Why Should Your Church Have a Website?

• To let people know you exist.
• To show you've moved into the 21st century.
• To find new prospects.
• To share the plan of salvation with those who may never enter a church.
• To share sermons, devotionals, Christian articles, etc.
• To keep the community informed of upcoming events.
• To encourage Bible reading.
• To accept and share prayer requests.
• To let people know more about your pastor(s).
• To provide fun, weekly interaction among members.
• To ofer free games, puzzles, crafts, etc. to your children and teens.
• To provide directions on how to contact you or locate the church for services.

I offer a three page church website design for only $50. At that price, why wouldn't your church have a website?

Contact me to order yours today!

Beating the Indecision Blues

Indecision. It's a paralyzing malady. In the middle of a "What do I do?" attack, we often do nothing. Sometimes that works best because we simply need to "be still and know that He is God." (Psalm 46:10) Too often, however, indecision cripples the progress we could make by choosing a path.

As pastors, Greg and I are often faced with important decisions that affect, not only our own lives, but others' lives as well. There are times when the "demon" of indecision rears its ugly head and hinders us from heeding that still small voice within. So, how do we combat the enemy?

First, we pray. We ask God to speak clearly to us and to help us hear His voice.

Next, we listen to our own feelings. I'm a firm believer in a "gut feeling" - that sense, or intuition, deep within us that tells us what's right or wrong. I believe that's the voice of God's Spirit directing and guiding us as He did Elijah in 1 Kings 19. We just need to listen.

We may also seek the advice of godly counselors. Proverbs 15:22 says "Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established." And in verse 11:14, "in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Seeking advice and wisdom from other Christians can be helpful when we need to make a decision. Sometimes God will reveal His will to us through the words of others. We just need to seek them out.

Whenever we're faced with indecision, the first rule is to remember that - ultimately - the decision is the Lord's. Our place is simply to discover His will on the matter, whatever the matter may be.

Unfortunately, that may take a time of waiting, praying, and seeking His face. But He has promised He will answer. When we trust in Him, His word promises that "If any of [us] lack wisdom... it will be given to him." (James 1:5)

What a blessing to know an all-knowing God has the answer we need for every indecision we face in life!

9 Ways to Improve Your Prayer Life

There has been so much written about prayer that every Christian should be an expert at it. Yet, there are so many misconceptions about prayer that this seemingly simple, all important, Christian discipline is often neglected because of our lack of confidence in our ability to pray.

God doesn't want fancy words or flowery phrases. He wants to communicate with His children. And one of the ways He does that is through prayer. Here are seven ways to improve your prayer life, and through it, your intimacy with Jesus.

1. Pray while driving. This can be the most productive time of prayer you have. Just talk to the Lord about whatever is on your mind. (But keep your eyes open and on the road!)

2. Pray with your spouse and/or children before going your separate ways each day. A simple prayer time before everyone heads out the door will improve your outlook for the entire day.

3. Pray together before bed every night. It helps to settle our minds and spirits, and prepares us for a more restful sleep.

4. When asked to pray about something, stop right then and there, and pray. Then remember the need whenever it comes to mind throughout the day. Your friends and loved ones will appreciate knowing that if they ask you to pray about something, you will.

5. If you get irritated, angry, frightened, impatient... pray. Also, if you're happy, peaceful, on top of the world... pray.

6. Pray before meals no matter where you are - even in a restaurant, or at a friend's house. Pray silently if you need to, but honor the Lord and thank Him for providing the food you need.

7. Pray in your own words. You don't have to use "thee" or "thou" to pray (though you can if that's more comfortable). But God speaks and understands the language you speak. He just wants to hear from you.

8. Thank God for anything that comes to your mind... the beauty of creation, safety, warmth, an A on your final exam. Nothing in the lives of God's children is trivial to Him.

Do you feel it's trivial, silly, or inconsequential when your child asks you for something? Or if they thank you unexpectedly? Of course not! Nor does God, our Heavenly Father, who loves His children, too.

9. You can pray sitting, standing, or lying down. Kneeling isn't a mandatory position for praying.

Prayer is communicating with God. So simply talk to Him as if He were your very best friend. Share with Him. Be honest and open about what's on your heart. (He knows it all, anyway.) He invites us to bring everything to Him in prayer because He cares for us. And it makes us feel so much better when we pray, too!

So... pray.

Letting People Be People

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post by Rev. Neal Stover, Pastor of South Haven Church of the Nazarene, my "Spiritual Father" and friend.

In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalm 56:11)

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

The more we trust God's perfection, the better we can deal with human imperfection.

There is no other healthy way to survive life in a broken world. Nothing short of divine love can equip us to love others as we should, for it is our security in God's perfect love that makes it safe to love those who are not perfect.

Without the God who ordained them, the laws of love would be difficult and dangerous indeed.

When our ultimate trust is in God, we're not as vulnerable to the disappointments that arise in our dealings with others.

We can be authentically patient and forbearing. We still deeply hurt when others fail us, to be sure, and it's not right to pretend otherwise.

But in our pain, we are able to view this reality from a much larger perspective. When our earthly "treasures" are threatened, we don't react as we would if these were our only treasures.

To the extent that we have confidence in God's power to accomplish His purposes in His own way, we'll not be driven by the urge to "control" what takes place around us and to keep certain things from happening.

"As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit" (Emmanuel).

When we have entrusted the fulfillment of our deepest needs to God, we won't look to other human beings to provide us with more than they can provide.

Our expectations of others will be more realistic when we see God as the only Source of what we most deeply need.

Secure in His love, we'll not place on anyone else the impossible burden of loving us perfectly.

It should also be said, however, that trust in God's perfection frees us to see our own limitations in a better way.

Pride is, after all, a very tiresome, unproductive thing, and the humble recognition that we are not God is not confining; it is empowering.

We'll do a better job of being human beings when we quit trying to do God's work and focus on the duties that are truly our own.

Faith enables persons to be persons because it lets God be God.
...Carter Lindberg

----------
Pastor Neal Stover
http://www.southhavennazarene.org

Marriage by the Book... Unequally Yoked

----------
Christian marriage Q & A from a minister, writer and successful marriage partner of over 25 years!
----------
DISCLAIMER: While I am a pastor, I am not a psychologist, psychiatrist or degreed counselor. Please understand this (I will remind you often). What I am is a wife of over 25 years who has made many observations, both humorous and grave, enlightening and frustrating, and who has come to many conclusions about marriage. The purpose of this column is to share the Biblical insight God has given on this remarkable union between man and woman, and to share the minuscule traces of wisdom that I've acquired from doing marriage wrong, and doing it right!
----------

Q. Hi. I recently met a lady who said she was a Christian but I found that she really used the name Christian for what she perceived was an unconditional love. When I explained to her about salvation through Christ she rebelled and said I feared God rather than loved him, that I hated all people who weren't like me, i.e., gays, etc. She said she couldn't accept a narrow view of God saving only Christians. Of course, we broke up. I still care for this woman and am praying for her salvation. Perhaps I'm wasting my time.

Right now she's rebelling against Christianity and what I've told her about being saved. She said, "God loves me, therefore I'm saved." If she won't believe ever, then of course, we will never get together. Which is my main reason for writing you. I thought if there was a chance to reach her... Well, I leave it in God's hands and appreciate any help you may offer.

* Mark, A Lonely Christian

* Personal details have been changed.

Thanks for your message. Let's see if we can find some answers for you... But, as always, let me say two things about any counsel that I offer...

1. It may not "tickle your ears." It may not be what you
WANT to hear, but...

2. It will be Biblical. I will share scripture with you and let God's word speak for itself.

Having said that, let me direct you 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 which says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.'"

This isn't always an easy task. I understand. But you've done what the Lord has required of you. That's a good thing, and I commend you for following the Bible's instructions.

As to your friend... you definitely need to continue to pray for her. Pray specifically that God will open her eyes. That He will remove the wall of rebellion she has built around herself. That He will show her the TRUTH, not the lies that Satan is feeding her. But unless she accepts Jesus Christ as her Savior, you and she cannot have a right relationship in the eyes of God. I think you know that, hard as it may be to accept.

It sounds to me that your friend is involved in a lot of New Age thinking. Such as, "there are many ways to God." Yet the Bible says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14) And in verse 21: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

And that "we don't need to fear God"... yet Job 28:28 says, "And [God] said to man, 'The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'" And in Psalm 111:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise."

Also, that "our beliefs or our behavior is unimportant"... yet Hebrews 12:14 says, "without holiness no one will see the Lord." And in Ephesians 5:4: "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."

The idea that because "God is love" (1 John 4:8) He will let people do anything they want to do, rebel any way they want to rebel, believe anything they want to believe, and then will someday allow them to enter into His holiness is another lie of the enemy. Romans 3:22-23 says, "righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." And in 6:23, "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Jesus said of Himself in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." As Christians, we know this to be true. And just as plainly, if someone denies this truth, they do not belong to Him. That's sometimes hard to swallow. But we believe the Word of God (the Bible) is truth and that's what it says.

I don't think I really have to tell you these things... I think you know them in your heart. I perceive that the problem lies in the very last statement that you made: "A lonely Christian."

Loneliness will make us think, and do, and want to accept things that we know are not right, simply because we don't want to be alone. It's one of the most difficult trials we must face. Believe me... I know this from personal experience.

Can I make a couple of suggestions?

1. Get involved in a single's ministry. Don't look for a "mate" - look for friends to spend time with, to go places with, to do things with. Look for CHRISTIAN friends. This will help alleviate the loneliness.

2. Pray. Pray for your friend. But pray for yourself, too. Pray that God will send you the person HE has for you to spend your life with. Pray that if this friend is that person, that He will save her soul, that she will accept Him as her Savior. But if that doesn't happen soon, I'd be very careful of continuing a relationship with her. "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Your friend apparently doesn't understand your faith, and it's very possible that Satan is attempting to use her to draw you away from God.

3. Trust the Lord. He knows you... he knows your situation. And remember that "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Look for His answer and listen to it. He'll show you the way. He promised.

I pray that God will help you to remain faithful to Him during this time and that He will help you to "put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13)

God bless you... and please feel free to contact me again.

All scripture quoted is from the New King James Bible (NKJV).

Destiny

NOTE: Today, as I was considering the Lord's return to claim His Bride, I came across this story by Donald Mehl. I thoroughly enjoyed it... I pray you do, too!

In a gently rolling meadow of lush green grass and fragrant wild flowers, a magnificent milk white stallion stood proud, tall, and alert like none other.

He had always been meticulously groomed with carefully trimmed hooves, his hair was soft and smooth as pure white silk, and his mane and tail had always been combed to perfection. It was as if he was always prepared for an imminent showing.

With powerful muscles rippling in the light of the day, he seemed to be the perfect picture of a Triple Crown winner, and so much more. Truly, this superb animal was fit to belong to a King.

This horse was not a racing champion, nor was he a show performer, for he had never been ridden by anyone. As a result, he had never understood or experienced his purpose in life. However, unknown to him, he would fulfill a destiny that the whole world would see. He would soon discover his long awaited mission in life...and what a mission that would be!

But somehow, he could sense that today would in some way be different and unlike any other day - that something wonderful and exciting was about to happen. He began to pace and stomp nervously with anticipation while scanning the horizon for any movement. His ears were erect and focused to catch the slightest sound. Off in the distance, he thought he could see someone walking toward him. His sensitive ears also heard the sound of the approaching footsteps. With nostrils flared, he could smell the sweetness of his Master nearby. It was then that he knew his Master was coming to him.

His Master greeted him with a warm smile and kind words of encouragement while tenderly stroking his soft muzzle. The horse loved his Master and responded by gently nuzzling his Master's hands - searching for a treat. He had never been disappointed and today was certainly no exception. It was just the two of them in that place, together enjoying the close relationship they shared.

Suddenly in the stillness of the moment, a loud pure voice was heard that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. The voice said, "Son, now is the appointed time. This is the day I had set from eternity past. Go now and fulfill Your prophecies promised to mankind. Go quickly!"

Without hesitation the Master turned and easily leaped up onto the back of the beautiful white stallion. With arched neck and extended tail, the horse, proud to serve his Master, pranced with almost overwhelming anxiety. Very quickly they were joined by the armies of heaven, tens of thousands of them, also on white horses, and all wearing clean white linen.

At that point, the Master's demeanor changed. With eyes as fire, dressed for battle, and armed with the all-powerful Word of God, He was ready to make war against evil once and for all. At the Master's command His milk white stallion instantly charged forward leading the way to engage the enemy. It was at that moment in the midst of an enormous flurry of thundering hoof beats that the Master's white horse finally realized his prophetic destiny. He was carrying his beloved Master...the King of kings and the Lord of lords, Who with great power and glory would claim victory over all evil.

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
(Rev. 19:11-16 NKJV)

----------
During retirement, my prayer is that I might serve the Lord by sharing the Gospel through my writing. As the Lord leads, my work will inform, challenge and encourage. I also enjoy Biblical theme woodcarving, Bible studies and Christian music. Watch, pray and keep looking up!
...Donald Mehl

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com

The Emerging Church

Recently, a fellow pastor and friend gave Greg a DVD to watch. It included information about "the emerging church." I do a lot of reading and had come across the term but wasn't overly familiar with the implications of what was meant by it. Until I watched this DVD (and off the top of my head, I can't remember who produced it), I had never given much thought to this being an issue within the Church at large. To be honest, I took it to be simply another of many church growth movements. Now, I'm not so sure.

This is what Wikipedia has to say about the emerging church:

The emerging church (sometimes referred to as the Emergent movement) is a Christian movement of the late 20th and early 21st century that crosses a number of theological boundaries: participants can be described as Evangelical, post-evangelical, Liberal, post-Liberal, charismatic, neocharismatic and post-charismatic. Participants seek to live their faith in what they believe to be a "postmodern" society. Proponents of this movement call it a "conversation" to emphasize its developing and decentralized nature, its vast range of standpoints and its commitment to dialogue. What those involved in the conversation mostly agree on is their disillusionment with the organized and institutional church and their support for the deconstruction of modern Christian worship, modern evangelism, and the nature of modern Christian community.

Okay, on the surface the latter part of that definition is okay. I understand people being disillusioned with the organized church. We meet so many church goers who only claim Christianity and yet who don't even attempt to live by the tenets and principles of Christian life as Jesus taught them. But the first section of this definition concerns me...

a Christian movement... that crosses a number of theological boundaries: participants can be described as Evangelical, post-evangelical, Liberal, post-Liberal, charismatic, neocharismatic and post-charismatic.

Sounds to me like the emerging church has no idea who they are!

What really concerns me, however, is what the same article says further down in a quote by Mark Driscoll:

In the mid-1990s I was part of what is now known as the Emerging Church and spent some time traveling the country to speak on the emerging church in the emerging culture on a team put together by Leadership Network called the Young Leader Network. But, I eventually had to distance myself from the Emergent stream of the network because friends like Brian McLaren and Doug Pagitt began pushing a theological agenda that greatly troubled me. Examples include referring to God as a chick, questioning God's sovereignty over and knowledge of the future, denial of the substitutionary atonement at the cross, a low view of Scripture, and denial of hell which is one hell of a mistake.

I hope that you realize the issues with this approach to our faith. While there may be much good to what the emerging church is trying to do, removing the sovereignty of God and the authority of Scripture is not only not good, it's eternally dangerous.

I don't pretend to have all the answers and insights into this movement, its practices or its leaders, and while I do believe the Church needs to make some changes - we need to be living our faith, not just talking about - please be wary of anyone who would distort the message of the Bible.

As I've done in the past, I encourage you to test the spirits to be sure they are of God (1 John 4:1) and to take the authority of God's word (2 Timothy 3:16 ) over the opinions and beliefs of man (or woman). Search it out for yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth (John 16:13). That's one of the things He does best.

The Cure for Fretting

Do not fret because of evildoers
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb. (Psalm 37:1-2, NKJV)

In this day of economic turmoil, bad news filling our airwaves, negative emotions abounding, fear prevailing... My spirit needed to hear this encouragement from the Word today! I have been fretting.

My sleep has been disturbed. I've been fighting depression - and losing. My mind has been filled with concern for our world and for my family as we face uncertain financial days ahead. But God has wonderful promises for us - as Greg reminded us yesterday!

Verses 3-9 of this same Psalm read:

Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.

For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the LORD,
They shall inherit the earth.

What a comfort to know that our God and Father will care for us, protect us, seek justice for us, provide for our future. And what a blessing to know that, while we watch people destroying our Christian way of life and destroying our Christian country, it's not going unnoticed by God. He sees what is happening and He will deal with the destroyers. We don't have to!

Life may feel out of control at times - I know my life certainly does! - but God is in control. And I trust Him to care for me. What a soothing balm that is to my soul.

By God's grace, as His psalm encourages, my way is committed to the Lord. I am feeding on His faithfulness. And trust He will enable me to rest and wait for Him knowing that He will bring forth my righteousness and justice. What a mighty, awesome God we serve!

Smile, You're a Christian

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post from my husband and fellow Pastor, Greg Bishop.

The biggest problem I see with not being excited about our faith is this... If your life is supposed to reflect Christ, what happens when someone sees a sour look on your face all the time?

Which do you think is more appealing?

The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2b). That’s easier said than done, isn't it? How do we accomplish such a monumental task? May I suggest that we just make up our minds to obey the word of God.

1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all our cares upon Him (Jesus) because He cares for us. It’s just a matter of making up our minds to not let the devil have the upper hand in our lives. We need to devote more of our time to reading the promises of God.

I receive newsletters from David Wilkerson twice a month and have for several years. Once a year, Pastor Wilkerson sends out a small booklet with a bible verse for each day. These verses are promises to us from God’s word. I can't tell you how many times these promises have given me a great start to my day.

We all need to know someone loves us, and when we start reading God’s promises to us, we will realize that The Creator of all has a special love for each one of us.

Now isn't that enough to make you smile and be excited about your faith?

Close the Gate – God Willing

NOTE: Occasionally, I'll be sharing guest articles and devotionals with you. Today, here's one from an online friend, Nancy Kraayenhof. Enjoy!

While walking through a store the other day I overheard a snippet of a conversation a couple of older gentlemen were having. “…God willing and the creek don’t rise,” one said. I don’t know what they were talking about.

I remember having heard my folks saying the same phrase numerous times when I was growing up, “God willing and the creek don’t rise.” It’s really just a fancy way of saying “barring unforeseen circumstances”… or is it? And where did it come from?

I was surprised to learn Benjamin Hawkins first penned the phrase in a letter during the War of 1812 when he was requested to return to our nation’s capitol. It was written as ‘God willing and the Creek don’t rise’. What I always thought was a body of water ready to reach the flood point turned out to be the Creek people. Benjamin Hawkins was a Colonel with the US army and became Agent to the Creek Nation. He was instrumental in treaty talks with the Creek, Cherokee, Choctaw and Chickasaw Indians and oversaw a peaceful 21 years in this position.

Though this is interesting information and all, the key to this phrase, that I would like to chat about today, is ‘God willing’.

In many cultures and religions including Jewish, Islamic and Christian, the phrase “God willing” is often added to the stating of something that you wish may occur. Like, ‘I’ll see you tomorrow, God willing.’ Or, another example: ‘God willing, the country’s financial system will get straightened out.’

The phrase is a simple reminder in all times, including these troubled economic times, that God might, after all, end the world sometime between now and when the stock market opens tomorrow. Nothing is certain and only He knows for sure.

Life requires us to hold things in a loose grip and not be set on a certain outcome. An appointment, a graduation, a vacation, a marriage – all things are in God’s hands. To live is to wait for His will to reveal itself. And so we are privileged to pass the time with a sense of adventure.

Before I got so tired, (and what’s up with that?) I used to read a mystery right before bedtime. With sleepy eyes, wanting to finish, struggling to stay awake in order to discover what is true and to see how things will turn out. That is the venture of living.

If the fulfillment of every plan and promise rests on God’s say-so, then His hand is hidden in everything that happens. Every tragedy and blessing is a part of some unknowable purpose. I may not always get my own way but I believe, though the will of God may be uncertain, His presence is unmistakable. Saying ‘God willing’ is like tipping your hat to Him and acknowledging that you know who’s in control.

My calendar has room to make commitments to fill the entire year. I make plans for the future. I make appointments. I may even one day buy plane tickets for that long awaited holiday, but I hold these things loosely. Lightly. I make my promises and then I wait on the edge of my seat to find out because my heart is always whispering in the ear of my life, “God willing.”

My days are going fairly well, though seeming longer, they are quite fulfilling,

I’ll dance through time with a smile on my face and I’ll close the gate, God willing.

Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult, I’m Nancy Kraayenhof. Drop me a line at Nancy861@msn.com.

Unique Ministry Ideas

Outreach and evangelism have been on my mind lately (as they often are). My desire to see others come to faith in Jesus is so strong that I read a lot of books on outreach, service evangelism, and such. Many of the ideas I come across are things I've tried, or seen, or at least heard of from others. Today, I came across a few ideas that I had never heard of before, or which were - at the least - more unusual. Since I'm always open to new methods of sharing the gospel with unbelievers - within reason, of course! - these sounded pretty neat.

About.com's Christian Teens section suggested a Craft Donation where volunteers make items to send to our soldiers. While I know a lot of people send things overseas, what struck me about this project was the aspect of making things rather than simply buying them. If I were away from home, I'd be thrilled to get a gift that someone (especially a teen or a child) took the time to create just for me.

The same site suggested a Prom Dress Exchange where everyone brings in their gently used formals and swaps them with others who can use them. I'd take that a step further and give them to those in need, even if they didn't bring a dress to swap. If you've looked at prom dresses recently, you know how expensive they are! We had a young girl in one of our churches who wouldn't have been able to go to her prom if we hadn't bought her dress. And I'm sure there are many others with the same kind of need. Maybe you could even work to find sponsors who would buy prom dresses for some of the youth.

With summer coming soon (Thank You, Lord!!), your church might consider setting up a program to mow lawns for your elderly or disabled. Lawn mowing is hard work. And it's heartbreaking to see people pushing a lawn mower around a yard who are obviously not in good enough shape, physically, to be doing so. Sign up young people to mow lawns on a regular basis as a service to the older members and prospects in your church.

Then those elderly can provide after-school tutoring for the kids. One small-town church I know of does this very well and has made a huge impact in their church and community with this program.

The Church of the Nazarene has a program where we create emergency Care Kits filled with specific items such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc. There is a detailed list we follow so that each kit is the same. We then send the kits to our General Church office and they are disbursed around the world as needs arise. (Hundreds of these were sent to Hurricane Katrina victims, for instance.)

While I love this program and always take part, it strikes me that we shouldn't have to wait for an emergency to show we care. And we shouldn't care only for those in other countries. There are homeless persons, prisoners, elderly, disabled, nursing home residents, single parents and many others who would probably be thrilled to receive a plastic bag filled with toothpaste, deodorant, soaps and other necessary items. And creating local care kits is something most anyone can do to spread God's love in their own neighborhood.

These are just a few of the hundreds and hundreds of ideas you can find for ministering to others. But whatever you decide... do something to reach out to others in Jesus' name.

Want to Study the Bible?

Are you aware that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of free Bible studies available to anyone who's interested? There are online studies that you simply read to learn more. There are studies where you can submit answers and have them "graded." There are printed studies that you can request to have mailed to you. There's even free software to help you study the Word from the comfort of your office or laptop. If you want help to study the Bible and learn more about God's word, you can easily find help with a simple online search.

While I think this is wonderful, my cautious nature wants to offer a word of warning as well... Please be careful.

As we noted yesterday, the Bible instructs us to test the Spirits and know they are from God. Anyone can put up a website or a blog and offer a "free Bible study." If you request study materials from someone you don't know, please be sure that what you're studying is really the Bible - look up the passages for yourself. Compare them to other passages you find on the same topic. And be sure that the answers or comments you receive from the study are truly biblical. Study the Word, not just the study you receive.

Knowing more about God's Word is a blessing, and a necessity if we're to understand how He wants us to live. The Bible is God's guidebook for His children (that's us, if we call ourselves Christian). So studying the Bible is good. We just need to be cautious so that we're truly hearing what God has to say to us, and not being influenced by false doctrine or man's teachings.

With that said, if you'd like to study the Word with me, let me know. I'm always open to sharing what God lays on my heart and hearing what God is saying to others. It thrills me to learn more about God and His Word and I'd love to share that blessing with you as well.

Are Churches Still Holding Revivals?

Used to be there was a revival at some area church about every week. Nowadays, it's rare to see a revival notice. What's going on?

I know that many pastors guard their pulpits very closely. They don't feel comfortable allowing just anyone to preach. And that's a good thing! The Bible directs us to test the spirits to be sure they are of God (1 John 4:1). We need to be convinced that those who preach from our pulpits (where we have authority and for which we are responsible) are true to the Word, trustworthy and faithful. That's understandable.

But most denominations, I assume, have their own evangelists. The Church of the Nazarene does. And there are many unassigned district licensed ministers (Greg and I are two) who also preach and hold revivals. So why isn't the church making use of these people of God to spread the Word within our denomination at least?

Could it be that we are so programmed with activities throughout the week that we don't have time to hold special services and add additional time constraints to our already full calendars? Or maybe our people just don't have the commitment to attend? (I know the attendance at the last revival we held when we pastored in Crossville was very low - and that was with one of the best evangelists in the Church!). Certainly, it's not that we don't need revival. Our world today proves that we need it more than ever.

Maybe there are reasons that my pea-sized brain doesn't grasp. Whatever the case, I pray that God's people begin to seek revival for their own hearts and for their churches!

On that note... Greg and I would love to hold a revival for your church! We never charge a fee, we only ask that our lodging be provided and that the church take a love-offering to cover our travel expenses. Other than that, we'll go to any size church and help in any way we can (a week, 4-5 days or even a weekend). Let us know if we can serve you. We love to minister in Jesus' name and meet our brothers and sisters in Christ who are scattered across the US.

The Crux of the Gospel

Believers know, of course, that the cross, the virgin birth, the sinlessness of Jesus - among other things - are the foundation of the gospel and are part of our belief and salvation. As I was reading the Word this morning in John 14:23-24, however, it struck me that this passage is one of the reasons I believe so strongly in living faith rather than simply claiming it. It reads:

If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words...

So many people argue with Nazarenes because we believe that you have to live your faith; because we believe that if you're a Christian, it will show in your life. (NO, we are not saved by works. But faith without works is dead. That's Bible.)

We don't believe that saying some little "sinner's prayer" gives you reason to believer that you can go back to your former lifestyle, whatever that was - drinking, carousing, lying, or any other form of "scratching and clawing" - and then when you die, spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus. The Word does not bear that out. And this passage is one that assures me of the truth in this conviction.

There are no hidden meanings here. No obscure texts or passages we can't understand. Jesus is very plain-spoken in this passage. If you love me, you'll do what I tell you. Wow, what a novel idea! A Christian will actually follow Jesus. (Yes, I'm being sarcastic... but only in a loving way!)

But the importance of this is that only Christians (born-again, renewed, changed, converted believers in Christ) are going to make it to Heaven.

If you are concerned enough about your eternal soul that you would say a sinner's prayer and believe that Jesus is indeed the only way of salvation, then please don't gamble with eternity by not following Him as He commands in this crucial passage of scripture.

Prayer and God's Confirmations

You may be aware that Greg and I are no longer pastoring, and for pastors, that's a tough spot to be in. But we decided Saturday that we'll get very serious and very specific in prayer, asking God exactly what direction He would have us go.

Of course, we've been praying, but nothing as specific as what we both agreed to this weekend. We began praying specifically about whether or not we should move to another district since there are no churches open in East Tennessee.

This morning, Greg got up before me (as he usually does) and made coffee (as he usually does). While it was brewing, he sat down to read his devotional from Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening. The topic of the devotional was on waiting. Basically, wait and let God work, don't do anything that might take you out of God's will or put you in front of His plan.

After he got me up and we had our morning time together, he left for work. So I sat down to have my personal devotional time. Guess what the topic was... you're right! Wait on the Lord.

Now, of course, we've been waiting - what else could we do? But while we were waiting, we haven't been waiting very patiently. These simple reminders, however, encouraged us both and seemed to confirm that God hasn't forgotten us, even though we feel like He has at time. It's wonderful to be reminded that He's still working in our lives and that He does still have a plan for us. We needed to hear that from Him.

Do you ever feel that way? Ever feel like you just need God to re-confirm His word in your life? He will if you ask Him... and wait for His answer. Let me know what He's saying to you.

Better Understanding

I finished 90 Minutes in Heaven yesterday. And I have to say that I feel I better understand why Don Piper went through what he went through (see my earlier post Understanding God if you're wondering what I mean).

Rev. Piper saw something that few - if any - other people have ever seen... Heaven. Then he was returned to earth to suffer excruciating pain and turmoil. While, prior to finishing the book, I struggled with why God would allow that, it seems to me that Piper's experiences have been such a blessing to SO many people, it's easier for me now to accept God's decision. (Not that I questioned His right to make that decision, in my humanity, I simply couldn't grasp God's reasoning.)

According to the book, the glories of Heaven that Rev. Piper saw were so amazing they sustained him through a lot of what he had to face. And his testimony continues to bless others to this day! What he witnessed gives comfort and peace to people facing death or suffering grief from the loss of a loved one. He wouldn't be able to share that testimony without his trip to Heaven.

And he can understand pain and suffering better than most people will ever understand it! Because he's been there. What a blessing to those like the teenage boy mentioned in the book who was hurting so bad, and suffering such emotional trauma. This man - who had faced the same pain and turmoil - was able to encourage him in a way that no one else could. What a blessing! What a fulfillment of a need! But, of course, God knew that need and send the fulfillment - even when we humans didn't grasp why.

I encourage you to read this book... and finish it! Don't stop in the middle thinking God left this man dangling. Read it all and discover the end of the story. After all, isn't that where our encouragement lies... at the end of this life when we see for ourselves that what Don Piper told us about Heaven is real?!

What Do Nazarenes Believe?

A lot of people question me, as a minister in the Church of the Nazarene, about my beliefs. The General Church of the Nazarene has stated clearly and concisely in its Manual of the Church of the Nazarene (PDF) and on their website what Nazarenes believe and why.

There are actually two sections that cover our beliefs, one is the Articles of Faith, the other is our Agreed Statement of Belief, which says:

These are the beliefs Nazarenes hold to be true:

We believe in one God-the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe that the Old and New Testament Scriptures, given by plenary inspiration, contain all truth necessary to faith and Christian living.

We believe that man is born with a fallen nature, and is, therefore, inclined to evil, and that continually.

We believe that the finally impenitent are hopelessly and eternally lost.

We believe that the atonement through Jesus Christ is for the whole human race; and that whosoever repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is justified and regenerated and saved from the dominion of sin.

We believe that believers are to be sanctified wholly, subsequent to regeneration, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

We believe that the Holy Spirit bears witness to the new birth, and also to the entire sanctification of believers.

We believe that our Lord will return, the dead will be raised, and the final judgment will take place.

If you still have questions, let me know. I'd be glad to clarify if I can.

Understanding God

A friend at church loaned me the book, 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. This book isn't turning out to be what I expected at all.

I had in mind this was a happy, cheerful book filled with images of Heaven and encouragement for getting there. I'm up to about page 100, and Boy, Was I Wrong! If you've read the book, maybe you'll understand my thoughts on this. But I've really struggled with the WHY of this book... as in why did God give this man a vision of the glories of Heaven and then allow Him to suffer excruciating pain as he did?

Okay, before you fuss at me, realize that I do trust God - no matter what! I know He is sovereign and I trust Him completely. I also believe that He has the right - as King and Creator of the entire Universe - to do what He chooses without regard to what we piddly humans think. But I also know Him to be love as the Bible tells us He is in 1 John 4:16. And I believe Him to be capable to change ANYTHING He chooses. So my question is why didn't He stop this man's suffering? Why, in fact, did He compel another Christian to pray for Don Piper and then resurrect him after he had been dead for 90 minutes, only to allow him to suffer tremendous pain? I have to wonder WHY.

Now as a pastor, you may think I need to keep my questions to myself. But I'm a firm believer that God knows my heart (He knows everything!) so even if I keep them to myself, He knows they're there. Why shouldn't I be honest and voice them as I search for answers? I believe I can. God's big enough to handle my questions. He knows my heart and attitude are respectful. But that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to understand.

It came to me as I was considering this issue that many non-Christians struggle with this same question. They don't understand God, they don't know Why He acts a certain way, so they dismiss Him and refuse to serve Him. As far as I'm concerned, there's no basis for that attitude.

I love my husband, but he does things I don't understand. Does that mean I shouldn't love him anymore? Of course not! Nor does that reasoning apply to my sisters or my son, or anyone else. In the words of Mr. Spock, "it's illogical."

So don't get me wrong! I may not understand God. I may question why He has acted a certain way. I may want to know Him better and feel it's a losing battle at times. But I Trust Him completely. And that's never going to change. Hopefully, when I finish the book I'll have a better understanding of Mr. Piper's situation. But even if I don't, I'll still trust my Lord. But that doesn't stop me from honestly wondering Why.

Making a Difference

Isn't that what we all want to do? Make a difference. In our families, our jobs, our churches, our lives. I know I do! What does it take to make a difference? Nothing big like we tend to think.

We can make a difference in the lives of our families by spending time with our kids and our spouse, by showing concern and interest in what they have to say, by loving them openly and with everything we have.

We can make a difference in our jobs by working hard, doing our best, treating our co-workers and boss with respect, showing honesty and integrity in every area of our life at work, living the Golden Rule with everyone we meet.

We can make a difference in our church by being there whenever the doors are open, faithfully giving, volunteering to help in whatever way we can, doing our best to get along with others, encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ, supporting our pastor, living a good Christian example in front of others.

We can make a difference in every area of our life by being the best we can be in all the little things we do.

Micah 6:8 exhorts us to, "Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with [our] God." Those aren't big things, but doing them can make a HUGE difference in our lives and in the lives of those around us. What an example of the perfect Christian walk, don't you think?