Sorry I have not kept up this week at all. We had our first Biblical Leadership Conference at our Church. We invited a man in from a Bible College in Oklahoma to train myself, our members, and other Pastors in the area about proper Biblical Leadership. One of the first things he said was "we don't what we don't know". How true that is. We can listen to "management" and "leadership" seminars all the time and not see how God designed true leadership. I learned so much and I am going to really work on leading God's way. I thank God for men like him who have spent 30+ years serving Him as a Pastor and by the world's standards he can and should retire and kick back for a few years, but he hasn't! Men could learn a lot from him just in that area alone! I see our society loosing its drive and desire to better themselves. I am not talking about making money or having business success, but truly bettering themselves. Morals and righteousness have left to be replaced with big houses and 4-wheelers! I am not saying by any means I am more moral than the neighbor next door - I am simply saying that we as a society need to get back to "the old ways" of living for good and right - there is right and wrong in case you forgot. Small example - but it is a micro view of the big picture - I went to the airport to drop the teacher off and while driving into the parking area I passed a man going the wrong direction down the parking aisle. As I passed him I saw a parking spot that was open and pulled into it - the man honked at me and got mad because apparently he was going to back into that spot - and I knew this ... how? He was driving down the wrong way, backing up the wrong way and somehow I was in the wrong in his eyes. Have you ever noticed that when you are pushing your shopping cart at the grocery store the same rules apply as if you were on the road - you know drive (or push) down the right side - look both ways before you cross an intersection - those kind of things. How come people think you are in the wrong when you on doing what you are supposed to do and they will glare at you like you are evil when you are just walking down the right side of the aisle and they wanted to be there... just my observations, but it is a example of right and wrong being reversed in our society.
I challenge you to better yourself today by looking inwardly and deciding to begin to live "right" by God's standards not what we see on TV and radio.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Monday again...
Sunday again was a great day! I really love Sundays.
On Friday I did go skiing at Alta. Had a great time. I got a little better at skiing and falling!
On Saturday I cleaned the house - my wife was at the Scrapbook Expo and I needed to pick up after myself. You guys know what I mean. I also went to a LDS Baptism. Not being LDS myself I was honored to be invited. The young man was also turning eight that day. I am not sure why, but the LDS baptize their children at eight years of age. Maybe someone will comment to me on why. There are a lot of things that day that I did not understand why they did what they did, and there were a lot of things that are different than what we believe. Many people will say "Oh, we are the same." Well no, we aren't. I do not want to get into a religious debate with ANYONE. But if anyone ever wanted to know how we are different, I would like to tell them ... in love.
We had a missionary going to Scotland come to our Church and speak. His wife and three children were with him and we spent the day with them learning of their burden for the lost in Scotland. It is interesting to hear how many do not go to Church in Scotland ... it used to be the #1 place that sent out missionaries. Now they are so dead to the Gospel they once sent out. May this family be able to reach many with the Love of Christ and the true Gospel!
As I saw the Scottish statistics .. I thought of America. Is that where we are going? Is America headed for a lost or dying country of the Gospel? More and more I see where people are becoming apathetic to His Message. They either do not want to hear it or they 'think' they already know it with out reading God's Word. Many I talk to will tell me... well I do 'this' because I feel it is right. Or my Church does 'this' because it is the way we do it. Without wanting to know what God says about it is tragic to me. I challenge you - read God's Word and find out what He says about ANY subject. You will not be let down!
On Friday I did go skiing at Alta. Had a great time. I got a little better at skiing and falling!
On Saturday I cleaned the house - my wife was at the Scrapbook Expo and I needed to pick up after myself. You guys know what I mean. I also went to a LDS Baptism. Not being LDS myself I was honored to be invited. The young man was also turning eight that day. I am not sure why, but the LDS baptize their children at eight years of age. Maybe someone will comment to me on why. There are a lot of things that day that I did not understand why they did what they did, and there were a lot of things that are different than what we believe. Many people will say "Oh, we are the same." Well no, we aren't. I do not want to get into a religious debate with ANYONE. But if anyone ever wanted to know how we are different, I would like to tell them ... in love.
We had a missionary going to Scotland come to our Church and speak. His wife and three children were with him and we spent the day with them learning of their burden for the lost in Scotland. It is interesting to hear how many do not go to Church in Scotland ... it used to be the #1 place that sent out missionaries. Now they are so dead to the Gospel they once sent out. May this family be able to reach many with the Love of Christ and the true Gospel!
As I saw the Scottish statistics .. I thought of America. Is that where we are going? Is America headed for a lost or dying country of the Gospel? More and more I see where people are becoming apathetic to His Message. They either do not want to hear it or they 'think' they already know it with out reading God's Word. Many I talk to will tell me... well I do 'this' because I feel it is right. Or my Church does 'this' because it is the way we do it. Without wanting to know what God says about it is tragic to me. I challenge you - read God's Word and find out what He says about ANY subject. You will not be let down!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Glorious Church
We are continuing to watch a video series about the origin of the New Testament Church. It is the Church that Jesus Christ established and it is the Church that Jesus Christ has continued to maintain on this earth and it has never left or died. I know many are upset by that statement and many probably do not agree with me. But if we would only look at true history - we will see clearly that the 'gates of hell' have not prevailed against His Church. But I think the more important note from this series I got was that as a Church that is established by Christ ... what are we doing about it? We say that we do not believe other Churches because they do not follow the Bible ... then as Christians who do follow the Bible, why do we not do as He has asked. We are no better than anyone else who denies Christ as God and denies the Bible to be God's Word. We change what God tells us to do in our minds and then that becomes okay. NO! If God wants us to do something then we need to do it... not because I say so or because our Church recommends it or even because we want to do good things. We should do it because of who God is ... our Creator and Redeemer!
I know that this is the first time I have gotten real 'religious' on this blog... but I am a preacher.
I got together with a good friend today and had lunch. I always enjoy his friendship and I think that having a friend that we can talk to about our daily struggles is important. In this state (Utah) it becomes even more important if you are not from the 'average'. Tomorrow he and I will go skiing on our new skis at Alta. One more day before the season ends. Then we will go and watch a movie ... our wives are at the Scrapbook Expo!
On the note of friends in Utah. If you ever read this and you do not have a friend. Email me ... I'll be your friend and I will introduce you to my Best Friend! No one needs to go without a friend!
I know that this is the first time I have gotten real 'religious' on this blog... but I am a preacher.
I got together with a good friend today and had lunch. I always enjoy his friendship and I think that having a friend that we can talk to about our daily struggles is important. In this state (Utah) it becomes even more important if you are not from the 'average'. Tomorrow he and I will go skiing on our new skis at Alta. One more day before the season ends. Then we will go and watch a movie ... our wives are at the Scrapbook Expo!
On the note of friends in Utah. If you ever read this and you do not have a friend. Email me ... I'll be your friend and I will introduce you to my Best Friend! No one needs to go without a friend!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Some reflection on the past couple of days
I didn't say anything about this earlier ... we showed a very heart tearing video on Sunday Morning. It was the video from Christian Law Association's David Gibbs account of the Terri Schiavo killing. I say killing because when you see this video - you will be shocked and realize that she was killed. I feel like if that was my daughter going through it ... well I don't know what I would do. If you want to see this video go to www.christianlaw.org/ministry/ffdl_vid.html
Whether you are a Christian or not - as a nation we should be outraged that this was allowed to happen. Every year our church has a day where we talk about the sanctity of life. This year we already have had two days ... maybe more as this year moves on.
On another note... Tax Day! We finished our taxes - we had to pay. That is okay because I know that paying taxes keeps our country going. Many are against it and I understand the financial burden on many ... but I would like to see the tax base lower, but the only way that will truly happen is when we see the spending lower first. I do not need to see another multi-billion dollar library or bridge to no where. I do not want to see million of people on welfare year after year after year. I know that hard times come... but lets get real with ourselves. We all know people that can work and should work but don't because they like the government helping them. Let's get rid of this and other spending that really don't help anyone. And then taxes will be less. Just my short comment on TAXES.
Whether you are a Christian or not - as a nation we should be outraged that this was allowed to happen. Every year our church has a day where we talk about the sanctity of life. This year we already have had two days ... maybe more as this year moves on.
On another note... Tax Day! We finished our taxes - we had to pay. That is okay because I know that paying taxes keeps our country going. Many are against it and I understand the financial burden on many ... but I would like to see the tax base lower, but the only way that will truly happen is when we see the spending lower first. I do not need to see another multi-billion dollar library or bridge to no where. I do not want to see million of people on welfare year after year after year. I know that hard times come... but lets get real with ourselves. We all know people that can work and should work but don't because they like the government helping them. Let's get rid of this and other spending that really don't help anyone. And then taxes will be less. Just my short comment on TAXES.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Sunday... whew
Sunday is the longest most tiring day of my week - you know ... being a preacher and all that. However, after saying that ... it is also the MOST rewarding day of my week. God blessed today with a great spirit in the church. I felt so much at liberty to allow God to speak through me. Many times as a preacher we feel from the congregation that they are not really wanting to hear from God. That doesn't happen often, but it happens - it has been a LONG time since I have felt that in our little church! God is continually ALWAYS faithful...
Some good friends from CA popped in and had lunch with us. Always good to fellowship with friends -- wish they lived closer. Living in UT is a hard place to live if you are not LDS (Mormon). My town is REALLY LDS, and sometimes it tends to overwhelm those who are not. I am not saying I don't have friends that are LDS, because I do...but there is a cultural difference that is hard to overcome. Many times I don't even think they realize how much their religion overshadows the culture here. I'll give you a for instance... when they want to know where you live, they don't ask "Where do you live?". They ask "What Ward do you live in?" The LDS church divides the town into Wards. So what Ward you live in tells them where you live, but it also tells them that you are LDS or you are not LDS. Because if you're not LDS you don't know what Ward you live in and now they know that!
One of our members who is deaf - preached tonight. It was his first time to preach and he was pretty nervous. He did a GREAT job. Better than my first time preaching! God really moved through him! He signed the message and his mom interpreted for him. By the end of the message, you almost didn't need an interpreter!
Well, I pray you don't forget God's blessing today!
Some good friends from CA popped in and had lunch with us. Always good to fellowship with friends -- wish they lived closer. Living in UT is a hard place to live if you are not LDS (Mormon). My town is REALLY LDS, and sometimes it tends to overwhelm those who are not. I am not saying I don't have friends that are LDS, because I do...but there is a cultural difference that is hard to overcome. Many times I don't even think they realize how much their religion overshadows the culture here. I'll give you a for instance... when they want to know where you live, they don't ask "Where do you live?". They ask "What Ward do you live in?" The LDS church divides the town into Wards. So what Ward you live in tells them where you live, but it also tells them that you are LDS or you are not LDS. Because if you're not LDS you don't know what Ward you live in and now they know that!
One of our members who is deaf - preached tonight. It was his first time to preach and he was pretty nervous. He did a GREAT job. Better than my first time preaching! God really moved through him! He signed the message and his mom interpreted for him. By the end of the message, you almost didn't need an interpreter!
Well, I pray you don't forget God's blessing today!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
A few days worth....
Sorry - it has been a wild few days.
Thursday I went to a funeral of a father who's daughter goes to our church. Her father came to me about two years ago wanting me to help him. He was not a pleasant person to be around. I showed him that the only way to have peace is through Christ. A focus on Christ as his Saviour would give him the love of God abundantly in his heart. As far as I know he never made that commitment and accepted Christ. At the funeral there was no peace or hope offered for the living and their eternal life. I was saddened by the lack of sadness and the lack of hope. It was held at a local LDS church.
Later on we went to visit a sister of a member of our church. She was in the hospital with head pain and numbness. She didn't' know what was going on - nor did the Dr's. But I was refreshed to hear her say - God does! She was at peace and even joked around a bit with us. -- Later we found that she had arthritis in her neck bones. Her non emergency surgery is tomorrow. Not sure the reason for a Sunday surgery...
After that we went to buy a car. Bought a new Kia Rondo. V6 with a third row seat. We love it. God has been blessing us and this was a needed vehicle but God blessed in the VERY cheap price we got! For now we are going to keep the other car- a Kia Optima - and see what to do with it later.
Thursday night I was asked to attend the Library Board meeting. It was a little awkward at first because I did not know anyone. On the agenda they discussed money for the Library, some ideas for marketing the Library, and new ways to borrow books between different Libraries in the area. (I thought that was the normal way of doing things - but I was wrong - the Libraries in this area don't borrow or trade to each other - weird...) Anyway, they finally got to the discussion point of why I was invited to come. The issue was about if some books that are in the "teen" section are appropriate for teens. Apparently when a book comes in (after the Library ordered the book) they decide where to put it based upon the content, who will actually borrow the book and the publishers recommendation. So if a children's book comes in that is written to children and has children stories that are on their reading level, they put it into the children's section. Makes since... if a book comes in that is written about a teen, written for a teen (from the publisher and author's idea) and is on their reading level - they put it into the "teen" section. Then the problem comes up -- what if the content in inappropriate for them? It has sexual content or drugs and cursing, etc. The normal course would be to fill out a form and tell the Library about it. And they look at the form you filled out, read the book themselves (or at least the area of concern) and decide whether or not your moral judgment is too high. They left these two books on the shelf and have ordered a sequel to one of the books! They basically told me - we do not censure books - YES they do... They decide whether a book is appropriate for our town and order or don't order based upon their judgment - then they put the book into a section for "teens" (13-17 - wide age base) for approval. Now they say we are not "approving" this book. But in a way they are by putting it in the "teen" section. So they are rating the books on their moral judgment - not based upon right and wrong - why ??? Because society has taught them and most of our "teens" that right and wrong are based upon your own view. WHY DO THEY THINK we have a drug problem in our town (#1 heroin city in UT)? Why do they think we have a "teen" pregnancy issue in our town (#1 city in UT)? I am not asking to remove the book from the Library - just from the "teen" section. You would think by the way they answered me that I was tearing the Constitution of America into pieces ... oh well, I am just a high moral person who loves my city and wants my town to care for the good of our "teens" over the adults desires of a "free speech" town. Enough of that I guess ... although you might hear more about this topic at a later date.
Friday I did some work at the Church while the ladies sewed all day for the Ladies Brunch coming up in May. Much different than us men - we tend to go camping and eat dirt...
Today we had a clean day at the Church. Pleased at the turn out and we got everything done very quickly - you know what they say about many hands.... We printed our monthly (or bi-monthly most times) prayer letter --- sent it also out by email.
God has burdened my heart about a young lady that used to attend our Church. She has walked away from all that she knows about God - it makes me wonder if she ever knew Him. I pray for her and know God is working in her life if He has put it in my heart to prayer for her.
Thursday I went to a funeral of a father who's daughter goes to our church. Her father came to me about two years ago wanting me to help him. He was not a pleasant person to be around. I showed him that the only way to have peace is through Christ. A focus on Christ as his Saviour would give him the love of God abundantly in his heart. As far as I know he never made that commitment and accepted Christ. At the funeral there was no peace or hope offered for the living and their eternal life. I was saddened by the lack of sadness and the lack of hope. It was held at a local LDS church.
Later on we went to visit a sister of a member of our church. She was in the hospital with head pain and numbness. She didn't' know what was going on - nor did the Dr's. But I was refreshed to hear her say - God does! She was at peace and even joked around a bit with us. -- Later we found that she had arthritis in her neck bones. Her non emergency surgery is tomorrow. Not sure the reason for a Sunday surgery...
After that we went to buy a car. Bought a new Kia Rondo. V6 with a third row seat. We love it. God has been blessing us and this was a needed vehicle but God blessed in the VERY cheap price we got! For now we are going to keep the other car- a Kia Optima - and see what to do with it later.
Thursday night I was asked to attend the Library Board meeting. It was a little awkward at first because I did not know anyone. On the agenda they discussed money for the Library, some ideas for marketing the Library, and new ways to borrow books between different Libraries in the area. (I thought that was the normal way of doing things - but I was wrong - the Libraries in this area don't borrow or trade to each other - weird...) Anyway, they finally got to the discussion point of why I was invited to come. The issue was about if some books that are in the "teen" section are appropriate for teens. Apparently when a book comes in (after the Library ordered the book) they decide where to put it based upon the content, who will actually borrow the book and the publishers recommendation. So if a children's book comes in that is written to children and has children stories that are on their reading level, they put it into the children's section. Makes since... if a book comes in that is written about a teen, written for a teen (from the publisher and author's idea) and is on their reading level - they put it into the "teen" section. Then the problem comes up -- what if the content in inappropriate for them? It has sexual content or drugs and cursing, etc. The normal course would be to fill out a form and tell the Library about it. And they look at the form you filled out, read the book themselves (or at least the area of concern) and decide whether or not your moral judgment is too high. They left these two books on the shelf and have ordered a sequel to one of the books! They basically told me - we do not censure books - YES they do... They decide whether a book is appropriate for our town and order or don't order based upon their judgment - then they put the book into a section for "teens" (13-17 - wide age base) for approval. Now they say we are not "approving" this book. But in a way they are by putting it in the "teen" section. So they are rating the books on their moral judgment - not based upon right and wrong - why ??? Because society has taught them and most of our "teens" that right and wrong are based upon your own view. WHY DO THEY THINK we have a drug problem in our town (#1 heroin city in UT)? Why do they think we have a "teen" pregnancy issue in our town (#1 city in UT)? I am not asking to remove the book from the Library - just from the "teen" section. You would think by the way they answered me that I was tearing the Constitution of America into pieces ... oh well, I am just a high moral person who loves my city and wants my town to care for the good of our "teens" over the adults desires of a "free speech" town. Enough of that I guess ... although you might hear more about this topic at a later date.
Friday I did some work at the Church while the ladies sewed all day for the Ladies Brunch coming up in May. Much different than us men - we tend to go camping and eat dirt...
Today we had a clean day at the Church. Pleased at the turn out and we got everything done very quickly - you know what they say about many hands.... We printed our monthly (or bi-monthly most times) prayer letter --- sent it also out by email.
God has burdened my heart about a young lady that used to attend our Church. She has walked away from all that she knows about God - it makes me wonder if she ever knew Him. I pray for her and know God is working in her life if He has put it in my heart to prayer for her.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Off to Salt Lake
Went to SLC and found a good deal on used stuff. It is amazing to see the left over ski stuff when 'the season' is over. Good deals when you look at the leftovers. Hope to hit the slopes one more time on my used skis before the end of the season.
Went to the new Lifeway book store and got a good deal on books.
Lunch with good friends at Olive Garden and then back home.
Started a new series on the Glorious Church. I learned that God's order for His 'true church' was shown to us even in the life of John the baptist. God wants order and it is ridiculous to think that many ways to Him is okay - He has made one way to come to Him and one way to organize the Church.
I thank God for His blessings and His Order. He shows His blessings in sometimes the smallest ways - we should look at everything in our life to see Him. Skis, books, lunch with friends, and Bible study with His Church.... great day!
Went to the new Lifeway book store and got a good deal on books.
Lunch with good friends at Olive Garden and then back home.
Started a new series on the Glorious Church. I learned that God's order for His 'true church' was shown to us even in the life of John the baptist. God wants order and it is ridiculous to think that many ways to Him is okay - He has made one way to come to Him and one way to organize the Church.
I thank God for His blessings and His Order. He shows His blessings in sometimes the smallest ways - we should look at everything in our life to see Him. Skis, books, lunch with friends, and Bible study with His Church.... great day!
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