Relationships

September 29, 2014

PHONE HOME

Since August of this year, Patti and I are learning to live in an empty nest. While thankful our youngest daughter Kimberlyn began her time at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Patti shed quite a few tears as we drove back to Alabama. Okay, my eyes were wetter than normal.

I miss Kimberlyn. I miss her presence in our house. I miss her smiling/frowning face every morning. I particularly miss the sound of Kimmie’s voice, guitar, and piano filling our living room.

Before we left Kimberlyn in Tulsa, Patti reminded Kimberlyn to phone home – EVERY day. In fact, Patti gave Kimberlyn a small sign for her dorm room. The message? Call Your Mom!

Patti and I really do enjoy when our daughters phone home. I love them and I want to regularly chat with my daughters. Even when there is no good or bad news, we like hearing from our girls. Patti and I are bothered if we skip a day talking to our daughters. Neither girl called us on Saturday (last weekend); I know my girls were busy but I wasn’t too happy about it. I think Patti was a little mad.

Heavenly Father awaits your call, as surely as Patti anticipates Kimberlyn’s phone call. “And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you . . .” (Isaiah 30:18a AMP) Your Heavenly Father wants you to phone home. No, you don’t need to grab your smart phone, but you do need to open your heart and communicate with Heavenly Father. Pray daily, frequently, continually. God is waiting to hear from you.

When Kimberlyn or Rozy are out of the country on a mission trip, I will organize by schedule and change my evening plans in order to be available for a phone call. A few summers ago, Rozy joined a mission team in Togo, West Africa. Rozy was out-of-connection for most of the time she was gone. Guess what? I was unhappy for several weeks. Every day, I hoped that she would phone home.

No matter what time of the day or night, a call from my child is appreciated and welcomed. Your call through prayer or worship is never an unwanted interruption for Heavenly Father. He awaits and welcomes your call. He enjoys communicating with you. He enjoys your presence. Heavenly Father truly cares for you.

Give attention to God’s Word: “He will CALL ON ME, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.”(Psalm 91:14–16 NIV)

Have you called home today? It’s time. Phone home.

February 3, 2014

We Need Each Other

I need you and you need me. That isn’t hard to type, but it is often hard to live out. Why do I struggle sometimes to admit that I really need people?

I need my wife and Patti needs me. We are interdependent upon one another. Without a flow of love and mutual ministry between us, there would be a tremendous hole in our emotions. God gave me His gift of marriage because I need it and Patti needs it. Patti and I need each other.

As the pastor of a local congregation, I need the people that make up Valley Fellowship. I’m not all by myself. I am not self-sufficient; I can’t do “church” on my own. Even the pastoral and preaching ministry I have received from the Lord couldn’t happen without believers standing with me, helping, praying, giving, loving. God put you and He put me into a body of which we are a part. I am not every member of the body. You are not every member of the body. WE need each other.

Why? In this article we are going to evaluate this battle and try to understand where it is going. learningworksca.org generic sales viagra Following the complete guidelines while taking Kamagra dose, one can get the relief from ED canada viagra cialis in the first day. Meanwhile, a large number of macrophage accumulations in abdominal cavity can be caused due to endometriosis prices for cialis right here disease. Another advantage of buying Kamagra oral jelly online from an online store to save a lot of money into developing, researching and testing the new canada viagra cheap loved that drug had a side effect that they did not expect. My experience with the amazing people who make up Valley Fellowship Church, make it easy for me to understand Paul’s joy when he wrote, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5 NIV). I don’t stand alone. Patti and I don’t just stand together. For more than twenty-five years, we have been partnered with the greatest church family on earth. I have benefited from the sacrificial investments of so many people. Thank you! I need you and we need each other.

We cannot do ministry or life alone. God’s work isn’t finished. I am asking God to deepen my appreciation for the partnership I share with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am also praying that God will give you a deep understanding of what our partnership together is doing in the Tennessee Valley and in you. Thank you, Lord! My heart is filled with joy! I am made for connection and so are you.We need each other.

Hey, partner, are you ready to enjoy the journey together?

November 5, 2013

Garden Hose for Jesus?

“Be a garden hose, a PVC pipe, a channel for God’s healing power,” Dad encouraged. “You don’t have to be fine china to be used by God. In fact, the Lord delights in using styrofoam cups, ordinary people just like us.”

A garden hose not connected to a water source doesn’t do much to benefit grass or potted plants. But, in the hands of a master gardener a hose connected to water becomes a perfectly suited tool to connect thirty flowers with life-giving water. You and I are the perfectly suited instruments designed to release God’s love on earth.

“Do not look upon the vessel, but upon what it holds.” (Hebrew Proverb)

Why not keep streams of living water flowing out you to keep the water fresh? Get the kinks worked out of your life so that living water can stream without impediment.

Keep yourself free from rebellion or sin that clogs and contaminants. “In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:20-21 NLT)

I am willing to be a garden hose for Jesus Christ.

The Lord wants to use us to communicate His message, to impart His love, to extend His forgiveness, and to minister His healing power. Are you willing to let the healing power of the Lord flow through you? Are you ready to be a garden hose for Jesus?

September 17, 2013

God Doesn’t Lie

For their last gift on Christmas day 2008, Rozy and Kimberlyn opened a box with a mostly-empty Disney scrapbook with Mickey’s face on the cover. When the girls first opened the package, they looked a bit bewildered, because usually give the best gift LAST. Their faces seem to ask “What’s this?”

Our reservation information was attached on the first page of the book (along with a picture of our family taped to a picture of the Cinderella’s Castle), but the girls still didn’t get it. Still puzzled, Patti and I finally announced aloud, “Spring break, we are going to Disney World!” And, the shouting started! Rozy and Kimberlyn immediately started counting days. They had asked (many, many times) to go, and they joyfully anticipated that family vacation.

One of the reasons that felt free to express such joy is the fact that Patti and I do our best to NOT lie to our children. Because we have tried to be honest with them, Rozy and Kimberlyn believed what we said. I am not perfect; yes, I have misspoken and failed to deliver on a number of occasions, but my daughters trusted that Disney was on the way. Before that Christmas morning, Patti and I had followed through with what we had promised enough times, that the girls were quite sure they would soon be seeing Minnie Mouse.

Simple pictures cannot capture how happy Rozy and Kimberlyn were to enter the Magic Kingdom and actually see Cinderella’s castle.

One reason so many of us have such difficulty in trusting God’s promises is because of the pain we have all suffered from people who did not stay true to their word. Unfaithful spouses, backstabbing friends, lying politicians, misleading infomercials, too-busy parents, broken promises – all wound us. We don’t trust for we have learned not to trust. We witness heartbreak, hear disappointing stories, and expect broken promises.
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However, God always keeps His promises.“God is not a human being, and He will not lie.” (Numbers 23:19 NCV) God doesn’t lie, so we can certainly trust His promises. A promise is an assurance that one will do something or that something will happen, and what God has promised – He certainly will get done. We can read hundreds of promises that God has issued in the Bible. Some of the promises are specific to a particular circumstance or a particular individual, but many are available for any believer. Often promises are conditional – demanding an action or response by the individual in order to enjoy the promise. Many require nothing but a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. Some require nothing at all; God is faithful to Himself, so He will accomplish what He as spoken.

The importance of people trusting and acting God’s promise is an overarching theme of the Patriarchs of Genesis – Abraham, Issac, Jacob, and even Joseph. God’s promise kick-starts each of their stories. Their response to God’s promise is a decisive ingredient for success. The New Testament writers regularly lift up Abraham as an example of faith, faithfulness, and trust in God’s promise. Paul writes, “Yet he [Abraham] did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.” (Romans 4:20-21 NIV)

“True faith is essentially reasonable because it trusts in the character and the promises of God. A believing Christian is one whose mind reflects and rests on these certitudes.” (John R.W. Stott)

The Psalmist enlightens us as to the reasons the Israelis of Exodus were unable to enter the Promised Land. Guess what makes the list? “They did not believe His promise” (Psalm 106:24b NIV) The great reformer Martin Luther pondered, “What greater rebellion, impiety, or insult to God can there be than not to believe His promises?”

I don’t want to insult God. I bet you don’t either! God doesn’t lie. It’s time for us to trust His promises.

September 8, 2013

Together

Amazing things happen when Christ-followers pull together to accomplish God’s purposes in the world. “Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together, 1978, p. 30)

Coming together is beginning.

Together we receive a sense that God is also with us (2 or 3 gathered Matthew 18:20). Coming together affirms us and fills us with hope. God is good! “God richly gives us everything to enjoy.” (1 Tim 6:17b) The best way to enjoy a good thing is to share it with others.

We must open our hearts and lives to come together beyond social-economic backgrounds, racial stereotypes, political opinions, even favorite teams. Hey, I live in Alabama and understand a little of the grace needed for an Alabama Roll-Tide-r to reach across in love to an Auburn War-Eagle-r.

“I speak to you as I would speak to my own children. Please make room in your hearts for us.” (2 Corinthians 6:13 CEV)
“Make room for us in your hearts.” (2 Corinthians 7:2a NIV)
“May the Lord make your love grow. May it be like a rising flood. May your love for one another increase. May it also increase for everyone else. May it be just like our love for you.” (1 Thessalonians 3:12 NIRV)

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Staying together is growth.

Small group settings are a great place for growth. Within the context of a group, we get to know each other on a deeper level and do life together. “We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” (1 Thessalonians 3:8 HCSB) Authentic, healthy relationships not only provide connection into church life, they are a source of strength, encouragement, and joy throughout life’s seasons.

Paul praised the household of Onesiphorus for showing “kindness and ministered to my needs, comforting and reviving and bracing me like fresh air”. (2 Timothy 1:16 AMP) We need to cultivate a life in common with other believers. “I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I’ll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 MSG)

Together we allow spiritual gifts to be released. “Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.” (1 Corinthians 14:26 NLT)

“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.” (Hebrews 13:1 NLT)

Laboring together is advancement.

Service and community small groups provide a place to serve, a place to shoulder Kingdom responsibilities, a place to see lives changed. Great things happen when people have “a heart and mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6 AMP).

“I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.” (Philippians 4:14 MSG)
You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you. (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 MSG)

Worshipping together is success.

Several times, Scripture calls us to worship. The Psalmist cried out, “Praise the Lord’s greatness with me. Let us highly honor his name together.” (Psalm 34:3 GW) I would say that getting to heaven is the ultimate mark of success. Have you consider what the Book of Revelation reveals about the activity going on in heaven? Worship is a huge part of heaven. When we live such good lives before men and women, that they are inspired to glorify our Father in heaven – we are sharing in a measure of success. We release heaven’s worship on earth.

“We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ. What does this mean? It means, first, that a Christians needs others because of Jesus Christ. It means second, that a Christian comes to others only through Jesus Christ. It means, third, that in Jesus Christ we have been chosen from eternity, accepted in time, and united for eternity.” (Bonhoeffer, Life Together, p. 21)

September 6, 2013

God-Followers Follow His Example

Lift up your foot and look at the bottom of your shoe. Is there a visible pattern? A Nike swoosh? A checkered-design? As you walk in those shoes, the pattern of your sole leaves a mark. You don’t have to be be walking down a sandy beach to leave an impression. I hope you aren’t “walking on” the people in your life, but your walk of life does impact those around you. What impression are you making upon the people in your life?

Scripture calls us to follow God’s example, to be imitators of the Lord. In two verses in Ephesians, Paul mentions three aspects of genuine God-followers.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV)

#1 Followers of God’s example are dearly loved children.

God loves me – what-a-concept! “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” God-followers find security in relationship with Him. God changes lives. Even if you are from dysfunctional families or have experienced horrible abuse, God’s love within you can transform the way you view yourself and the way you live your life.

#2 Followers of God’s example are loving people.

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The only way we will ever be able to follow the Lord’s example is by allowing God’s love to fill our hearts. God does flood the hearts of His children. Paul stated, “The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5b NASB). D.L. Moody (19th-century evangelist and pastor) commented on this verse: “If we have got the true love of God shed abroad in our hearts, we will show it in our lives. We will not have to go up and down the earth proclaiming it. We will show it in everything we say or do.”

#3 Followers of God’s example are generous givers.

Christ gave Himself as a fragrant offering – a scent pleasing to the Father’s nostrils. God is a giver, a generous giver, and we are to imitate His character. As Jesus willingly gave His life for this world, we must be willing to surrender our own self-interests and give. Are you prepared to sacrifice your comfort, your time, your agenda, and your expectations? Only by giving our time, talent, and treasure will we really be followers of God’s example.

What imprint are you making on the life of someone else? What do the footsteps of your life communicate? What impression is left as you walk away from a person? Are you following God’s example – living as a dearly loved child, walking in love, and practicing generosity?

“In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5 NCV)

September 5, 2013

First Generation to . . .

I just received an interesting email from Tim Elmore, author and president of Growing Leaders (You can find out more about the company from their website growingleaders.com). I thought Elmore’s comments fit well with what Dr. Chris Royael shared on Growing Champions (last night at Valley Fellowship). Dr. Elmore has written a lot about the new generation of young adults. Here is the heart of email I got today, September 5, 2013 from Tim Elmore.

Your high school or college students are among a generation who’s the first to experience a number of realities. In fact, because they’re initiating these realities, they may present a challenge to your parents and teachers. Adults are grappling with how to raise this population of kids who grew up on-line, with a screen in their hands. The pixels and format of those screens have re-wired their brains: they think differently, react differently, communicate differently, and process information differently than adults. Some call them “screenagers.” Consider the following “firsts” they represent.

This is the First Generation of Youth Who:

1. Doesn’t need adults to get information.
Consider how this difference changes the role of an adult. Because information is everywhere, we are no longer brokers of data. They don’t need us for information, but for interpretation. We must help them make sense of all they know. Our job isn’t to enable them to access data, but to process data and form good decisions.

2. Can broadcast their every thought or emotion to those who follow them.
You see this every week. Thanks to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, your kids can send messages to huge populations who matter. They are the new PR for your youth department or your school. Some posts actually get famous…good or bad. Most have not been equipped to harness the megaphone in their hands.

3. Has external stimuli at their fingertips 24/7.
Because a portable device is in their hand, they receive outside stimulation any time they’re bored. Many don’t think well on their own. This outside entertainment may have reduced their internal motivation. They’ve never had to motivate themselves. They depend on a screen to push them. We must equip them to find it within.

4. Is socially connected at all times, but often connects in isolation.
This is the most connected generation in history—but perhaps the one who’s experienced the least community. They’re rarely disconnected, but are lonely and often connect virtually, in isolation, on a screen. Their empathy, soft skills and emotional intelligence are lower because of it. They’ll need those skills for life.
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5. Will learn more from a portable device than from a classroom.
This one is a game changer. The portable device they hold in their hand is now the compass that guides them, not their teachers. They’ll consume more data on this device than through any other means. It may be inaccurate or damaging, but it’s available and they are digesting it. They’ll need us to help them navigate this tool.

6. Adults have enabled to be narcissistic instead of valuing a team.
Adults have told them they’re special, gifted and smart. This affirmation was intended to build self-esteem. Sadly, instead of helping their self-esteem, as a whole, it’s produced a high level of narcissism. They’re into themselves not the whole. You may be needed to furnish them with bigger picture perspective.

7. Uses a phone instead of a wristwatch, camera, wall calendar or board game.
Students no longer manage their lives the way we did growing up. Their phone tells time, provides entertainment, takes pictures, gives directions, connects with friends and broadcasts their messages. Designed to make life simpler, this non-stop information center has made them the most stressed out generation to date.

8. Scores lower on global comparisons, but believe they’re “awesome.”
This may be the most notable “first.” American kids continue to score lower on standardized tests than their peers around the world. Despite this fact, the one category they keep scoring highest in is: self-confidence. They’ve been empowered to believe they’re awesome, but not equipped by adults to enter adulthood.

Our Job…
Despite the unintended consequences to this world of “firsts” I continue to believe in the potential of this emerging generation. I pray they truly will transform the world. They can be role models for younger kids—but they will require direction and equipping that earlier young adults may not have needed. They need conversations about how to navigate an overwhelming world of information, and they need help to see they are only part of a much bigger world than themselves. Are you ready to expand your definition of “teacher” or “leader”?

What does this say to us that want to reach this generation for Christ? I encourage you to reread Dr. Elmore’s last paragraph. Are you ready to be a role model for Christ?

September 4, 2013

Growing Champions

Tonight, Valley Fellowship Church was honored to have Dr. Chris Royael teaching on “GROWING CHAMPIONS: Parenting on Purpose.” Dr. Chris was inspirational and informative, and I want to share my notes and ideas from today.

Dr. Chris (M.Div and Doctorate of Education) spent 17 years at Oral Roberts University where he served in the Student Life Department as the Dean of Men mentoring young men and women. Since 2005, he has led Faith Academy, a K-12 school with 330 students in Victoria, Texas. Dr. Chris is a member of the ICAA Accreditation Commission and an accreditation site-team chairperson. An ordained minister at Faith Family Church (Victoria, TX), he speaks regularly.

God has a plan for every child. Parents, a battle is raging for the destinies of our children. A war rages for the hearts and minds of our children. Everyday our children are being molded and formed – spiritually, socially, academically, and even sexually. We cannot afford to skip our opportunity to grow champion children. If we step out, someone else will step into our role. God wants everyone of us to pull together and intentionally shape the next generation. We can impact destiny if we capture the hearts and minds of kids.

Raising Godly children who love the Lord and are serving Him takes a lot of work, grace, and strength from the Lord. Parents, we must focus on OUR opportunities, our responsibilities—the things we can control. With single-parent-families and families with two full-time jobs, too many parents are relinquishing their most important priority and expecting a school or a church group to fulfill the parenting responsibility. VFCA (Christian education and schools) are great partners for parents, but a school can never replace parenting by parents. We will not make excuses, but work to find solutions; we will not give away our influence or limit God’s power.

Young people will be shaped and molded. The question is: BY WHOM and FOR WHAT PURPOSE? It doesn’t matter if you feel overwhelmed or inadequate or disqualified by past mistakes, God entrusted that child to you for you to parent that child. The single greatest influence on a child’s life – more than peers, more than teachers – is still parents. What will your influence be?

You are the perfect parent for that child. God gave that child to you. Think of the example of Abraham. God “settled on him,” picked Abraham to be Isaac’s daddy.

Abraham is going to become a large & strong nation; all the nations of the world are going to find themselves blessed through him. Yes, I’ve settled on him as the one to train his children and future family to observe God’s way of life, live kindly and generously and fairly, so that God can complete in Abraham what he promised him. (Genesis 18:18-19 MSG)

Abraham wasn’t perfect (no parent is) and he made plenty of mistakes, but Abraham managed to communicate that God was supremely important. Parents’ NUMBER ONE PRIORITY: Create a family environment where God is SUPREME. Sports, housework, watching tv, relationships, every part of living should all be saturated by God’s influence. Every day, every place, every opportunity is an ALTAR to encounter God & serve Him. “Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering” (Romans 12:1b MSG).

Parents, we desperately need to:

TEACH our kids what a fully-devoted life looks like. Not just what, but why.
TRAIN them to follow God wholeheartedly. Not just why, but how.

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We teach and train our kids best when we INVOLVE them in our faith journey. There is a huge difference between talking about something and actually doing it. “Tell me; I’ll forget. Show me; I may remember. Involve me and I’ll understand.” Are you taking your kids along with you in your faith journey? Hebrews chapter eleven highlights that Abraham journeyed forward not knowing where he was going, but willing to take the journey with God. Sometimes we aren’t sure of what we are doing, but God is with us on the way. Yes, Abraham made mistakes, but he did include his son on his faith journey.

#1 To grow champions, BE INTENTIONAL AND CONSISTENT.

Pray
Plan for growth
Persist

We need to form genuine relationships with our children, speak uplifting words, communicate we are for them, express care and personal interest, and call our children to a higher standard of excellence and maturity.

Paul likens discipleship to giving birth, “Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives” (Galatians 4:19 NLT). There are joys and excitement when the baby kicks, but there are also nights when you can’t sleep, when the demands of that new child become inconvenient, uncomfortable, and work.

#2 To grow champions, use LIFE-ORIENTED discipleship.

Effective discipleship is life-oriented. If we want our children to follow God, we must make GOd a part of our everyday experiences. Kids need to see the big picture as they witness how God relates to every aspect of life – not just church-related life. We live in a real world with real issues and real concerns. Parenting includes preparing children for all the choices they will be making and ensuring that they are ready to handle them.

Seize the “teachable moments.” When you get in the minivan, pray on the way to school. When you get home, talk to your kids BEYOND yes and no answers. When you put your kids to bed, pray and talk and connect with them. Process life with your children.

Don’t ignore or sidestep the real questions of life. Tough questions don’t need to be avoided but can provide a wonderful opportunity to teach a Biblical worldview. If you don’t answer your child’s question, someone else will. Pause that show and talk about what you just saw. You don’t have to know all the answers. Admit you don’t know, but don’t let youtube give “the talk” to your kids. Process the hard questions; learn together if necessary; call a pastor or a Godly advisor.

Step time with your kids. Cultivation only happens when the gardener is with the garden.

Attention, Israel! God, our God! God the one and only! Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got! Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 MSG)

#3 To grow champions, let your actions COMMUNICATE Godly values and beliefs.

Actions communicate values and beliefs. Our lives communicate values and validate beliefs. What we do more than anything else indicates what we believe. Kids follow the example of parents.

The apostle Paul understood the importance of example, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV). Our standard is based not on what others do or don’t do, not on the lowest common denominator with another family; our standard is Jesus Christ and His presence in our lives.

American humorist Will Rogers wisely quipped, “Peoples’ minds are changed through observation and not argument.” What are you kids seeing you do? What kind of faith-trail are you leaving for them to follow? Consider the following statistics:

89% of what we learn comes from what we SEE
10% from what we HEAR
1% through other senses

Follow the leader is not just a game that kids play. Following the leader is the way children embrace the values of people they trust (whether right or wrong). What are your children seeing you do? We don’t need to send mixed-messages to children. Everything you do and everything you are is the model for kids.

#4 To grow champions, work your spiritual CORE.

Have you developed your own spiritual life? Every athlete knows the importance of having a strong core, the source of your power and strength. Well, your core is the REAL you. Everything you do flows out of who you are. Your ability to influence others is directly related to the confidence people place in your credibility. We need to be disciplined in our own lives BEFORE we can be effective in others’ lives. WITHOUT a solid core, there is no compass, no consistency and no credibility. Core exercises include Bible reading, prayer, connecting, serving, giving, and sharing.

“What we live by we impart.” (Augustine)

September 1, 2013

Vision Motivates Action

Redemptive revelation from God motivates us to significant action. “Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelations of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law of God, which includes that of man, blessed, happy, fortunate and enviable is he” (Proverbs 29:18 AMP).

Have you ever been fired up in the church building, only to lose your victory in the parking lot? Worship services and anointed preaching certainly can motivate, but Christians often lose momentum because of failure to remain focused on God’s vision and purposes. Daily life is drained by the distraction and busyness provided by a thousand good things that sidetrack us. Regularly focusing on vision spurs you to the “God” things to do.

The Lord affirms, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it” (Habakkuk 2:2 NIV84). Write it down! Why? First, it allows other people to understand the map of direction, and secondly, writing it down allows other people to join with you.

Once vision is clear, correct decisions seem to be highlighted among the many choices.

I had a vision to be married to a Godly woman of God, and that vision motivated me to action. When I identified Patti as the woman for me, I was spurred to action! I pursued her. I called her. I wrote notes. I got up early in the morning to be able to walk her to her car (for her student teaching assignment). I don’t really enjoy shaving my face, but I remember several days when we were dating that I shaved TWO times. I bet you already know why! Patti didn’t like my stubble, and I wasn’t going to let a little facial hair keep me from possibly being close to her!

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When people really want something, it is amazing what lengths they will go trying to obtain it. Vision will motivate you to action, as well. Vision provides a focus that invigorates, and vision gives persistence to right direction.

Realizing how Valley Fellowship Church has progressed excites me, but seeing unfinished areas also propels me forward. You have not yet seen all that God wants from Valley Fellowship. Keep on watching! God isn’t finished. I believe that God will fulfill His purpose, but I also understand that God’s purposes are always accomplished in God’s time.

The Lord says in Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV), “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay”. The Living Bible paraphrases, “But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!”

God-given vision, a redemptive revelation with motivation, provokes Lord’s plans and purpose for your life. Focus on vision and see it fulfilled.

August 27, 2013

Prayer Changes Things

Prayer is the God-designed method for obtaining what we need and for accomplishing God’s purposes – in an area, in a church, in a family, and even into the smallest details of our personal lives. Prayer is powerful in the face of every situation – problems, joys, conflicts, conversations, victories, and defeats. Prayer changes people’s destinies. We never realize fully the dramatic changes God orchestrates in response to persistent prayer.

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b NIV)

We desperately need resources which only God can give and which only prayer releases. Prayer unlocks heaven’s treasure chest of abundance. Far too often we neglect prayer to our detriment. We miss out on the rewards following faithful prayer. In the classic work How to Pray, R.A. Torrey encourages constant, persistent, overcoming prayer. On pages 26-30, he highlights four broad areas where prayer accomplishes much:

1) Prayer promotes our spiritual growth as almost nothing else, indeed as nothing else but Bible study; and true prayer and true Bible study go hand in hand.

2) Prayer brings power into our work. If we wish power for any work to which God calls us, be it preaching, teaching, personal work, or the rearing of our children, we can get it by earnest prayer.
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3) Prayer avails for the conversion of others. There are few converted in this world unless in connection with some one’s prayers. Prayer often avails where everything else fails.

4) Prayer brings blessings to the church. The devil hates the church and seeks in every way to block its progress; now by false doctrine, again by division, again by inward corruption of life. But by prayer, a clear way can be made through everything. Prayer will root out heresy, allay misunderstanding, sweep away jealousies and animosities, obliterate immoralities, and bring in the full tide of God’s reviving grace.

Prayer changes things. Prayer connects us to things we need, but more importantly, prayer connects us with our Heavenly Father (oh, and He wants to meet with us!). Ultimately, prayer is really not focused on getting things from God; prayer focuses us to get with God. Have you connected with God today? Heaven Father is waiting. Let’s pray!