Do It Afraid

Yesterday, as Esther and I were talking to a Southeastern professor about our daughter, Brittany, I noticed a piece of paper hanging on the wall next to his desk, full of quotes from authors and leaders. They were there obviously because they struck a cord with him and were constant reminders to keep him focused and give him strength. One of the quotes was from Joyce Meyers. I had read this quote before and have reminded myself of it from time to time. I have even used it to encourage others throughout the years. It’s simple, short and powerful:

“Do it afraid”.

That’s it; just three little words, but with so much meaning.

It comes from the title of Joyce Myers’ book with the same title. For her blog post on this, go to:  http://www.joycemeyer.org/articles/ea.aspx?article=do_it_afraid.

I wonder how many times we keep ourselves from moving forward in God’s plans for our lives based on fear.

A simple search of scripture shows us that God repeatedly says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.” Jesus seems to constantly remind his disciples not to fear. Why? Because he is with them. 

There is no reason for us to be afraid of what others say or do, for our God is with us.

So... if you are afraid to talk to someone, or try something new – why not just step out and do it afraid. Perhaps God wants to teach you that it is not about your feelings of fear, but about His strength in your life.

My Prayer for Centerpointe Church:

Lord, I pray for the people you have put in my care today. I pray that they will be strong and courageous. I pray they will experience your presence in such a powerful way and it would make them bold and stouthearted. May they walk in Your strength, Your power and Your authority.

Amen.

Praying for Our Nation

Yesterday, I was talking to a friend of mine who is a police officer as they were preparing to arrest someone. They shared with me that just when they thought they had seen the lowest of humanity, there is something else, or someone else, that sinks even lower.


As I am reading through the Bible, I am currently reading in the Minor Prophets, Micah and Nahum to be specific, I am reminded that wickedness permeated Israel during their time and God called them to take bold stands and speak out against it. For surely the judgement of God is on its way.


However, even in the midst of the prophetic judgements, there stands powerful messages of God's love and compassion. For example: Micah 7:18-20 says,  “Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.” (NLT-SE).


This reminds me that even in the midst of wickedness, God desperately calls us to himself. He waits patiently and is ready to forgive us our sins. Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds.


Yes, We should be angry at the effects of sin. It ruins lives, families and nations. But we should also be filled with hope - hope in the power of Jesus to change lives and transform nations.


This week, I performed a marriage for a couple that had been divorced. They both came to a place of repentance and God did a major work in their lives. After much prayer, confession, forgiveness, counseling and communication they came back together. What a joy it was to stand in the front of our sanctuary and see their sons beam with joy as they watched their mom and dad renew their covenant relationship. It was so cute to hear them repeat along with their parents, "I, __________, take thee..."


Now that is the power of God in the middle of a sinful world!

Intergenerational Church

In the Washington D.C. area, pastoring a diverse congregation is fairly common. People from all over the world have come to live here and almost every country is represented. Centerpointe Church reflects this diversity and I am grateful. 

However, recently, I have been thanking God for a different diversity: the diversity of generations.  

Over the last couple of weeks, Esther and I have spent time with people at Centerpointe Church from all age groups. On July 4th, our house was filled with people in their 20's. The following Sunday we were sitting in a room with "more mature" people singing old gospel hymns. Both groups loved God and live to serve Him. 

Although pastoring a church with several generations represented comes with certain challenges (worship songs and styles, decor, sermon presentation, programing, etc.), I am proud of the way our congregation is working to value each other. One young couple shared with me that the reason they chose CP is because there were older couples in the church who were willing to invest in them. It is great to watch the interaction between the generations. 

Let's continue to learn from each other and love the differences. 

Serving Together,
Pastor Keith

The Fruit of the Spirit

Esther and I enjoyed speaking to the women of Centerpointe yesterday during our Sunday School hour. To be more precise, Esther did the speaking and I did the commentary, but we had a great time.

During the morning worship service, I preached on how families are to live together in a way that exemplifies Christ. This means living under the influence of the Holy Spirit and allowing the Fruit of the Spirit to grow in each of us.

Enjoy

Great Books on Marriage and Family

Here are four books I am recommending during our series, "Ready the House Family Edition." They are meant to be a resource for you as you strive to thrive in your marriage, not just survive.  

1. Pray Big for Your Marriage is a wonderful book by Will Davis Jr. with lots of practical and specific ways to pray for your marriage and spouse. It includes a 30 day devotional guide. One chapter is specifically geared for those who have an unbelieving spouse. 

2. Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerich is a classic must read for couples. It gets to the basic differences between what men and women need in a relationship. 

3. Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman is another classic. It is not only helpful in marriage, but also has great insight into how people respond differently. I learned a lot about people from this book.

4. The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian is a must read for every wife. This book changed our marriage - I'll leave it at that.

Ready the House Family Edition - One Minute Prayer of Blessing

Yesterday, I encouraged husbands and wives to pray a one minute prayer of blessing over each other. Hearing words of blessing is a powerful and life changing experience. At the end of the message, Esther and I modeled this before the congregation. Here is the video of Sunday's message.

Ready the House Family Edition

Ready the House Family Edition

 

As I look over the landscape of marriages in the church, I am concerned that the people who are Christians are living in marriages no healthier than people who do not confess a relationship with Christ. I am also concerned about the models of marriage that are represented by television sitcoms and unrealistic reality shows - talk about messed up families!

On Sunday, we will begin a new sermon series called Ready the House Family Edition. Psalms 127:1 says, "Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good" (NLT). Proverbs 3:33 says that the Lord blesses the home of the upright. 

For the next seven weeks we will talk about what it means for the Lord to build our homes. There will be special sessions for husbands, wives, singles and special topics. See Ready the House Family Edition for details.

I am believing God to help families who are healthy to celebrate and grow closer together and to do miracles in families who are struggling to hold it together. 

 

He is a God of miracles.

 

52 Days of Learning

Over the last 52 days, Centerpointe Church came together to renovate, restore, remodel and upgrade the church facilities and systems. People gave generously of their time and resources to "Make it So." I am so proud of the unity and sacrifice of our people. We studied the book of Nehemiah as a congregation and we tracked along closely with the people of Israel in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and the later reforms.

During this time, we have learned some valuable lessons together that are worth mentioning:

1. Working together is more about people than projects. Personalities come to surface as we are put in pressure situations, but at the end of the day, we are still a family and God gets the glory. The building simply houses the activity of God's people for a few hours a week, the rest of God's activity happens outside of the church walls.

2. We can dream what seems to be impossible dreams. In God's hands, nothing is impossible. With a church of 200, it did not make since to tackle such a project in such a short amount of time, but God specializes in things thought impossible.

3. It's amazing what can be done when God's people work together. There is no way we could have accomplished what we did if we did not have many volunteers show up and work together.

4. Although change is necessary, change is hard work. Even when people work together, it is difficult - but so worth it.

5. Doing anything for God demands courage and commitment. If you are going to do anything for God, you will take a little heat. I am so proud of the leaders of Centerpointe who took a risk to move forward. They agreed on the plan and stuck to it.

6. Vision has to be communicated over and over again for people to buy into it. Even though the staff grew tired of talking about the 52 days after the second week, the congregation was just catching on. Constant communication is critical.

7. God is willing and able. Every time something came up that we could not handle, God sent someone along at just the right time with the right skills to help. He seemed to be saying at every critical moment, "I got your back." He is not only a mighty God, He is an active God who is involved in the details of our lives. 

 

We still have a lot to learn. For one, just like the Israelites, we will have to learn how to live in a new environment. It will take a lot of love and patience. In fact, we will have to be more like Jesus than ever before, so that's a good thing.

We have "readied the house", now let's "fill the house."

 

Ready the House Video

Ready the House work Video

A Quick Lesson in Godly Leadership Found in Deuteronomy 17:18-20

It is written that any King of Israel was required to hand write a copy for himself the instructions the Lord gave Moses before inheriting The Promised Land. He then was to keep it near him and read it daily as long as he lived. In doing so, he would learn to fear the Lord, and it would prevent him from becoming proud and from turning away from God. It would also ensure that descendants would reign for many generations in Israel.

If a person is to grow in Godly leadership, one must hold the Word of God as top priority in their life. By reading and meditating on it every day, it will:

1.   Keep your heart humble

2.   Keep your path straight

3.   Ensure a Godly legacy

This is a great lesson for all leaders in any capacity.

Coaching From the Inside

Coaching From the Inside

I had the privilege of writing an article for the Enrichment Journal and it just came out today. It is an article that can help pastors apply coaching principles to their leadership team. I trust it is helpful.

"Ready the House: Make It So!"

This is a video from Glenn Reynolds, pastor of Bethel Church in Hampton, VA. What a wonderful voice of encouragement.  
"Ready the House: Make It So!"

Exciting Days Ahead

This Sunday will be an incredible day at Centeprointe Church. To start with, we will receive forty people into membership, twenty-two of which are from New Life, our Brazilian congregation. This leads me to our second celebration: the official merger of New Life and Centerpointe. Three years ago, Pastor Erivan had a dream that one day the Brazilian Flag and the American Flag would come together. God has now answered that dream. Finally, we will receive the “Ready the House” offering. We are believing God for $100,000 to renovate and upgrade the church building and ministries in order to prepare it for increase. 

This is an important week for our church family as they are praying about what God would have them give to “Ready the House”. We are asking for those who can, to be as generous as they can, and for those who are struggling, to be gracious in receiving. There is a spiritual lesson for both. Everyone however, can do something; whether it is by gift or by service. Most importantly, all of us can pray and all of us need to be obedient. God will honor each gift. 

This has been an incredible journey of enthusiasm and expectation as we have united in prayer and vision. Let us continue to dream together and work toward leading MANY people to Jesus. 

May the God of Heaven grant us success as we make His house ready for increase.

Together We Fight - Day 2 Wisdom

Today our focus is on wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” The NIV says, “…who gives generously without finding fault.” I love the idea that God is looking, not to rebuke us, but to help us.

Take some time and meditate on the following scriptures: Proverbs 24:3-7; Nehemiah 2:4-8; Ephesians 5:15-17; Matthew 11:12; Psalm 111:10 

Prayer for Self: Lord, give me wisdom to understand Your ways for my life. I want to be receptive and obedient to your voice. 

Prayer for Centerpointe Church: Lord, give the pastors, deacons, leaders and workers your wisdom to guide the church in such a way that you are honored and glorified. 

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

Together We Fight - Day 1

This week we are creating additional space in our lives for prayer and fasting. We are in our fourth week in Nehemiah and we must stay sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. To help us be unified in our prayers, the prayer team of Centerpointe has put together a prayer guide along with scriptures to read.

Our focus today is humbling ourselves before the Lord. Joshua 3:5, says, “Then Joshua told the people, ‘Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you.’”

Take some time to read and meditate on the following scriptures: Psalm 91; Galatians 5:24-26; 6:2; Nehemiah 4:20; and Ephesians 4:3-6.

Prayer for Self: Lord, I need the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. I humble myself before you. Examine my life and heart to see if there is anything I need to confess and make right with you and/or others.

Prayer for Centerpointe Church: Lord, cleanse us from anything that is keeping us from serving You and our community. Reveal to us the areas that are working against unity.

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

Ready the House - "Make It So"

I am excited about what God is doing at Centerpointe Church. Over the last two Sundays, I have shared the vision of “Ready the House”. God has uniquely and strategically placed CP in Fairfax to make an impact for Christ, and we are making the house ready for increase by:

 - Making our facilities as exciting as our people 

 - Enhancing and securing our children and youth areas 

 - Expanding our influence through media and technology 

 - Creating space for relationships and discipleship pathways 

 - Making necessary improvements 

 - Launching a second Sunday Morning Service

Each week, I have been asking strategic leaders if they are "all in". It's been incredible to see the excitement and hopeful expectation in their eyes. They know it will take prayer, work, unity, faith and extraordinary generosity, but each one has jumped on board enthusiastically. 

I love this church!

Keith 
 

 

The Mission of Centerpointe Church

Before a church can move forward, it must understand what God has called it to be. Yes, all churches should have the same values of Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship and Evangelism, but the expression of those things are unique to each church. Defining that unique mission is a place to start. It lays the foundation for ministry and brings clarity and focus. 

Discovering your mission is a matter of prayer, calling, giftedness and community awareness. It doesn't come by reading another church's website or attending another church growth seminar. There are no shortcuts.

Over the last year, Centerpointe Church has been seeking God's wisdom and direction. We now believe that he has given us direction. 

The Mission of Centerpointe Church is to be a Pentecostal church in Fairfax, Virginia, that brings the One Hope of Jesus Christ, with One Heart in unity, working with One Mission to change our community and impact the world. 

We believe God has strategically placed us in the center of Fairfax County for these reasons:

• To see MANY come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ and become his disciples
• To grow deep in our knowledge and passion for God and our love for others
• To grow broader in our outreach through compassion, evangelism and missions
• To impact the marketplace through leadership and influence
• To restore the beauty of the arts back to the Creator
• To bring healing, vitality and health to marriages and families
• To establish new churches and revitalize existing ones
• To raise up and release an army of trained pastors, missionaries and leaders

Of course, these are simply words on paper if there is no movement toward practical application. As Centerpointe Church moves forward, careful attention will be given to each area. 

May the Lord grant us favor as we follow Him. 

A Band of Brothers

I just spent the last three days with my band of brothers. Over the last ten years, we have met together for three days to tell our stories, have fun and pray. We talk about everything - and I mean everything. Every year, someone is walking through a personal challenge and we give them enough room to talk. We listen, ask questions, pray, read scripture and speak words of encouragement, which many times become prophetic. It's all in a safe, confidential environment. Last year I, and one of the other guys, was on the hot seat. It was a year of serious transition for me, and a family health issue for the other. One year later, each of the prophetic prayers over us were answered: I was led to Centerpointe Church and my friend's daughter was healed. Praise God for both!!  This was a year to celebrate.

This year we took a trip to see Mark Batterson, a friend and author of Circle Maker and pastor of National Community Church. What God has done in his life over the last 15 years is miraculous. We spent the rest of the day in D.C., walking, eating, and in serious laughter. Later, we returned to our hotel for another session of prayer. IT WAS AWESOME!

I give thanks for my band of brothers. I only wish that every man, especially every pastor had a group of other pastors that they could share their life with.

My Band of Brothers with Mark Batterson. What a Day!

Defining Reality Without Being Held Hostage

Part of leadership is defining the realities. Visionary leadership defines reality without being held hostage to it.
No one has to remind me that there are giants in the land and we look like grasshoppers in their sight, and no one has to remind me that the cost of growing a church is far greater than our abilities and resources. I know these things full well. I see the reports, the numbers, the deposits and the expenses.
No...what I need is:
A reminder of God's provision. I have too much history of God's provision to let one season of difficulty discourage me.
A reminder of God's power. Nothing is to difficult for Him.
A reminder of God's promises. They are "yes" and "amen."
A reminder of God's presence. If He is for us, no one can stand against us.
A reminder of God's Word - which reminds me of all those things I need to remember.
I know the realities, I see them clearly. What I need is to see God more closely.

Making A Resolution vs. Being Resolved

Saturday, at a men's breakfast, we discussed the difference between “making a resolution” and being “resolved.”Making a resolution has lost its meaning over the years because we have broken so many of them. It is now a throw away word creating short-sighted goals.

To be resolved is about character. For examples: 

• We should be people resolved to be a person after God’s own heart
• We should be people resolved to be a person of integrity
• We should be people resolved to be godly parents, leaders, friends, etc.

Being resolved sets up a belief system or value system which then gives our short-term goals have purpose and meaning. For Examples:

• I am resolved to be a man of The Word, therefore I will spend 5/15/30/60 minutes each day reading ad meditating on the Bible
•  I am resolved to be a Godly husband, therefore I will pray with my wife each day
• Centerpointe Church is resolved be a church of prayer and unity, therefore we will spend the first full week of the year fasting and praying
• Centerpointe Church is resolved to be a church where spiritual growth and authentic relationships happen, therefore we will create space for those things to happen (example physical space and calendar space)  

 

So don't simply make resolutions - be RESOLVED!

If Our Glory Days Are Behind Us, We Will Have A Dissapointing Future

I went to visit Martinsburg, West Virginia on Monday to the place where I pastored for eight years. I met with two of my previous staff who are still good friends. I was able to go inside and stand behind the pulpit again while all of the memories came flooding in. This is a place where I was desperate for God to help us because I had no idea of what I was doing. I remember weeping at the front of the church early in the mornings and late at night. I remember repenting for the sins of the church and calling out to God for a fresh move of His Spirit. I remember going to the top of the property where it looks down on the church building and seeking God’s vision, favor and wisdom. I certainly remember the difficult moments, but the memories of God’s presence and work overshadow all of them. This is a place where God showed up. 

I don’t share this because I want to go back there. I share it because it is a place where God met me and changed me. It is a place where we saw many people came to Christ and were filled with the Spirit. It is a place where people came together to work for the cause of Christ.

Did we make mistakes – oh yea!
Did we offend some – oh yea!
Did we have all the answers – oh no!

But I thank God for those desperate moments. It was a faith season in my life and I am now moving into another challenging one, which is much greater than the past. 

If our glory days are behind us, we will have a disappointing future.

I can see just a fraction of what God wants for Centerpointe Church, but I do know it is going to be exceedingly, abundantly more than I can ask or imagine. 

The Circle Maker

I just finished Mark Batterson's book, "The Circle Maker." It is one of the best books I have read that connects vision and dreams with prayer. We are now reading it together as a family and praying circles around each other, believing God for the miraculous. 


For nine months now, I have believed God wants to do great things in the life of Centerpointe Church. I believe He wants to do greater things than we have asked or imagined. My prayer is that He uses us to proclaim the name of Jesus and declare Him King of Kings and Lord of Lords. My prayers are large - at least I thought they were. 


This week, I am convicted by the thought that my prayers are too small. 


I pray that God will do something at Centerpointe so big that there is no way we could take the credit.


As Brittany's friend, Jen, said to me yesterday - "Go big or go home."

Merry Christmas From the Edwards' Family

Merry Christmas To All!

A New Blogger in the Family

Now my third daughter, Kristi, is blogging. You can read it at  http://journeyofrediscoveringlove.tumblr.com.

Now that Kristi and Stephanie are blogging, I am a little intimidated. They both put their thoughts in writing so well; I'm not sure I can keep up.

Anyway... I am very proud of both of them.

Yes, I am most happy to be called a Son by God, but I am also thrilled to be called "Dad" by four beautiful young ladies.

He calls me "Son."

I am reading in Galatians, which says, “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.”
(4:4–7 NIV)

I can't help but think how wonderful it is to be called "Son."

My mom calls me Son. There is no doubt in that relationship. I don't have to guess where I stand in her eyes. My uncles would on occasion call me Son, and although I knew I wasn't really their son, I somehow felt received, valued and wanted.

God calls me Son.

I am not on the outside looking in wishing to have a place. I am on the inside, enjoying the privileges of sonship.

"Son" - I like it.

What's in a Name? Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6–7 (NLT-SE)

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

 

Saturday, I watched the Republican debates. I have to tell you, the situation in the current political landscape looks dismal. You listen to conservative media and you would think that Obama is the Anti-Christ. You listen to liberal media and you think that conservatives are uncaring extreme capitalist. Each party works hard to demonize the other.

When you watch the debates, it’s amazing to me how each candidate presents himself/herself as the perfect candidate, able to answer any question that is thrown at them. We are creating an expectation that no one person can live up to.

Haiti and Convoy of Hope

Last week I had the opportunity to travel to Haiti to see the work of Convoy of Hope, a compassion organization with a driving passion to feed the world.

On January 12, 2010, "the worst earthquake in 200 years - 7.0 in magnitude - struck less than ten miles from the Caribbean city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The initial quake was later followed by twelve aftershocks greater than magnitude 5.0. Structures of all kinds were damaged or collapsed, from shantytown homes to national landmarks" (Earthquake in Haiti). 250,000 people died without warning. Tens of thousands were buried in mass graves without identification.  The numbers are staggering and hard to comprehend. Nineteen months later, the cleanup is still going on. With Haiti being the poorest country in our hemisphere, the need for food, water and shelter is overwhelming. 

Convoy of Hope is one of many Christian based organizations that responded quickly and continually. In God's providence, before the earthquake, Convoy had obtained a warehouse, stocked it full of food and was able to respond immediately to the catastrophe. Hundreds of thousands of people received help and care. 

We distribute food through Christian schools, churches and orphanages around the world.

And Convoy is still there disturbing food and providing clean water to over 55,000 people each day through Christian schools, churches and orphanages. While there, I got to meet and play with some of the children who are being cared for. Their hearts are filled with gratitude and love.  

Haiti is only one of the many countries that Convoy is in. As of today, they are feeding 131,000 people a day around the world, along with many other compassion projects they are involved in.

Centerpointe Church is proud to be one of the financial supporters of Convoy. Whether it is a response to a natural disaster, or giving to One Day to Feed the World, we know that our giving is used to help others in need. 

You can find pictures of my experience at Missions Trip to Haiti 2011. 

Jesus said, “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded” (Matthew 10:42 NLT-SE). No wonder Convoy is experiencing the favor of God and many open doors. They are offering many, many cups of water in the name of Jesus.

Peace I Can Live With - The Journey Begins

Over the past three weeks the theme of the sermons at Centerpointe have revolved around peace: “Peace I Can Live With.” You can listen to the messages at www.centerpointechurch.com.

The messages are based out of the passage found in Philippians 4:4-9 with an emphasis on the words, “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”

These are not just messages studied, but also lived. I’ve been thinking about this passage for over ten years now, ever since my daughter, Stephanie who was ten at the time, was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It was a dark year for us, but God brought us through and eventually healed her.

Over the years my wife, Esther, and I have watched many walk through the “valley of the shadow of death.” One church I had the privilege of pastoring for eight years sat next door to a hospital, and every day I was reminded that there are people in pain, looking for peace.

I have also watched people try to console those going through pain as though they knew the issue would be resolved by tomorrow. I stood next to many coffins and heard many comments about how things were going to be fine: well-meaning thoughts but careless words.

God’s Word tells us that peace is possible, even in the toughest moments. This I know to be true.

Everyone goes through storms and each storm is significant for the person going through it. There are relationship storms, financial storms, health storms, occupational storms, etc. Sometimes the storms are momentary and sometimes they last for a very long time.

Over the last decade I have discovered that peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God while we are going through our trouble.

I have also learned that peace is not the same as ecstasy, or temporary experiences that make us feel good for the moment, but an inner stability and assurance that reminds us that God is in control.

More than these lessons, I have learned that real peace only comes when we get to know the Prince of Peace – Jesus. He is the one who has complete authority over the peace we can experience.

Isaiah 26:3-4 says, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock eternal" (NIV).

So I am now putting in writing my thoughts, studies, conversations, experiences and messages about this subject. My prayer is that it makes a difference.

Stay Tuned.

One Day My Name Will Scroll

As I sit in silence watching the names of ministers who went home to be with our Lord over the last two years, I am filled with gratitude and respect. I am thankful for all who have gone before me. Their lives have blazed pathways for the Gospel to be shared. I know only a few by name, but I connect with their calling and I am moved by their commitment.

One day my name will scroll with many others.

It will be listed under the heading of the Potomac District, God willing.

It will not be in bold, or highlighted, as if to say, “he achieved more;” neither will there be an asterisk beside it as if to say, “he cheated.”

It will be listed equally among the faithful – fellow pastors, missionaries, teachers and friends.

As the music plays and the names appear, most of those who are viewing won’t even notice or recognize my name amongst so many. They are watching for another.

But I pray there will be some who say, “That man was a Godly man, a faithful man, one that loved God and cared for people.” I pray there will be others who say, “He made a difference in my life,” or “he introduced me to Jesus,” or “he stood with me.”

Most of all, I pray they will say, “When I saw him, I saw Jesus.”

Happy Birthday Mom!

 

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you. I am proud to be your son. You have taught me many things like:
1. How to treat my wife with love and respect
2. How to pray in the morning for my kids
3. How to let others know they are valued
4. How to pray and give to missionaries
5. How to love the Body of Christ no matter what
6. How to keep a smile through adversity
7. How to relax and depend on God
8. How to read and apply the Word of God to my life - "Godliness with contentment is great gain."
9. How to look beyond today and look toward a great future.
10. What unconditional love looks like.

Etc. Etc. Etc.

I Want To Be a Part of Somebody Else's Story

This is my prayer for Centerpointe Church, 

Fairfax and Northern Virginia:

There's an App for That!

Sunday I preached a message titled, "There's an App for That!" There are now over 450,000 apps for smart phone users, but here are some apps that have yet to be developed: 

1. When someone cuts you off in traffic or cuts in front of you at the grocery store - you press an app and they go back 10 spaces.
2. When you are taking a final exam - you press an app and you remember everything you study. Better yet, it takes the exam for you.
3. When you are about to say the wrong thing to your wife - the app stops you in mid-sentence and changes the words. For example, your wife asks you how the meal was and you are about to say, "It's ok I guess." The app stops you and speaks for you saying, "Wow, I'm so glad we stayed home to eat, I could not have imagined a better meal today, and here, let me clean up for you."
4. When you are bored of the person you are talking to, or they are annoying you - you press the app and the person disappears and someone else reappears.
5. When you have too much to do and you want to go fishing - you press the app and it clones you.
6. When you are feeling tired and lazy - there is an exercise app. It does the exercises for you while you eat ice cream.

What app would you like to have invented?

We're Still Havin' Fun.

Twenty-three years ago, Esther and I made a covenant to each other before God and a lot of friends. We promised to stay together "for better or worse, till death do us part."

It's been a great journey together. We are currently on our eighth move and have four beautiful daughters that each love God and are serving Him. As I am writing, Brittany and Kristi are both in Costa Rica on a missions trip.

We have experienced wonderful seasons of ministry and have made tremendous friends along the way. We have seen God work in us and through us. We can't imagine doing anything else other than pastoring. Yes, we are truly blessed.

Although we have had a great history, we truly believe that the best is yet to come. We are new pastors at a growing church in Fairfax, Virginia: Centerpointe Church at Fair Oaks, and serving with a great leadership team.

To all of our friends, we say thank you for your investment in our lives. You mean more to us than you can imagine. Our lives are rich and full.

Thoughts From Sunday

Farsi Fire Bible

At home, I have over 15 Bibles. In my office I have another 15, many of which are study Bibles that have notes, commentaries, application and concordances. I have several more study Bibles on my Ipad, Iphone and computer.

In America, we are so blessed to have so many versions of the Bible and have access to commentaries and study notes. However, there are pastors and Christians around the world which do not have that same privilege. Because of persecution or poverty, they simply do not have access to God’s Word, let alone the study notes to help them understand.

Fire Bible is the name for the international language editions of the Full Life Study Bible, one of the few Pentecostal study Bibles in existence. It contains 77 theme articles, a concordance, 45 maps and charts, introductions to each book of the Bible, and Pentecostal study notes.

This study Bible has been translated into several languages and is now being translated into Farsi, the language of Iran and many parts of Afghanistan, where the persecution of Christians and pastors remain intense. By providing Fire Bibles to these pastors and Christians, we are saying to them that they are not abandoned nor forgotten. For more on the Fire Bible and its impact, go to www.biblealliance.org.

Our goal as a church is to raise at least $5,000 for the Farsi Fire Bible.

Here is a thought: count how many Bibles you have in your home and then ask the Lord and decide how much you could give to translate the Word into the Farsi language. Perhaps you could give $10 for every Bible you have. Some can give more and some can only afford less, but all of us can do something.

Over the next two weeks, we will receive a special offering for Fire Bible. If you would like, you can go to our web site and give today. Just go to http://centerpointechurch.com/v2/giving.

Creating Space

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalms 91:1 NLT-SE)

In our fast paced world, time is precious. It is difficult to find time to do everything we need to do just to survive. Finding time for God is often dropped down on the priority list when we get busy. However, creating space for God is the only way to live in this world with a sense of peace. 

Here are a few thoughts from Sunday:

1. When I create space, I give God the opportunity to reveal himself to me. To spend time with God is to respond to His invitation. We must not come into a devotional time saying, “Watch me today, Lord, and tell me what you think.” No, it is a time for God to say, “Come along and watch me work today.” We need to know who He is. 
2. When I create space, I give God the opportunity to restore and recalibrate my life. I give God the opportunity to examine my life; it is allowing God to search the depths of our heart - letting God search inside to discover why we are acting the way we are. Psalms 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (NLT) 
3. When I create space, I give God the opportunity to recharge and redirect my life. It is God gives me strength to move forward and He reminds me of His promises. Promises of hope, peace, strength, assurance, etc.  Isaiah 40:28-31 says, “Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (NLT)

Here is what I need in order to spend quality time with God:

I need uninterrupted time.

I need a Place

I need my Bible

I need a humble and open heart

I want my journal.  

I trust the message encouraged you to create space for God to speak to you. Solitude, Prayer, and the Word of God will keep us from falling apart in a fallen world.

I am grateful:

On Monday we celebrated our independence as an American nation. I spent the evening watching fireworks at Fort Meade. They were incredible.

In a time which Christians have a tendency to complain about our country, we should not forget to be grateful for what we do have. I have traveled to over 14 countries now and every time the plane lands in America, I am thankful to be home.

Here are a couple of things I am grateful for as one who is privileged to live in the United States:

1. I am grateful that we have the ability to speak freely. I may not agree with what you say, but I believe you have the right to say it. Throughout the years, it is this privilege that has brought correction and justice. Words do matter.
2. I am grateful that we can go to the voting poles and vote for our leaders.
3. I am grateful that over the years, we have responded to compassion and justice. It takes years, but at least we take steps to care for each other equally.
4. I am grateful for the ability to gather and worship in the church of my choice.
5. I am grateful that I have the freedom to tell people about Jesus
6. I am grateful for the freedom to pursue my dreams.
7. I am very, very grateful for the ability to read, copy, and distribute the Word of God. This is not so in many countries today. For some, there is no access because of poverty. For some, there is no permission because of persecution.

Privilege comes great responsibility.

May we never forget. Repeat again and again the stories of freedom.

May we always examine our lives. Work toward love and justice.

May we pray extraordinary prayers for our leaders and country.