After a week full of highs and lows, I've gotten a chance to get down and gather my thoughts. What a week!
I am always amazed at how God continues to pour out His grace and mercy in the life of this young underserving preacher. But I am truly grateful for ALL that He's done, doing, & going to do in the future. While life doesn't always go exactly as we plan them, I take comfort in knowing the right one is in charge.
Had a chance to attend the Sunday School Publishing Board sponsored by the National Baptist Convention of USA, Inc. This is an annual conference where Pastor, Teachers, Christian Educators converged in Nashville, TN for a week of classes, workshops, & worship that are designed to refresh, reenergize, and renew the commitment of the importance of Teaching/Equipping our parishioners to be about the "equipping the saints for work of ministry, for the building up the body of Christ." (ESV).
Being my first time at this conference, I didn't have any expectations. But I must say that I was thoroughly impressed with the dedication and commitment to education that was placed in not only the leadership of SSPB, but the participants who came from all across the country for this event. 1500 persons were registered and in attendance. Which speaks volumes to the caliber of study and workshops that goes into this conference. Prayerfully, I will be able to add this great event to my annual calendar.
This conference gave me encouragement to continue making Christian Education an integral part of both my life and my ministry. I was reminded this week that the strength of your church is directly related to the strength of the Teaching arm of any ministry (Christian Education). An area that I believe is missing from many churches today. But so very vital to the overall health of any and all congregations.
Got a chance to hear some great lecturing and preaching this week. From Rev. Dr. Winifred Hope of Athens, GA. It has been said that you need to SEE him preach versus HEAR him preach. I found that to be true. Heard Dr. Margaret D. Weaver of Atlanta, GA give 2 great lectures on the importance of partnering in ministry to prepare the congregation for spiritual growth. For the first time, I was able to hear in person Rev. Dr. Marcus Crosby of Houston, TX who blessed my soul with his sermon entitled, "The Sifting of the Saints," Luke 22:31-32. Also a great message by the NBC of USA, Inc's National President, Dr. Julius Scruggs, who really preached! And last but not least, my favorite preacher Rev. Dr. Ralph D. West, Sr. of Houston, TX blessed us with 2 inspiring and thought provoking sermons as well. I thank God for such diverse gifts to the body He has bestowed in each of these servants of God.
I am amazed at how God places people in your life that prove to be a blessing to you in every way. Those that challenge you to be the best that you can be and never allows you to take mediocrity as the norm. 3 years ago I never would've thought that I would ever meet some like Dr. West, but I'm thankful to call him not only my favorite preacher, but a mentor as well. To God be the glory!
What a week! God has truly been good to me and for that I'm thankful. God kissed our worship experience today at Philippi. I'm grateful for the time we shared together today in both the worship and the Word. We preached on Isaiah 9:6, "He's Some Kind of Wonderful," where we talked about the account of Jesus' birth as the greatest gift God could every give us. While born in a barn in Bethlehem, His singular and sole purpose was Calvary so that he could free us from both the bondage and penalty of sin.
When you think of a sacrifice such as that, what else could you call him but Wonderful. But when you've exhausted all of the words you can come up with to define who Jesus is, you'll discover that He's more than that! What a mighty God we serve.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Who Do You Listen To?
I'm reminded of an exercise I participating in as a child with my father. I was blindfolded and was told to be able to distinguish his voice among several other men. After hearing about 4 men call my name, I thought that the trick was on me because they actually sounded like my father. But then as I began to feel that I was being tested, I heard another voice that said, "Brodes". At that moment I immediately responded with, "Yes, daddy, that's you, I know it!"
I knew his voice, even in an uncomfortable situation, once I heard his voice, I just knew that everything else was ok.
That story reminds of Exodus 14:10-15, where the Israelites where in the midst of trying times while in the wilderness. They believed that Moses their leader, was sending them to their grave, even though God just delivered them out of the hand of Pharoah. They wanted to go back. Moses wanted to stay and see the Lord move on their behalf. But, God wanted them to move forward. So that bears the question, Who Do You Listen To?
Often times when we find ourselves in moments of crisis, we want to revert back to what's was once comfortable to us, not realizing that there's a blessing before us. God may have given you clearance to move to higher heights, to a greater work, to a new level, but you're afraid to trust Him because you don't always see the end result.
Our responsibility is to trust the One who holds tomorrow. God. This post is as much for me, as it is for anyone else that the Lord leads to read this. I've come to the place in my life where I want to be in God's Will, even if that means I don't know all of His plans. Because I trust my final destination, I'll take joy in the journey.
Where He Leads Me
I can hear my Savior calling,
I can hear my Savior calling,
I can hear my Savior calling,
"Take thy cross, follow me"
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
I'll go with Him, with Him, all the way...
I knew his voice, even in an uncomfortable situation, once I heard his voice, I just knew that everything else was ok.
That story reminds of Exodus 14:10-15, where the Israelites where in the midst of trying times while in the wilderness. They believed that Moses their leader, was sending them to their grave, even though God just delivered them out of the hand of Pharoah. They wanted to go back. Moses wanted to stay and see the Lord move on their behalf. But, God wanted them to move forward. So that bears the question, Who Do You Listen To?
Often times when we find ourselves in moments of crisis, we want to revert back to what's was once comfortable to us, not realizing that there's a blessing before us. God may have given you clearance to move to higher heights, to a greater work, to a new level, but you're afraid to trust Him because you don't always see the end result.
Our responsibility is to trust the One who holds tomorrow. God. This post is as much for me, as it is for anyone else that the Lord leads to read this. I've come to the place in my life where I want to be in God's Will, even if that means I don't know all of His plans. Because I trust my final destination, I'll take joy in the journey.
Where He Leads Me
I can hear my Savior calling,
I can hear my Savior calling,
I can hear my Savior calling,
"Take thy cross, follow me"
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
I'll go with Him, with Him, all the way...
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Spirit of Thanksgiving...
As we focus on the day of Thanksgiving. A time that causes each of us to spend time with family and friends in an atmosphere of food, fellowship, and fun. We are also reminded of what we are to be thankful for. Holidays such as Thanksgiving reminds us also of the loved ones that are no longer with us that made days like this so special. But through it all I believe that we have a reason to Thank God Anyhow.
When we think about the fact that while my circumstances may change, we serve a God who doesn't, we can Thank God Anyhow. When we look at simply where we could be, in light of where we are now, we can Thank God Anyhow. There's so much to be thankful for.
I have a grateful heart this morning as I reflect on the fact that God is still on the throne and new mercies He's given. God has been good to this young man, and if the truth be told, he's been good to you. The best way to express our gratitude to Him is to live a life that would honor all of the things that He's done in our lives.
The line that says, "He's been better to me than I have been to myself" doesn't properly express how God has been to each and every one of us. I feel like David when he says, "if I have ten thousand tongues, it wouldn't be enough to tell You Thank You..."
God has placed some wonderful people in my path and in moments such as these you begin to reflect on the impact they have made in and on your life. He's shown me how much He loves me in the people who He has allowed our lives to intermingle with each other. From mentors, to friends, to confidants, to colleagues, etc. I am a better Christian, Husband, Pastor, Teacher, Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, Friend, Mentor, Mentee, etc. because of so many of you.
I'm going to spend the day not only reflecting, but encouraging those who mean so much to me by letting them know I am thankful/grateful for them and the impact that has been made in my life.
Blessings to you and yours on this special day. And remember that after you thank God, be grateful by living the life that's worthy of His thanks...
When we think about the fact that while my circumstances may change, we serve a God who doesn't, we can Thank God Anyhow. When we look at simply where we could be, in light of where we are now, we can Thank God Anyhow. There's so much to be thankful for.
I have a grateful heart this morning as I reflect on the fact that God is still on the throne and new mercies He's given. God has been good to this young man, and if the truth be told, he's been good to you. The best way to express our gratitude to Him is to live a life that would honor all of the things that He's done in our lives.
The line that says, "He's been better to me than I have been to myself" doesn't properly express how God has been to each and every one of us. I feel like David when he says, "if I have ten thousand tongues, it wouldn't be enough to tell You Thank You..."
God has placed some wonderful people in my path and in moments such as these you begin to reflect on the impact they have made in and on your life. He's shown me how much He loves me in the people who He has allowed our lives to intermingle with each other. From mentors, to friends, to confidants, to colleagues, etc. I am a better Christian, Husband, Pastor, Teacher, Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, Friend, Mentor, Mentee, etc. because of so many of you.
I'm going to spend the day not only reflecting, but encouraging those who mean so much to me by letting them know I am thankful/grateful for them and the impact that has been made in my life.
Blessings to you and yours on this special day. And remember that after you thank God, be grateful by living the life that's worthy of His thanks...
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Being a Good Steward of your time here on earth...
Not really sure where to begin today. I told myself that I'd commit to blogging at least once a week, but now it looks like I'm 3 weeks behind. So much has transpired since my last blog not really sure where to start.
I can't believe that we're in November already. Seems like yesterday, we were having our New Years Eve Service with my friend/brother Pastor Steve Wagers & New Beginning Baptist Church. It's funny how time continues to move on, no matter how much we'd like for it to slow down or pause every now and then.
I'm reminded of Psalm 90:12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom." (ESV). In this psalm written by Moses (which makes it the oldest psalm), he's making the contrast between the eternality of God and the frailty of man. How man is immortal--in that, our soul will never die, but God is eternal, meaning there's no beginning or ending with God. What seems like forever in our eyes is only by a "sigh," to God. So the desire to "teach us to number our days..." is advice that all of us would do well to adhere to. Simply put: Make the most out of your time here on earth! Don't get to wrapped up in the things that have no real value. Concentrate on making sure that every breath you breathe, there's a sense of purpose behind what you're doing.
I find encouragement in that psalm as it reminds me to focus on the things that have a lasting value on my life and the lives of others, and not just for temporary satisfaction. So many times we become distracted from our purpose when engaging in the things that WE often want, and not the things that God has orchestrated for our lives.
May each of us become more sensitive to the purpose that God has in our lives that we may maximize the time that He's given us here on earth.
Time is filled with swift transitions,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God's unchanging hand.
Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken,
Still more closely to Him cling.
Covet not this world's vain riches,
That so rapidly decay,
Seek to gain heavenly treasures,
They will never pass away.
When your journey is completed,
If to God you have been true,
Fair and bright the home in glory,
Your enraptured soul will view.
I can't believe that we're in November already. Seems like yesterday, we were having our New Years Eve Service with my friend/brother Pastor Steve Wagers & New Beginning Baptist Church. It's funny how time continues to move on, no matter how much we'd like for it to slow down or pause every now and then.
I'm reminded of Psalm 90:12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom." (ESV). In this psalm written by Moses (which makes it the oldest psalm), he's making the contrast between the eternality of God and the frailty of man. How man is immortal--in that, our soul will never die, but God is eternal, meaning there's no beginning or ending with God. What seems like forever in our eyes is only by a "sigh," to God. So the desire to "teach us to number our days..." is advice that all of us would do well to adhere to. Simply put: Make the most out of your time here on earth! Don't get to wrapped up in the things that have no real value. Concentrate on making sure that every breath you breathe, there's a sense of purpose behind what you're doing.
I find encouragement in that psalm as it reminds me to focus on the things that have a lasting value on my life and the lives of others, and not just for temporary satisfaction. So many times we become distracted from our purpose when engaging in the things that WE often want, and not the things that God has orchestrated for our lives.
May each of us become more sensitive to the purpose that God has in our lives that we may maximize the time that He's given us here on earth.
Time is filled with swift transitions,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God's unchanging hand.
Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken,
Still more closely to Him cling.
Covet not this world's vain riches,
That so rapidly decay,
Seek to gain heavenly treasures,
They will never pass away.
When your journey is completed,
If to God you have been true,
Fair and bright the home in glory,
Your enraptured soul will view.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Our Desire versus God's Design
I often hear the quote, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans." A very wise mentor of mine says it this way, "When our desires, doesn't match up with God's design, God always comes out on top."
I have really been personally dealing with this issue lately, and it's even come up in the lives of a few close friends of mine who has shared with me. I believe that God has the best plan for our lives, but at what point do we recognize that what He has in store for us, is so much greater than anything we could think of. Even if it's our hearts desire.
Psalms 37:3-4 says, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 4. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (ESV)
For many of us, the desires of our heart are not things that are of evil, bad, or negative at all. Most often times the opposite is true. But for the Believer, the Christian, we fail to trust that, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV).
I'm learning to appreciate God's "stops" in our lives. While we are quick to proclaim that He's ordering our steps, I believe that our "stop" are often times ordained by Him as well. Dr. Tony Evans made a statement the other day that has arrested my attention. He says, "God's delays are often tied to our development." Wow. What a statement. God wants us. He's not concerned with the cars, houses, promotion, etc. He wants YOU! And if it takes NOT getting our hearts desire to develop you into the kind of Christian He wants you to be, then I believe God loves us that much to do that.
I'm currently at an interesting place in ministry where I'm learning to trust God even when I can't trace Him. To move my desires out of the way so that God can do with me what He wills. It's never easy to be told no, or to not have something that you so desperately desire come to pass. But I take comfort in knowing that I can only see my life as mere snapshots, God can see the whole film.
My desire for everyone reading this entry is an old favorite hymn of mine.
Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, "Thus says the Lord."
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!
I have really been personally dealing with this issue lately, and it's even come up in the lives of a few close friends of mine who has shared with me. I believe that God has the best plan for our lives, but at what point do we recognize that what He has in store for us, is so much greater than anything we could think of. Even if it's our hearts desire.
Psalms 37:3-4 says, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 4. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (ESV)
For many of us, the desires of our heart are not things that are of evil, bad, or negative at all. Most often times the opposite is true. But for the Believer, the Christian, we fail to trust that, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV).
I'm learning to appreciate God's "stops" in our lives. While we are quick to proclaim that He's ordering our steps, I believe that our "stop" are often times ordained by Him as well. Dr. Tony Evans made a statement the other day that has arrested my attention. He says, "God's delays are often tied to our development." Wow. What a statement. God wants us. He's not concerned with the cars, houses, promotion, etc. He wants YOU! And if it takes NOT getting our hearts desire to develop you into the kind of Christian He wants you to be, then I believe God loves us that much to do that.
I'm currently at an interesting place in ministry where I'm learning to trust God even when I can't trace Him. To move my desires out of the way so that God can do with me what He wills. It's never easy to be told no, or to not have something that you so desperately desire come to pass. But I take comfort in knowing that I can only see my life as mere snapshots, God can see the whole film.
My desire for everyone reading this entry is an old favorite hymn of mine.
Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, "Thus says the Lord."
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
God Has The Best Plan...
Just got off a phone call with a friend and mentor talking about our trust and faith in God. We often ask God to do things in our lives, make ways out of no ways, build bridges over troubled waters, enlarge our territory, etc., but don't trust Him when He does. As His children, we don't have the right to ask for our heart's desires AND tell him exactly how to do it. If this was the case, God would cease to be God but some mere genie in a celestial bottle.
Over the past month, I've wrestled with this myself; when God shows you a plan that you didn't intend on, you question whether or not it's God. Especially when its a plan that you feel that you are not prepared for. I heard a preacher friend say, "God doesn't call the qualified, but He qualifies the called." That's encouraging news to me, because when we get to those moments of monumental tasks, our job is to immediately give it over to God to navigate us through whatever it is. Proverbs 3:5-6 speaks to clearly in that regard, "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track." (Message Bible).
I'm ever amazed at how God views his children. I would never have imagine that I would be preaching today, let alone leading God's people. If I was able to follow my plan, I would be doing something totally different than Preaching/Pastoral Ministry. But I thank God for calling me in spite of me. I have found my purpose, and what a joy to know that He saw it in me all along.
I'm learning more and more that God has the best plan. I trust that God has the best plan. I have faith that God has the best plan. Do you?
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