"We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." 2 Cor 6:3-10
After reading the above passage reagrding the hardships of Paul it became a clear goal for me. This is what it looks like to follow Christ. Lord, help me to be a servant unto you.
Posted at 21:53 in Following Christ | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Been hanging out lots with my new friend Curt Vernon - He's helping lead worship for our launch team during this season of praying and getting ready for next steps. Nicknamed "Smiley", Curt is about the most joyful & happy person I know. He loves people and most importantly, Jesus. It's always good to have a friend who's 6'9", we'll be adding him to the roster of our bball team no dobut - Thought you'd enjoy the below video showcasing a song he wrote & sings often. I'm thankful that Curt has been spending lots of time with our team. He is exteremly authentic & loves the Scriptures. Who doesn't need a friend like that? Rachel, Walker, and me love ya brotha!
Posted at 15:37 in Following Christ | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
So, this week we're all pondering how to do better next year. I started my concept yesterday and wonder how long it will take before I fold...
With the understanding that Jesus is more than enough for us and our works are filthy rags, this is a great opportunity and time of year to acknowledge that we are less than perfect and we're sorry for our sin. Because we are compelled by Jesus and His example, we seek to gain a more God-ward trajection & grow in our relationship with Christ. Hopefully our response can be like that of a tax collecting sinner, Zacchaeus, who after hearing Jesus say, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today," said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." (Read here for the full story.)
We'll be taking some next steps with the launch team & reaching new mileposts, so we appreciate your prayer. Also, our real estate company is gearing up for a productive 2010. We want to be ready to hear from the Lord and I know you do too.
Posted at 12:38 in Following Christ | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
So glad to spend this week meeting some new friends from the Shelby Disability Resource Center and some folks fighting drug addiction through a local program called Christians against Drugs.
The Shelby Disability Resource Center is a great organization that gives local people who have disabilities a chance to earn a living and contribute in real ways to our local economy. I met a new friend while eating pizza named Randall. After he opened some presents, he downloaded me on any & all UK basketball stats. We laughed and smiled while I quizzed him. Knowing more then I do on the topic, he then proceeded to beat me in a game of pool. I hope to visit with him and the folks again soon...But next time, I'll be practiced up!
Today I spoke to and hung out with folks going through the local drug court program @ a lunch sponsored by Christians Against Drugs. I was so blessed to be there with them. Their transparency and willingness to take on these tough addictions was inspiring. We talked about how none of us our perfect and how Christmas is the time to celebrate the perfect nature of our Lord Jesus...We celebrated that He covers all our imperfections with His sacrificial blood. Now, since we are free in Him, we experience a love that trumps legalism & compels us to love God, love others, & serve our community.
This continues to be such a great & new adventure. I'm loving these experiences - God is showing & teaching me & Rachel much. Praise Him.
Posted at 23:02 in Following Christ | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
As yall probably know, my family is a part of a recently formed ministry in town following God's call to launch a new church in our community. For the last three months we've been meeting on Sunday afternoons together to connect, pray, learn from God's word, serve, & share a meal. It's been an exhilarating experience.
Today our launch team prayed and talked about Matthew 9:35-38...
"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
We had great round-table discussion marveling at the pure & true compassion Jesus has for those who are harassed and helpless. Those without the good shepherd. A shepherd that knows us by name. We talked about the incredible need to pray. We asked, "How we might be further compelled to authentically love God, people, and our community?"
Then we saw how God was working in our community through 2 real life examples...Lee Bean who initiated & leads the effort for the newly established men's homeless shelter and Fred Moffat who is the interim pastor of a downtown church that feeds and helps folks 5 days a week. All of us are emboldened by the willingness of these men & their organizations.
Each Sunday our team has shown a growing heart for Jesus and a desire to follow His teachings more deeply. Rachel and me remain extremely honored and challenged to be on this journey with such cooperative people that truly want to see our city transformed. I'm very proud that we've also finished our first service project this weekend (see here) and look forward to many more. Our special thanks to those who are praying and cheering us forward. Be encouraged as we are in Christ.
Posted at 21:42 in Following Christ | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 10:44 in Following Christ | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Had a meeting this morning for coffee around sunrise. Was in line & a lady turned and said, "That's beautiful...How can that be scientifically explained?...We have a Creator." Hard to get a grasp on the view, but I tried my best to get a quick phone camera shot.
Posted at 09:30 in Following Christ | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)