Garden Photos

My garden is now installed.  In addition to what you see in the photos below, I have planted tomatoes, squash, pepper, cucumber, garlic, and field peas (brown crowder, black crowder, and lady pea).  When the plants get larger I'll post pictures.    Below are a few pics of what it looks like now.

Onions

Potatoes

Muscadine, Blueberry, & Pear
The freshly tilled area (in the photo below) got grass seed planted today. 

Friday Factoids

1.  This Sunday’s message is:  Trials – Getting Through the Tough Stuff, based on James 1:1-12.  After getting off to a good start last week with the series introduction, we will begin to dig deeper into this book and unpack its truths.  This Sunday’s message is going to be a real encouragement and very insightful.  The key thought is this:  real faith perseveres.

2.  Why I love the ministry.  For those of us who are called to ministry in the local church, no other vocational pursuit will satisfy.  If you are called, truly called, then nothing else will compare.  Sure, sometimes it tough.  I’ve felt like quitting more times than I can count.  But I know if I ever do, I would always want to come back. 

I would miss:

• Getting a terrific idea for a series and having the ability to develop it and teach it.
• Coming upon a nugget of scriptural insight, tethered to language and historical insights, and being able to share it.
• Living in full community with others.
• Being a leader, and being able to advance God’s kingdom.
• Being free to pursue the Great Commission with vigor.
• Being on the front lines of impacting lives – not just talking about life change but seeing it, experiencing it, and making it happen as I cooperate with the Holy Spirit.

3.  Next week on this blog I will begin a series on Deacons – that is, rogue deacons. Some churches are deacon possessed and need an exorcism.  Posting daily.

4.  Holy cow.  My garden is taking off.  The rain last night did wonders.  I can’t wait to post pictures.

5.  Today’s schedule:  Vigorous workout. Help volunteers clean building. Appointment.  Review Sunday’s message.  Visitation.  Chase Renae around the house.  Busy day.  :-)

Growing but Still Immature

Every parent has heard these words form their teenager, ““I’m eighteen years old.  I can do what I want to do?”

Though a teenager can be legally responsible for their actions at 18, what they lack is forty years of life-experience.  At 18, they are just old enough to get themselves into some deep trouble and spend the rest of their lives suffering for.  They don't know near as much as they think they do.

Likewise the most difficult stage of a persons spiritual journey is when they are in their “spiritual teenage” years.  i.e., You’re not a babe anymore, but neither have you arrived at maturity yet.  You only think you have.  This is the stage in which most people become disillusioned, find fault in their church that they can’t overcome, start church hopping, or simply quit altogether.

They’re growing in the Lord, attended some Bible studies, maybe taught a few classes, are reading their Bible, and are on a journey of learning.  Then all of a sudden they know everything.  They know how things are supposed to be run and begin projecting their expectations upon the church and other believers:

• If I was in charge I would do it this way…
• They dont' run this church properly...
• This church is not spiritual enough for me….
• I’m not being fed here any more….
• People in this church are shallow….
• There's too much sin in the church...
• Wa-wah-waah

Next thing you know they start missing church services because now they think they are spiritual enough to do so.  Instead, they attend a Bible study during the week and feel like it's enough.  They don’t need church anymore.  Or they start looking for a better church, or a more ideal church.  This is a journey – and I have seen it hundreds of times over the years –  that eventually leads to spiritual coldness, broken fellowship with the Body of Christ, and distance from God.

In contrast, the two groups of people in the church that are easiest to deal with are babes and those who are truly mature.

New Christians are easy to deal with, and a delight.  They are dependent.  They need nourishment and readily receive it.  They cry a little bit but that’s only because they have no other way to communicate.  They don’t know much of anything, therefore are easy to help.

Those who are truly mature are also a delight.  Years of wisdom have shaped and softened them.  They are mellow.  Everything doens't have to be black and white anymore.  They have a great deal of patience with imperfect people.  They don’t feel the need to express their opinion about everything.  They are less judgmental.  And they finally realize there is no perfect church in town and are content with their spiritual family.

It’s the group that is in-between that is the hardest.  A streak of rebellion and indepdence gets hold of them.  They get mouthy…judgmental… opinionated… and impatient with other people.  They always talk about what’s wrong at church... see everyone’s faults… and feel compelled to critique (criticize) the leadership.

Just like an 18 year old who can’t wait to leave home and get his own apartment, these growing but immature beleivers will often leave for the wrong reasons.   After the newness of their own place wears off, they soon discover that home wasn't so bad after all.

There are some lessons that can only be learned in the School of Hard Knocks.

(Repost) Faithful Teachers

James 3:1  “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment.”

Because of that warning, no man should rush into a preaching or teaching ministry. If he is not specially called or gifted of God, he will easily offend with his tongue and incur a greater judgment. The ministry is a serious place for those who regard its tasks in earnest.

The main function of a pastor is to teach because this is only gift that is identified in the list of qualifications for pastors.  The word is Didakikos – and is rendered “able to teach” in I Timothy 3:2.  A pastor must be a highly skilled teacher who works hard in his studies and proclamation.  He "labors" in the Word and doctrine according to I Timothy 5:17.  This sets him apart from deacons.

1.  Faithful pastors are to all teach the same truth.  We don’t have the option of developing our own theology, or to teach anything except the Word.  Developing our own stylized ministry and making ourselves the center of attention is not an option either because it’s not about us.  It’s about Jesus.

2.  The more faithful a pastor is in teaching the Word the more he will sound like other faithful pastors.  Faithful teachers all sound the same.  They are saying the same thing because they teach from the same source (God's Word).  They are standing in the same line as previous faithful teachers.  They are content to be numbered among the faithful.  They don’t need a personalized, stylized ministry that features “them.”  Instead, they feature the Word of God because that’s all we have been given.

3.  If you listen to someone who sounds like nobody else and says things you never hear anybody else say, go find another teacher because he is not faithful.  If you hear someone teach extra-Biblical revelations, concepts, notions, or ideas, go find someone else because he is not a faithful teacher.

“Preach the Word!........ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine….. but will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears, and they will turn away from the truth and be turned unto fables”  (2 Timothy 4:2-4)

That’s one of the problems we have in churches today – they are personality driven – instead of being scripturally driven.  It’s almost a celebrity culture.

Do everything you can to get “sound teaching” and “sound doctrine” embedded into your spirit.  In addition to sitting under faithful teachers, break out that old black book yourself and begin devouring its pages.

Sifted

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren (Luke 22:31-32 (KJV).

Sifting wheat is an agricultural process in which the grain is violently shaken or agitated to remove its outer shell. 

Simon Peter is a perfect example of being sifted  He had to endure tests, trials, challenges, and even his own personal blunders. He left his vocation and source of livelihood to follow Jesus. He sacrificed personal ambition and was sifted by Satan.

Satan’s goal in sifting Peter was to shake him to the core, to expose and exploit any weakness he had, and cause him to fail. Satan desired Peter for this sifting because he was the leader among the apostles. In fact, Satan’s plan was partially successful, causing Peter to deny the Lord three times that night.

Though Jesus spoke these words to Peter, but they are spoken to all of us prophetically. To be placed in the hands of Satan for a sifting process is uncomfortable; it's absolutely painful. But often it is necessary for the work that God is trying to accomplish in you. God has the unique ability to take circumstances in life and use them to birth within us a deeper anointing and stronger faith for greater service. When we go through seasons of sifting, we must understand that God is trying break the outer shell to tap into the potential that is inside us.

Jesus also said, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not…” There’s great assurance in knowing that Jesus Himself is interceding for us. Although Peter failed, he found his way back. If you are in a sifting process, you WILL make it through. It may take days, weeks, or even years; but you will make it. Your faith will not fail. God is birthing a deep work within you.

The sifting that God is allowing to take place in you is intended to separate the good from the bad. It will cause some things to surface from within you that God wants you to repent of and to put away. Then He will take what’s left and use it for His purposes. You will do exploits.

This is the call of God on your life. Just don’t allow the process to discourage you. If God has allowed you this experience, it is designed to teach you something that can be used as a testimony for Christ.

The ministry is not easy. You don't just step into it. You are sifted into it.

Sunday Mind Dump - April 7, 2013

I really love PCC.

Our services are so good… and our people are some of the most enjoyable to fellowship with.

Great people.  Good services.  Exceptional talent.  Over-the-top singers.  Authentic friendships.

There are some very good pictures on Facebook right now of PCC.

The series introduction to the book of James got off to a very good start.  Really had a lot of fun too.

Got a lot of positive feedback after service.  Several people pinned me down in conversation to tell me “their stories.”  Always enjoy that.

Never forget, the book of James is about behavior… not merely beliefs. 

Anyone can say, “I believe this” or “I believe that” or “I’m a follower of Jesus Christ” – but it is our behavior that reveals what we truly believe.

We are going to learn a lot over the next ten weeks.

I’m glad that we can “just be real” at PCC. 

We don’t pretend to have it all together… we’re not trying to be as pious as the Pope all the time… just authentic.  At PCC it’s okay to admit that you’re not hitting triple’s every time you are at bat.

I love the people I get to do life with. 

There’s a couple who attends PCC; they drive an hour one way to be in service each Sunday.  That’s a two hour round-trip each week.  It’s humbling to me to know they love their church this much and will go to such an effort.  They have been attending with us since we conducted our Time to Build Campaign about 10 years ago – they pledged in the campaign… still give faithfully… attend faithfully… encourage me often… and have weathered many bumpy seasons with us.  Always faithful.  I thank God for such people.  This makes me want to go the extra mile in my duties as pastor.

Today during the music and singing I was sitting in the congregation, quietly worshipping and reflecting on the Lord when had this thought:  PCC really has had an impact on people’s lives over the years.  My mind raced across the congregation and I began to think about all the people who have been with us for so many years… who attend faithfully each week…. who are so hopeful that the Lord will come through for them… who have such confidence in their church and its pastors… people who we have helped…. and people who have helped me, my family, and this church… and I was overcome with thankfulness.

When I think about walking away and quitting – because of a few difficult people who make my job a pure nightmare – it’s people like these who keep me at my post of duty.

Other news…

Rick Warren’s son, Matthew (27 years old), committed suicide Friday night.  I can’t imagine the pain that Rick and his wife Karen must be going through.  Pray for them.

Rick Warren is the pastor of Saddleback Community Church in California, and is the author of the Purpose Driven Life.  Renae and I visited Saddleback Church in 2006 and it was a life-changing experience for us. 

Both of us attended separate small group sessions with Rick and Kay and discovered they are very real people – authentic and down-to-earth – without any pretense.  In spite of their national influence (my impression is) they have remained true to their humble beginnings.

Disregard their celebrity right now… they are suffering parents and that’s all that really matters.

Let’s put the foundation of prayer underneath them.

It’s what bearing one another’s burdens is all about.

Personal….

I’m still practicing intermittent fasting.  It’s been about ten weeks.  I fast twenty hours each day.  I’m holding strong and remain committed.  It’s gotten a lot easier too.  I've lost a lot of weight... in all the right areas.  Clothes fit better too.  

My garden is totally planted.

I spent most of yesterday planting field peas (Knuckle Purple Hull, Black Crowder’s, and Lady Peas), and building trellises for the cucumbers and tomato plants.

Very excited about that.  Got a lot accomplished.

I spend a lot of time in my garden.  It’s therapeutic for me.

I’ve planted so many vegtables this year that I’m going to have more harvest than I can use.  My intention is to give much of it away.

My garden contains red potatoes, peppers, squash, cucumber, field peas, tomatoes, garlic, and onion.

In addition, I have planted a long row of blueberry bushes and grapes (red/black Muscatine) about 80’ long… two pear trees (Kieffer & Ayres)… and two fig trees.  I still plan to plant a Mandarin Satsuma (citrus) soon.

I’ll post plenty of pictures… or if you would like to come over and see it sometime, I’d be glad to give a tour.

Me and Renae have an out-of-town fishing trip planned in the month of May.  Can’t wait.  We’re going to Lake Talquin near Tallahassee.  This makes our third trip there and enjoy our time away… as well as with the people we do this trip with.

Hope to catch some Crappie (croppy) this time.

Family…

My oldest son (Jonathan) who plays every other Sunday at PCC is a police officer at UWF and is now playing in a country band on the side.  Doing a good job with those guys.

My daughter in-law (Jamie, his wife) is pregnant with their second child – a girl.  Me and Renae are very excited about this.  Taylor Grace Christian will be her name.

My youngest son (Nathan) is on an authentic spiritual journey right now.  The transformation is remarkable.  We are very, very encouraged about this.

Jamie’s parents (Robert & Ann Lewis) are good people too… and I’m fortunate to be joined to them in this family connection.

I feel like I belong to a village.

Me and Renae went fishing with Captain Tommy last week (he is an usher at PCC).  We caught a bunch of fish… big fish.  Very enjoyable.  It was a high point for us. 

Ministry….

When starting a new ministry you must make sure your motives are right.  A bitter root produces bitter fruit.

When changing churches you must make sure your motives are right too, and for the same reason.  A root of bitterness will defile you (Hebrews 12:15)…. no matter where you attend.

When your motives are pure and you are surrounded by good people.... your ministry will be fruitful.

 

We Are Good to Go for This Sunday

1.  After a big day last week – Easter Sunday – we have prepared ourselves for this Sunday.  The building has been cleaned, the songs have been selected, projection slides have been prepared, schedules have been worked out for Kidz Zone, and a new message series will begin.  I can’t wait!  I love Sundays at PCC.

2.  Our Friday volunteers are some of the finest people I know.  They work so hard each Friday morning getting the entire building ready for Sunday.  They have been doing it for years.  I really enjoy the time we have together – working shoulder to shoulder – (yes, I actually help vacuum the building) – and then have a meal together.  Each week we have breakfast about 10:00 a.m., and sometimes we will have a lunch together.  This is a ministry team – small group – life group – whatever you want to call it – in every sense of the word.

3.  The new message series is based on the book of James – Putting My Faith into Action.  The content in this NT book has the potential to be a game-changer for us at PCC.  Another thing, over the next four weeks you will hear three different teachers.  By the time the series is over, maybe more.

4.  Let me remind you that within 48 hours – in our weekend service – people’s lives are going to be changed.  God is going to show up at PCC.  He will soften hearts and draw people to Himself by the Holy Spirit.  The gospel will be preached and the scales will fall off blinded eyes.  People will be loved, welcomed, and accepted.  Please, please, please be in church… and bring a guest with you – especially the unchurched.

5.  Me and Renae took a day off this week to go fishing.  It was a gorgeous day on the water near Pensacola Pass.  Thanks to Tommy Lambeth (who I now call “Captain Tommy”) who guided us around, we were able to catch 24 Sheepshead between the three of us.  It could not have been a better day.  We even watched the Blue Angels from our boats.  Aside from the pure enjoyment, it was a day well spent for our mental health. 

24 Sheepshead Caught on this Trip

A great day on the water....  NW Florida is a good place to live.

New Churches that Start for the Wrong Reasons

When a new church is planted in a community, it can be a good thing.  New churches can grow faster and reach more people than established churches if their focus is right.  However, many new churches start for the wrong reasons.  Here are five:

1.  The new church is a negative reaction to a former church.  Thus, the very reason the new church exists is because of negative overtones.  Therefore the DNA of the new church is filled with negativity from the very beginning.

2.  The pastor of the new church recruited, solicited, or pilfered the pews of a neighboring church to get started.

3.  Bad feelings and ill-will exists between two churches.

4.  The new church begins with a negative reputation in the community.  i.e., It was a ‘split’ or ‘took members’ or ‘fought’ with a previous church.  Those are the kind of words that damage the reputation of a church that is trying to reach its community, making it handicapped from its inception.

5.  The new church is a magnet for disgruntled people from other churches.

All five of these reasons will hinder a new church.  It will flounder in mediocrity and ineffectiveness until there is a better vision.  Plus, God’s blessings simply cannot rest on the new work in His fullness until there is repentance for the sin committed. 

Note to Pastors....

1.   When your church members tell you they do not like CHANGE or NEW THINGS, just smile and tease them about that, because they do not mean it.  Let me repeat:  THEY.  DO.  NOT.  MEAN.  IT.  All you have to do is look in their driveways (they are not driving a 1948 Pontiac, but something much newer).  Look in their living rooms (they have computers and HD flat-screen TVs).  Look in their closets (they are not wearing their grandparents clothes, but newer and attractive clothing).  And, oh yea, look at the cell phone in their hand (they no longer use a rotary phone).

2.  When your church members tell you they do not like THINGS TO GET BIGGER, just smile and tease them about that too, because they do not mean it.  Let me repeat:  THEY.  DO.  NOT.  MEAN.  IT.  All you have to do is ask them, “Do you want your checking account to get bigger?” or “Do you want your business to get bigger?” or “Do you want your pension plan to get bigger?” or “Would you like receive a bigger paycheck each week?  Why, then, do you want your church to stay small?”

3.  Tell your people if they do not love Jesus, enjoy fellowship and worship with the saints, or appreciate serving the Lord, THEY WILL NOT LIKE HEAVEN and GOD WILL NOT MAKE YOU GO.  Heaven is for the Redeemed, the saints of God whose robes are white as snow and dipped in blood (Rev. 7:14).  Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people (John 14:1-6).  C. S. Lewis’ book “The Great Divorce” makes the point that the hell-bound would be miserable in heaven for the simple reason they do not fit.

To follow Jesus means change, and lots of it – change and more change.  It means kingdom advancement and a bigger church because Jesus is building the Church.  And the best way to know whether or not we will “fit” in heaven is to love the things of the Lord in this life.