When prayer came knocking at my door.

My wife and I bought our house and property 16-years ago. Over those 16-years we have accumulated a lot of junk. I'm one of those guys that hates to part with anything because "you'll never know when you'll need it." So, being the pack-rat that I am, I have kept a lot of stuff that I should have just hauled off; an old dryer, freezer, water heater, air compressor, fireplace insert, truck transmission, riding lawn mower, an old push mower, misc. other metal objects. My garage is so packed that it is impossible to even walk around in it. In fact, my wife and I have been having several conversations about all of my "treasures" and how we needed to get rid of it all. The problem is, I don't have a truck anymore and can't just haul off stuff like that. I also have very little free time. We even talked about taking a vacation just to clean out junk. We looked into renting a large construction dumpster but the rent on those things is over $500, we can't afford that! What could we do? 

Tonight I was sitting on my couch entertaining guests when someone began knocking on my front door. Who could it be I wondered? We weren't expecting anyone else. I got up and opened the door. Standing on my front porch was a young lady I had never seen before. I greeted her and she began explaining the reason for her visit. "My husband and I are at the house next door to you hauling away some scrap metal and we noticed some old stuff behind your garage. Would you be interested in getting rid of it?" I answered, "would I ever!" I practically ran to the backyard to point out items that they could haul away. We surveyed the backyard behind the garage, the space beneath the garage, and then inside of the garage. "We will haul away everything you don't want," she said. "That sounds like a great idea to me," I replied.

Her husband backed his full-sized Ford truck up to my garage and they began loading, and loading, and loading, and... well, you get the picture. I've never seen a truck loaded down as much as that truck was. The front end was pointed toward the sky. Finally they decided they couldn't get anymore on the truck and made plans to return tomorrow morning for the rest. I had a brief conversation with the man and he explained his dilemma. "I'm a carpenter by trade and the housing industry is flat right now and there is no work. I've been driving around asking people for scrap metal and making ends meet by selling it at the scrap yard." My heart ached for this man. He was a very hard worker and extremely polite, and his wife was as well. I shook his hand and thanked him and told him I hoped it helped him in some way. He pulled out of my driveway and drove away, I whispered a little prayer for his safety. I look forward to seeing him again tomorrow.

Isn't it wonderful how God works? My need was very small compared to the need of the out of work carpenter, but the Master Carpenter saw fit to supply the needs of both of us. Some may call it coincidence, but I call it providence! I feel humbled and grateful. I leave you with this passage of Scripture from 2 Corinthians 8:12-15

12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Read more...

The Jesus of the Bible

Recently, a Facebook friend of mine posted the following question:

"Can someone tell me why there is no record of the Greatest Man ever Born Jesus from the age past 12 until around the age of 30. what went on in that time span?"

The question is one that has been pondered on through the ages and of course as mere mortals with human minds, we often wonder about such things. I didn't want to rush in an give my opinion quickly so I gave it careful consideration and sought God's guidance in what I would reply with. In between the time the question was posted there were a couple of well meaning folks that commented with their opinions; both which were not Biblically founded (which is what I was afraid would happen.) One pointed to the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, which is not included in the Cannon of Scriptures that we use because it is not a true Gospel, it is a false Gospel. It is a Gnostic writing to appease people's curiosity's concerning the early life of Jesus. The disturbing thing about this writing is that it casts Jesus in a light of acting in the flesh by killing at least 3 different people during his child/teen years and also striking people blind out of vengeance. This is obviously not the Jesus of the Bible. I would call the Infancy Gospel of Thomas for what it is, heresy.

Another commenter provided a link to Lee Strobel's book, A Case For Christ. A book written by a former atheist who conducted interviews with so-called "Biblical scholars" to prove that Jesus was really the Son of God. I have not read this book and cannot give an authoritative opinion, however, I base my beliefs on Faith, which is what every believer must do, and not some man's opinion.

So, after seeking the Lord's help, I answered the question with the following:

"No one on this earth can tell you why. Only the Lord would have the answer to that. One thing is for certain, we have all that we need because Scripture tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16,17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." Those words "throughly furnished" mean fully equipped, in other words nothing else is needed. The last account that the Gospels give us between his childhood and adult years, is that Jesus "increased in wisdom and stature," therefore, we must believe that His time was spent being obedient and about His Father's business. John 21:25 says: "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." I think the important thing is to consider what is written about Him and to trust him as our Lord and Savior and not be worried about what isn't written."

Now, I'm not saying that I know everything there is to know concerning the Bible, far from it, but I do know that the Bible I use, the Authorized King James Version, is the perfect, infallible, inerrant Word of God, and it is complete and everything we need. There's nothing wrong with having questions about the Bible but all too often we worry about things that are NOT in the Bible instead of worrying about the things that ARE in the Bible. We need to concentrate on what we do have and leave the rest for the Lord to reveal to us in Heaven.

So, I end this post with one of my favorite quotes from Pastor Clarence Sexton: "The best commentary on the Bible, is the Bible." - Amen!

Read more...

Search Me, O God

I woke up this morning with a lot on my mind and heart. It seems lately that the burdens of life have just been pouring on extra thick. I've got several close family members that are having major health issues and there is a lot of stress and suffering going on. One of those members is having a test ran this morning to determine if cancer is present.

I am also stressed over church related matters. I had to make the decision to cancel Vacation Bible School this year due to several factors. VBS has always been my passion. I was saved in VBS when I was a child and I feel like it is one of the most important evangelistic tools that the church can have. While I suppose we could have went ahead and had it, I just didn't feel that it was the right thing to do. To be quiet honest, we do not have the available staff to do it. We have lost so many members over the past few years and the ones we have left just really aren't able. There were some long-time members of the church that asked me if I would consider canceling this year, especially after the recent death of a church member. So, I prayed for the Lord's guidance and felt His approval to cancel. I realize that my decision didn't set well with a few people but if they will earnestly pray and seek God's will, they will understand why it had to be this way. It was heartbreaking to me to do it, but the decision had to be made.

It doesn't help that I am trying to stretch myself too thin. I take that after my mother. Between working a full-time job that I despise, being a father and husband, doing church work full time, and working on completing my Master's degree in Seminary, I have very little time. In fact, I feel guilty for sitting down this morning and taking the time to write this post. I just felt like I was going to explode if I didn't get it off of my chest.

So, like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I woke up with a lot of burdens. In fact, I woke up at 6:00 am with all of this stuff on my mind. After praying, I opened my Bible to the Psalms. I just so happened to open it right at Psalm 139. The Lord knew exactly what I needed to hear from Him this morning. It rang so true for me and was such a comfort to my heart. Won't you read it over? It may be exactly what you need as well. When you are finished reading it, click on THIS LINK and listen to the song Search Me, O God, written by James Orr:

Psalm 139 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.

1 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
and for His infinite mercies

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.

21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Read more...

In times of grief, sometimes silence is golden

Working in the ministry I am often called upon in times of grief and sorrow. We lost a dear friend and church member this week. She was only 49 and left behind a 17-year old son. My wife and I have been in communication with her mother, with whom she was very close with, and we want to be a source of strength and comfort to her. Naturally, she is grieving very badly over losing her daughter. She mentioned of how she wanted to be angry and really did not feel comforted by encouraging words or hearing things such as "well, you know she's in a better place now." I can certainly relate, when my older sister Pam died people were telling me all of those things too. I know that those folks meant well and probably just didn't know what to say but I really just wanted to be angry and their words were not comforting at all.

I'm reminded of Joe Bayly who lost three of his children. In his book, The view from a Hearse. Joe writes: "I was sitting, torn by grief. Someone came and talked to me of God's dealings, of why it happened, of hope beyond the grave. He talked constantly. He said things I knew were true. I was unmoved, except to wish he'd go away. He finally did. Another came and sat beside me. He didn't talk. He didn't ask me leading questions. He just sat beside me for an hour or more, listened when I said something, answered briefly, prayed simply, left. "I was moved. I was comforted. I hated to see him go."

In life you are going to be faced with both times of grief and times of trying to comfort someone else in their time of grief. In the Book of John chapter 14, Jesus promised us a Comforter. We can rely on Him in our times of grief and sorrow. Just remember; you don't always have to try to come up with some fancy words or try to provide words of wisdom, after all... sometimes silence is golden.

Read more...

God forbid that I should glory

As I sat on the couch this morning studying over Scriptures, seeking guidance from the LORD about what He might have me preach the next time I get the opportunity, I looked over my past sermons and posts on various blogs and websites. I began wondering if posting my own sermons and songs was just shameless self-promotion? I tried to look at it from the perspective of someone that just happened to stumble across one of my blogs and attempted to ascertain what their first impression would be. Sadly, I felt that most folks would undoubtedly consider it a form of self-promotion.

Let me say, I've never intended to boast of myself in any way. When I post sermons or songs of myself, I am hoping to share the Gospel message that is contained within them. I don't have to worry about obtaining anyone else's permission because it is my own works. I can see how that may appear to make me seem like a self promoter. I hope if you have read this far into this post that you understand where I'm coming from. I don't consider myself to be some great preacher or singer, far from it. If you ask my wife or kids they will tell you that I get sick to my stomach listening to myself. You would think that would make me post less, but like I said, it's the message within the songs or sermons that I am trying to promote.

I cannot take credit for what the LORD has given me. I pray for His guidance and He always comes through . More times than not, I feel that I do a terrible, miserable job when preaching or singing but I have enjoyed seeing people's lives touched and changed by something that I have relayed through what the LORD has given me. There was a time in my early days of preaching that I let people's compliments and words boost my ego. Folks would tell me things like, "that's the best preaching I've ever heard," or "you did an outstanding job." By the time I left the church my head was swollen so big it is a wonder I could even fit in the car! I've learned a lot since those early days. People still tell me that stuff today, however, I fully understand that they just have good intentions and are trying to be encouraging. Nowadays, I just let all of that stuff go in one ear and out the other. If  something I said, did, or sang touched someone then I am honored that God used me, but I will take no credit for it because without Him, I am nothing.

I'd like to leave you with this passage of Scripture to meditate upon today, written by the Apostle Paul:

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Galatians 6:14 KJV

Read more...

Delmar

In 1999 one of my Pastoral duties was to visit the sick and shut-ins. I enjoy this part of the ministry because I learn more about folks. There was one particular church member that my family and I had really grown close to. We had not known him all that long but he sat directly behind us in the congregation. He was diagnosed with cancer and went through 3-years of treatments and suffering. He would come to church even though his hair had all fallen out from the chemotherapy and he was barely able to walk. He was a quiet man but in those last years of his life he was outspoken in his love for Christ. He shared his testimony and remained faithful to the very end. He was an inspiration to all that knew him. I was fortunate to spend some time with him the last week of his life and when he died, I penned down these words as a tribute to him.

A Tribute To Delmar
(c) Byron Chesney 1/8/1999

I wasted so many years," I heard him say,
on the visit I paid him, that cold January day.

"If only I had known the love others had for me,
I would have been a diferen't man you see."

"I know you're not supposed to look back and regret,
but I didn't know what I had until here at the last."

"Oh but what a difference these past three years has made.
The love that I feel inside, I can barely contain."

Though his body was tired and his countenance was weak,
he sat with me for hours and continued to speak.

I could see the compassion and the love in his eyes,
as he spoke of his Church, his Lord, and his wife.

When I left there that night my mind began drifting,
though I had came to cheer him, it was me that was lifted.

When the call came on Friday I didn't have to ask,
I knew in my heart my dear friend has passed.

Though my soul is vexed and tears fill my eyes,
I'll see him again... In Heaven on high.

Read more...

Self Examination

I finished my 3rd Seminary course this week, Principles of Biblical Interpretation. It was a very interesting study and I learned a lot about the history of hermeneutics and the different schools of it. I had a 31 page notebook this time which contained anywhere from 5 to 10 assignments on each page. It was very time consuming and lots of reading was involved. The very last assignment on page 31of the notebook caused me to do a lot of soul-searching. It was on the topic of self-life. The last chapter of the book, Knowing the Scriptures, dealt with this subject. It listed the below 7 different forms of self-life and listed Scripture references for each one:
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
1. Self-righteousness or sef-trust; as the great hindrance to the acceptance of God’s saviour and salvation (Romans 10:1-3).

2. Self-dependence or self-help. Even after conversion there is a constant tendency to rely upon our own efforts (Galatians 2:20; Zech. 4:6; John 15:4-6)

3. Self-seeking (Jeremiah 45:5; 1 Corinthians 10:33). Constant proneness also to seek self-promotion, advancement, emolument (Matthew 16:24, 25)

4. Self-pleasing. To set before ourselves our own gratification and indulgence is perilous to spiritual life (Romans 14:1-3).

5. Self-will. The center of all self life is a carnal, selfish will; and hence the need of its absolute renunciation (James 4:13-15; 1 Peter 4:2; John 6:38).

6. Self-defense. We find it hard to abstain from vindicating and justifying ourselves instead of leaving it to God (1 Peter 2:12, 15, 19-23; 3:16; 4:19).

7. Self-glory. All seeking of human praise detracts from the glory of God and is idolatrous (Daniel 5:23; John 8:50; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 6:14). Though the forms of self life are legion, all may be included under the above seven heads.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

As I studied and considered this list, I felt an overwhelming conviction of guilt. After a careful examination of my own life, I found reflections of myself in some, if not all of them. I've always been a pretty self reliant person and I think to an extent that is a good thing, however, when we leave God out of the equation that's when we stumble. As a result of my self-examination, I decided to once again deactivate my Facebook account. Not only was I spending way too much time on there, I was also guilty of too much self-promotion; uploading photos, bragging about places I had been, posting songs and videos of myself singing. I wanted to give glory to God but it appeared too much like I was giving more glory to myself. I don't ever want to put the Lord second or overshadow Him. Perhaps one day I'll reactivate and try again but for now I'm just going to leave it alone. Oh, and I've also got a sermon burning inside of me concerning this whole subject.

Read more...

Recklessness behind the pulpit

I was saved at the very young age of seven. It was during Vacation Bible School at Elm Street Baptist Church. It was an experience I’ll never forget. I felt true conviction after hearing the Gospel, and the pastor of the church, Adral Hall, thoroughly questioned me of my knowledge of Christ. I realized that I was lost and on my way to hell without a Savior. I also knew and believed that God sent his son, Jesus, to earth to die for my sins so I could be saved. I knelt on the altar and poured my heart out and asked Jesus to save me and I accepted Him as my Savior. I was baptized not too long after that. I wish that I would've had someone to take me under their wing and teach me the things of Christ. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Oh sure, I was took to church every time the door was open and attended Sunday school every Sunday. But I never received much Bible instruction at all when I was young.

As I got a little older I began paying more attention in church. I would listen intently of what the pastor or preachers were saying. One Sunday we were having a particularly spiritual service with many people shouting, crying, walking around, etc… In a Baptist church we call that “having a good service.” I was enjoying myself watching others and I felt happy. Then, it happened. The preacher made the following statement from the pulpit, “if you aren’t feeling the Spirit then there must be something wrong with you and you might want to consider whether or not you are saved.” I was flabbergasted. While I was enjoying the service, as a 10-year old boy I had no desire whatsoever to shout, run, or cry like many of the adults were doing. I felt that I must not have really been saved. I agonized over this for weeks. I would lie in bed at night and worry and cry and wonder what was wrong with me? I started noticing at other services the preacher making similar statements such as; “if you don’t feel like shouting then you might want to check up on your Salvation!” My fear kept building up and I began going to the altar to pray. Folks would come down and pray with me and I would feel a little better but still worried. I guess I did this off and on for 3 or 4 months. Finally one day I decided that I hadn’t really been saved when I was seven and I made another profession of faith. I was even re-baptized.

It wasn’t until I was in my late teens or early twenties that I come to the realization that I was truly saved at 7-years old and it was the recklessness of that preacher that had caused me to doubt my salvation. It was then that I decided if I ever became a pastor, preacher, or teacher that I would never say anything to make someone doubt their Salvation. It is not the job of the preacher or pastor to convict hearts; it is the Holy Spirit’s job. The preacher or pastor is the deliverer of the Gospel message. I fear that too many times, ministers are desperate to see people come to the altar and they say things to make people doubt their Salvation. How irresponsible of the man of God. Also, nowhere in the Bible will you find where people all had to have the same "feeling" or "experience" in order to be saved. It's an individual thing. The Holy Spirit deals with hearts on a personal basis and just because one person may feel like shouting doesn't mean that someone else should feel the same way. Not only that, just because a person shouts or says "Amen", does not mean they are more spiritual or closer to God either. I've seen many a shouter put on a big show and minutes later look stone cold. I've got more to say on this subject but I will save it for another posting.

One big flaw of the Baptist church, or at least the ones I am familiar with, is the lack of training provided to new Christians. It’s almost as if all churches want is to see people get saved, slap a new Bible in their hands, dunk them under the water, and send them on their merry way, just so they can add another name to the roll book. There should be follow up with each person that makes a profession of faith in Christ. If it’s a young man that gets saved then the pastor, a deacon, Sunday school teacher or other male officer of the church should be responsible for seeing that this happens. If it is a female then there should be some Christian ladies in the church to take on this responsibility and the pastor should hold them accountable. Perhaps we would see less “church jumpers” and more church workers if this happened.

I’m not sure why I wrote all of that. I guess it has been building up all of these years and now seemed to be a good time to let it all out. I pray that if you are a pastor or preacher of the Gospel that you will consider my testimony and reconsider the next time you make careless statements about one’s Salvation. Remember, it is your responsibility to present the Gospel, let the Holy Spirit worry about convicting hearts.

Read more...

Fun times!

Having a little fun with a very special person. There ain't nothing I like better than kidding around with Sister Charlotte.

All the pics from the Pastor's Birthday Celebration:

Read more...

Are my kids trying to tell me something?

Perhaps they remember this sermon that I preached not too long ago?

Read more...

Falling short

Yesterday Pastor Dave and I spent the day visiting several of our shut-in's. Since I work a full-time job, I don't have many opportunities to do a lot of visiting, but I have been on vacation this week which allowed me the opportunity to do so. It was a wonderful day that brought much satisfaction to both myself and hopefully the ones that we visited. However; not only did I receive a great satisfaction, I also received a serious smack of reality, read on...

Our church is made up of many different members. The Lord has blessed us with a variety of talents and ministries. I try to do everything possible using the abilities that God has given me, with my main focuses being evangelism and worship. One gift that I wish I had more of is hospitality. While I have no problem preaching or leading worship in front of a large congregation of people, it's the one-on-one that I have the most trouble with. I am a great listener but I am naturally shy and not a good small-talker or conversation starter. Sometimes this hinders me from doing some of the things that I would like to do.

There is a lady in our church who I wish I could be more like. She doesn't talk a whole lot or draw any attention to herself but she is always extremely nice and very faithful. You would never know that this lady is probably the most devoted member when it comes to Christian service and outreach. She would never mention the things that she does for the Lord and she would never brag about the things that she does. I won't mention her name because I know she doesn't want the praise of men. She doesn't know this, but yesterday while I was doing visitation, her name was mentioned over and over. I heard from our shut-in's how much that she does for them. She visits numerous people throughout the week. She takes folks to the doctor, grocery shopping, helps them with various chores, and also has Bible study with them. I heard things such as; "she is the finest woman I have ever known," and "there is nobody any finer than she is," and "I don't know what I would do without her." As I heard all of the wonderful things about this lady, I couldn't help but feel ashamed of myself for my short-comings. I also felt a great respect and appreciativeness for this true soldier of the Lord.

I mentioned to my pastor that it is folks like this lady that will be receiving great rewards in Heaven. She is definitely following the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ when he says in the book of Matthew, chapter 6: 19 "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

I'm going to make it my purpose to try harder to reach out to others. I know I can't do everything but I can do more than I am doing. Lord help me to have more compassion for others and put my selfish wants and desires aside.

Read more...

Keep Your Criticism To Yourself

A great post by Cary Schmidt, that all church members should read.
Before You Criticize Your Pastor

Ever noticed that some people relish the criticism of pastors? Like kids and candy—they addict themselves even though it’s rotting something in them. While choosing voluntarily to stay under his leadership, they commit themselves to finding and exploiting every possible imperfection. I’ve never understood this thinking. Selecting a pastor, only to proceed to condemn the selection doesn’t make sense. It’s a strange, sad little game that brings some bizarre satisfaction.
The next time you are tempted to join this crowd and participate in “roasted pastor” after Sunday services, take a moment to remember this list…read more HERE.

Read more...

Book recommendation

Earnestly Contend For the Faith by Sexton Clarence

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I've read many of Pastor Sexton's books and I've got to say that this one is one of my favorites. Excellent advice and information for Pastor's and Christians in general, all backed up by Scripture and based on the tiny book of Jude!

View all my reviews >>

Read more...

Volunteer or Called?

Even in smaller churches like mine, we need all the help we can get. Often just a hand full of people end up doing all of the jobs. I remember at a former church I was at, I was the music minister, interim pastor, Sunday school teacher, and sign changer. It was exhausting work. I am also stretched too thin at my current church where I am the minister of music, Sunday school teacher, VBS director, website administrator, and I preach when given the opportunity. It does become tiresome at times but I have never regretted working for the Lord. I have a calling in my life and I am a volunteer. I'm not bragging by any means, I'm just stating the facts. Churches need willing volunteers but I believe they need to be called by God as well.

I suscribe to Paul Clark's email updates for music ministers. I always enjoy his thougtful insight and tips. Today's email contained a really great article about the difference in being a volunteer and being called by God. I thought I would share the below 10 statements with you that he quoted from Rory Noland:

1. Volunteers see their involvement at church as community service, but people called of God see it as ministry.

2. Volunteers whine about what it's going to cost to serve, but people who are called are committed to serving.

3. Volunteers shrink back from resolving relational conflict, but people called of God seek to resolve relational conflict for the sake of unity in the church.

4. Volunteers look upon rehearsal as another commitment they're obligated to fulfill, but people called of God look forward to rehearsal as another opportunity to be used by God.

5. Volunteers do no outside practicing or preparation, but people who are called of God come to rehearsals and a performance as prepared as possible.

6. Volunteers are not open to constructive criticism; they get defensive about it. But people called of God are grateful for feedback because they want to be the best they can be.

7. Volunteers feel threatened by the talent of others, but people called of God praise Him for distributing gifts and talents as he chooses.

8. Volunteers want to quit at the first sign of adversity or discouragement, but people called of God dig in and persevere.

9. Volunteers find their main source of fulfillment in their talents and abilities, but people called of God know that being used of God is the most fulfilling thing you can do with your life.

10. Volunteers can't handle being put in situations in which they're going to be stretched, but people called of God respond to God's call with humble dependence on Him

What are your thought?

Read more...

Be sure your sins will find you out, even in Vegas baby!

So, I'm stuck in Las Vegas working a tradeshow for the company I work for. I have had to do this for the past 5-years and I am literally sick to death of it. I've got to say that Vegas is in the top 5 places on earth that I hate with a passion. Everything out here is disgusting. From the minute I see the cheap glowing neon lights from the window of the airplane until I leave behind the stinking smell of Taxi cab fumes and body odor, I am miserable.

What is odd to me is the number of people that act like the LOVE Las Vegas. I don't see how any child of God could love this place. To me it is the representation of a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah. I guess if you like sex, gambling, drinking, and debauchery then it's the place for you. You can count me out on all of that. That term "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," was invented by the devil himself. Friend, I want to tell you, that what happens anywhere on the face of the earth is seen by God's eyes. Just because you are hundreds of miles away from home doesn't give you freedom to indulge in sinful activities, not if you are a Christian. You may be able to get forgiveness for sins but there are always consequences. "be sure your sins will find you out." -Numbers 32:23

I have managed to leave behind several of THESE Gospel tracts while out here. Perhaps someone will pick one up and read it. Stranger things have happened I suppose.

Read more...

First ever, men's Coffee & Christ

What a great time we had at our first ever men's Coffee and Christ fellowship this past Saturday! I had been looking forward to it for months. God has been dealing with me over the need for families to draw closer to Him, now more than ever before. The only way I see that possible is if Christian men will step up and fulfill their duties. So, what better reason to get together with a room full of men that love the Lord and spend some time together?

I was a little nervous that nobody would actually show up on the day I had planned it. I had already moved the time to accomodate some folks that didn't want to get out too early. I had 14 people sign up and out of those only 4 didn't make it. We had a great time and most of all we had some excellent roundtable discussions about issues facing Christian men today. Almost everyone there spoke out about their concerns. It was the first time I had been in a discussion like that with the men of our church.

I think I drank at least 8 large cups of coffee that day and consumed several Krispy Kreme doughnuts! We had a great time and nearly everyone there said they would like to do it again. So, looks like we will be planning more in the future. If you would like to join us, just keep checking back on the church website for announcements: http://www.hbcknox.org/

See all of the pictures from this event HERE.

Below is a video of my presentation to the men concerning "Problems Facing Christian Men."
Below is William Purvis speaking at the fellowship:

Read more...

The making of a music minister

I've always been proud of my family. I think I was brought up in the best home a person would ever dream of being brought up in. We weren't wealthy by any means, in fact, we were always barely scraping by. If there is one thing I've learned in this old world it is that money and riches aren't worth a hill of beans if you ain't got love. We had plenty of love in my family. We weren't big on hugging or kissing or even saying I love you when I was growing up but there was never any question that we loved each other. I didn't realize it back then but I know it now, the reason we had such love was because we had Jesus in our lives.

We are "church people" through and through. I don't mean that we are religious zealots but that we are people that love God and love the things of God. We love going to His church, we love reading and preaching His Word, and we love singing songs about Him. I come from a long line of great singers. Both of my grandfathers were excellent bass singers. Both of my grandmothers could sing. Granny Spencer played the piano better than anybody you'd ever want to hear and never had a lesson in her life. Both of my parents sing and both of my sisters were blessed with great singing voices and piano playing skills. I've got aunts and uncles stretched across the entire United States and the whole bunch of us can sing or play instruments. I'm proud of that.

I was thinking today about all of the wonderful singing I grew up with. Our home was always filled with music. We had one of those big console RCA stereos with AM/FM and record player. My parents had a huge collection of 33 RPM records, everything from the Chuck Wagon Gang, The Carter Family, Naomi and the Segos, to Hank Snow, Michael Parks, and Johnny Cash. We would sit in our tiny living room and listen to those records and sing along with them. My dad would play the guitar and my sisters would play the piano. As my sisters and I grew older and developed voices that were able to sing parts, we each would learn a part and sing together. My mother had some old song books and we would sing those old Chuck Wagon Gang songs and try our best to imitate them.

Back in the mid-late 1990's, my family all got together and gathered around the piano with the old red back Church Hymnal and a tape recorder. We sang for hours and recorded some of our favorite songs. I uploaded them all today to the Internet (listen to them here) so I could share them with others. I love listening to those old songs. It makes me feel young again and makes me appreciate the great family I was blessed with. My older sister, Pam, is no longer with us and my mother no longer has a piano in her house either. I still have the old memories in my head though and no one can take them away from me.

I never intended on being a "Minister of Music," I was sorta volunteered into the position one time and it just stuck with me. I'm a bass singer and cannot sing very high at all. My aunt Barbara plays the piano for me and lowers all of the songs so I can lead them. I often have people tell me that I do a wonderful job leading. It always embarrasses me because I feel that I do terrible. I hate to hear myself sing when I'm leading. One thing I do love about leading the music though is seeing how God's Spirit moves among the people during Worship. There's not a better feeling in the world.

Read more...

If That Isn't Love

I was really proud of the choir this past Sunday when we sang, "If That Isn't Love" for our choir special. It just seemed like everyone was putting everything they had into it. The singing, the music, the Spirit, everything was just lovely. Give it a listen below:

Read more...

I've Been Thinking...

This past week at church has been trying. We have several key folks out of town. First, my Aunt Barbara, who plays the piano, is in Texas at M.D. Anderson, undergoing treatments. Of course Uncle Chester, who runs the sound room, is by her side. O.C., our head deacon, and his wife Martha went out of town to visit their son, Oliver, who is in for a couple of weeks from Afghanistan. Our pastor and his wife went on vacation in Myrtle Beach. So, that was 6-key folks that were not at church.

We have managed to push on without them. William preached Sunday night and I preached Wednesday night. Charlotte has been filling in on the piano and doing a great job. We have all pulled together and got things done. It has made me thankful in 2 different ways. First, I'm thankful for the folks that we have that are normally present at each and every service. Second, I'm thankful for folks that are willing to step up and fill the void when called upon.

The message I preached Wednesday night (you can listen from the link below) was titled, "What Moves You?" I've blogged most of the message in a 4-part series on this blog. I made the challenge to our members to not let anything move them. I've drawn a lot of encouragement from that message that God gave me. It seems a lot of times that the messages God gives me are meant for me. I, just like most people, feel overwhelmed at times. I'm not a quitter by any stretch of the means but I have entertained the thoughts of moving on and doing something else. I need encouragement every now and then. Sometimes I get the Elijah complex and start looking for a cave to hide in. But, then the Lord speaks to me and lets me know that I'm not alone.

Read more...

To have the passion of Paul

If you know me in the least then you know my favorite Bible hero (besides Jesus) is the Apostle Paul. I have very rarely preached a sermon or taught a Sunday school class without mentioning Paul in some way. Just a glance at my bookshelf will reveal over a dozen books written about this great Apostle.

Yesterday during my lunch break I was sitting outside in my Pathfinder studying the Bible. I was reading Acts chapter 20:16-38, where Paul is bidding a tearful goodbye to the church at Ephesus. I couldn't help but get a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye as I read those passages of Scripture. I could just see the scene unfold before my eyes. My, how the people loved Paul and how he loved them. There was so much passion in his words. Not only was his passion for the people apparent but his passion for the Lord Jesus Christ was dominant in the conversation. Chills ran down my spine as I read his words in verse 24: "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." I know all of the labor and strife was going through his mind as he testified of his love for Jesus but yet none of those things moved him.

I re-read the above Scripture last night during our family altar time and once again my eyes misted over. I can't get the thought out of my head that Paul must have had twice the amount of passion in his heart for Jesus than I do. I began to wonder if I could have withstood all of the perils that Paul did in his time? It seems that nowadays people make any excuse in the world to stop following Jesus. We wear our feelings on our sleeves just waiting for someone to hurt them. I see so many church members with a chip on their shoulder sitting there just dying for someone to knock it off. Lately I've seen several church members leave the church over getting their feelings hurt. Unlike the Apostle Paul, we let everything move us. Oh, if we only knew what it was like to really have a desire and passion to follow Jesus the way Paul did. I want that passion in my life. I am making a resolution today to push all of my selfish desires out of my heart and try to have more love for other people and for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I'm not going to let anything move me.

Listen to a wonderful sermon by Curtis Hutson - None of these things move me.

Read more...