reflections on my FACEBOOK Page and soon after, my blog lights up with activity. FACEBOOK has given me a better platform for getting the word out.
• WORD OF MOUTH, over the last few weeks many people have shared with others about my blog and they have in turn stopped by to check it out. There seems to be a buzz out there right now and I wonder how long the interest will last.
• OPEN ABOUT LIFE CHANGE, over the last few weeks our family has experienced a life change that is full of uncertainty. I believe this uncertainty has caused some people to check out the blog as I have been some what open about what we are doing as we weigh out our options.

Maybe there are a few other reasons why my blog has grown, I am not sure, but I know I will continue to do what I said I would do in my profile; I am trying to live out the words of Jeremiah 15:19 (nlt); "If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them;  do not let them influence you!"  

I hope I am influencing others through my blog. Only time will tell.

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts From an Amazing Day...

• Another great day of worship at River Run Brevard.
• I am really enjoying the "Let's Grow" series, Dan did a great job with the topic of patience this morning. 
• One of the verses that struck home with me was James 5:11.
• We must learn patience because; Circumstances are uncontrollable, people are unchangeable and problems are unexplainable.
• Here is another good verse from this morning's sermon; Anyone who trusts in me (God) will not be disappointed. Isaiah 49:23 
• Today I received encouragement from a man who spent 65 years in the preaching ministry, thank you Glen for your kind words. 
• I know I said it last week, but I will say it again, I miss preaching.
• I am still reading the "thank you cards" from last night, I will treasure them always.
• Finishing up Sun Stand Still this week; Furtick really makes you think Why not? when it comes to asking God for great things.
• I have a friend who spent 3 1/2 days in a prison last week ministering to inmates, when you hear his story you wonder why does the church major on the minors; Listen the world needs Jesus!
• One last quote to chew on from this morning's message; Are you resting your heart on the ultimate certainty? Don't know what is the ultimate certainty, check out James 5:8. 

The Power of Friendship

I am thankful for the number of friends who have made our transition a little less difficult these past few days. Solomon was right when he wrote about the power of friendship. While I have had a number of friendships over the years, from high school companions to neighbors, I have to confess the best friends are the ones who are associated through ministry. There is something about serving the cause of Christ together that makes a friendship more meaningful. Tonight I was reminded once again how valuable friends are in our life. 

My challenge today is be grateful for your friends. Spend time with them, listen to them and thank God for creating us with the need to be in relationship with other people. Since the beginning of time, God knew it was not good for us to live in isolation. Relationships are the bond and glue that hold us together when we face adversity. Solomon reminded his readers of the danger of living in isolation when he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. 

I hope you appreciate your friends, I can tell you I appreciate mine more and more every day.     

How do we know it is an opportunity?

Over the last few days I have had several options come across by dining room table (I used to have a desk) regarding my future. In a recent post I called it the next great adventure, but to be honest an adventure sounds exciting, but right now some of the options seem to be a little frighting. One option is taking me completely out of ministry, while another is leading me into a ministry opportunity which I have very little experience, actually none, but it does sound exciting. While I am weighing the options, one nagging question keeps coming to mind; How do I know something is an opportunity. What if it is something that looks attractive, but in reality I am simply going from the frying pan into the fire? 

To help me determine if an option is really an opportunity I am falling back on my class notes from one of Master's lectures by E. Ray "Cotton" Jones. Cotton said with every opportunity one must weigh it in light of 5 filters;

1. Is it an opportunity to your gifts in the ministry?

2. Will it give you an opportunity to grow?

3. What are your trusted associates telling you about the opportunity?

4. How will your family be impacted by the opportunity

5. Do you sense God's leading in this opportunity?

I am sure there are more "filters" but these seem to be the ones I am using at this point in my life. Over the next few weeks I hope I am able to announce a new opportunity that will match up with these 5 filters as we continue to seek God's will for our family. 

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts From an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped with the people of River Run Brevard today.
• Sermon was titled, "Peace under Pressure" Very timely for my family.
• Mitch preached from 2 Cor. 1:8-9, what a powerful section of scripture.
• I have to confess "it is well with my soul" is quickly becoming one of my favorite hymns.
• I have to admit I miss preaching.
• I am amazed at the number of ministry colleagues who have called me this week. Their encouragement has been a breath of fresh air.
• Attended the Unconditional Love board meeting Thursday, when you hear how the world is being ravaged by AIDs, it is obvious the world needs Jesus.
• I began reading SUN STAND STILL by Steve Furtick this week, very challenging. Question what would happen if the church today prayed like the Heroes of the Bible? 
• Two quotes by John Maxwell that have really helped me this week; (1) Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. (2) We choose what attitudes we have right now. And it's a continuing choice.  
• Hey if you did not follow the link to 2 Cor. 1:8-9 go back and do it now - I am serious!
• Speaking at FCC Tuesday on my favorite topic - GRACE

No More Kids

As of today, Kathy and I have only adult children under our roof. Our youngest daughter, Bethany turns 18 today. I cannot believe my little girl has grown up. It seems like yesterday, we were bringing her home from the hospital. There have been ear piercings, nail polish, glasses and contacts, visits to Build-a-Bear Workshops, arguments over the amount of time in the bathroom, a visit to the American Girl store in Chicago and all sorts of other 'girlie" things, including just plain silliness. Now as I look back I would not trade a moment. Plans call for her to follow in our footsteps and attend Florida Christian College. I only hope she will be a better student then I was the first couple of years. 

Bethany is a superb photographer and loves to play the guitar, so I cannot wait to see how she uses these two talents in the future. I am sure with her determination and servant's heart she will make a difference in the lives of the people she touches. Happy Birthday "little bear" I love you - Dad.   

Options

As I begin to think about my next great adventure, I have been thinking about a few options that are available. Right now I am not ready to list the options, but I have to say they are intriguing to say the least. This week I received a Facebook post quoting Jeremiah 29:11. God told Jeremiah, there were plans that would prosper, give hope and have a future. Now I am not sure what his plan is right now, but I do know whatever it is it will be very rewarding. 

So as I consider my options I know I can trust God with my future. When Palm Bay Christian Church contacted us 6 years ago about becoming their senior minister, I had one prayer; Lord make it abundantly clear. I believe He did, 6 years ago, circumstances and events fell into place that could only be described as God's providential hand was on our decision to come to Palm Bay. Now 6 years later I am praying the same prayer, Lord make it abundantly clear as to which option we should follow. I guess that is where trust and faith come into play. So as I find myself in "God's waiting room", I patiently (sometimes) wait for Him to make it abundantly clear, knowing the best options are part of His plan for me; plans to prosper plans for hope, and plans for a future. 

Give Thanks

This past Sunday was my last day as the minister of Palm Bay Christian Church. While I have many memories of the ministry that I could share on this blog, I believe the best use of this blog today is to follow the command of Paul in 1 Thessalonians and express gratitude to the the people of PBCC. In Romans 16, the apostle Paul gives a "list" of the people who have touched his life in a significant way, today I want to share my own list by saying thank you to the people of PBCC... 

• To Lynn Ozement for showing me how a Christian woman lives, I will never forget your grace and encouragement.
• To Kathy Seehaus, you are a model of Grace under fire, I appreciate your support, love and encouragement, and Dennis, I thank you for allowing Kathy to do so much for PBCC, she is pillar of faith.
• To the elders who who prayed over my wife when she suffered a stroke in 2006, the power of prayer that night was a miracle!
• To Gayla Smith, yes, you are my favorite buckeye! But more than that you are a great servant of God.
• To Jim Zack for displaying the qualities of genuine gentleman
• To Conway Huie, you taught us all how to treat our wives, Charlie is certainly your "prize"!
• To Les Queller, for displaying a servant's heart and attitude, even though you are over 8- years old - you taught me the importance of growing old gracefully. By the way, thanks Jenny for sharing Les.
• Wanda Ross, thank you for kind words each week.
• Thank you Rod and Kim Stewart for your support and encouragement, I love the energy your kids display each week.
• Jim and Pam Smith I appreciate you encouragement of my ministry.
• Jim and Millie MacDonald, I appreciate your down home attitude in this life.
• To Woody Coyle who showed me the value of thrift.
• To Dave Johnson, I will never forget you!
• To Becky Kempfer for showing me how to get 30 hours of work into a 24 hour day, your work ethic is amazing.
• To Ed Gerhardt for displaying unquestionable humility, I admire your inner strength.
• To Chis Butinski for making me look good each month, although I wish we could have done something about the gray, I know at least I have hair!  
• To Robby Barneman for displaying the heart of worship.
• To Faith Zack for your wise words, you definitely have spurred me on to good works. 
• To Charlie Taylor for always having a sense of humor and genuine care for my wife Kathy! You are a jewel!
• Frank and Melissa I enjoyed our meal together last Thanksgiving, Ty is a blessing and I pray for your new arrival this Spring!
• To Linda Johnson, your friendship with Kathy has been a breath of fresh air.
• To Joe & Mary Bishop for your quiet strength, and especially thank you Joe for turning me on to the world of Wii.
• Marcia Terry, thanks for being there when it counted most, you are a faithful worker in our finance ministry, but you have got to stop spoiling that baby!
• To Ken and Helen Gamanche your encouragement has sustained me the over last 4 months, I am so glad you are a part of the PBCC family.
• To Kay Plew, You have been a great supporter and encourager for Kathy, and I am grateful for your friendship. 
• To Buddy and Jan Walter, your friendship has been appreciated more than you will know.
• To Sarah Watts, for your generosity, prayer and tenacious pursuit of good health.
• To Julie Wattwood for teaching Bethany in the Jr. High Years.
• To Jeff and Beth Martin for your faithfulness in the area of music, you are truly unsung heroes at PBCC.
• To the members of my small group, I loved ever moment we were together.
• To Kristin Goodnight, I have appreciated everyone of your performances at CCS, each time I left thankful that I attended!
• To Steve Goodnight, for modeling a prayer life second to none, I will never forget your actions on September 19, 2006.
• To Chis and Donna, for displaying grace and faithfulness in our student ministry.
• To Joel and Jennifer Feliciano you are my success story! I love you guys!
• To Chandler Beatty for your child-like faith, you are close to the kingdom of God.
• Thank you Jimmy Cornell, for faithfulness on the guitar, though I never told you this, I have appreciated your time on the worship team.
• To Brianne Tison for being the perfect daughter in law, we are so glad you are in David's life!
• To Bill Goode for reminding me the importance of living out our faith in a real way, Thank you for allowing me to serve on your board at Unconditional Love, it has been both informational as well as humbling to see what is happening in the world ravaged by AIDS.
• To Ancel Reid for your child like faith and love for Jesus.
• To Darryl Willis for modeling the most important role and responsibly a man has - FATHER, your tireless energy for Connor and Braden is inspiring.
• To Ted & Julia LaRoche for your efforts with Chip and Chew, I am thankful for all of your effort and your support.
• To Jason Plew, you are my Favorite Computer Geek! 
• To Shauna Whisman for your effort in the Food Pantry, the lives you have touched are amazing.
• To Tracey Duharte, what can I say about your ability to lead our preschool, you are par excellence!
• To Bill Grest, for your jokes and your tireless effort "filling the chairs" no one knows what you do to make PBCC ready for guests each week! And to Ellie, thank you for your encouragement.
• For Linda Hammond for showing me what it means to be a true fan - Go Gators!
• For Corey and Raina Hammond for displaying mature faith as young adults.
• To Yale and Shirley Goldstein, I love your smile , please never stop smiling.
• To Helena La Roche - I love your spunk!
• To Michele Allen, your communion meditations have always been meaningful and always draw me to Jesus.
• To Diane Koons, I love your optimism and generosity.
• To Kevin and Shelly Kops, I appreciate your faithfulness and Kevin, your communion meditations are always inspiring. 
• To Rich Plew I thank you for your advice and wisdom.
• To Pierre and Cari, it pains me to say this but you are my favorite Vols except for the third game of the season, then all bets are off! 
• Mark Warr, you always make me smile!
• To Josnni G. You are an example of taking your faith one day at a time.
• To Mike and Pam Playmale, You always made me feel at home whenever I visited your place and Pam you are a GREAT Cook.
• To Sandy Gerhardt for your Anniversary Chicken - GOOD STUFF! 
• To Paul and Theresa Paige, thank you for serving in the little ways that no one seems to notice, but I do!
• Tammy Aubrey, thank you for being a model of faithfulness in the nursery suite also your girls are a great witness of faith.
• Terry Messer your faithfulness is noted not only by me, but by our heavenly Father.
• To Bethany Boring for trying new approaches in children's ministry
• To Chris Whisman for never giving up when the odds were against you.
• To Kari Geoghean, you are a silent partner in our children's ministry but I have noticed your love for this ministry and I am thankful for all you do.
• To Dee Grace for your commitment to reach at risk teens.
• To Matt Blount, thank you for all your efforts in cleaning the church, I appreciate the "dirty Jobs" you did to get our building ready each week, by the way, thank you Rachel for being so patient as Matt had to work extra hours on some days!
• To Nancy Wallace for your honesty and openness in all situations, also thank you for being the face of PBCC at the welcome center.
• To Juan Duharte, thank you for serving our country, I am grateful for your service and your friendship.
• To Jackie Helms, I cannot imagine our children's ministry without you, your faithfulness is to ne honored.
• To John and Patty Fisher, your patience is an example we can all emulate.
• To David Flury, thanks for the washing machine repairs, and Gaye, thank you for your positive attitude.
• To Bridgett and Gary, I thank you for all you have done over the last five years your humility is inspiring.
• To Denise Le, I love what you are doing at our preschool, but more than that, I love the job you are doing with Zach and Christian.
• To Mike and Dana Lasardi, thank you for your servant's heart in doing the little things for our children's ministry.
• To Greg and Kelli Slentz, thank you for your encouragement - am really glad I had a part in your wedding.
• To Shelly Warr, I appreciate your servant's heart in our children's ministry.
• To Maggie McGowan for ministering to the "least of these" with grace and dignity.
• To Wayne and Linda Keck for your kind words on my last Sunday.

The Next Great Adventure

For the first time in 29 years and 10 months I find myself unemployed. Having served in 6 different churches as either a youth minister or senior minister, today I find myself a "civilian" in kingdom of God. This Sunday will mark the first time in 29 years and 10 months years I find myself attending a church as a "regular" person. This week there are no messages to prepare, no meetings to attend, no people to visit (although I do have a funeral on Wednesday). I am not sure what the future holds for myself or my family, but I do know this, it will be an adventure. 

As we make this transition, I am sure we will discover a new aspect of faith we have never explored. While right now I am a little apprehensive about the future, However I am secure in knowing who holds the future.

So let the adventure begin!

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Continued our "Toxic" series today, with the topic; Toxic influences; How the media influences our thinking and behavior.
• Once you understand Daniel's commitment in Daniel 1 you can see how he was able to withstand the lion's den.Remember, Holiness is always a choice.
• One is not WHOLLY HOLY until they have completely surrendered their mind, heart, soul and strength to God.
• The sound team wants to put my solo on the web as a special number, but others want me to keep my day job.
• Hebrews 12:14 is an interesting verse don't you think?
• We were not prepared for our crowd today, ran out of communion supplies and had to set up extra chairs - this is always exciting.
• After this morning's message, I may never look at brownies the same way again.
• I am amazed at the convicting power of the Holy Spirit when God's word is preached.
• Dan Lawson from Emmanuel School of Religion was with us today, he reported PBCC has given just under $100,000 dollars to ESR over the last 30 years.
• One of God's greatest gifts to us has to be the friends we meet through the many years of ministry.
• I am still humbled by our attendance Wednesday evening, who would have thought 102 people would go through 27 large pizzas?
• Football season is coming to a close too quickly.

Majority Rules

I have been thinking a lot about how a church makes decisions. In the New Testament, the spiritual gift of discernment seemed to help the apostles make wise decisions. The decision to begin a second tier of leadership in Acts 6, the choice to send out missionaries in Acts 13 and the decisions at the Jerusalem conference in Acts 15 seems to point to the apostles relying on spiritual wisdom and discernment in their decision making. Unfortunately many churches have given up on spiritual wisdom and discernment for the flawed practice of majority rules. If the majority agrees then that must be the right decision. However the practice of "Majority Rules" is open to politics, posturing and pressure from influential families or parties. There are several examples from scripture that remind us the majority is not necessarily right...

• The majority thought it was wise not to get into the Ark.
• The majority thought everything was great in Sodom.
• The majority thought it was acceptable to sell a brother into slavery.
• The majority refused to enter the Promise Land.
• The majority wanted a king in Israel.
• The majority stayed in tents while David faced a giant.
• The majority missed Jesus birth in Bethlehem. 
• The majority refused to to get out of the boat and walk on water.
• The majority yelled crucify, crucify!
• The majority left Jesus at the cross.  

As you can see the majority is not always right, in fact the majority opinion was often outside the will of God. Leaders, it is important for churches to return to wisdom and discernment in decision making. Majority rules is a great way of choosing where to go eat or select a movie for Friday night, but it is a recipe for disaster when it comes to decision making in the church.   

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts From an Amazing Day...

• Worship team did a great job today, Linda's solo was especially appropriate.
• Began a new series titled "TOXIC" this morning. This morning's message focused on toxic thoughts.
• The key to avoiding toxic thoughts is to take EVERY thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.
• There is a simple formula for dealing with toxic thoughts; Identify, Reject, Replace!
• Giving in to toxic thoughts means you are losing the battle for the Mind.
• Solomon was right, carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life.
• What kind of bird are you a hummingbird or a vulture, remember you will always find what you are looking for.
• Renewing your mind is a daily process.
• Everyday we have two choices; moving forward or drifting backward - I chose moving forward.
• Next week we are going to talk about toxic influences.
• One question to consider before next week's message - who is influencing you?
• Second question to consider - why are they influencing you?
• Congrats to the Gators - sending Coach Meyer out with a win.

Completed!

Yesterday I completed a project that took me four years to complete. Beginning on January 1, 2006, I began receiving an online devotional in my inbox titled WHAT JESUS DID. This verse by verse devotional covered all four gospels, a gospel a year. The devotional began with Luke 1:1 and yesterday it was brought to a close with John 21:25. When I began reading WHAT JESUS DID, I had very little intention of reading all four gospels and their thoughts in this manner, but the more I read, the more I was challenged to continue to stick with the devotional. Each day I received insight about what Jesus did, how he reacted to both events and people and how he lived. I can honestly say when the last devotional came yesterday, I truly had a sense of accomplishment. Not only was there a sense of accomplishment, I also received some unexpected benefits... 

• After reading the devotional, I would file away the daily insights in my sermon illustration file. I now have 1,461 illustrations from the gospels.
• I have a deeper appreciation for the writer of the devotion to stick with the WJD devotional. Thank you for all your work!
• I was able to stay on track with a my devotions, everyday WJD arrived, there was no way to get around it, so it forced me to stay on top of both Bible reading and study.

As 2011 begins let me challenge you to begin a devotional study to help you grow in your faith. You will find it both rewarding and challenging as well as begin a habit that will transform you as you study God's word.