Sleepy?

I know I am. The church where I serve is moving in the right direction. This, I believe, has resulted in inceased oppostion from our adversary, the devil. Of course that means my mind works overtime and I lose sleep. So, I'm committing to prayer instead of worry, to spiritual warfare instead of fleshly battles. Satan is stepping up the attacks...he is using gossip and marital problems WITHIN THE BODY in an attempt try to derail our forward progress. But we will not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

The "trinity" of megachurch wannabes...

Signs that you are a megachurch wannabe:

• Do you frequently say things like "Andy Stanley says..." or "Bill Hybels wrote..." or "Rick Warren does..."???
• Are your three favorite churches North Point, Willow Creek and Saddleback?
• Do you use "point" or "purpose" or "seeker" in everyday conversations?
• Do you frequently refer to the "trinity" aka. Hybels & Warren & Stanley as though you know them personally? Sometimes you call them Bill, Rick or Andy?
• Do you have a Purpose Driven calendar?
• Have you considered changing your church name to include "community" or "creek" or "point?"
• Do you think "40 days" is the key to doing anything?
• Have you made the requisite pilgrimage to Atlanta, Chicago or Orange County?
• Do you consistently disregard the fact that none of these three would recognize biblical soteriology if it was walking down the street with a hat on?
  

There are many more, so PLEASE ADD YOUR OWN. Thanks!

Fred's in...

Fred Thompson finally makes it official. I have to admit he has a cetain likability factor and in this superfical age it can definitely help. Maybe it's the actor thing. Maybe it's his voice or his accent. I don't know about that, but I do know I don't see him winning this thing. I wish somehow Ron Paul could get some traction. Wishful thinking I know...

Shut-in?

Church folks recognize the term "shut-in." The names of these people usually show up in bulletins for prayer, etc. Recently I got to thinking about this category within the church. I've encoutered "shut-ins" in department stores, medical facilities and at weddings & funerals. I know of some who seem to make it out to "hair appointments" and various other essential and non-essential activities with great regularity. I'm wondering if maybe we have assigned some sort of undo status to those in this category. YES THERE ARE GENUINE "SHUT-INS" and we do need to pay attention to them. But, I wonder how many "shut-ins" don't come to church simply because of reasons less respectable than being "shut-in." Younger folks have to use excuses... you know them: It's my only day off... The people aren't friendly... You don't have anything for my kids... I don't like the preacher (WHAT???)... We've been sooooo busy....ETC. But, "shut-ins" have a trump card and it makes them beyond reproach. Just try and criticize them and see for yourself. Yeah, I know one day I'll be old...but that's not my point! My point = every "shut-in" isn't truly shut-in. Okay, now I'll shut up about shut ins.

Back to School

Today was the first day for the public schools here. I remember being a child and hating to see those last days of summer slip away. It changed later in my highschool years, but I have to say that my kids handled it pretty smoothly (thus far!). I'm also starting a new sermon series Sunday after next. I'm calling it "Back to School" and I'll be tackling some hefty theological topics. I hope it's the right move. I'm just convicted that I need to get folks deeper and they ain't coming to Sunday School, so I'll just take to the main assembly.

Was that great or what?

OBX

We are off to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for a few days to visit with family and for some "R & R." Have a nice Labor Day...

Dry Spell

I go through periodic "dry spells." I don't think I'm unique in that. The proverbial rollercoaster ride is my life particularly the professional ministry part. There are highs and I'm excited and then someone rains on the parade every time! Ironically, the rain usually comes from those you least expect. I used to wonder why some preachers avoided "getting close" to people in the congregation, but now I'm starting to see why. Invariably, some of the biggest complainers & winers are the the used to be fun to be around supportive types. Is this weird or what? In my old age I'm growing ever more intolerant of these folks. Is this bad? Maybe, but I just want to say: "If you don't like it here...if want to believe those rumors...if the leaders are as bad as you think...if you're that petty...if you're that mypopic and self-righteous then...good bye! Oh...and GOOD LUCK finding the perfect church! "

Vick finds Jesus

Wow! I wonder if Acts 2:38 was involved in his discovery.

My Vick Connection

As you probably know Michael Vick and I share the same hometown: Newport News, VA. He also played football at my highschool (Ferguson). The school was closed while was there and he finished at nearby Warwick. Our connection goes still further. In highschool I played football with Vick's uncle Casey. Casey was a good guy and lives fairly close to me now. Whenever i see him we salways top and chat. He was the right gurad and I was the left back at Ferguson (Go Mariners!). Anyway, I saw this picture with Casey in it. He's in the middle in the background smiling big. This picture is from a few years back during brighter times.

Just Wondering

“Everywhere I go, all over the world people still support Mike Vick. Regardless of what I go through, people will love me.”

-Michael Vick

I wonder how many pit bull puppies will be named "Vick" over the next few years...as an expression of love of course!

My baby girl...

My first born, Bethany, turned nine today. It's amazing how fast time flies (I sound like your parents, don't I?). I still vividly remember when she was born. Amazing! My andrenaline was way up there...It was so high I think I could've taken a quarter off of the top of the backboard (okay, maybe not). Now, my little bald, blue-eyed, toothless baby girl is getting bigger seemingly every day. Wow. Tonight we will celebrate with a pool party and lots of friends and presents. Maybe I should turn on "Butterfly Kisses" and sob for a few...

Jack Lambert

One Bad Man...

Pat

I rarley get political on WTBW? Today is an exception and a minor one at that. Pat Buchanan has long been my favorite political commentator. I've liked a him a great deal since he was the right guy on Crossfire (back during my politically formative years) on CNN. I loved watching him skewer the libs and their predictable drivel. I've followed with interest his presidential bids and I also have several of his books. I especially like his columns. I like others too: Robert Novak, Ann Coulter, Walter Williams. But Pat always seems to right on and he has the courage to take on topics than many are too cowardly to face. I wish he was a preacher. I bet he would throw down! Oh well...I can at least enjoy him as a brillinat & bold writer. Go Pat go!

Don't Argue With Your Wife

I made a mistake the other day and paid the price. My wife and I were out for a bike ride and I was leading. As we appraoched an intersection I slowed down resulting in my wife's almost rear ending me. She got on me and I proceeded to tell her to pay attention (all while still riding). As we argued I turned around just in time to see my front tire making contact with a substantial curb. I tried an evasive manuever to no avail! I came crashing down on my side resulting in some seriously bruised ribs. I thought the rib deal was ironic (see Adam & Eve). Anyway it's no fun laughing, coughing or sneezing. I learned a good lesson.