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Freedom

Been reading a book on WWII.  Last night caused me to look further with amazement into the Bataan Death March.  What a devastating sacrifice.  Thank you to all those who serve America to keep us free.  Happy 4th yall.

Operation Care

Platt on Devotion

Recently attended the Southern Baptist Convention.  Not for denominational sake, but I was really interested to hear a few speakers and learn from the folks gathered. Thought I'd share from some of the speeches given.  Apologies in advance if the quotes aren't exact...I was jotting quick as I could...

This would be the first time I'd hear Pastor David Platt preach.  Oh my - won't be my last.  It was powerful and spirit filled.  Through God's word, He challenged the heck outta me, then affirmed some stuff I'm been thinking on for the past two years. 

Here's the part of Platt's message that rocked me...A month ago I'd been doing some Bible reading one morning, & came across Hebrews 13.  I was so excited about the chapter, I told Rache immediately, I loved it & read a portion to her...

"The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased"

Then, I made this blog post & from that time forward been thinking & reading on the passage.  Shared with my pastor, & even applied it to some video work we've been doin for Operation Care - a local ministry outreach meeting people's tangible needs - in the name of Jesus Christ - all outside the church camp/building gates.

Back to Platt - As he opened up God's word - he went directly to Hebrews 13:11-13.  My mouth dropped. Then he said, "Risk it all or Retreat."  "Risk it all for the countlesss millions" "Jesus died outside on the tree - For the abandoned,pour,destitute" "We have prioritized our comfort over the needs of others" Then, the kicker...Platt finished, "Do we want to die in our religion or die in our devotion?...I pray that we choose the latter."

Big deal for me & Rache.  God's word is active & moving.  That, was indeed a God thing.  You can hear more of Pastor Platt here.   

Wi Boards

Do you love Whiteboards like me?  There's something bout throwin random ideas/thoughts up to see what has been jarrin round in my head.  Helps to discern what's really goin on - Guess I'm a visual learner.  In this particular instance, I was studying bout Light vs. Darkness. 

Chan on Love

Recently attended the Southern Baptist Convention.  Not for denominational sake, but I was really interested to hear a few speakers and learn from the folks gathered. Thought I'd share from some of the speeches given.  Apologies in advance if the quotes aren't exact...I was jotting quick as I could...

Mr. Francis Chan is one of my favorite pastors.  If you haven't heard any of sermons or talks try it out here.  Chan recently wrote a book titled Crazy Love.  As usual, his thoughts were very inspiring as he transparently shared his story of being a pastor& his desire to truly live out the christian faith in an authentic way.  Chan's methodology of ministry is simple&appealing - because it's all about loving God and people.  If you're in need of a great book, please order this one! 

Stetzer on Unity

Recently attended the Southern Baptist Convention.  Not for denominational sake, but I was really interested to hear a few speakers and learn from the folks gathered. Thought I'd share from some of the speeches given.  Apologies in advance if the quotes aren't exact...I was jotting quick as I could...

Mr. Ed Stetzer is a fantastic speaker with tons of Lifeway research behind him.  Instead of primarily speaking on the newest data, he spoke on Ephesians 4 - Unity.

• As believers of Jesus, God has already made us one.  We just have to live it out. 
• Humility will unite us.
• You cannot bury your head in the sand and have your heart in the mission.
• God is not honored when there are divisions and factions among us.
• Clear conviction expressed with meekness is biblical.
• Unity requires diligence.
• Advice from young people in the Bible seems to always goes badly.
• In regards to methodology...You'll never be one if you can't learn to disagree on some things.
• The nations need our witness, not our conflict.

Father's Day...What?

Had a client tell me Friday, "Happy Father's Day!"  What?  My first year to celebrate being a Daddy.  Cool stuff.  Love my boy Walker.  Love bein a Daddy.

Rache gave me an awesome stoneware plate showcasing Walker's footprints.  What a keepsake!

Also, a shout out to my Daddy - Altee.  Thanks for being a great father and mentor.  I/we couldn't be where we are without ya.

Not Today

Why do I struggle to spend time with God?  It seems simple. Go to a loving Lord...Praise Him. Confess sin.  Intercede for others.  Ask Him.  Meditate on His word. The most rewarding part:  When I go to Him with my heart, soul, & mind - He always delivers.

Yet, most days I find lots of stuff (good & bad) to occupy my time.  A good friend told me this week, "There is always a distraction."  He was right.

Not today my friends.  Today I choose to think on Jesus & His ultimate love for you & me.

Catalyst Conference 2009

Catalyst.  An annual journey for me.  This year is the tenth anniversary & the experience will be stellar.  If you'd like to know more bout it or wanna join our group give me a holla.  Check this out:

Shane in Ghana

Rachel's brother, Shane Watts, is over in Ghana doing mission work.  Thought you might like to read a partial excerpt of what he sent...Below:

"...We have had numerous opportunities to go out to villages and share Christ with people.  Sometimes we do this by going "hut-to-hut", and other times we have a bible study and preach/teach from the scriptures.  Other teaching opportunities have included a local school where I got to teach the teachers.  I chose to preach from Ephesians 2:1-10 and share all about the grace that is available in Christ.  This was great because there were Muslims present, and I know that they heard a very clear presentation of the gospel on this occasion.  Praise Him!  Also I have been helping my friend and classmate Joshua, who is a native here, to help with preparing the ground for his new house.  He is currently in the process of building a house here in Ghana, so on our days that we are not busy with ministry, we have been helping him out by digging, etc.  It feels good to know that I will look back and be able to say that I helped Joshua build his house.  Also, i am frequently getting out for runs in the mornings, and when I do, youngsters often run beside me and ask me what I am training for.   They assume that I am a "footballer" (soccer) and that I am training for that.  Haha.  Today a boy even took me to his home and introduced mt to his family, and invited me to watch his soccer team practice...Thanks to everyone who has been praying."