Category: Church Chat

Thrilled to Be Here

Posted in Church Chat4 Comments

uhaulCan you imagine putting up with me for 28 years? Just thinking about it can make your heart skip a beat, but that’s exactly what Laura has done! Twenty-eight years of being married to me should earn her a mansion or two along with several stars for her crown.

We have seen a lot of life together. She followed me to the mountains of eastern Kentucky. The first time she sat foot in eastern Kentucky was when I took her to meet “the folks.” She later told me that the hills almost smothered her to death. She followed me to Morehead, Banner, Fort Worth, Hazard, Pikeville, Belfry, Georgetown, Williamstown, Louisville, and now Shelbyville. At least 14 times we’ve loaded all our belongings in a rental truck and moved to a new home. A couple of weeks ago, we made the trek from Louisville to Shelbyville. Thank you for all your help in relocating us—we are thrilled to be here!

We have seen highs and lows mixed in with a lot of everyday life. We were thrilled when our little marching band from Pikeville finished Class A State Runner-up in ‘88 and ‘89, but more thrilled when God began to move dramatically within our church at Belfry. We watched the church almost triple in size and celebrated several members called to full-time ministry. Missionaries, pastors, youth directors—God did an awesome work.

We both long to see God’s awesome power in our church at Shelbyville. We are overjoyed to be in Shelbvyille because we believe God wants to do a great work here as well. In order for that to happen it cannot be business as usual. The church is not a business; it is the bride of Christ. God will move when we, the bride, fall in love with Christ, the Groom. It’s one thing to mark off another anniversary with Christ, but another thing to be madly in love with Him. Which one do you think He prefers?

Benefits of Living a Life of Purpose

Posted in Church Chat, Discipleship, Life HappensLeave a comment

rick-warren21A few years ago I had the privilege of attending a Purpose Driven Church Conference on the campus of Saddleback Church in southern California.  It was one of those rare, life-changing weeks that come along far too seldom.  The founding pastor, Rick Warren, has written two best-selling books.  His latest is called  “The Purpose Driven Life.” This book is designed to be read over a period of 40 days.  Each lesson is just a few pages long and requires time to digest.  On Day Three, Rick shares five great benefits of living a purpose-driven life:

1.  Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life.  We were made to have meaning.  This is why people try dubious methods, like astrology or psychics, to discover it.  When life has meaning, you can bear almost anything; without it, nothing is bearable.

2.  Knowing your purpose simplifies your life.  If defines what you do and what you don’t do.  Your purpose becomes the standard you use to evaluate which activities are essential and which aren’t.  People who don’t know their purpose try to do too much–and that causes stress, fatigue, and conflict. (See Ordering Your Private World and A Leader’s Real Test for further thoughts along these lines).

3.  Knowing your purpose focuses your life.  It concentrates your effort and energy on what’s important.  You become effective by being selective.

4.  Knowing your purpose motivates your life.  Purpose always produces passion.  Nothing energizes like a clear purpose.

5.  Knowing your purpose prepares you for eternity.  Many people spend their lives trying to create a lasting legacy on earth.  They want to be remembered when they’re gone.  Yet, what ultimately matters most will not be what others say about your life, but what God says.

Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

Posted in Church Chat, Discipleship, Funny, Life Happens4 Comments

5th-grader4Like American Idol, the recent television program, Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader, has been quite a hit for Fox and host, Jeff Foxworthy. Let’s face it, some kids are very smart, and often, they say the wisest things!  Listen to some of the remarkable wisdom of children from around the country.

  • “When your dad is mad and asks you, ‘Do I look stupid?’ don’t answer.”  Hannah, 9
  • “Stay far away from prunes.”  Randy, 9
  • “Don’t squat with your spurs on.”  Noronha, 13
  • “Puppies still have bad breath after you brush their teeth with dad’s toothbrush.”  Charlie, 9
  • “Never hold a Shop Vac and a cat at the same time.”  John, 9
  • “Don’t wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.”  Kellie, 11
  • “If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse.”  Naomi, 15
  • “Felt markers are not really good to use as lipstick.”  Lauren, 9
  • “When you get a bad grade at school, show it to your mom when she’s on the phone.”  Alyesha, 13

Two of the saddest things in this world is a child who can’t learn and an adult who won’t.  Every day you and I can learn something that will make us a better person and a more devout follower of Jesus. Every week our church can learn ways to be more effective at assimilating newcomers and helping our members to become fully-devoted followers of Jesus.

Prayer: “Lord, help us to stay curious. Help us have a hunger for You and a thirst for knowledge. Help us to be content in our salvation, but discontent in our level of spiritual maturity. Help us to do whatever it takes to be more like you in our thoughts, in our ways, and in our heart! Amen.”