We Have Moved...

We've Moved...

I am no longer blogging at this site.

Click here to reach my new blog site. Make the note of the new address: www.brodescperry.com

All of the content from this site can be found on the new site.

I appreciate you for reading.

Praying that you will continue to follow my thoughts about pastoring, preaching, christian education, and other stuff (now to include running).

Have a blessed day.

Brodes

JUST FINISH...

Today for some, is just another ordinary Saturday. Rest from the work week. Parties, shopping, and chores to complete. But for me, today was an important day for me. I participated in my very first 5K race. 

Some may say, "Brodes, it's just a race." But for me it was more than that. I've blogged earlier about my weight loss journey and have been pretty transparent about the challenges, both the good and the bad. I've decided to take this seriously, my health that is. And I'm grateful for all of the support, encouragement, advice, or just listening ear (and eyes) of those who have been my community of accountability partners throughout all of this. 

When I decided to participate in a 5K, I really was hoping that I didn't "bite off more than I could chew." It was a decision I made, but I also had a bit of nervousness along with it. Will I come in last place? What if people laugh at me? How will I compete with those who have been running longer, faster, and harder than I have? Then I concluded that at the end of the day all I wanted to do was just finish. It didn't matter what place I came in, what others were doing, nor how much more they trained. Just finish. 

I had been nervous all week leading up to the race, for obvious reasons, and I tried to remind myself, "just finish." I even gave myself a personal goal of 37'30" but I kept telling myself, "just finish." This morning came and as I drove to the race, all I could think about was "just finish."

Over 1300 walkers/joggers/runners there just like me, and immediately I thought, "just finish." You see, what I'm discovering about running, just like in life, what matters most is that you finish what you start. That's what makes you a winner. We each have our own race, and your race isn't mine, and mine isn't yours. Arthur Blank, Co-Founder of Home Depot says, "I run because it's so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can't. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you're capable of so much more than you thought."

I never thought I'd see 220 lbs again (Seeing 200 lbs again is my ultimate goal). I never thought I'd run in a 5K race. But I did it. I had to drive myself to overcome it, but I finished. Here are my stats:

The Player's 5K With Donna - 5/5/12

TPC Sawgrass

Ponte Vedra, Florida

Bib: #748

Overall Place: 234 (Out of 1,288 finishers)

Age Division Place (25-29): 40 (Out of 54)

Gun Time: 35:51

Chip Time: 34:58

Pace: 11:15

If I could offer any advice from my experience today, JUST FINISH! Whatever it is, drive yourself to overcome, and you'll see how rewarding it is just to know you've finished!

An Open Letter About My Health...

I haven't written in quite some time on this blog. Something I'm not proud of as I told myself that I wanted to commit to become a better writer. To become a better writer, one must write! So, I will do better in that regard.

Over the past few months, I've been on a journey to improve my health. Some of you may know (and some may not know) that I have type 2 diabetes. I've had diabetes since November 2004. This disease is very prevalent on both sides of my family and even as a child, I was told, "It's not if you'll get it, but when it will catch up with you." This meant nothing to me, even when I was diagnosed since I felt I was young and this wasn't something that I should take seriously.

In addition to having diabetes, I am what my doctor calls, atypical. In short, this means I don't exhibit many of the signs that most diabetics have when they sugar levels are either too high or too low. This didn't help my attitude towards this silent, but potentially deadly disease.

To make a long story short, I've decided to take this thing head on. So I began a diet protocol that helped me lose 40+ pounds. My starting weight was 263 lbs, and I currently weigh 223 lbs. But more than that, my levels have been great, and I'm awaiting the results of my A1C test (the test that measures your sugar over a period of time). It was so encouraging from family and friend during this process. It wasn't easy, but I was motivated to make this goal a reality. I'm not where I want to be (205-210 lbs is MY goal), but I'm on my way.

While on the diet, I was restricted from any physical exercise. During that time, I begin to read and prayerfully consider what my next steps would to continue this journey of healthy living. After reading and looking at some friends who I admire, I decided that I wanted to take running up going forward. For me, one who's never played organized sports, nor considers himself athletically inclined, this would be a stretch. But one that I'm taken very seriously.

I started this week with walking/jogging and I can already see that I'm going to be addicted. Today, I visited a local runners sports shop (1st Place Sports - San Marco) with the goal of learning more about "Running 101" and a new pair of shoes to continue this journey of health/wellness. I'm grateful to Brian Doyle (San Marco's Manager) for taking the time to take an analysis of my feet, my walk, etc. and answer all of the questions I had about this lifestyle.

I also have begun to post my times on FB. Not for pride's sake, but as an added since of both accountability and encouragement. I know this isn't going to be an overnight process, but a lifestyle. I'm grateful for all of the support I've received thus far from many family and friends alike. I'm looking forward to my first 5k on June 9th, 2012 here in Jacksonville, Florida (www.neverquitnever.com). My life is important to me and I have much to live for. I'm learning that now. This is more than just about fitness, but it's about making a priority of my health.

See you on the pavement...

Early Morning Reflections...

As I reflect on all that has transpired in my life this year, I can't help but to still ask the question, "Why me?" I could write a long list of things that would be considered blessings, and I could equally list burdens that I had to deal with as well. In the end, my conclusion is...Why NOT me. My convictions is the sovereignty of God is that, NOTHING catches HIM by surprise and that He's in control of every detail in my life. This makes me confident. Not in my ability, resources, intellect, but in HIM. I've been in situations just this year where none of those things have helped me. God is the source of everything for me. 

I'm in a good place in my life. Not because things are all good in every aspect of my life, but because I have the comforting assurance that He's got everything under control. As I am writing, it dawns on me that today marks 6 months of service at Shiloh. I still can't believe God placed me there. But I do thank Him for putting me there to "Connect. Grow. Serve." What a great group of people, and to serve alongside Pastor Charles is a privilege words can't describe. It has been a joy serving, and I look forward to many more years of service with this wonderful congregation.

But I also thank God for orchestrating life in such as way that only He knows and we can trust. People ask me all the time do I miss Philippi. The answer is a resounding YES! I miss them, and they're always in my prayers. For me, Philippi was more than a Pastoral assignment, it was the church I was raised in for much of my childhood. They will always be in my heart. I thank God for allowing me to serve His people there, and I'm grateful to know that He still has His hands on them with their new Pastor. As I digress.

Today also marks the birthday of a great friend gone too soon, Adrienne D.M. Rogers. I have always been told that if you can look at your hand and count 5 real friends on them, you are blessed. Adrienne was one of those friends. She was an amazing personality and I've been blessed to know her. FAMU afforded me a great education, leadership training/development, but more than that, great friends. People who have made an impact in my life to this day and Adrienne tops the list. She is truly missed. 

I thought much about 2012 resolutions. Things I want to accomplish, achieve, experience, attain. And as I began to compile my list, the overriding thought that consumed me was just wanting to know that I'm where I'm suppose to be in all aspects of life. So my list is written in pencil, and God has the eraser. He knows how to make sure I keep the resolutions beyond January 2...

Lord, I'm available to you...

Sunday evening reflections. Grateful to God for so many reasons, but I'll share this weekend's events.

Yesterday, I facilitated a workshop entitled, "A Passion For Teaching." This workshop was inspired by Mr. Allan Taylor aka "Mr. Sunday School" Pastor of Christian Education of First Baptist Church Woodstock, in Woodstock, Ga. I have been a fan from afar of his work and ministry and thankful that earlier this year I was finally able to meet him in person and we've built a bond ever since. If you're serious about wanting to grow you Sunday School, Allan is the man!

I had much nervousness about this assignment because many and most of the Bible Study Fellowship (Sunday School) teachers are educators by profession. What could I teach teachers I thought? Over the past few weeks of preparation, I had decided that I would give it my best and leave everything up to God.

The response was overwhelming. There were 70+ teachers (current and prospective) in attendance. What they did not know was that for some strange reason, Friday night, I lost ALL of my notes, and spent the entire night and early morning re-writing my notes for this workshop. The only sleep I got was from my house to the church.

We had an amazing (but long) day. We covered topics such as: "A Pledge to Teach," "Perfecting the Teacher," "Philosophy of Teaching," & "Principles of Teaching." The attendees were very attentive and excited about the information and the direction Pastor Charles wants to see this vital ministry go as we use Bible Study Fellowship as the primary means disciple-making within our church. It was a great time of study, encouragement, and fellowship. I learned a lot, and my prayer is that each of those in attendance learned a lot as well.

After the session, got very encouraging comments, emails, phone calls about the workshop which was humbling in many regards. I'm still in awe of the fact that God chose me for this assignment. I thank Pastor Charles for giving me this opportunity to share with our teachers. 

I pray that all of our members will commit themselves to a BSF class starting this Fall as we grow people. Our goal as a church is to become "larger and smaller" at the same time and this will be accomplished through our small group life within the church. 

To God be the glory.

On another note: Great worship today. Pastor Charles began a 2-part series on "Symbols of Salvation." "What We Believe About Baptism" was the message for today. Next week, "What We Believe About the Lord's Supper." 

The choir took me back with "Lord, I'm available to you." I remember singing this song as a child. Those words resonated with me on today as I reflected on God's goodness in my life. I just want to be used by Him. For His glory only. 

May God continue to give us all a greater sense of purpose in pursuing a life that's pleasing to Him. 

Use me Lord...

Pinch Hitter

Today I had the privilege of preaching to the Shiloh Church family as our Pastor was away preaching in England. I remember when he mentioned to me shortly after I began this new ministry assignment to mark August 14, 2011 down to preach. I told Pastor Charles on many occasions that I wasn't looking to preach at all, just consider me to "Bible Teacher in Residence." Being such an admirer of how Pastor Charles handles the Word of God I was more than content with being able to sit under his ministry in this new role for me.

He threw me a curve ball a few weeks ago and had me preach a Wednesday in the Word on 7/27, which I got him back in my introduction about him not being there. But I was grateful for opportunity to share the Word with Shiloh.

I had a very trying and eventful week and wasn't sure if I was able to stand to proclaim God's Word during today's worship services. I was committed to the task, and asked for the Lord's strength during both services.

We spoke from a familiar passage in Mark 2 with the story of the Paralytic and the 4 Friends. I was always reminded in preaching from familiar passages of Scripture to attempt to approach it from an unusual way. E.K. Bailey says "treat the Word of God like a diamond. In that are you turn it you're able to view more and more prisms shining through." I was encouraged in my preparation, and I pray that God was pleased during my proclamation. I appreciate all the kinds words, emails, texts, and calls I received after service. Very uplifting indeed. Shiloh truly is a church with an affinity for God's Word. What a blessing it was to share with them.

I'm learning more and more that Shiloh is a "small church in a big building." By that I mean that while there are a lot of members, they really do make you feel at home. Danielle and I have been recipients of great kindness and hospitality from day one with our new church family.

Some members from Philippi surprised me during the worship service today. Great to see all of them. I promptly sent them back to Philippi to catch the rest of the service being given by their new Pastor, Stavius Powell.

Praying for our Pastor's safe return home and thanking him for giving me a chance at "bat" today. I only "bunted" but God was at the plate with me and that's all that matters.

To God Be the Glory.

Lord, I Want To Be Like Joseph...

I'll never forget 4 years ago, my then Pastor (Rev. Kelly E. Brown, Jr.) encouraged me to attend the E.K. Bailey Expository Preaching Conference if I ever got the chance. I had become a fan of expository preaching, and his advice was to make this conference an annual calendar date so that I could be exposed some of the country's greatest practitioners of the craft. July 2009 was my first experience, and I've been attending ever since.

The conference this year was different for me in many ways. Most notably, I was attending the conference, as Pastor of Christian Education of Shiloh MBC NOT Pastor of Philippi MBC. Colleagues I've met over the few years at the conference shared with me their encouragement and excitement of my new assignment and prayed God's choice blessings upon my new work. I was greatly encourage by the kind words expressed from all of the brethren.

In deciding what classes to take this year, I was intrigued by the workshop entitled, "What Every Associate Minister Should Know" being taught my Pastor Stephen G. Brown. Pastor Brown has spent the last 15 years on staff of the Concord Church, and the Lord blessed him this past February in being called to Senior Pastor ministry of the Greater Bethlehem MBC there in Dallas, Texas. I felt that I would be able to glean some great nuggets of wisdom from someone who has been an Associate for such a long time. I was in for a treat.

He introduced the class by having us look at the life of Joseph. The story of a man who had found favor with the Lord by being a good steward over another man's property/responsibilities. In the context of Joseph's life, Rev. Brown reminded us of how we (associates) treat another man's ministry, will directly affect how God blesses our ministries as well. From Potipher's House, to inside the Prison walls, even all the way to the Pharaoh's Palace, Joseph wasn't looking to make a name for himself, he simply made better his leader's stuff. He found favor with God because of his commitment to the task with which God assigned him to. He found favor with man because everything he did, was done in a spirit of humility.

That resonated with me seeing as though, my new ministry assignment transition would be deemed "unusual" to many. Seeing as though I've gone from being a Pastor of a local congregation, to now serving under a Pastor, as a Staff Pastor. Many have questioned as to why would I do something like that at all. This post isn't designed to "explain" myself, other than the fact that I have no doubt this was the Lord's doing. As this assignment wasn't anything I knew about nor was searching for.

But it made me think about my desire to want to be like Joseph. My task isn't to outshine the Pastor. Undermine or undercut him in pursuit of looking "good" in front of the congregation. I simply want to do the assignment with which God has entrusted into my hands. To help serve the ministry as best I can, while giving God the glory, and helping Pastor's vision for the ministry become a reality.

This is also a PSA for current ministers: Don't spend your time trying to make yourself look good at the expense of making your Pastor look bad. You may can preach better, or you may think you're ready to take the helm, but before you can lead, be comfortable with following.

In too many churches, the Pastor is the central and only figure people recognize in the church. So every aspiring preacher wants to be the Pastor feeling as though without that title, no one will take you or your calling seriously. I'm here to encourage some preacher to NOT follow that line of thinking. God has uniquely gifted all of us for ministry, but we must know and be comfortable in the place where God as gifted us and being the Senior Pastor isn't always the place we should be.

Lord, I want to be like Joseph. Comfortable with wherever you place me so that I can be used for your glory. May each of us, whether preachers, or lay persons, embody some of the characteristics of this faithful, humble, and dedicated servant of God.

First Day's Reflection...

So much I want to say right now, as my thoughts, feelings, emotions are so scattered. I thought about whether or not should I even blog about what's going on in my life right now, but decided to share.

God has a way of showing Himself in our lives that often times we never see coming. Trust is the key, and obedience unlocks the door to a world of possibilities and blessings that we can never dream of. Today was for me the start of a new beginning in ministry as I joined the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church as their new Pastor of Christian Education. I believe I've shared this before, but I'll reiterate again: this was a God-orchestrated moment. One that I whole-heartedly believe is ALL for His glory.

This process has been (and is) one of faith, trust, and obedience. I'm thankful to the few that have been praying with (and for) me during this time of prayer, counsel, advice, as I sought God's Will for my life. Some felt this move was a "no-brainer," given both the popularity of Pastor H.B. Charles, and the size of the Shiloh Church. That anyone in their "right mind," would jump on this opportunity for ministry. I didn't feel that crowds sentiments. I felt that I would rather remain at Philippi MBC IN the WILL of God, than to join the staff of Shiloh MBC and be OUTSIDE the Will of God. The past few months have taught me more lessons on prayer than the whole of my Christian journey.

Needless to say, I am ever confident this is the Lord's doing and for that, HE gets ALL of the glory. I thank God for Pastor Charles being obedient to God's leading, and the leadership and people of Shiloh to be receptive to the vision he has for the Shiloh Church. I'm overwhelmed with the reality of the fact that God could've (and should've by some accounts) chosen anyone, but I'm ever more grateful that HE chose me. 

My first day on campus will be one that I will not ever forget. From the warm welcome from my fellow co-laborers in Christ, to Pastor Charles praying for me with my fellow Staff Pastors. To the Edible Arrangement display (that I'm eating as I type), to the many well wishes and blessings from family, friends, Shiloh members, AND Philippi members on today. Hearing (and reading) the words from you all made this young preacher feel special. I thank God for the people He's placed in my life, and grateful that in spite of me, HE still loves me.

A long road ahead, with much work to be done for His Glory. I'm just excited that I'm able to be apart of it, in this unique albeit aspect of ministry. I solicit your continued prayers as I settle in here at Shiloh. That all we accomplish as a church will be for His glory and not vain ambition, conceit, or rivalry. Remembering 1st Corinthians 10:31, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (ESV)

Soli Deo Gloria

An Honorable Discharge: An Ode to Philippi

With such a busy schedule the past few weeks, I didn't get a chance to organize my thoughts concerning this past weekend. What can I say other than TO GOD BE THE GLORY! This moment still feels surreal to me on so many levels.

As many of you know I celebrated my 3rd Pastoral Anniversary as Pastor of Philippi MBC over this past weekend. I thank God for 3 great years of serving His people. What some of you may not be aware of, was that this past weekend was also my last weekend of serving as Philippi's Pastor.

God has ended my time and tenure with the people of Philippi and has given me a new assignment. I am eternally grateful to the people of the Philippi family as you know I've been apart of this congregation for 20+ years. Joining this fellowship at the age of 9 when they called my father, Rev. John Perry as her 2nd Pastor. So much has grown since that time, and I was very shocked when I got the call 3 years ago when I was informed that I was chosen to be her 3rd Pastor.

These past 3 years have been nothing short of amazing, and I have learned so much about myself during this time of leading God's people. Philippi has and will always hold a special place in my heart as a people who love God, love His Word, and love one another.

Thank you again Philippi for loving me and serving with me these past few years. I thank you for accepting me, flaws and all and how encouraging this experience to serve you has been for me and my ministry. As you know, this decision wasn't easy to end our time together in ministry. But I take total comfort in knowing that this is GOD's doing. With the same faith, trust, hope, assurance I've been preaching and teaching about these past 3 years, I take it all to heart as God has given me a change of assignments.

I'm humble and joyful of your responses, words of encouragement, prayers, and excitement during this time of transition for me and Danielle. Your love for God, and growth in Christ has encouraged me greatly during this time. I'm proud to say I've pastored such a great group of Christians. I am also excited about the direction the ministry will go under the leadership of your next Pastor, Rev. Stavius L. Powell. A man of faith, with a humble spirit and a love for God's Word, Will, & Way. It further encourages me in how you handle this transition which further let's me know that this is the LORD's doing. I pray that you love, support, follow, and serve with Pastor Powell with the even more enthusiasm, commitment, devotion, and honor that you have with and for me.

I ask that you continue to keep me and Danielle in prayer as we embark on this next season of ministry. That we remain even the more faithful to this assignment in ministry as we have with each of you. All praises belong to God and God alone.

A Week In Review...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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!

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?