Chillin'

Well it's a lazy Sunday afternoon after another amazing worship experience at LCWM. It just keeps getting better and better and it's so refreshing the hear great and memorable stories come from Pastor Joel. He is by far the real deal and so open with his life's stories. But I sat there today soaking in knowledge of how we profess Jesus is Lord in our lives but many times our lifestyle says just the opposite. The facts are that 94% of people in America say they believe in God. So why then aren't our churches overflowing with people and the body of Christ is exploding with growth. They should be so full that tents should be on every block holding services with that kind of overflow.

Being a teenager in the 70's and seeing my generation literally fall away, it saddens me when I read post on FB of how few people mention God, missions, serving and hardly ever the name of Jesus. I know we get so caught up in our everyday lives that we just forget who holds it all together, Jesus. With FULL FAITH,I believe the Bible when it says "In the beginning was Jesus, and Jesus was with God, and Jesus was God. Jesus was with God in the beginning. Through Jesus all things were made; without Jesus nothing was made that has been made. In Jesus was life, and that life was the light of men. Jesus shines in the darkness, but the darkness (meaning us) has not understood it."

For the last many decades, I have been very blessed to have many things. A wife who loves me still after 35+ years, a son who makes me so very proud of him, an incredibly gifted and caring daughter-in-law who thru her and my son, has blessed us with a grand daughter. A loving Faith Family (my church) who continues to amaze me. A Pastor and his wife who love people like no clergy I have ever seen before, close brothers in ministry, students who I have had the privilege of sharing life with as their student or college pastor. But above all these blessed things. I have a Savior who loves me like no tomorrow. He quickly points out when I fall as He loves me back thru repentance. He has never once failed me even in the slightest way.

So back to my initial thought. Why do we profess Jesus with our lips and then deny him with our lifestyle? That is what a broken world finds so amazing? So if you are a believer and read this blog. Do this not only for me but for Jesus. Sit up straight, hold your head up and DO THE DEAL. ACT LIKE IT. Paul says it like this, (in my own words). Do what is noble and right and just and you should stick out like a giant spotlight for the world to see. THAT, my friends will be your entrance to sharing Jesus to a VERY BROKEN WORLD.

till next time,
tc
Romans 5:1

Now as for me, I am headed tonight to a 4 day youth thing we call Youth MPact. Even though I am officially a College Pastor, I love being with H/S students period and I have full intention of worshiping MY JESUS. For My Jesus is the one who is worthy of ALL Praise..........

God's Plan

As I was looking at FB (Facebook) tonight, I saw a post by my YP coheart(that's youth pastor) Alberto Sandino, Beto. Beto lost his dad several months back and He misses his voice, his smile and his love very much, as I still miss my dad who went to be with the Lord years ago. I never had the opportunity to meet this quiet man who did so many things for so many people that it is mind boggling. Many times when a loved one passed away, the minister has to dig deep to leave some kind, encouraging words for the family to remember. With Beto's dad it was just the opposite. His dad left a lifelong legacy of "Love God , Love People" planted deeply in Beto and in his wife Ashley that is clearly evident to ones who have had the honor to met and know them. I have been blessed to get to know them both, especially Beto, from both sides of the spectrum, during good times and bad, during happy times and sad. But through the density of life, his dad's kindness and general love for people shows very bright.

Many times I referred to my dad as a silent GIANT. He spoke very little and I hardly ever heard him raise his voice and never knew so many things he did for people until after his passing. Very similar to Dr. Sandino, and yes he was a medical doctor who did things behind the scenes that nobody ever knew about.

So tonight, I praise God for one day the word " brokeness" became real in my life and I knew I truly needed a savior to fix what I had slowly torn down. I hope and pray that my legacy continues in my son and now to my grand daughter for generations to bare witness to. That God through his son Jesus and through the Holy Spirit is very active and very much alive in this broken world if we will only say, Yes.

As I look back on my journey tonight," What would I have changed if I could? I thought about several but these kinda rise to the top. #1- I would have packed the bags more often and taken more vacations with the family. The church will be there when I get back and it will function fine with out me. #2- I would have spent more time with mom and dad, relatives, aunts, uncles, grand parents etc. Time has a way of slipping through our fingers very quickly.

So for whoever reads ths blog, understand this, I may be getting older but in NO WAY, will I ever stop serving Christ and stop loving people. I may be 84 and still hanging around students but Wow, will I have some stories to tell.

Time is precious and Life is Truly Like A Vapor, so seise every moment you have like it's you last, cause it just might be.

till next time
peace

tc
Romans 5:1

Changes

Sometimes God lays things on our heart that we just can't quite comprehend and NEVER fully understand. For years I have seen church " culture" go from growing to decline. I am starting to see churches die simply because they are stuck in the past and not moving forward. If we are to be the same and never change why did Jesus come and make a drastic shift. It's the same for church life today.

I saw a great example of that a few months back that has been floating around in my mind and it will just not go away. I saw a certain young couple walking up to a "church service". I noticed them because they were very different. They were dressed in "Extreme Gothic" attire. Five or so years ago they would have been stopped at most churches front door. At this worship service, they were so warmly welcomed it stood out in my mind to this day. This couple said absolutely nothing to anybody there except to each other. They were greeted by at least 10 people that day.

Recently I returned to this church and guess who I first saw as I was approaching the entrance doors, this couple. Still dressed in Goth and welcoming people from many different walks of life. Why are some churches so accepting and some so cold and dead. Is Jesus not there anymore or has the church culture shifted gears. Today's culture is changing people, so get ready. It will blow past you or you can embrace it and show God's Love in a new way, but it's changing, like it or not.

Aren't you tired of denominational barriers saying that this is the only way to do something. That doing some certain things divides the church and causes turmoil. That having church in a school building,a rented vacant building is wrong. I know a church who's biggest business sponsor is a bar. They want nothing in return and have told the pastor, "we believe in what you are doing and the people who go there are real". I heard one person critised a church pastor that he didn't preach the word out of the KJV bible. Then I hear last week a guy who said, "them church. All they want and talk about is money". We have got to get real and be more like Christ if we are ever going to make a difference. Again, many churches think that doing certain things divides a church. The only thing that divides a church is a narrow mindset of who Jesus really is. Jesus can make something out of nothing and can do anything with something. Narrow minded religious babble will kill a church and I pray before that happens people will wake up.

Change is coming people, like it or not. My generation did a loosy job of showing and sharing Jesus in the world and it's time to change. So if you are stuck in the KJV and are protesting a video worship set and a video message, you sure will protest a "Hologram worship experience" because it's already here and coming to a worship experience near you.

Question? How many students come to your churches youth group. How many leave after High School Graduation and seem to fall off the planet? 80% by most recent stats. There are many factors to blame but as this trend continues, all churches will sink into the abys. Go in a differnet direction and I just bet, God will show you things in a new way.

Now this in not a church bashing blog. I love the body of Christ and I serve Jesus through it. I do disagree with some on their way of thinking, but I pray, we all need to think in a different mindset. Sometimes putting new wine and an old wineskin just doesn't work. Just sayin"

till next time
peace

tc

I mowed my grass a few days ago and it really needed it. Between the 90-something degree weather every day, and a hectic schedule the last couple of weeks, I'd neglected to cut it. But that night was actually a few degrees cooler when I got home from work so I pulled out the mower and began to mow down the jungle before my neighbors revolted.
As I cut a path through the thick, overgrown grass, I thought about the fact that I actually “sort of” like having tall grass to cut. At this point in my life, I really don't EVER enjoy cutting grass like I used to. But, if I have to do it, I want to do it when I can see progress made instantly. I like looking back at the strip of grass I just cut, and seeing it neatly topped off next to the still uncut grass. AHHHHH Instant gratification.
I had an idea that night that maybe sometimes God is slow (at least, from my standpoint) in handling our problems because He wants us to see that it's Him at work. When our worries seem to go from bad to worse, growing up and threatening to take over our lives completely, perhaps it's because God knows that if He took care of things sooner, we wouldn't notice or truly appreciate the difference. I don't want to cut a lawn that will look the same both before and after it's been cut. Maybe God feels the same about our lives.
Just another weird thought......


till next time
peace
TC
Romans 5:1

In an Instant

First of all, RARELY am I ever short of words to say or write. But, last Wednesday was one of those "Kodak Moments" that you wish could last forever. One of those rare times in your life that you actually feel God's very strong in your life, like He is right there looking over your shoulder. One of thsoe rare times when your life flashes before your very eyes. The words are so close, but yet so very far away and words just don't do it justice at all. No where even close. But last Wednesday 6-30-2010 at 5:09pm a new legacy was started and our first grandchild, Payton Landry Coats was born. First, I praise God for the miracle of life and for the love that Brad and Elisha have for each other. A good long time friend Charles Bamburg told me last week, "There's nothing like it in the world", and I think He was right about that. Now, I still have not totally grasp this whole Grand Parent thing, but I am sure it won't take long.

When I look into Payton's face, I see many of my son's facial features and I see the petite character of his mom. So tiny at a whopping 5lbs but so incredible to just look at. Tiny hands, tiny feet, but a strong set of lungs. When my wife holds her in her arms, her face lights up. That look can not be earned and is yet another gift from our Heavenly Father.

So our legacy continues and God is to be praised as the giver of life.

Till next time,

tc
Romans 5:1

New thoughts

Being Father's Day I spent time with family today. I traveled to Bossier to see my son, daughter in law and soon to be grand daughter (a few weeks still away). I attended a church today that holds it's services in a movie theater on the Boardwalk. A great idea in itself being that everyone goes to the movies. It's like "neutral ground" for the ongoing war of Good Vs Evil. Years ago, I started seeing a trend of people just walking away and leaving the church. Mostly the ones who get out of High School then go off to college and party their life away for the next 5-10 years before reality sets in and they land back on planet earth. To put their nose to the grindstone and bust their butts for 40 years and get sucked into the American Dream of materialism, wealth and lots of bling bling. Then one day the light pops on in their brain (if there is a brain left after drinking and drugs from their earlier years)and they realize it was all a lie. Sad to say, I was once there but God's Grace was sufficient and pulled me up, slapped my face, WHAM, a new me arose.

I absolutely was blown away by what I saw an experienced today. So we went to "SIMPLE CHURCH".

Simple Church is (strangely enough) where I saw the need about a dozen years ago (in my opinion) is the direction where the church should go. Doing things that churches aren't doing to reach people that traditional churches just aren't reaching. I strong feel anything outside of sin is fair game, regardless what people think. Myson and daughterin law have both been going for a while now. They have it in the movie theater on the Boardwalk in Bossier. The now have 4 services. They use LOTS of video clips. Today we saw a clips using stick me and kids cartoon drawings about Dads. Then a country music video, Temporary Home by Carrie Underwood and clips from Summer vacation w/ Chevy Chase.

The concept was initially funded by First Bossier and some die hard individuals that saw that church has to chage and reach in a new direction, and it has exploded but has taken it's hits due to it's fast paced nature. 50 minutes and wham ur out. 2 song worship set, video, message and go. It has been so popular they have a simulcast in the theater next door.

Unbelievable worship experience that has reached many that would never step in a regular church. Very diverse people from all walks of life who are making a huge difference in Bossier.

Back to my initial thoughts, excuse my ADD. I overheard two families talking this morning about their former church. I didn't mean to ease drop (well yea I did) but I am always aware that everyone has a different story and the more I hear, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more knowledge I have towards trying to " make a difference in the dying world.". One said his former church was just not satisfying "his needs". The other family said," they look like a church, act like a church but they are dead inside simply because they never do anything put side their 4walls. They are stuff full of pre-packaged ministry in a box programs and unnecessary 4 wall fellowships.

My initial thoughts were enough to make me vomit (sorry). The first church in Acts got their ACT together, (corny I know. But you gotta admit, the timing was perfect). After the Holy Spirit fell, they were BOLD and SERVED others. Then came this dude named Paul who wrote letters to wake churches up and the New Testament was full of letters from Paul to churches that were in trouble. Either they were being selfish, teaching incorrect doctrine, women were bickering, and on and on. The church, the bride of Christ, the church, the body of believers that Christ loves and protects and died for, was imperfect then and still is today. But, we are to be part of that body, as imperfect as it is because He told us to. Here’s the thing…going to church is not about us. It is about joining with other believers, coming together to worship God and bring Him honor and glory. We live in a day when everything is about us, our comfort, our needs being met, our happiness, our dreams. But when you read scripture, it is all about God and His honor and His glory, His mercy, His grace, His love and His justice. We are the blessed recipients of His grace and His mercy and His redemption. So…what to do about churches that we feel don’t meet our needs. Here is what I think. Find a body of believers where you are certain the Word of God, the Bible, is believed to be the inspired word of God and infallible and inerrant in it’s original form. It is the written source of authority from God and should be the only source of doctrine. Then, make sure that the church teaches from scripture and holds to all of the basic things of the Christian faith, the Trinity, Jesus is the son of God and yet God and is the redeemer, the importance of water baptism and communion, the Holy Spirit, that one must repent and be born again to be saved from eternal damnation, etc. Then decide what you want the church to look like in it’s servant hood capacity. If it is lacking as the writer of the letter felt it was, then change it! Be the one to start a soup kitchen, be the one to start a ministry for unwanted college students who are broke and have no money to tithe. How about SINGLES?

Be the one to set up activities that include both marrieds and singles,
be the one to make sure the orphans and the widows are cared for,
be the one to become a missionary,
be the one to start a jail ministry,
be the one to start a homeless shelter,
be the one to do the things you think the church should do but isn’t.

Why in the world do we all think someone else should be the one to do what we all think churches should do?

Be the one to start it if you don’t like what is missing.
Stop complaining about the church and be Jesus’ hands and feet to the world, to your community, to your family, to the poor and change something–if only one thing–change it if you don’t like it.

If you feel like they don’t value your opinions, show them that you know what you are talking about and your thoughts can be respected. You see, maybe people are just too lazy to do anything and they want someone else to set everything up so they can jump in and spend an hour here or an hour there and feel good about themselves and what they did. Again I say, it is not about us and feeling important, or right, or valued! It is about God and honoring Him, not about feeling good. So everything we do and everything we say, should all be to honor Him. So we should selflessly serve one another and let it start with us!

You think the church is doing it wrong? Quietly start participating and help to change it into what you believe Christ intended it to be. It will NEVER get better if everyone who sees it flaws walks away and shakes their head at it and says I am not going to go there because I am disappointed in it. Change it for Christ’s sake!


till next time !

tc
Romans 5:1

"The End"

Ever had one of those days like where your were, you just wanted to be somewhere else? That is today. Today is just not one of my wanna be around people day. If I could, I would go far far away from the noise of the hustle and hurry of this modern day society and just go sit somewhere quitely. Someplace quiet, either near a flowing, bubbling stream or high on a mountain top.
Over the past several months, I have really dug into "The Cross of Christ". I find that on days like these, I just want to go sit and talk to MY Jesus. Notice, "MY" Jesus. I read and reviewed a book that was sent to me by my old buddy Mark Hall, Casting Crowns frontman. Mark wrote this book named , "Your Own Jesus". In this book Mark describes how we each see Jesus differently and how we relate to who he was and is in our life today. Today, I see Jesus as a great listener. Someone who can sit and listen all day long to me and one I can truly lean on. I know what your thinking, TC what's up? What's going on in your brain? Well, Actually nothing and that's the problem.

On previous times in my life, when I seem to go into a CALM SEASON, where there is no drama happening, no family issues I am listening to or dealing with. Just nothing worth mentioning that is going on and that is what has me thinking. In previous times, God has me in a season of resting. Usually preparing me for something HE is getting in order, then when I least expect it, a new season begins and most times without me even knowing it. God is up to something new in my life and that is why I wanna get away and just talk to MY Jesus. I know something is around the corner and I wish I knew what it was. But then if I did, Why would I need Faith? And that in itself is a whole new ballgame there.

Job says it like this in the KJV , "Tho He slay me, yet will I trust in him", and with that I fully agree. Time will tell in this daily walk with MY Jesus.

So how are you and YOUR Jesus today?

till next time,

tc
Romans 5:1
Jesus is not a means to an end; He is the end.

So what's your excuse ?

This past week & all through the weekend, I took on the responsibility to give our home an XtReMe MaKeOvEr. After moving from BIG new house to older and outdated house, I just had to make it happen. So my question is, "Have you ever painted a house"? Your answer is probably, NOT in a million years. It's not easy, washing, scrubbing, sealing, painting, trimming, cleaning up your mess afterwards. I have a much greater respect for painters, carpenters, contractors and the peeps who make our homes look good. Now climbing up a steep ladder to paint a chimney is NOT for me and the older I get the more I despise heights. Next hung new shutters, reworked the patio, repainted doors front and back. I even painted the drab and dull white front door a deep burgandy. As the neighbors walked and drove by they all stopped and starred. "WOW, what a difference, I Love it", was the genuine consensus. Next up was a serious case of mowing, weed eating and edging the driveways and such. When I finally finished, I was exhausted, but as I walked to the street and looked, I felt very proud of what I had accomplished mainly by myself. Now my wife DID HELP SOME, So it's best that I make mention of that fact, hint hint.

So as I took a break today at work, my brain started to work, go figure. Maybe God is that way as well. When we say YES to his call and then step up and reach out and do Good Things that makes a difference on this spinning ball, I truly think God smiles and is proud of us heading into something we are not qualified to do and through his grace, He gives us the motivation and the drive to finish and finish well.

It may be wierd to compare a house project to serving the Lord. But the principle remains the same. There is a job to do, so who is gonna do it. SEND ME is the answer God is looking for. As the marines say it, "Looking for a Few Good Men".

So what's your excuse?


till next time

TC
Romans 5:1

Good Friday or was it?

Well it's been a while since I have even opened my blog. Sometimes, we just need a break from stuff and blogging was one of them. BUT, I am back in the saddle again.

Sometimes I get the urge to write. Just sometimes, not all the time and when I do, it's some random thought that pops in my head from some underlying brain activity that has not yet settled. Kinda like space junk drifting in the heavens somewhere. But this time it's to state a few things.

I have been very deep and really zoning in on what this Cross is all about for months now. Nearly every believer should have a pretty good idea what happened from Psalm Sunday until Easter. If you don't,......... well, I won't go there today. But, the more I find and comprehend, the deeper it takes me and in conclusion I beleieve that, "We are very messed up people". I can grasp when Paul says,"NOT EVEN ONE". I look at my life and see sooooooo many blown opportunities. Wasted time to never get recovered and recycled again. Why do we do that. We see and conclude what we do or don't do and say the wrong things and fix the problem and then down the road somewhere we drift off into Never Never Land. Why can't we ever stay focused on THE PRIZE and finish strong.

I watched The Passion of the Christ last night again with students from my church. That movie always stirs my soul but I believe that the beatings where much more intense than any movie can ever show. Then Jesus hanging on the cross and prayed for the ones who were nailing him to the tree. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing". I think they knew, but they had no clue who it really was. I have no way of even imagining what Jesus must have felt. ALL GOD but yet ALL HUMAN. Human in Nature but Divine as well and allowing it to go forward knowing that all this built up anger God had from the beginning of time and forever more was about to be put on him. (Silent long pause.....................). God's Wrath !!!!!!! Pouring out. Earth trembling. Lightening crashing. Thunder roaring. Earth opening up. Mountains faling. Men running scared. Such an incredible picture that it is hard to visualize and feel.

Before the Cross is for anyone else’s sake, the Cross is for God’s sake. That was it's reason.

Divine satisfaction (God shows His holy character) thru divine substitution (God slays His only Son). That is it's meaning.

I have heard the following words for years and always thought it to be true until now.

"When Jesus was hanging on the Cross, was He thinking about me or you?"
My answer is NO. Jesus hung on the Cross for GOD'S GLORY, not because I am a nice guy. He was absolutely obedient to his Father to the end. He accomplished his mission. He finished his business on earth.

So what's happening in your life? Do you have any unfinished business with God?
The more I serve, the more I see that there is something Bigger out there that we all know and His Name is GOD.

Love God Love People is easy to say, so what's your hangup?

Today being Good Friday was NOT a good day for Jesus'. But in the process it became a great day for us.

Divine Substitution makes way for Divine Satisfaction and that is the GOOD NEWS that we need to share.

80% of the people you ask to come to church on Easter Sunday will come. There is NO easier time to ask than now.

Do Something!

till next time

tc
Romans 5:1

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