Beyond Easter

Easter means springtime is here, looking for bunnies, hunting Easter eggs, and eating lots and lots of candy, or is it?


Being a Christian and attending a local church was never intended to be merely a religious and special celebrations a few times a year, aka: Christmas and Easter. The true Christian has a personal and daily walk with the Master. Those who follow Christ do so everyday. Just like when He walked on this earth, Jesus continues pressing forward today. You can keep up with Him as he leads and guides you, or choose to fall far behind or totally reject him and walk away.


A relationship with Jesus is very close to being married to my wife Penny. A healthy marriage requires constant communication, of which I struggle with daily, sharing good times and bad, loving each other, giving our attention away, even when we don't feel like it. Forgiving, encouraging each other, being honesty, and just spending time together. What if we only celebrated our anniversary, but didn't do much else together during the rest of the year? Then my marriage would be what I call PLASTIC. The same thing applies to being a Christian.


The question for us as an individual this Easter season was not whether or not the Lord wanted me to attend a church service even if I rarely attend church the rest of the year. His arms are always open. The question is this: Do I want a "relationship with Him that is like a "marriage" where the couple only celebrates on their anniversary? Or do I want to live an authentic Christian life with Jesus everyday so that He will know that I really do love Him and trust Him? His action on the cross revealed His love for me. My actions reveal whether or not I love Him. I have seen so many over the years walk down an aisle, sign a card, maybe get baptized and NEVER see change. They are in for a rude awakening one day.


Jesus definitely rose from the grave, but has my spirit been raised to new life....or do I remain dead inside regardless of my attending a religious holiday observance? Am I a born again believer through faith in Christ? If I am born again, I will be pulled like a giant magnet to Him daily, which includes Wednesday and Sunday at worship and to have fellowship there with others who believe in Him. If I have little or no interest in growing in my faith every week with other Christians, that is a strong indicator that I may very well not be born again. The Bible says ,“ Examine yourself”. When Jesus truly comes to live within a person, it changes everything. My thinking. My motives. My decisions. My priorities. My relationships. No change equals no new birth.


The fact is that some marriages are on life support. Likewise, some professing Christians are only kidding themselves. It could happen to any of us if we just went through the motions. The minute I begin to neglect my marriage or my relationship with Christ is the minute I begin to drift into "cyberspace”. Minutes of neglect turn into hours and eventually weeks and months of neglect. By the time you wake up to what is going on, the relationship is already nonexistent. We leave Christ, because He NEVER leaves us.


That doesn't have to happen to you or to me. After all, Easter is a GIANT reminder to us all of what happened 2,000+ years ago..., but it should always be in our daily thoughts, actions and lives. What a perfect time RIGHT NOW to give your life to Christ for the first time, or to rededicate your life to Him and seek to restore my first love with Him....and if you are married, do it with your spouse.


So are Good Friday and Easter just dates on your calendar?


Do they thrill your soul everyday and each week as I worship with my Faith Family?
Those are questions for anyone who checks the "Christian" box on those salvation cards you may be signed.
I ask you today, “ Is your soul secure or have you been led stray but wrong thinking or something else along the way”?
Today is YOUR DAY for Salvation. Jesus is waiting and in return, I expect a phone call, text, email or Facebook message, DEAL ?


Till next time,

tc
Romans 5:1
peace out

It's Only Time

Why are people always in a hurry. Always running behind as usual. Is life supposed to be this way?
People never enjoying the journey to get to where they are going. All the missed opportunities along the way.So that begs the question.
How do we get so busy that we over book ourselves or we just haven't learned to say no?
Many times in life we say yes to some really good things and therefore leaving no time to the better things. Eternal things. Things that have eternal rewards.

I remember back not too too long ago in my student ministry days, I would say yes to EVERYTHING. Can ou come to my ball game? Can ou come see me dance? Can you come to the football and watch the me in the band? Yes Yes Yes.......Wrong move. It seems like I was about to fall off a cliff and I woke up. Since that day, I ask myself, do I have time for this or not. Ya see, even Jesus needed some well deserved " J time aka: Jesus aka Daddy time" when He needed recharging or just clarity on His Fathers wishes. We call that God's will. I have heard thousand of people say, " I want to be safe right in the middle of God's will for my life". If you are doing God's will it is NOT always safe. Several times I have asked, they did they really say that or do they have any idea of what they just said. After I explained it they were like. I had no idea. God's will NOT always a safe place people. You see, God requires SURRENDER and most, if not all of us, are still working on that, I know I am.

So with all this being said said so far, I have to ask you these questions. Because the Bible tells us to examine ourselves and YOU probably have not done that in a very long time. So here we go, and I will go from #5 to the top question of #1.

#5 - Do you read your bible daily, maybe even a devotional? Yes /No

#4 - Are you plugged in to local church? I mean INVOLVED, not just sit on the back row and make a fast exit. Yes / No

#3 - Do you pray at least daily? I mean a no selfish prayer and pray for others? Yes / No

#2 - Have you ever accepted Christ as Lord and Savior? Yes / No

#1 - Do you TRULY love Jesus? Yes / No He asked Peter that question multiple times and Peter still didn'y get it. Do you ?

If you were honest with your answers, that LIGHT BULB, should have gone off over your head.

So re-evaluate your priorities and give your time and attention to Jesus FIRST and make HIs Misson your mission, then let good works follow that have eternal meaning.And, if you need eternal things to do, email me at tim@lifechurchconnect.com or tcmlive@gmail.com. We have plenty of ideas to share.

till next time, peace

tc

When I look back at where Christmas all started, I see something simple, something humbling, peace, joy and most of all, love. It’s because of God’s love for us that the Christmas story even exists. I see a place that looks like a barnyard and some smelly shepherds as they watch as God's greatest miracle happens, while the world sleeps the night away. But as I looked around just today, Christmas has become the busiest time of the year. People fight over toys, Wal-Mart employees get trampled by crazed people looking for a deal, and what's in it for ME is today's standard. Our every thought is consumed by each house having the most lights on it , sending out cards so everyone can see how wonderful your family is (right), buying the best gifts, and if your a parent, making sure the kids get some cool toys. How different do these two scenes seem to ya ? How in the word did we get so far away ?

Strangely enough, Christ came to redeem that which was lost. His focus was never on Himself. His desires were always to obey the Father and save all of humanity. The church that started in the book of Acts was focused on telling others about Jesus and serving their neighbors and their communities. People living authentic and openness flourished. Living and sharing life together in good times and in bad. People chose to sacrifice for the good of others, freely giving up things that they once held tightly. People today often seem too inwardly focused. We argue over absolutely meaningless and very stupid topics while people are hurting. Families are falling apart. So how did we get so far from what God intended?

I think we need to be looking at the world through the eye's of God. Let me retract that, I KNOW we need to have God’s view of the world. We can look around and justify everything that we do with words, but God’s offer of redemption is open to everyone. Christ did not die for some, but for everybody. Christ allows us to be a light in a very dark world. Sadly enough, most choose to keep that a lid on it when it comes to even mentioning the name of JESUS !!!

HIS mission is not complete if we are not involved in some way - some how. I've been in ministry long enough to see opportunities are everywhere, especially NOW . Even with the economy in a downward spiral, how about giving of your time. Find a family, a single mom, an adolescent 6th grade boy that can't sit still for a hundred bucks, but who is hurting because he has no one to call dad and show them some Christmas love, God's love. Buy food for a local food pantry or for your church and help feed families or someone during this holiday season. Do what Christ did and make a sacrifice. Give away something you don’t need to help someone in need. God gave us a gift. Won't you share it with someone?

till next time,

peace be with you

tc

12 24 2011

Encouragers

I was looking in Romans 8 looking for info on the Holy Spirit of God in, were I saw that God gives the believer much encouragement along the way. 1) We have the encouragement of heir-ship. In (v.14-17), we see that, at the moment of salvation we became “sons of God,” and also “heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.” Now in Christ we have been given a new family (the Church) to encourage us, but also a future glory to look forward to as well. Praise the Lord that now in Christ, all that God has given Jesus will one day be shared with all in his family. 2) We have the encouragement of helpers. The first helper is the church. It's amazing how many people try to walk the Christian walk alone, rather than join a church and reap the benefits of having new brothers and sisters to help them and encourage them along the way. Now in Christ, we not only have a new family but secondly a new Dad, so that when we are in need or in distress, all we have to do is cry “Abba Father”(or dad help), and He promises to help. Thirdly, We also have The Holy Spirit’ help. The Bible tells us in (chp. 8) that as we travel our journey, the Holy Spirit is in constant communication with the Father, revealing to Him God’s will for our lives. So that when we know not the way, or when we can’t pray as we ought, the Spirit of God is constantly praying for us. Thank God, that God promises in His Word, that “He will never leave us or forsake us.”

Lean on that today. It's a promise. AND it's direct from God.

till next time .
tc
peace out

Church Online

Some of you know but most of you probably do not know I lead multiple lives. Yes, I admit it. There. Done said and over with, or is it? I am not bipolar or some kind a psycho frenzy crackhead. So here's the deal. I have a day job. Period, it pays the bills and allows for giving to my church and to help feed the homeless and to help out some money starved students who are penniless and just need a cheeseburger or a Starbucks,(that's over priced coffee) every now and then. So by having a day job, it allows me to be able to serve my body of believers, (that's a church. Duh) freely without any form of compensation. But that's just the start of it. So pull a chair. Besides being a Father, Husband, Friends to literally millions around the world as TC or Master Yoda, I am a Service Director, Former Student Pastor, Mentor to several in & out of ministry, Motorcycle rider and now College Pastor, I do some international and intentional spreading of the gospel to whoever in Egypt, Pakistan, China or who knows where, will listen to me. So here's the deal.
Years ago, I found a church based out of Oklahoma, (I thought Oklahoma only had cows and oil. I never knew they had people living there.), that showed a kinda of church service over the internet. That was weird. They record a few worship songs and the pastor would come on for about 20-30 minutes and talk. Well it's not supposed to be talking it's called preaching, but this guy talked in a very different language, (yes it was in Engrish), but he spoke with a calm passionate sincerity and with a passion I just really had not heard before.
I watched this Church Online for several months and eventually someone asked me HEY TC, WE would love for you to get involved and maybe consider joining the team. I prayed and God opened up a door to serve and to serve Globally. My job then, was to greet people as they come in the live chat as a "Chat Host". A year or so later I moved into the "Live Prayer" area while still chatting it up as a Chat Host. What an awesome thing to be able to pray and talk to people of different faiths. Muslim, Hindu,Agnostic and so on and so on. Even worshipers of Wicca, Devil Worshipers, Atheist and so many more. Men and Women who have addictions, drugs, cutting, sex offenders and ones hooked on Porn. We get lots of those. Somehow God allowed me to get plugged in to see that there is hurt everywhere and people searching in all the wrong places for something to satisfy the longing they have missing. My job, or OUR JOB is just give them hope, encouragement while pointing them towards Christ. What an awesome challenging responsibility and so gratifying.Aka: Global Missionary!! and I can be in my pj's to do it. woohoo
About a month ago, I was asked once again to "step up" and I was asked to be a Team Captain and lead a team of chat host, live prayer peeps,and a admin. God has yet continued to open yet another portal for me to serve. Naturally I consulted my best friend, being Jesus, and today I got the official word after being interviewed, that the position was mine. When I began my Church Online duties, there were less than 12 worship experiences a week. Now we have 50+ and at various times around the globe as to give viewers multiple opportunities to view what God was doing in Oklahoma. So as God and my supervisor get me all "trained up" to step in at full stride and yet my newest Jesus adventure, I ask you to join me each SATURDAY NIGHT AT 9:30PM CST. THE WEB ADDRESS IS
WWW.LIVE.LIFECHURCH.TV. Who knows, you to just me experience Jesus in a new and refreshing way. Look for me. I will probably be behind the curtain somewhere talking about my best friend, Jesus. DO U KNOW HIM ?

till next time
tc

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Ephesians 1:7

A contradiction in the bible. Not in my opinion. We usually don’t think of lavish and wisdom in the same breath or at least I don't. Lavish means you are giving more than is necessary or giving it freely. In this tight economy, when we think of wisdom, we think of using the bare minimum. To lavish seems to be wasting, and wasting is not wise. Especially when God is lavishing something on us. From every perspective, it seems like we’re a bad investment. What can we actually give God that He doesn't already have? It can be easy to feel like we are a waste of God’s resources or grace when we constantly keep blowing it. But that’s not how God sees it. God in effect says to every one of us: No. You’re a good investment from my perspective. I think you’re worth it. I’m not lavishing my grace on you because I don’t know how bad you are. I’m lavishing my grace on you because of how good I am. And because I know how great you can be. And I’m doing it with all wisdom.”

God doesn’t waste anything. There isn’t one drop of blood or one forgiven sin He wishes He could have back. Even when it applies to you. There will never be a moment where God has second thoughts about whether He should have lavished His grace on humanity. Even when it applies to you. The reason God’s pouring out on us looks like foolishness is because all we see is who we were and who we are. God, on the other hand, already knows what we will become. In this life and in the next. And He knows that the only way we’re going to become it is by His GRACE. His continuing grace. And that’s why He’s wise to give it. I admit that I am truly unworthy of anything from God, but I am so so glad he sees otherwise.



Till next time

tc

One of the biggest critiques of the American Church today is that many of them seem to be malnourished. Some would even say it’s our most pressing problem.

When most say this, their focus is usually on the worship experience. That problem we at LCWM just don't have at all. But,from people that I know ,they tell me, they hear “I didn't getting fed.” Or, “I just want some deeper teaching.” From people outside these churches you hear,“too much milk, not enough meat.”

In some cases, I’m sure it just might be true. But I really don’t think that’s the real problem. Yes, I do think American Christians are malnourished. But I don’t believe it has anything to do with milk or meat.

Most American Christians aren’t malnourished because of what they’re getting fed on Sunday at all. They’re malnourished because they don’t feed themselves Monday through Saturday.

So you had filet mignon on Sunday and learned about the union of Christ and the church as it relates to the rapture and the design of the tabernacle in relation to Levitical dietary laws as understood by the Council of Trent. BAM. Good for you. Have fun starving yourself the rest of the week and letting your pastor read the Bible so you don’t have to. WHAT? Did I just call you lazy? YEP and your priorities are in the wrong place bro. or sis.

The crisis facing the church today isn’t what people are getting fed on Sundays. It’s what they’re not feeding themselves the rest of the days. Who really cares whether you consume meat or milk on Sunday if it’s the only meal you have all week?

I’m not saying this to get pastors and churches off the hook. It is the shepherd’s job to feed the sheep (John 21). And feed them well based on their needs and faith development. But it’s also the sheep’s job to eat: Let's look at it like this,ok ?

13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:13-14

See, it's right in the bible, another BAM. Here’s the point. Churches: we have a responsibility. Churches should serve up the Word, hot and fresh every single Sunday. Church Leaders, it is our job to create and sustain processes and systems that responsibly enable people to grow in their faith after receiving Christ. The church and it's leaders should be sharing their philosophy and approach of how they do that. If they don't, then they just might not have a plan or a vision.

People in our churches: you also have a responsibility. If you refuse to study the Word, apply it, pray some during the week, join a small group and dig deeper with others, there’s not much we can do to help you. Your malnourishment won’t be cured by anything we give you on Sunday.

So are you an infant and need milk? Drink it for now, but the only way you’re getting more mature and will be ready for meat is by training yourself. Constantly. Do you want meat?

Spend time with God each and every day and place the correct priorities in their proper places.

till next time, peace

tc

It's only time.

Why are people always in a hurry. Running behind as usual. Is life supposed to be this way?
People never enjoying the journey to get to where they are going. All the missed opportunities along the way.

So that begs the question. How do we get so busy that we over book ourselves or we just haven't learned to say no.
Many times in life we say yes to good things and therefore leaving no time to the better things. Eternal things. Things that have eternal rewards.

I remember back not too too long ago and I would say yes to EVERYTHING. Wrong move. It seems like I was about to fall off a cliff and I woke up. Since that day, I ask myself, do I have time for this or not. Ya see, Jesus needed J time "Jesus aka Daddy time" when He needed recharging or just clarity on His Fathers wishes, we call that God's will. I have heard thousand of people say, " I want to be safe right in the middle of God's will for my life". And several times I have asked they did they have any idea of what they just said. After I explained it they were like woo I had no idea. You see, God requires SURRENDER and most if not all of us, are still working on that, I know I am.

So with all this words said so far, I have to ask you these questions. Because the Bible tells us to examine ourselves and YOU probably have not done that in a very long time. So here we go, and i will go from #5 to the top question of #1.

#5 - Do you read your bible daily, maybe even a devotional? Yes /No

#4 - Are you plugged in to local church? I mean INVOLVED, not just sit on the back row and make a fast exit. Yes / No

#3 - Do you pray at least daily? I mean a no selfish prayer and pray for others? Yes / No

#2 - Have you ever accepted Christ as Lord and Savior? Yes / No

#1 - Do you TRULY love Jesus? Yes / No He asked Peter that question multiple times.


If you were honest with your answers, that LIGHT BULB, should have gone off over your head.

So re-evaluate your priorities and give your time and attention to First Jesus, then let good works follow that have eternal meaning.And, if you need eternal things to do, email me at tim@lifechurchconnect.com , I have plenty of ideas to share.

till next time, peace

tc

God's is not mad at you.

I heard a different message from our Worship Leader. Keith Adams, at Life Church tonight and it got me thinking about something He said. "God's is not mad at you."
Many people have a warped view of God’s reaction to our sin.
They think that if God is disciplining them, He’s out to get them. They’ve walked away from God, so now He’s paying them back. Getting even. Settling the score.
God doesn’t discipline us to pay us back but to bring us back.
To our senses.
To the life we were saved for.
To Him.
One of the most unloving things God could do would be to allow you to live in sin and operate under the illusion that you’re still close to Him. Now one of the most loving things God can do is to BUST YOU in your sin. Then to make you realize just how far away you are from him. To get you to see just how far you’ve drifted, and how desperately you need to come back.
That's why sometimes God will discipline us. He will accept your momentary pain for your eternal pleasure. He doesn’t have a vendetta. He’s not trying to settle scores and He’s not trying to pay us back.
God’s wrath is satisfied.
The score was settled on the cross.
What payment does He have to gain from us that Jesus hasn’t already given to Him?
If you’re a Christian, there is absolutely no wrath left for you. The only thing remaining is God’s loving discipline. If you’re experiencing that right now, God doesn’t hate you. He is just trying to bring you back to Him.

till next time,
tc

What's Wrong !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In Acts 2, 3000 + people received Christ and the numbers grew.

Then "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

Did you see that or did It fly by you too fast.

Rewind Replay

"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

catch it?

They devoted themselves. Who devoted themselves? The new believers!

Nobody devoted them to the teaching. They had to do it for themselves. The apostles taught with the Authority they had been given thru the Holy Spirit.

But the burden of discipleship fell on the newbies, New Christians , not the ME or leaders of the church.

It's like the saying, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. As one in ministry for a few weeks , ha, it is my job and our job (other pastors and ministers, etc,) to create and continually refine things that will make people responsibly grow in their faith after receiving Jesus as Saviour.

But if a newbie is not willing to devote himself to teaching, fellowship, and serving, it doesn’t mean I failed in discipliship at all.

It probably DOES MEAN that he/she is not a truly a regenerated born again believer after all. He/She just has what I call a "warm & fuzzy". When someone, boy/girl, man/women receives Christ, and TRULY RECEIVES HIM, they are a new creation, PERIOD. And the NEW CREATION should have a HUGE HUNGER for the things of God. And that’s an appetite only God can create.

Biblical discipleship isn’t about spoon feeding a new baby. According to Acts 2:42, it’s an all you can eat self-service buffet. WOOHOO. So, Go get your own plate. Refill your own drinks. And clean up after yourself. AND MOST OF ALL

Devote yourself! That I just can't do for you, BUT, I am here to help get you there and I am where I have always been, EAGER TO HELP AND SERVE.

tc

peace

The Sky is Falling. The Sky is Falling. I must Run and Tell the King

Some people say the ancient Mayans say that the world’s expiration date is quickly approaching, but there are other arguments around these days about just how imminent such an end might be. A Statement like" Judgment Day is “guaranteed” to begin on May 21st, 2011. Oh, really now. I beg to differ. But who am I to argue the XPERTS.
I have been completely fascinated by this proclamation ever since I first heard Harold Camping’s declaration earlier this year. You see, this guy Camping is a long-time Christian radio broadcaster who has been around forever, well maybe not that long), but as long as I can remember, which is longer than most but not as many as a few........

So Harold, the earth is scheduled for destruction next week and you have “absolute proof” that the Rapture will take place a week from this Saturday, and that God will then destroy the entire planet along with the universe) on October 21st, about 5 months later. So if this is God’s plan for the end of the world, the planet must really be a wicked place.” and He is just tired and Bored with us humans.
Camping obviously has a twisted sort of mind and is in my opinion, something of a heretic or even a nut. He also thinks that the Holy Spirit has no connection to most Christian churches or denominations today.

So Harold, what does the Holy Spirit then do with all this free time. Go on Vacation? I think you were the same person who way back in 1994 set another day for our Lord’s return, which was back in 1994.

Harold, let me go on record to say that I don't have much patience for predictions about the future based on interpretations of religious texts. The Bible says NO ONE KNOWS THE HOUR. Not even the ARC Angels. NO ONE knows, which even includes me, Master Yoda. God holds that ace card in HIS HAND.
I know what many say about the Mayan calendar and that it abruptly stops. Did you ever think that they just ran out of ink or got bored with it and just went fishing or something. Maybe you meant to say because of this chain-reaction of uprisings in the Middle East, the Tsunami in Japan, the nuclear issues after wards along with the global financial crisis, and maybe even the recent tornadoes or even the flooding of the Mississippi.

So Harold, I give you the credit of being plain dumb. I trust what the Bible says that GOD SAID and NOT a man.
So I will probably wake up on May 22nd and just say, God I knew to trust you and not Harold. At least Harold hasn't asked me to drink the red Kool-Aid.
till next time
peace
tc

Inspired

As many of you know, I have been around ministry and in particular Student Ministry for a "few years. I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of seeing first hand students either accept or reject Jesus. I have been saddened, crushed, broken, bewildered, out of breath, confused, stressed, stretched myself way too thin on way too many occasions, thrown under the bus, ran over, talked about and just about slapped on a few occasions.

But then there are times when I am refreshed, confident, humbled, encouraged, complimented, thanked, prayed for and finally Inspired when a student gets it. I mean REALLY GETS IT and gets it BIG TIME.

Recently at a homeless outreach God spoke to a student in a very BIG way thru a very unlikely homeless person. You see many times we follow the Kaleo (Call) of God to go. Go and give the Good News to the less fortunate, the down trodden, the unlucky, the outcasts of today's society that few even like to be around. To tell others of God's Great Love for us, all of us. Not just to "church people". You see most "Church People" just DON'T GET IT. They go to church on Sunday after Sunday and walk in and walk out UNCHANGED. Never hearing inspiring words from the Pastor or much less from The Father through His Holy Spirit. I have been down that path, so I KNOW. But when I hear or see or READ in this case of a student who was spoken to by a homeless person and this homeless man simply spoke God's Word to her. Just the Opposite of why they came in the first place and it STUCK. Let's just say I am EXCITED. I can see why when just ONE SHEEP is FOUND, Heaven rejoices. But when I see it take place before my very eyes and I see a movement of God thru an unlikely candidate and this person easily recognises they have been slightly off the path and immediately correct it, I AM EXSTATIC. OK OK TC, I see you are excited but over something like this, ABSOLUTELY.

Sometimes I have seen days and weeks and months go by without seeing anyone GET IT. Hours of preperation and Bible study to reach just one student and then I just show up and am just standing there and out of the blue, BAM, God speaks and this one student GETS IT. U BET ur sweet bippy I am excited. I can read in the words they wrote and can just imagine their face is a glow and is lite up with God's Glow.

All I could think is God why them and why thru a homeless guy?

Then I get a quick reply back and am told because, If I did it any other way, You probaly would have not recognised it either. That's why I am God, Tim and you are Not. My timing is perfect. Learn and Rejoice and Stand Firm for your students. I belive in you.

So today, I stand humbled by God's Grace and that he loves people. All people and if God can speak thru a mule, He can surely speak thru one of his children.



till next time.

peace

tc

Things we have forgotten

What does Jesus mean when He tells us to follow Him? Are we supposed to just agree with what He says, or does He really mean we're supposed to do the things He did and live the life He lived? Once we understand how to follow Jesus, we see the hard life that might be in store for us, and then the real question becomes not how, but why we would want to follow Him in the first place.

Is church a specific place where individuals meet once a week to sing a few songs and listen to someone talk about God, or does church refer to the people themselves, who share a common mission in the world? Maybe if we start to view church the way God designed it, as a family loving each other and living and sharing all of life together, we might show the world a glimpse of who God is, and we might begin to impact the world as God intended us to do.

Then God gives each of us the gift of the Holy Spirit, our source of supernatural power. But today the church acts neither "super" nor "natural." How do we join the move of what the Spirit is doing? Maybe once we understand who the Holy Spirit is, the church can stop being so ordinary, and can start being the agents of change in the world that God designed us to be.

What does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear God? Is it a kind of respect or reverence as many in the church seem to see it today, or is it really more of a paralyzing fear that can drive you to your knees in trembling? A clear understanding of what the Bible teaches can lead to a true fear of God, which can ultimately lead to the life we were intended to live.

Is it possible that our prayers go unanswered because we are praying out of a sense of obligation or maybe for the wrong things? Are our prayers supposed to be a list of things we want, or are they really intended to be an ongoing dialogue with God about the things He wants? Maybe if we align our prayers with God's mission, we would see God answer our prayers in supernatural ways that we could never imagine.

What is communion really all about? Is it just a ritual that we're supposed to repeat from time to time, or is it intended to be a continual reminder among us that we are on a mission together? Maybe Jesus told us to remember this way because He knew that living on a mission can be hard, and that we need to help each other remember if we are going to accomplish what He has called us to do.

till next time
tc
peace

Powerless Lives

Why so many Christians live powerless lives.
The tragic truth of our time is that countless Christians are living without strength when their God is full of power. And I firmly believe that one of the main reasons this happens is that we don’t understand the difference between power and strength.

Over the last week I have seen someone come close to death several times and with many prayers He defeats it and improves with each set back. It seems like semantics, but this is actually what separates the ordinary believer from the great men and women of faith in the Bible and throughout history.

Every Christian believes God is powerful. But not every Christian understands that God’s power is not just a statement. It’s a tangible, practical reality that you have to seize and appropriate to your life.

In other words, God’s power isn’t an "ACE in the deck."
It’s possible for God to have all the power but for you to live in total weakness.

Think of it like this:
God is still all-powerful when you’re continuing to live in slavery to sin.
God is still all-powerful when you’re letting yourself be a victim of your circumstances.
God is still all-powerful when you’re living a life of mediocrity.
God is still all-powerful when you’re living as if He isn’t.

God already has all the power He will ever need to do everything He wil ever want to do. In the world and in your life. But God’s power is only potential until you convert it into strength by faith and action.

Strength is where you seize God’s power and walk it out daily.

To leave the slavery of your sin.
To rise above your circumstances.
To break out of the monotony of mediocrity.
To live a life that can only be explained by an infinitely powerful God.

Don’t waste another second praying that God would be powerful. He’s already powerful. And don’t waste another second praying that you would have more power. The power of the resurrection is inside of YOU. That’s more than enough power for anything you’ll ever face in your life.

You already have what you’re praying for. Take God’s power. Appropriate it. And let it become strength in every area your life.

If you are a believer, you have already been given the great commission and you don't need anyone's permission. ACT in HIS NAME Today.

Come on Church. RISE UP. TAKE ACTION. DO SOMETHING. DO IT with POWER.

till next time,

tc

Eat More Chicken

A few weeks ago I had breakfast with a buddy. We met at Chick-fil-A. We both love their food, but also because as Christians, you’re almost required by law to meet there for breakfast. It's actually one of TC's commandments and the bible states it like this, “Where any two or more are gathered, Chick-fil-A must be involved.” Well maybe not quite like that, but very similar. In the middle of breakfast, as we wrestled with a few issues, he said something interesting: “I wish God had given us a manual for this life we’re called to lead.” That’s a fair request to make when you think about how complicated life gets. We’ve all got bills to pay, meetings to attend, iPhones, Blackberrys or even my Incredible HTC Incredible, that doesn't stop chirping at us, Twitter feeds to read, Facebook friends to talk with, and a million other things that need our attention. Life is loud and complex sometimes.

What if there was a manual that showed us how to live? What if there was a book that talked about being busy and showed us how to have lives of peace? What if we could find, not just a broad philosophy, but actually a plan for each day of our lives? Can you fathom that? I’m not talking about a pamphlet or a website or even a series of YouTube videos that give us advice about double rainbows. Can you imagine hundreds and hundreds of God-spoken pages that read like a love letter to a world on tilt?

What if we had that? I have bookshelves littered with leadership manuals by numerous authors and yet I’ve searched for that book my entire life. And I don’t think I’m the only one. Sometimes, as Christians we lose sight of the Bible. We get used to it. We get familiar with it and forget what it really is. God’s word. God’s love letter. God’s plan. God’s day to day, life to life, heart to heart truth. Maybe it’s because we get busy or we “grew up in the church.” I think part of the reason we pine for a plan when we’ve already been given one is that the enemy distracts us. One of his favorite tricks is encouraging people to search for something they already have. It’s impossible to find something that’s already been found. And the manual for life has been. It’s the Bible. And it’s what you need and I need and even friends at a Chick-fil-A and maybe very soon, like in the next few days, I can sit in a Chick-fil-A booth and just hang a while with you to.

I leave you with this parting thought.

Every now and then shut the phone off and turn of the laptop and the tv and maybe even the radio. Go some place out of the way. Go off the beaten path and just sit and dwell with God. I just bet He will pull up a stool and join you where ever you are.

till next time,

peace

tc

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