Thoughts from the Tractor

One Year Later

2012-01-16T15:53:00.002-05:00

Next week it will be one year since the abrupt passing of our son Michael. As I look back one year later these thoughts come to mind:

One year later it still hurts

One year later I still cry

One year later I still wonder why

One year later I still feel empty

One year later I still wonder what could have been

One year later life is very different

One year later I still wait for him to come down the stairs

One year later our family is still missing a piece

One year later I still remember everything about that awful day

But also,

One year later I still have hope

One year later I still can laugh

One year later I still can enjoy life and family

One year later I am more sensitive

One year later I am more compassionate

One year later I am still thankful

One year later I still have faith

One year later I still love God

No one should ever have to bury their child but sometimes this happens and it happened to us. Our lives will never be the same. There will forever be a hole in our hearts. That will never change. Yet one year later in spite of the loss and pain I see God holding us up and preparing us to one day soon do the same for someone else who may also unfortunately share this tragic nightmare.

Friends, there is an expression, "Life is too short", and it is true. In a moment it could be all over. So live life to the fullest. Have no regrets. Love your family and tell them so. Apologize when you need to. You never know when you may never again get the chance.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Finding My Way

2011-10-26T16:20:00.001-04:00

I heard this song the other day while out cutting grass. (Might be the last time this year. YES!) It really hit home for me. After almost 3 years of turmoil and loss I find myself asking the Lord "What's next?" (in a good sort of way). In other words where do you want us? What is it that you want us to be doing? What is your will for us at this time? Show me Lord. I don't want to do what I want, only what you want. Lead me, by your spirit.

Perhaps some of you are there too. Maybe you aren't coming out of the worst 3 years of your life, but you need direction. Ask the Lord to reveal it. Then be bold enough and trusting enough to walk in it. Be like Jesus and say, "Father not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42 paraphrase).

Enjoy the video!

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

The Heart of the Matter

2011-09-02T11:33:00.008-04:00

Take a look at this video via this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXU3VE5eX4U (You will need to copy and paste it into your browser)

It's by Don Henley of the 70's band The Eagles. Listen closely to the words. Then read on.

I heard this song recently and it caught my attention. Why? Partially because The Eagles were one of my favorite bands back in the day but more because of the theme of the song, forgiveness. Here is the story of a broken relationship. There are some hurt feelings, but he has decided to make a choice. To forgive. It's a bit of a revelation for him too. If you listened closely you will see He realizes the power of forgiveness AND unforgiveness. The freedom of forgiveness and the bondage of unforgiveness. He also makes the choice to forgive "even if" he doesn't get a positive response back. Such wisdom and as far as I know Don Henley is not a believer in Jesus.

We believers in Jesus should have this same understanding and make this same choice. Jesus came and died for our forgiveness, even if. It's a gift and we need to take it. But just as importantly we need to give it, even if, because Jesus commands us.

Mark 11:25 ESV And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Matthew 6:14-15 ESV For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, (15) but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Luke 17:3-4 ESV Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, (4) and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Yet too often we don't choose to forgive. So many when hurt or wronged by another refuse to forgive and in some extreme cases go as far as to even try to get even. Yet forgiveness should be part of the fabric of a believer's life

Matthew 18:21-22

²¹ Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”²² Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

I am a firm believer that most offenses against us are not intentional. In other words people do not go out and deliberately try to wrong us. That should make it a little easier to forgive. Yet even if they do offend us intentionally, we still need to forgive. As I said before forgiveness is a powerful thing because it releases or frees people from a burden and you have that power when you choose to forgive, or not to. You can either free someone from their guilt and pain (like Jesus does for us) or hold them hostage to it.

So what are you going to do the next time you are confronted with this choice? Will you choose to forgive? Because just as the song says, for a believer in Jesus Christ, forgiveness truly is "The Heart of the Matter"

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

New Look Blog

2011-08-30T19:11:00.002-04:00

So what do you think about the new design? Goes more with the theme. Right down to the dandelions. Looks just like my yard.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

John Piper on Prosperity Gospel

2011-08-29T11:41:00.000-04:00

Watch this link below. It should change your take on what it really means to have faith in God.

John Piper on Prosperity Gospel: In this three-minute video, John Piper delivers a strong and convicting message about the dangers of the prosperity gospel.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

God is Good ALL the Time

2011-08-15T12:02:00.009-04:00

Posts seen on Facebook over the course of the year. (These are not the actual posts but are created from pieces from actual posts I've seen). "Great day at work, God is good." "Going home to an amazing wife who has a great dinner waiting, God is good." "Great day at church today, the Spirit really moved, God is good." "I have the best husband and kids. I love my life. God is sooo good." I could go on but I think you get the picture. When everything is right in the world, when life is going good we are quick to acknowledge the source of why that is, God. That's a good thing. We should do that. Yet I wonder if I will ever see a post that looks something like this: "Just got home from an awful church service with my annoying wife and 3 bratty kids. Now I have to eat some horrible dinner she made. And oh yeah, I lost my job last week, God is good." Yes this is an exaggeration and quite a silly one, but here's my point. We like to say God is good all the time but do we really believe it and perhaps more to the point do we really understand what that means? It's pretty easy to acknowledge God and His greatness when everything is going well, but what about when the bottom falls out? Is God still good? Of course he is. Friends God doesn't change. He is good in our success and in our failure. In our joy and in our sorry. He is the source of all that is good. He doesn't cause our hardships but sometimes permits them in our lives. Either way it is all for his glory, not for our comfort. So why don't we really believe and acknowledge God's goodness all the time? In fact when the really bad stuff hits so many are closer to quitting than praising. Maybe that's because for so long the teaching of so many ministries is that believers should not have any bad times. We should be only properous and blessed all the time. If things are going bad it must be because we didn't have enough faith or because we didn't do something according to their formula. That's just plain nonsense. Bad things happen for a lot of reasons but never because we didn't have enough faith. If that were the case explain Job. No one was more faithful yet look at all that happened to him. The good news is he didn't quit. To him God was good all the time. (Job 13:15 ~ "Thou he slay me, yet I will trust in Him" KJV).

Friends there will be good times and there will be bad times in this life (Jesus said so). Neither will last forever. But in all of that God is good ALL the time. So let's remember that and acknowledge that. Let's keep on praising in the storm. Let's not become (or remain) "what have you done for me lately" Christians. You know the ones that only recognize God's goodness when things are going good. Because in spite of our circumstances of the moment, God IS good ALL the time.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Change of Seasons

2011-07-26T17:47:00.003-04:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven".

As we live our lives things change. Sometimes by our choice or mistakes, sometimes because of others or circumstances beyond our control. Sometimes we embrace it, sometimes we want to run from it. But like it or not change is a part of life. One change we can't stop is aging. Time marches on. We all grow a little older each day and as such just like that we can find ourselves in a different season of life. For me I think it's early fall. For my kids probably late spring. It's the milestones of life that will help us to determine this. Recently my baby girl got her driver's license. A milestone for her and an alert for me. Next week Matt returns to college to finish his education and move on to his next season of life. It won't be long till we will be true "empty nesters". Our time of nurture and training will be done and it will be time for them to spread their wings and fly. It will be bittersweet as we will not be able to see our Mikey do the same as his season on this earth has come to an abrupt end. Yes this another season has changed.

Twenty five years ago I was looking forward to this time. Now I'm not so sure. Maybe because it means I'm closer to my winter, and don't we all hate winter here in the north? Maybe because I'm going to miss them being around. Yet in all of it I realize that this is how life is on this earth. It's not forever and things don't always stay the same. Yet we should make the best of it, especially as a believer, because whatever the season we are in He has some work for us to do. There is no retirement in our labor for the Lord until HE calls us home.

So what's the point of this blog post? I guess it's this, change is going to happen no matter what so why not embrace it? Change means new adventures and opportunities for growth. Sure there could be bad things that happen sometimes that really hurt and change for change sake isn't always good. Just like with the weather there are good things and bad about all the seasons. During the rough times of the seasons we can find ourselves complaining trying to wish the time away. Like during prolonged times of cold and snow, rain or extreme heat and humidity. We shouldn't do that. We should embrace and enjoy the whole of the season we are in because God is in it all. Warm, cold, sunshine or rain. He has a purpose for it and we just might miss it if we start looking too far beyond the here and now.

The words of two friends have stuck with me since I have heard them. The first come from a friend from high school who simply said "I don't get too concerned about the bad things, because I know they don't last forever". I like that. Gives us no reason to dwell on the bad. The other from a coworker some years back. While working in the hospital I was required to be on call quite a bit and one Friday afternoon I was sitting in the lounge lamenting how I hated being on weekend call and couldn't wait till Monday. My coworker simply said to me, "Paul don't wish your life away". Profound words. Yet we do that all too often and in the process can miss out on so much.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

What's in a Name?

2011-06-22T13:19:00.000-04:00

This post is nothing deep. Just some anecdotal thoughts. Something to think about on a lazy Wednesday in June.

Heard about a new church starting in our area of the country in the fall. How exciting! As a church planter it is always cool to see new works launch. There is so much that goes into a successful launch. I'll call it the 3 P's Prayer, Planning and Preparation. Part of those 3 P's is picking a name. Something that says who you are and what your vision and mission is. Something you want to be distinctly you. Something that will catch people's attention. In recent years there has been a move to be more creative and come up with shall I say less traditional names. As a result there's some pretty interesting names out there. Frankly I'm not sure where some of these names come from and who am I to say. We had some very specific reasons behind our name (see our website for those details) so this could be the case for others as well.

Anyway I have noticed over the years that in spite of trying to be unique, all of a sudden we have an abundance of similar church names. Thirty years ago it seemed every Assembly of God was First Assembly of God. Every Baptist was First Baptist. Now it seems every church is Journey, Cornerstone or Epic Church. (Do a google search). Gotta hand it to the Catholics. They have so many saints I don't think any two churches have the same name. Maybe if we want to be unique now we need to go back to First Assembly or First Baptist. Maybe church names are like fashion. Eventually they come back in style.

Whatever the name we should always remember the most important part of the church is Jesus. It exists for Him. No name no matter how creative replace the passion we need to have for Christ. That's what will make a successful church.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Anyone can be a Father,but it takes someone special to be a Dad

2011-06-19T05:39:00.000-04:00

Many years ago my wife gave me a picture frame with that inscription. It still sits in my office today. Don't know who said it, but it's good.

Being a dad does take someone special. Because it takes time and sacrifice. You have to give up some stuff for your kids. To be there and to spend time with them doing the things they like to do, making memories and teaching them the skills they need for life. Playing catch, going swimming or fishing. Coaching their team or simply showing up for all the games. Buying their first car with them. Showing them how to write a check. Playing dolls with your daughter (Hey that won me a pie once) or when they are older taking them shopping at the mall without mom. ( I actually love this one) Doing homework, picking them up from school or work (It doesn't always have to be mom). Teach them to drive. (Yikes!) Listen to what bothers them. Be supportive in the difficult times. The list can go on and on but hopefully you get the picture. Perhaps the most important thing we can do as a dad is model Jesus. Let our children see his power lived out in us. Let them know that our great wisdom comes from His greater wisdom. These are the things a dad will do.

Dad we may not be able to do all these things all the time but we should do our best. Give up a day of golf, a little sleep. Don't stay so late at the office. Sure you have to provide but in the end your time spent with your kids will have greater and longer lasting value. Our children grow up so fast. Before you know it you will be looking back on what you once may have thought was a big hassle as now a wonderful memory. Too many fathers are absentee. And that includes the ones who live with their kids. Don't let that happen to you. It's a big responsibility. Rise up to it and give it your best effort.

Today will be my first Father's Day without my son Michael. I will miss him. It won't be the same. But I have the memories. The memories of going fishing, coaching his little league teams, watching and cheering him play football, listening to some of his crazy ideas and so much more. That took some time and sacrifice. I'm glad I did those things with him. I'm glad to have those memories. I'm glad I did those things with Matt and continue to do so even though he is an adult. I'm glad I do what I do with Bethany as well.

So dads don't stop doing what your doing even if you think it doesn't matter. Because it does. To them. They may say otherwise but they want you in the stands cheering. They're looking for you. They may shrug off the advice today but be back to thank you tomorrow. Keep making memories and handing out the advice. They need it and want it. Don't just be a father , be a dad.

Happy DADS Day Dad!

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Coming or Going?

2011-06-14T16:27:00.001-04:00

Recently I saw the Pastor of a very large local church being interview on church growth. This particular portion had to do with church marketing. He stated that he did everything he could to get people in the doors. That got me to thinking. Is that what we're really supposed to be doing? Don't misunderstand, I believe in marketing church....to an extent. A sign out in front, a newspaper ad, a website, facebook and twitter are all great ways to let people know you are out there. However many ministries go way beyond that, doing whatever they can, spending tens of thousands of dollars sometimes to get people to come. There are many different ways people come to Christ and a church service is definitely one way. But Jesus didn't say do what you can to have them come. He said "GO!" This is the great failure of the American church. We don't go like we should. Instead we wait for them to come. Try to pray them in. The more I think about it the more I know we need to change that and I have. Now I pray for people to come, but I pray for workers for the harvest. Jesus told us to do that in Matthew 9:38. I also pray for divine appointments for when I am out and about to share Jesus. I look for the opportunities he puts in our path. If every member of our churches were active in sharing their faith OUTSIDE of church, His kingdom would grow and so would our churches. There would be no need for us to do excessive marketing to bring them in.

What do you think?

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Staying the Course

2011-06-06T18:56:00.000-04:00

Recently I heard about another pastor who is leaving his church. First of all he is not leaving for anything bad. He feels lead of the spirit that his time is up. That's cool with me but it got me to thinking. More often than not pastors are leaving their church for all the wrong reasons. Here's two that seem to be common and they usually accompany pastoring a small church. They leave for a larger church in pursuit of a "better situation". Or they feel they have taken the church as far as they can and leave feeling somewhat of a failure. Many of these never return to ministry feeling frustrated and burned out. I have personally known men in both these situations. I will never question what God speaks to an individual but very often our flesh is the real reason behind it.

Unfortunately today success in ministry is measured in what one author stated as "The Three B's" Buildings, Budgets, and Butts in the seats. Numbers and size. A bigger building, higher attendance and a big balance in the checking account is the sign of a successful church and a great leader. Some have used this as the measure of a healthy church as well. Success or church health is not very often connected to the impact a church has. Lives that were changed. People being sent out as pastors or missionaries. Community reputation. Nope. Still the most common question a pastor is asked is "How many you running?" On top of that there are all these websites and seminars telling us what we have to do so we can "get more people to come and stay". Every year the speakers at these seminars are mega church pastors telling us how to make our small church big. All this can be a lot of pressure for any pastor to live up to but especially the pastor of the smaller church. And the truth is that most evangelical churches in America are 100 or under. They far outnumber the big churches.

With all this it's no wonder that so many pastors move on so quickly. Looking for relief or a better situation. But what about staying the course? Sticking it out. Not concerning yourself with what man thinks but what God thinks. You just may be surprised. I also heard of a pastor who was going to graduation parties for kids he saw grow up in his church. Now that's what I'm talking about. We will never know how many lives we really touch if we give up too easily.

I have wanted to quit many times. I pastor a small church. I wanted to quit when as a bivocational pastor I was laid off from my job. What was I going to do? Oh yeah go find a bigger church who could pay me a salary. No. We stayed the course and a year later God provided a salary. I wanted to quit many times when I thought I wasn't reaching anybody. Not making a difference. Then someone would tell me how a sermon touched them or give a testimony of what the church means to them. I could go on and on. I didn't quit. I stayed the course always reminded of the words from the parable of the talents. "Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with little" What are we doing with what God has given us? Have we been faithful? Or are we having a pity party? Or looking for a bigger pay day? The next part of that verse says this, "Now I will put you in charge of much" (paraphrase). If we stay the course God will reward us. Maybe in this life, but definitely in the life to come.

Let me encourage you whoever you are, whatever you do to stay the course. Whether it's ministry, a job, a single mom don't quit. God will reward your faithfulness and obedience to Him.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Method or Message?

2011-05-23T07:47:00.000-04:00

I came across this article this morning on a one hour church service. It's important you read it before you continue with this blog. Here is the link:

http://www.sermoncentral.com/pastors-preaching-articles/dave-browning-the-case-for-the-hour-long-church-service-933.asp?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BetterPreachingUpdate

Copy and paste it in your browser

The author makes a case for a one hour church service, an increasingly popular concept in an attempt to reach people for Christ. The case is being made that it is not necessary for a church service to exceed an hour and be effective. He cites examples of how much of everyday life is broken into 1 hour blocks (TV shows, doctor visits, classes, meetings). He talks of how services can be prolonged simply by not starting on time. I agree with this. I hate when we're even a minute late. He talks of how the spirit is not limited by time. No argument. He gives a schedule of how to make it happen and the the things that can get in the way and waste time. He then tries to debunk the arguments against it. While it's good to do whatever we can to reach people with the Gospel here are some things to consider about doing a 1 hour service:

#1 Our time with God should not be compared to a TV show or doctor visit. I hate going to the dentist. Do people think spending more than an hour with God is like going to the dentist? If they do maybe we are doing something wrong and need to change.

#2 While I agree with the author,the spirit is not limited by time, he can work in the blink of an eye. We however can quench the move of the spirit when we become fixated on a time schedule.

#3 This is people pleasing plain and simple. There are all sorts of surveys as to why people don't come to church. Some have great validity that the church should address. Others are just plain personal comfort issues. Length of service, quality of bathrooms or the space between each in the other in the sanctuary really shouldn't be that big a deal. Aren't we there for God, not us?

#4 Isn't the Gospel enough? When someone comes to a real relationship with Jesus I don't think they will care about how long a service goes. Time with him becomes more important. Soccer, baseball, football, American Idol won't matter much. If we really hunger a three hour service will seem too short.

#5 This is one more example of a great problem with the American church today. Jesus said "GO and TELL" yet we want them to come to us. Consequently we try to develop all sorts of ways to attract a crowd. (which is all we really do). But what if we obey and went out to share the Gospel and people got converted before they ever came to church? We may find that they don't want an hour service.

Now I'm not going to knock those who feel this leading. I have been to hour services and they have been very nice. good worship, good message. My biggest problem is that it allowed no time to connect with God or with others. Two very important things that should happen in a meeting of believers.

Our services aren't an hour and they're not two hours. Somewhere in between. To me church is not a TV show or meeting. While there is a structure there is no need to stick to a script just to appease people and put more in the seats. While this may accomplish that what kind of believer will they be? Someone who shows up once a week because it makes them feel good? Or a committed believer who wants to do HIS will? As illustrated in the article people have some pretty important things to do so they don't have too much time for God. They could squeeze in an hour before soccer or a run but that's about it. Is God really a priority? Or just another thing to do? Like a class or doctor visit?

Method is good. There are many different ways people come to Jesus, but in the end the message alone should be enough.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Pastor or CEO?

2011-05-17T07:43:00.000-04:00

This blog is called "Thoughts form the Tractor" because so many of them come while I ride my "tractor" (now a zero turn mower) cutting my rather large lawn. This one occurred to me the other day as I was out there in between the raindrops and was reconfirmed in a discussion with a friend over lunch this past Sunday.

As a believer for almost 30 years, the last 7 as a pastor, I have seen a shift in what the role of the pastor is supposed to be. I have seen it trend from shepherd to CEO. Being on the "inside" as made this easier to see but you don't have to be on the inside to see it. There is a great emphasis on what it take to be a great leader rather than a great pastor. Websites, books and seminars focus on leadership. Many suggest "formulas" for success as a pastor. The thought being if we are great leaders then people will follow. We will build a great company, oops, church. This is true and not a bad thing. Part of being a pastor is leadership. But you can be a great leader but not a great pastor.

For some reason many pastors have looked to the world to show them how to lead people to Christ disciple them and build a strong church. Several suggest books used in the business world as a good resource for this. Is the bible not enough? I get that times have changed, but the bible is timeless. I have come out of the business world and can attest that while many of these principles can work in the church we should not look to this as our new model for pastors and church growth. We need to be different not the same. Those inside and outside of our churches want to see that. They're longing to see that. We need to return to being shepherds with the bible as our guide. Not use some formula we learned at a seminar or got out of a book. We should be bringing biblical principles into the work place, not the other way around. I have a friend who owns a very successful business. About twenty years ago they brought biblical principles into the work place including a mid week bible study. (Imagine that, a bible study offered at work? Many of our churches are cutting back such things). In spite of our economic times the business has been blessed. The point is God's principles still work. So why are we looking to incorporate worldly principles in our churches? Could it be because of how we measure success? Let's face it numbers are still big in the church. How many attend and what the bottom line on our balance sheet is still a very important measures of success. Maybe we should not use numbers as our measure of success but rather impact, on lives and on our community. Are we making a difference in these areas? Or is putting a large number in a data base the most important measure of success? Could it be because we are impatient? In the parable of the talents Jesus says "Well done good and faithful servant", we all know that part, but he goes on to say "you have been faithful with little, I will put you in charge of much" (paraphrase). I believe God rewards our faithfulness even more than our results. I think too many pastors become discouraged and quit because they are being presented a model of success that is not always attainable but more importantly not what God wants. When it doesn't happen they feel they have failed. Consequently they run to the seminars and books I mentioned earlier. They miss out on the fact that they have touched lives for the better. That they have made a difference. And those they have touched can go on to touch others. This would not have happened if they were not there. I know how that is. I pastor a small church. It can be discouraging from time to time. For me I look at it like my golf game. Most of the time I struggle on the course. But in every round I have that one shot, one just like the pros, that makes me want to come back for more. So just when I feel discouraged God will bring someone to me who says "Thank-you Pastor for that message. It was just what I needed". Or "Thank-you for this church being here". Those are the shots that keep me coming back. Faithfulness can be difficult, but God rewards it and is pleased with it.

I guess my point is this: Method is part of what we do, but the message is what's most important. But when we do look at method we should probably focus more on God's method for reaching and discipling people rather than man's.

So pastor, be a pastor, not a CEO. Follow the example of Christ, Paul and others in the bible. Lead by that example. I guarantee you people will follow.

Just one man's thoughts. What are yours?

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Neva hava we seen such wisdom before

2011-04-23T10:51:00.000-04:00

"Neva hava we seen such wisdom before" Back in I think 1995 our church did a short either Palm Sunday or Easter drama. It's been 16 years so some of the details are sketchy. I do remember that it had something to do with the blind Bartimaus and was written by our pastor. One of the lines was "Never have we seen such wisdom before" This part was given to our Italian brother Tino. With his accent it came out as "Neva hava we seen such wisdom before". For years after as I recalled this part I would laugh about it. Not very authentic but then again Hollywood always seemed to think that they spoke King James in biblical times so why not broken English with an Italian accent?

This year I find myself recalling that skit once again and laughing. But has I think about it this year it has even greater significance. That was not a very professional presentation. Just a small group of believers putting on the gospel message in hopes that it might reach even one that day who's heart would be touched and would be brought into new life with Jesus Christ. Shortly after this presentation an invitation was given to let Jesus into your life. As is usually the case everyone was asked to close there eyes. Those who felt the spirit's tug were asked to acknowledge that with a raised hand. A moment later I felt a tap on my shoulder. The women behind (I believe her name is Cheryl Selby) told me that my 6 year old son Mike had raised his hand (Hey why weren't her eyes closed? I'm glad they weren't.) We got to pray together and Mike let Jesus in his heart. I don't recall where Matt was and I think Tammy was in the nursery with our newborn daughter, Bethany. I think it was just me and Mike.

Mike went on to serve Christ in spite of some struggles in his later years until his untimely death in January. Although he may not have always had lived out the model we think we need to see, he lived out what Jesus wants to see. "Love God AND Love People" He loved people, helped people and enriched their lives. Message received.

This week many of you may be involved in a similar church drama, egg hunt whatever. Maybe you will be taking your family to one. It probably won't be the most professionally done but the message will be there and an opportunity will be there for those to become children of the King. That's why they do it. So don't play it down as just another church play. Don't criticize the actors. Soak in the message. Take a look at your life and see where you're at.

They'll be one less setting at our table for dinner this Easter Sunday. That's hard to take. But because of the obedience of a faithful few 16 years ago to unashamedly bring the gospel message we can have the peace to know he will be fellowshipping with the King.

Thanks Tino. Thanks Pastor Steve. Thanks Cheryl. Thank you others who were a part as well. Well done good and faithful servants!

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

The Other Side

2011-04-18T12:26:00.001-04:00

In Mark 4:35-41 Jesus tells his disciples he wants to "go to the other side" What he meant was he wanted to cross the sea to get to another city for some more ministry. So they set sail. As the story goes quite a storm kicks in. Jesus is asleep and the disciples become terrified. They felt as though they were sinking. Quickly they awaken Jesus. They ask him if he even cares that they may about to drown. Jesus gets up and takes care of the situation by calming the storm. He then asks them why they were so fearful. Why they had no faith. They were awestruck at his power. They sail on. In verse 1 of chapter 5 it says "Then they came to the other side" They made it. Safe and sound. Another day to take on. Another day of ministry.

Sometimes we have to travel storms in this life to get to the other side. To experience something new or exciting. And often when we do we become just like the men in that boat. Fearful, anxious, low on our faith. We forget Jesus is right there with us and he is able to calm that storm and help us get through to the other side. Sometimes we may get a little bruised or beaten along the way but if we remain steadfast and faithful to him we will make it through just fine.

We need to take our eyes off the moment, the journey, and look ahead to the other side. Look ahead to the victory, the new chance, the new opportunity. So often we don't want to get in that boat to get to the other side because we fear the "weather report" which reads: "Storms are ahead if you try to go there" Don't worry about it. Let your captain take over and get you to the other side.

It's not so much about how you get to the other side, but rather that you just get to the other side. For in the journey is the growth. In the arrival is the victory.

So how about you? Afraid to jump in the boat? Like the safety of this shore? There's something to that. But there's also something on the other side. Something you will miss. Perhaps something he has for you. Or needs you to do or experience. Maybe it's time you took a trip with Jesus to "the other side".

Are you ready to hop in?

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Impact!

2011-04-02T21:22:00.000-04:00

It's been a while but I think this is good. I hope to be sharing some more thoughts soon.

My phone rang. I knew from the ring that it was Tammy. I had just finished praying and was looking forward to getting back into a routine after a couple of weeks of working two jobs. It was exhausting and I was looking forward to getting back into spending more time doing ministry. Just before I answered the phone I thought to myself “What does she want now?” I don’t want to be on the phone too long. I want to get started. I was not at all expecting or prepared to hear the words that came next. “Paul, I think Michael’s dead”. My heart dropped and all I could say was, “What?!” She described his appearance and I quickly rushed home. The 7-minute drive seemed like 70. Praying in the spirit all the way I raced toward home. I arrived and ran up the stairs. When I saw him I knew she was right. From my experience in surgery I had seen enough people who had passed away. My heart sank and the tears welled up. When I felt his body he still felt warm. As I moved him I thought I heard breathing. With that we called 911 moved him to the floor and Tammy attempted CPR. Moments later the squad arrived. They gave it a try but our worst fears were realized. He was gone. The house was a flurry of activity, people running all around, firemen, police. Friends arrived for support and comfort. There were questions to answer. It was and still is surreal.

In the days that followed I thought several times to myself, this was a life wasted. So much to offer, so much to do, so much potential that will never be fulfilled. It was not until his memorial service later that week that I realized this was NOT a life wasted. As I looked out into the crowd of over 300 people some of who traveled hundreds of miles just to be there, some faces I hadn’t seen in 20 years I was amazed. As we greeted these people, accepted their condolences and heard the stories of how Mike had touched their lives I realized this. This young man, my son, had touched so many lives for the better. Our Mikey had a positive impact on so many lives. As I later read cards and Facebook posts I saw the image of a loving caring and helpful individual. Mike had some struggles late in his life that may have kept him from doing some of the things he loved. But in spite of those struggles he remained polite, warm and friendly. Always ready to extend a hand and see how he could help someone else who needed it. Mike wanted to be a physician. A dream he never realized. Yet throughout his life and I believe even in his death he probably touched more lives for the good than he may have even if he did accomplish that goal.

A life wasted? I don’t think so. Rather it was a life cut short way too soon. Yet I am reminded that this life isn’t all there is. There is eternal life with Christ, which is far better than anything we could realize here. Mike got there sooner than we did. As for us as we await our time we need to live life as Mike did and impact lives in a positive way as God leads us. Then we can live life with no regrets. For it’s not about money or status, but loving God and loving people. Living a life of impact.

What kind of impact will your life bring?

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Facebook II

2010-03-04T18:48:00.000-05:00

Well it's been quite some time but it's time for my follow up thoughts to my Facebook post. While I am still participating I hold to most of my previous thoughts. A lot of junk and a lot of wasted time. However whether I like it or not it is a good way to connect with people you don't get to see too often and keep up to date on what's going on even if some are a little over the top like posting "I'm going to bed now". Don't need to know that and I really don't care. Another reason I have stayed with it is that some have abandoned regular email so my only way to contact them is through Facebook email. I am a little tired of the self promotion, whining, and those awful games, but I have come to look beyond all the junk and find something good there. I will admit I do enjoy posting an amusing comment or too but for now at least it is not an obsession (I have learned to never say never).

I will try to be more diligent with the blog since I know more are reading it. (That's one reason I slacked. I wasn't sure anyone was reading it) Please send comments, good or bad. That way I know you're out there.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Revelations From Facebook

2009-06-05T15:16:00.000-04:00

Recently I reluctantly joined Facebook. I did it because one of the young ministers in our area suggested it as another way to connect with people, particularly the younger crowd. It may also be another way to share Jesus with a group that may never come to church. I had avoided this for a long time because I believe more in the value of real face to face relationships. However the possibility that more might get to hear the message finally put me over the top.

At first I was pleasantly surprised. I was connecting with people I hadn't seen or heard from in years. Even kids from 20 years ago (who were no longer kids and had kids of their own) However after a few days I realized that to be apart of this required time. Time I didn't have. Time to write something cute or interesting. Time to post pictures. Time to read different posts. (As you know from the frequency of this blog time is a premium for me) What little time I had I preferred to invest in people. In person. Where did all these people get the time? And in all honesty why did they use it to share such useless information that really doesn't matter? Maybe I'm old and getting a little senile but what about jobs, and house work and family and God? Where was the time for God? Now I only have about 30 friends but on any given day there are only one to two posts that are uplifting. Do I really need to know if someone is tired (again)? Is going to their kids ball game? Doesn't like the ending of a TV show? Wants to tell me who will win American Idol? Took some stupid Super Hero Quiz? Needs cards for a card game? Or something for some Mafia game? To the best of my knowledge all these people are supposed to be or at least were believers in Jesus Christ. But you couldn't tell by reading these posts. And some of these are pastors! Yikes! We wonder why our churches are shrinking.

Now I don't care if people want to post these things. I don't have to read them. But in reading them I was shocked to see just how weak our faith is. I was especially disappointed by our pastors wasting time with this. We should be leading the way with positive and Godly posts. and all of us as believers should spend more time studying the word!

So that leads me with a choice I guess. I can bail out and leave Facebook. Or I can start to contribute something positive. I'm not sure what I'll do yet. Give me some time. I'll get back to you. (Soon I hope)

Do any of you who are on Facebook encouter the same? I'd love to hear your comments.

Pastor Paul

Easier Said than Done

2009-04-21T13:49:00.000-04:00

The apostle Paul said "We walk by faith, not by sight" Jesus said to not worry and live one day at a time. We love to quote those verses to others when things get rough and the answers are slow in coming. Yet as Christians that is how we should live every day. The truth is most of us have never really had to do that which can make it easier said than done. When we are really challenged to walk by faith and not worry do we do it? Recently I have had to practice what I preach in relation to that. Three weeks ago I was laid off from my secular job which was our primary source of income. It was devastating. What would we do? How did I tell my family? Even though I believed my faith to be strong there was some anxiety. This challenge would put my faith to the test especially when I started looking for jobs. I found out very quickly there were none in my field of expertise locally. The ones out of town to this day have not responded. What was the next step? There was panic not peace. "What's up with that Pastor? You should be our example of how to live in peace." After about 2 weeks of walking by sight and with much worry through prayer God is showing me how to walk by faith. Much of the key to that is the living one day at a time. I try to take each day and concern myself with it and the tasks required. While I do make appointments and have a schedule beyond that day I try not to concern myself with the details. As each day ends I am amazed by God's provision. And if I don't have a clear answer I know tomorrow brings new hope. I have seen through this that much of my life till now had been my plan not HIS. I am trying to listen for what are the next steps for me. Full time ministry? Part time secular employment? I don't know yet. But HE does. And he will reveal it to me if I will just be still ,during this time when it is difficult to be still, and know that he is GOD. He has it all under control.

Perhaps some of you may find it difficult to walk by faith. Your circumstances seem impossible. You worry all the time. I encourage you today to trust him with all your heart and don't lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) I won't tell you I don't struggle a bit. But there is a peace in this storm that I can't explain except that it's from HIM and the knowledge that at just the right time He will come through with something way better than I could ever imagine. And that's awesome.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Spring is in the air

2009-02-25T14:20:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a while again. Such is the life of the "tent making" pastor.

As I look out my office window I see the sun shining and the snow melting. Spring is in the air. In a few short weeks the official beginning of Spring will be upon us and the days will not only be getting longer but hopefully warmer. Farmers and backyard gardeners will be starting to prepare the soil for the seed planting that will shortly follow. Which gets me to thinking. Are we preparing the soil of someones heart today in preparation for seed planting? We can't harvest what we don't plant. While I know there is far more excitement in the harvest (that is seeing someone come to Christ) good preparation is important if we want a healthy and bountiful harvest (ask any farmer) So often in the past we have been taught the "salesman"approach to evangelism. Trying to get the quick conversion and moving on to our next prospect. This approach seldom yields a long standing commitment. We need to prepare the soil of one's heart by first building a relationship or friendship where we can be trusted so that when the time comes to share Jesus He will be received out of love not just to get rid of us. So I encourage us all to start "tilling" the soil of the heart of someone God places in your life today. It may be a family member, a friend, a coworker or a stranger. If we do when "fall" comes the field will truly be ripe for the harvest.

"One plants, another waters, but God makes it grow" Are you ready to start plowing and planting?

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

One Hour Church?

2009-01-19T18:59:00.000-05:00

I received the following article (contained in the following link) as part of one of my weekly email news letters. I am interested in your thoughts. Although the author makes some good points and at the end addresses some of the most common questions that come up on a topic like this, I think some of the questions we have to answer is who is the church service for and what is its purpose. Yet still as a spirit led believer for almost 30 years it is troubling to me that church has to be reduced to a tight schedule that must be adhered to the minute. (you'll see what I mean after reading) Too often we tend to ignore the fact that it is the spirit that draws and changes the heart. Although we often have to tweak methods to our times, I think this suggestion is a bit over the top. Here is the link http://www.sermoncentral.com/articleb.asp?article=Dave-Browning-Case-Hour-Long-Service&ac=true Let me know what you think.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T19:05:00.000-05:00

First let me start by wishing you all a very happy new year. I know my posts have been a little sporadic but hey, it is winter and there is not any grass to cut. So how can I get on the tractor to think?

Seriously it is the start of a new year and with it comes the hope and expectation of better days ahead. We close out the past (especially if it was what we consider a bad year) and look forward. Last year for me was probably what we could call a fairly normal year. Although there were some extremes. On the high end we got into our first church building in June. One the low end our son had a bad car accident on exactly the same day. Before and after though things were fairly tranquil. For all of us the current financial crisis has hit in one way or another causing a little bit of discomfort. Consequently we hope for better days ahead.

As a believer we should live everyday with hope, no matter what the date. Jesus came to give us an abundant life. He said not to worry. He will take care of us. He warned us of trials but that He has over come them. Friends regardless of our present situation there is a better day ahead for the believer. One when there will be no more pain or tears. One where we will see Jesus face to face. No one knows exactly when that day will arrive, but we know it will. Jesus said so. And that it is the hope we should cling to. That is what we should be looking forward to.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Gift Giving

2008-12-08T21:34:00.000-05:00

Yes it has been a while, but here goes. I've been preaching on gifts this holiday season, what to give and what we can get. No this is not holiday shopping advice on where the best deals can be found. This centers around the greatest gift, Jesus. What he gives to us, what we can give to Him and how we should give this gift to others. Often at Christmas time as we hurry around looking for that perfect gift the gift of Jesus gets overlooked. But there is no better gift we can give or receive than the gift of Jesus Christ. God gave him to all mankind and we are to give Him to others. The gift of Jesus means we receive so much. It means we receive love, hope and peace. There is no material gift that can give us that. While there are some good gifts out there this holiday season don't forgot to give the gift of Jesus to everyone you meet. How? In a smile, in service, in a word of encouragement. That's one of the great things about this gift. It can be given in so many ways. And also don't forget to give back to Him. He's love your, worship, your love and your life.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

What Do You See?

2008-10-30T12:17:00.001-04:00

About 15 years ago a somewhat popular form of art was a thing called the "Magic Eye" You could find one every Sunday in the newspaper. There was even a Seinfeld episode built around one. (You can find them today online). What it was at first glance was just a bunch of colors and squiggly lines that didn't seem to make much sense. After some careful observation though the real picture would come to light. It was a beautiful 3D image hidden within all the chaos. It got me to thinking about how we see the people we encounter everyday. Jesus in John chapter 4 saw them as a ripe harvest field. Ready to receive him as Messiah. In Matthew 9 he saw them as confused and helpless, wandering around with no direction. That broke his heart and moved him to compassion. How do we view the field of souls around us? Those two groups from the Gospels pretty much sums up the people in our world. Unfortunately we all too often don't look at them like Jesus did. We are cruel and judgemental. We don't want to take the time to do the work of the harvest. Next time you go out into "the filed of souls" I encourage you to take some time to look at the people as Jesus did. Through eyes of love and compassion.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

PS ~ This is a small taste of this week's sermon. You'll have to come Sunday to hear it all!

More on Prayer

2008-10-17T10:49:00.001-04:00

Check out his interview on prayer at this link and let me know what you think.

Here is the link: http://prayer.ag.org/interviews

Blessings,

Pastor Paul

That's why we pray!

2008-10-14T14:53:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's been so long since my last post. Well here it is.

Prayer has been on my mind these last several weeks. (I wish I could say the reason I haven't written was because I'd been praying) I have and will be preaching on it for a few more weeks and I really want our church (and all believers) to catch the fire for prayer. To once again make prayer a priority. When we pray is when we will see God move. That is when we will see REAL revival. That's when we here form God. That's when we can draw strength.

I am giving my best effort to make prayer a top priority in my life. Will you?

In the early '90's MC Hammer sang "We got to pray just to make it today" There is so much truth in those words. As much as we may think we can we can't make it on our own. "That's why we pray"

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

What to wear?

2008-09-11T14:39:00.000-04:00

Yes it has been a while. Here's the thought for today. Recently I was at a minister's meeting and the discussion came up about the minister's attire for Sunday services. Many believe in order to reach the younger crowd the pastor, regardless of his age should dress just like them. Other's disagree. Here's my take. First you should dress who you are. If that means a suit wear one. If that means jeans with your shirt tails out then wear that. Next I don't think if your 45 or 50 you will relate any better to the younger crowd if you dress like them. I remember my 13 year old daughter telling me how "uncool" I was by wearing an American Eagle shirt. Finally I think when performing our duties we should dress professionally. Don't you expect your doctor or attorney to dress professionally?

The point is I don't think how we dress is what matters if we want to share Christ with any generation. People want to see their pastor living out his faith and loving God and people honestly.

So what should I wear?

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Your face is so long it's dragging on the floor

2008-08-25T15:58:00.000-04:00

Today's title is something an old college friend used to say to me some 30 years ago when I got down on life. Recently some life events have gotten me to feeling (or looking) that way again. I have allowed circumstance to rule my emotions. I have not held onto the promises I encourage others with when they are down. I have not been very good at "practicing what I preach" I am having a bit of a valley or desert experience wondering where is God in all this? However today I realize my responsibility is to simply work hard on my end and trust Him. Not to be anxious or try to fix it myself. And most of all just be still and know He is God. Man is that going to be difficult! However I think if I work through this only good things lie ahead.

What about you? Is your face so long it's dragging on the floor? Why not let God help you pick it up?

Blessings,

Paul

What are you FOR?

2008-08-12T21:12:00.000-04:00

It's been a while I know. Many things going on. But here's a thought to ponder. Recently I read a blog post against the new Keno game in Ohio. I don't know all the details of this new game and I'm certainly not a gambling fan. As a wise Pastor once told me it's not the gambling once in a while or playing a dollar on the lottery that is bad. It's what it can lead to that is bad. That is the truth. Many things we as Christians are against really aren't bad. It is what it can lead to that hurts us. While I will not go into depth on that let me get back on topic. We as Christians are always coming out against something. Gambling, abortion, Democrats, etc. But why don't we put some of that energy into what we are for? Things like Jesus, the Holy Spirit, miracles, real love, friendships. See what I mean? We could go on forever if we want to put our energy in the positive direction. So I really don't care what you're against. What are you for?

Be blessed,

Paul

Pastor there is a problem with the toilets

2008-07-21T19:47:00.000-04:00

Lately it seems I have been in a bit of a battle spiritually speaking. Ever since we moved into our new facility on June 1 we have been under a bit of an attack. From my son's accident to the possibility of losing my job it's been sort of hard to focus on (and enjoy) the new facility and ministering to the people. Now yesterday about 5 minutes before service I hear "Pastor, there is a problem with the toilets. They won't flush" So after about 3 minutes of trying to clear them I realized we had to go forward and assigned some of the men to try and work it out. Ten minutes into worship one of them whispers in my ear that they were unsuccessful in fixing the problem but they could still be used on a limited basis. He suggested I make an announcement. Understand that we serve coffee prior to service that many enjoy. So now I am faced with how to honor God on the Lord's day but shorten the service before anyone has an accident. And believe me that was no easy announcement to make. It was also not easy to focus on God and worship with all these thoughts going through my mind.

I cut the worship by one song, made the most tactful announcement I could and we got through it. Yet here I thought was yet another attempt to distract us from the task at hand, spreading the gospel in our community. All I can conclude is that we must be on the verge of something big. Although this is no where near what happened in ACTS it was with persecution that the church grew. If that is the case I say bring it on. We're ready for it. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.

For now,

Paul

The Measure of Success

2008-07-15T13:05:00.000-04:00

What is the measure of success for a church? Like it or not in America today it is the Sunday morning attendance number. Followed closely behind by newer, bigger and more ornate buildings. But should that be how we define success for a church? Let me propose this measuring stick. Impact. How are we impacting lives? How are we impacting our community for Christ? Does the community know we are there because we have a fancy new big building? Or do they know we are there because they know us personally?

If we impact our community in a personal way lives will be impacted for Christ. The other things like attendance numbers will follow. Our goal should never be to grow our church but to grow His kingdom.

So let's go out and make an impact for Christ

Until next time,

Paul

I'm Back and other stuff

2008-07-02T19:25:00.000-04:00

Well vacation time is over. How quickly it went. Due to Mike's accident our plans changed and we stayed in town, mostly for follow up doctor visits. We thank God everything is going well with the help of a little surgery. It appears we are returning to some degree of normal (whatever that is) Which sparks a thought. Since this is amusement park season allow me to use this example.We are such creatures of habit and for the most part love our routine and the security it brings. Yet as Christians we have stepped onto the greatest thrill ride of our lives. Steven Curtis Chapman labeled this life best in the title of one of his songs"The Great Adventure" God walks with us and sometimes carries us through some wild things in our lives. So why do we want to cling to the routine? Why be bored? Maybe it's time to just strap ourselves in and enjoy the ride. There may be some twists and turns, a few bumps along the way or a shaky moment. Our lives could even be turned upside down. But with Jesus at the controls we can ride safe and secure. Then at the end of it all we can look back and say, "WOW! That was awesome!Let's ride again"

Until next time,

Paul

On Vacation

2008-06-17T19:27:00.000-04:00

I will be on vacation for this week. Look for more "THOUGHTS" next week.

Father's Day

2008-06-12T09:23:00.000-04:00

Sunday is Father's Day. A day set aside to honor dad. To some just another "Hallmark Holiday" For most a time to be thankful and show appreciation to our dads. Maybe your dad is "The World's Greatest" Take the time to let him know it. Maybe your dad wasn't. Maybe you need to forgive him. Maybe your dad lives far away. Give him a call. Maybe your dad has passed away. Cherish the memories.

Being a dad is one of the hardest jobs there is (second only to being a mom) It is all on the job training. We make mistakes. We do our best. Sometimes we fail. Thankfully we have the example of our heavenly father to teach us how to be a great dad.

So kids, give your dad a break. He's doing his best, for you. And dads go easy on yourself. Remember you don't have to go it alone. God is right there with you.

Have a very blessed Father's Day!

Lewis, will you be quiet? /The Longest Two Hours of my Life

2008-06-06T08:15:00.000-04:00

We have a Daschound named Lewis. He loves to bark. I guess being so small and low to the ground he wants you to know he is there. He barks when people come AND go. A bit strange. Early this Monday morning about 4:15 am I was awakened by his barking. After a few minutes when he didn't stop I went downstairs. He was on the couch barking at the window. The door was ajar and I could hear my wife's voice. Who was she talking too? My first thought was why was she talking to our son Mike outside? (He had gone out earlier for a post graduation bonfire) Did they not want me to hear? As I opened the door I didn't see Mike but an Ohio State Highway Patrol officer. As I listened I quickly found out that Mike had been in a very serious single car accident. My heart dropped. After getting some info we quickly prepared to head to the hospital. I quickly sent out a prayer request email with the little info I had. "Unconscious and a helicopter". Then we prayed and left. I made the 40 minute drive even longer by missing the exit. When we finally arrived at the ER where we were told Mike was already in ICU. It was roughly 1 hour since he left the scene. We knew nothing. The thoughts run wild. Death, paralysis, brain dead, organ donation. Would I be having his funeral instead of a graduation party? It was hard and a real test of our faith. After traveling through what seemed like a maze we finally arrived at the ICU only to have wait a little longer. Finally we got to see him. As we approached the bed all I could see was Mike lying there on the ventilator with a neck collar covered by a sheet. Scary was an understatement. It was now 2 hours later. The nurse quickly relieved my anxiety when she told us he was responsive and moving everything. To that point it was the longest 2 hours of my life.

I am happy to tell you that Mike has quickly recovered and is home now with relatively minor injuries. Friends God is real and is still in the miracle working business. Prayer works. He is no respector of persons. Do you have a story of God's miracle working power? I'd love to hear it.

Blessings,

Paul

God still does Miracles

2008-05-30T15:26:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I took on the task of getting the utilities for our new building tranferred to the church's name. The electric went well. Not long on hold and a small deposit. Things did not go as well with the gas company. First a little longer on hold, then some confusion on the address. When we finally got that straightened out they told me our deposit was $666! Not only a large number but an erie one. We know we have been fighting a lot of darkness in this transition but not only was that a lot of money it reminded me who is behind many of our problems and struggles. But hold on God is greater. So after putting out the call to prayer I also put out the call to our landlord. After being equally shocked he said he would work on it and get back with me. When we spoke later that evening I found out we would have to pay no deposit at all at this time. Without the details suffice it to say God did a miracle, and we didn't even have to leave home.

God still does miracles. He may not always be this fast but He still "working all things together for good" And you don't have to go anywhere special or have someone else pray for you either. Just exercise your faith and agree with 2 or three others.

Do you need a miricle today? Whatever it is begin to ask God and believe for it.

Praying with you for your miracle,

Pastor Paul ~ PS I'm still waiting for your comments

Crunch Time

2008-05-27T08:54:00.000-04:00

Try as I might I could not get more than one post out last week. Anyway, this week our church expects to move into our first building of our own. We are down to crunch time. Much of the flooring needs to be installed and the bathroom fixtures need to be put in. All this with only 4 days to go! On top of that a sign needs to be installed and other little details completed. I can't say I am not concerned but I do have a peace that somehow it will get done. To paraphrase scripture "With God all things are possible" Are you facing a crunch time today? Let go and let God.

I'm waiting for your feedback

Blessings,

Paul

A Time for Everything

2008-05-20T12:23:00.001-04:00

May 20, 2008

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) says "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" Basically that verse is speaking about change. Over the last week and within the weeks to come I am seeing a lot of that going on all around me. Our district pastor moving on to serve in our national office, finishing his season in Ohio. Our associate pastor getting ordained after a long journey and entering into a new season of his ministry. My youngest son graduating high school entering a new season in his life. My nephew and some close friends getting married. And for our church soon to enter into it's first building of its own, a new season for this ministry. Most of us don't like change especially if it comes from out of our hands. It can make us uncomfortable or anxious. We like to work in the norm or the comfortable. We like the old pair of shoes, soft and comfortable. New shoes are stiff and hurt our feet until they are broken in. Yet change when it comes from God and is in His timing is always a good thing. There is no need for worry of fear. It's all good. When we embrace change we can experience and learn new things that can be so fulfilling. Let's not change just to change, but let's not run from change either. If you do you may wind up asking yourself later, "What if?"

Make it a great day,

Paul

Here We Go!

2008-05-16T09:46:00.001-04:00

May 16, 2008

I have finally taken the leap into blogging. (I'm still not sure what that word really means) Anyway I've entitled my blog "Thoughts from the Tractor" because many of my thoughts originate while cutting my rather large lawn on the tractor (Actually I just upgraded to a zero turn but that didn't sound as good). To start I will try to post about 3 times a week as my time is pretty tight. I look forward to your comments and feedback. I have also posted some old thoughts from the tractor that I sent via email to our church.

Talk to you next time

Blessings,

Paul

An Old Thought

2008-05-16T09:31:00.000-04:00

This thought originated on June 7, 2007

After another " marathon" session of grass cutting these thoughts came to mind

Matthew 22:36-39 (New International Version)
36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Last night Pastor Bob and I had our usual weekly get together at Panera. This is where we share a cup of coffee, food and an occasional pastry. We talk about the things of the Lord and encourage one another (OK ,mostly I 'm the one receiving the encouragement) We've been doing this for over a year I think. We also wait to see if the Lord opens doors of conversation with others in the restaurant. Several times this has occurred. About 6 months ago we met a man I will call Stan. Stan is a Christian man who's been saved many years, but has not attended church regularly for the last several years. We chatted, invited him to church and to join us again anytime. We didn't see him again until last week when we sat and talked about the things of the Lord. Again we invited Stan to join us at church or Panera anytime. Last night Stan showed up. After a slow start to our conversation things got going. As we have gotten to know Stan a little better I asked him why it seems he cannot connect to a church anymore. His reply was he "scares pastors." Stan is a man who was radically saved over 27 years ago. God did a great transforming work in his life and he is very grateful to God. He is also a man of deep conviction. You could say a bit stubborn in his beliefs. After getting to know him a bit I believe he sees things through a very narrow scope. In our conversation last night we were talking about the change that needs to happen and be seen by others when we turn over our lives to Christ. Without a doubt this is true. This is called "Sanctification" Let me stop and ask a question. Is sanctification instantaneous at conversion, an on going process or both? (Look for the answer at the end of this post) For many like Stan when Jesus comes into their lives the change is evident almost immediately. For some it may take some time to be seen. Stan seems to have a little problem with those whose change is not evident quickly (especially young people) In his view they are compromising and he wants no part of them. In talking to Stan I know he loves the Lord. He is a living testimony to Matthew 22:37 But Stan has a problem with verse 38 In his deep convictions he has forgotten from where he came. He has (by his own admission) a difficult time with the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
He loves God but not necessarily all people. Only those that fit his mold.

So what's the lesson for us? Jesus said the two greatest commandments were love God AND love people. ALL PEOPLE. God is the judge, not us. Unfortunately there are a lot of Stans out there in the Christian world. They get saved and forget where they came from. They love God, but now look at people differently. We are to love everyone right where they are at, just as they are. With all their faults, baggage and hang-ups. We should be working on getting our own lives in order. God will clean up everyone who desires to be. We don't have to, nor can we.

Do you love God with all you've got? Are you loving people today unconditionally? If not I challenge you to ask God to help you. It is one of the first steps we must take if we want to see people get saved and God's kingdom grow. We need to understand that we may all be at different levels in our walk with God. God doesn't love one greater than the next. He doesn't look at anything but our heart. He wants to know we are sincere in our love and efforts to change and grow.

The answer to the question above on sanctification is both. God is always working with us to help us become more like Him. And He is very patient. Remember we may see improvement but we have not arrived until He returns or calls us home. If you think you've arrived, friend you really have a long way to go.