We Remember

This is a weekend of remembrance. We remember those who have paid the ultimate price to support and defend our freedom: freedom to worship, freedom to speak, freedom to come and go.

Since our nation’s founding, 1,321,612 American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have paid the ultimate price. Another 1,531.036 have been wounded and another 38,159 missing.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those generations who have passed the Torch of Liberty to succeeding generations. And we owe a debt to the fallen that can never be repaid.

George S. Patton said, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”

On Wednesday, some of the staff went to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We had the unexpected honor to witness a sentinel’s last walk at the tomb. It was an incredible moment which reminded me of how proud I am to be an American.

Memorial day is a day to say, “We will not forget.” “We honor their lives.”

Thankful for Armor Bearing Friends

Warning... what you are about to read is mushy and sentimental but from the heart. 
 
This week I was reminded once again how significant it is to have people in my life that know how to walk alongside of me and offer prayer and encouragement.

First, I am thankful for Esther, my wife, who believes our greatest days are ahead of us. I am thankful for my girls who love God and put Him first over everything else. I am thankful for my mom who prays and prays and prays. I am thankful for my in-laws who stand with us in everything. I am thankful for the friends I have made over the last 50 years who have been there through every move and every season without wavering. I am thankful for the mentors, coaches, pastors, bosses and teachers who invested in me with support, encouragement, and accountability. I am thankful for staff people that I have worked under, worked with, and lead with dreams and visions of great things to happen. We tried many things - some failed, but most succeeded. It's all about teamwork. I am thankful for elders and deacons, past and present, who were willing to "give it a shot." When it got hot, they took the heat and stood with me to see what would God do. Finally, I am extremely thankful for the people and churches who have given me the honor and privilege to serve them through leading, teaching, coaching and preaching. Together, we have experienced God's goodness and shared our lives.

This year will be Esther and my twenty-fifth anniversary and our twenty-fifth year of serving in ministry together - what a journey! If you have experienced God's grace, fallen in love with Jesus a little bit more and discovered God's purpose for your life, then our journey was filled with abundant joy.

And we are just getting started...

"Sometimes God shows up; sometimes God shows off!"

God's timing is impeccable isn't it? He's never late. He's never early. God is right on time all the time!...

I don't believe in coincidences; I believe in providence. I believe there is a God in heaven who directs our steps, who prepares good works in advance, who causes all things to work together for good, who fights our battles for us! And if you pray through, there will be a breakthrough!

Don't lose heart. Don't lose hope. Don't lose faith. Don't lose patience."

Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle

What Are You Reading?

A friend of mine asked me a question on one of my posts about the books I read outside of sermon prep, so I thought I would post a short blog on the subject. I hope it is helpful.

First, let me say that I am not one of those people that read incessantly. My oldest daughter Stephanie reads everything and all the time, but I can't read that much. Secondly, I can't read anything without it eventually being used in a sermon sometime. I use Evernote and highlight my Kindle or book so I can keep track. Thirdly, I'm not the person that enjoys fiction more than once a year - I wait for the movie. Finally, I confess, I am a compulsive reader. I read when I feel like it. I do a lot of reading for sermon preparation, so to read just to read is a chore.

All of that said, and confessions made, I do like to consistently read three types of books: Church Life, Personal Leadership and Spiritual Growth. 

I love to read about the church of Jesus Christ and how He demonstrates his love for the church. People like Craig Groeschel inspire me to keep going and believing for great things. I also like to read about how I can grow in my leadership. This could be a book on coaching, dealing with people, change, pastoral life, etc. I am currently reading Dr. Bob Rhoden's book "The Four Faces of a Leader". I also want to be reading a book that helps me dig deeper in scripture and my walk with Christ. It may be one of the classic books on prayer or spiritual disciplines or a recent popular book that challenges me spiritually.

If you want a list of my current reading, see the "Books I Am Reading" sidebar.

I hope this helps. 

Sunday Sermon - You Figure it Out

Here are my sermon notes for Sunday. You figure it out.

If You're On Time You're Late!

I once heard someone say, "If you're early you're on time. If you're on time you're late. If you're late you're fired."

I realize this may be a little harsh, even though I have repeated it a time or two, but it certainly emphasizes an important leadership principle - showing up on time and ready to participate is one thing that sets leaders apart from average.

This could be a rant, but it is certainly is a pet-peeve of mine, and a real issue for many of the business owners I know.

On the negative side, being late communicates loud and clear that the meeting you are attending is not high on the priority list. It also devalues the time of everyone else that showed up. "Fashionably late" is still late, and it is reserved for kings and nobility, of which I am neither. Dedicated mediocrity is still mediocrity.

On the positive side, being early and ready for a meeting speaks to my willingness to focus and participate. There are so many wonderful conversations and insights you can gather before the meeting. It also says you care about others and look forward to working with them. If this point is not true, perhaps you need a change of jobs.

When I worked for others, I decided that I would make sure I arrived at work before my boss did and leave after he or she did. I wanted to be ready. Of course, there were times of extenuating circumstances and I was happy my boss didn't fire me. I have even forgotten a couple meetings to my embarrassment. I hate humble pie, but I have eaten my share of it. I am not as harsh as my first quote; however, I would much rather be early to a meeting than have others wait for me.

What about you? Does it bother you when others are late?

Rant Complete

Do I need a theapist?
 

One Point of the Story

Sunday, I will be speaking from Chapter Two of The Story. 

 

In this chapter, we are introduced to a man named Abram, a man from Ur, whose name later becomes Abraham, whom Christianity, Jews, and Islam all point to as their founding father. There are many things about Abraham's journey that are fascinating: his call, his influence, his travels, his battles, his wells, his wife Sarah, etc, etc.. However, the most important part of Abraham is his willingness to believe and obey God' voice even though it made no sense.

Has you ever done anything that made no sense? How quickly did you respond? Did you make any mistakes while following God's call (Abraham sure did)? 

Think about it.

See you Sunday.

Pastor Keith

Two Points of The Story

Yesterday was a great day at Centerpointe Church as we started reading "The Story" together. 

We discovered the first eleven chapters of The Bible show us the redemptive heart of God. For a short reflection of the message, visit our blog at The Story. The two great points are:

1. The real point of Genesis is so amazing it’s almost unbelievable: God wants to be with us.
 
2. The rest of the story of the Bible unfolds his plan – His relentless pursuit of you and me.

You can also listen to the message on our website www.fairoaks.cc.

Preaching on Science and Faith

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From Enrichment Journal, Fall 2012

 On Sunday, Centerpointe begins a yearlong series called “The Story”, which is the Bible condensed to 31 chapters with transition passages to bring clarity. I am very excited about taking our people through the Bible because it changes lives.

Preaching is a passion of mine, but it is not always easy, especially when you are not an expert on the subject matter you are covering. For example, the very first verse in the Bible says “God created…”, which I believe. It’s the only thing that makes sense to me; but not to everyone. Once I say, “I believe”, I am immediately confronted with preaching creationism in a world that teaches evolution and often shows disdain for people who think otherwise.

I’m not a scientist. It was never my strong point. (It wasn’t even my mediocre point), so I can’t get caught up in arguing young earth vs. day-age creation vs. old earth or big bang vs. intelligent design. This is not an excuse for lack of study or being ill prepared, but I will certainly not be able to answer every creation question in 30-45 minutes in a way that makes sense to everyone. I will tell you that I will preach what the Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” I don’t need to know how or how long it took. 

I think a larger issue is whether science and faith have a place at the same table of truth discovery. I believe they do, as long as both are willing to learn from one another. However, if you make assumptions and draw quick conclusions, you close yourself to the amazing handiwork of God.

See, here is what I believe. The deeper you dig the closer you get to God. So dig, explore and discover. After all, God created the universe and he enjoys you finding out about his creation because.

For those who are wired for study in the sciences, I did come across a great resource. In the fall of 2012, The Enrichment Journal (A journal for pastors and church leaders) dedicated the theme to the co-existence of faith and science. The articles are fascinating and educational. You can find it at Enrichment Journal. In it, there are many other resources listed for further study.

In the meantime, I still get to preach God’s incredible word on Sunday and I can’t wait to talk about God’s story of redemption. If you want to hear it, go to our website  http://www.fairoaks.cc/media/sermon-archive. It should be very interesting.

Soul Detox

In January, there are many Christians who are setting aside time to fast and pray. Some are doing Daniel fasts (fruits and vegetables for 21 days), some are fasting from any food for a set amount of time and some are doing some sort of self-defined fast, like abstaining from media or sweets or hot sauce. Whatever the fast is, or for however long, people are creating space in their lives for God to speak to them or intervene in some way.

Centerpointe Church takes the first full week to fast and pray. It always makes a difference in the spiritual temperature and atmosphere of the church. For me, I feel refreshed and re-invigorated. It gives me clearer vision and passion.

Fasting is also a time of humbling ourselves before God and asking him to cleanse us from sin. Like our physical bodies benefits from this time of detoxing, our spiritual life also needs a time of cleansing. 

I have already recommended people to get the book Second Chronicles Seven Fourteen Journey. It is a 28 day journey in prayer that will help guide you in your days of fasting. Others are reading Mark Batterson's book Draw the Circle. This is a 40 day prayer challenge. Hey, anything Mark writes I highly recommend. 

Here is another. My daughter got it for Christmas and I picked it up today. It is Craig Groeschel's Soul Detox, Clean Living in a Contaminated World. I have only read the first chapter, and I recommend it already. 

"The Bible consistently reminds us to check our spiritual diet for toxins. Proverbs 25:26 says, 'Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.' How muddy is your water right now? Is your well polluted by all the cultural toxins seeping in? Or does your spiritual well draw on Living Water as its pure, thirst-quenching source?" (pg 17)

During your time of creating space for God, allow Him to speak to you about the areas of your life that need correction. This is no laughing matter. As society intentionally pushes us toward dysfunction, let's go counter-cultural and draw near to God.

Drawing Near,
Keith  
 

Who Are You Hanging Out With?

Nothing to do with post, just the view from my window.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of hanging out in beautiful San Diego with church planting leaders in the Assemblies of God. These people have an incredible passion for starting new faith communities around the United States. Even better, I get another day with these folks. My roommate even took me on my first Geo-cashing quest. We found 4 cashes (I guess that's what you call it). 

I love learning from leaders who are doing something beyond themselves. It stretches my thinking and searches my soul. They bring me back to what's really important and challenge me to think on higher levels.

For example, last night, I ate with an old friend of mine, Terry Broadwater. He now pastors in Colorado. We have known each other for years, pastoring in neighboring communities a long time ago. Our paths have taken us to different places, but we both are now pastoring again. This guy loves to see people grow in Jesus. We shared some stories about our churches and found our situations are very similar, although his context is a little larger. Web site: Grace Community Church

We talked leadership structure, renovations, life groups, staffing, technology, connecting, app developing, etc. So many new ideas... So many new thoughts... So many changes to come. I love it! I can't wait to get home.

And... I get another day of being around these great leaders. Our conversations will revolve around coaching for church planters and how we can support the vision of establishing new churches. Furthermore, I will get to meet one of my distant heroes, but I can't tell you who just yet.

So, who are you hanging out with? Are they helping you grow? Are they challenging you?

Just asking.

Keith

 

Looking Back... Looking Up... Looking Forward

It is early Tuesday morning, January 1st, 2013. We celebrated the end of the year in our house with friends eating snacks, playing games and watching the ball drop in Times Square (To be honest, I still don’t get it.).

For years now, I have taken the last week of December and the first few weeks of January to reflect on the previous year and ask the Lord to prepare me for what He has in store for the next year. This year is no different.

Looking Back

On a personal level, Esther and I celebrated our 24th anniversary. It’s been quite a journey, filled with joy, laughter, some tears, transitions and incredible relationships along the way. Stephanie turned 22, Brittany 20, Kristi 16 and Melanie 13. Yes, there is another driver in the Edwards’ household. I am one proud dad.

I had shoulder surgery in August, which is still no fun to deal with. I was able to travel to Argentina to work alongside Centerpointe’s missions team and work on building a dorm at Instituto Biblico Rio de la Plata. I also joined the Assemblies of God Church Multiplication Network to work with their coaching for church planters. This is my investment back into the next generation of pastors and churches.

Centerpointe Church also took major steps forward. In March, we took 52 days to raise the funds and remodel 90% of the church building. The impact on our lives as a congregation and the lives of people that will join us in the future will be felt for a long time. We called this time, “Ready the House” so we could fill the house, and God has added to our congregation already. We also took more steps in building relationships with our neighbors at Ragan Oaks and Gables. We have come a long way since March of 2011 when we first arrived.

Looking Up

Yes, it was hard. Yes, there were moments of concern. Yes, at times I wondered if we were going in the right direction. And, Yes, God did honor our steps of faith. Whenever I questioned God’s direction, He sent us the right people at the right time to keep us moving forward.

All I can say is “God is Good.” I like to use the phrase, “We have too much history with God’s provision to let one season discourage us.” 2012 was another year of provision, thus another year to look back on as a reminder of God’s goodness.

Looking Forward

I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I have a sense that God is going to work wonders in our lives.

For me personally, I am going to invest more in the lives of pastors and leaders. I am going to also invest more time into the men God has put in my path. Once again, I will read through the Bible, although I haven’t chosen a translation yet. As a family, we are going to invest more into the Kingdom of God financially through missions and our church.

As for Centerpointe Church, well, that’s a long list, but here are a couple of key initiatives (details not included):
•    Spiritual Disciplines – “The Story”, prayer, fasting, journaling, tithing and generosity
•    Outreach – serving weekends, prayer communities, ESL, sheltering homeless
•    Internal Systems – Constitution and Bylaws revision, follow up and connection, benevolence
•    Leadership – development, coaching, mentoring, interns
•    Discipleship – “Disciple Makers”, more baptisms, small groups
•    Care and Community – military families, family services
•    Ministries – hospitality, kids safety, fine arts
•    Awareness – Internet, marketing
•    Facilities – windows in doors, repair parking lot, foyer, video cameras, upgrades
•    Missions – trips and special projects

This list should get us started.

Lord, how desperately we need you in our lives. May our desires be to know you more and to make you known.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20–21 NIV)

The Promise

Christmas time is filled with the hopes and wishes of children as they are confident that their loved ones are going to surprise them with presents. Their anticipation and expectation of good things is contagious as they hold on the promise that Christmas is coming!

As Christians, we understand that God’s people waited with great anticipation for the Messiah – the Chosen One. He was going to rescue and redeem them. AND HE DID! God fulfilled His promise by sending His son Jesus. Each Christmas, we look back and celebrate the promise fulfilled.

In your business and shopping, don't rush by the manger scene too quickly. Pause and reflect on the promises of God: The Promise of Hope; The Promise of Love; The Promise of Joy; The Promise of Peace. These are God's gifts to us through His son Jesus.

John 3:16 gives us God's motivation for fulfilling these promises:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life."

Enjoy the Season,
Pastor Keith

Our Live Dead Mission

The next four weeks are critical for Centerpointe Church as we focus our attention on our mission: "Live Dead." September is our missions month.

I love missions. I love hearing about what God is doing around the world through the missionaries we support. I love giving money to missions projects and missionary budgets on a regular basis and challenging others to do the same. I love going on mission trips to build, teach and pray.

Our theme this year, “Live Dead” will ask some serious questions of us, like, what if we lived our lives completely surrendered to Jesus? How would that change us? How would we respond to the world around us?

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.” (John 12:24 NLT-SE)

I challenge Centerpointe Church to be part of each service over the next four weeks and ask, what is God saying to us about our lives, our thinking, our communities and our resources? Will we die to ourselves and allow Jesus to live within us and through us?

I believe God is going to do something great as we surrender our lives to Him.

 

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

A Prayer for Centerpointe: People of The Book

The pace of change is incredible an increasing, which I have no problem with. I like change, especially if it makes our lives improved and more efficient; like my golf clubs. I like the improvements if it increases my chances of staying on the fairway, and if I can gain another 10 yards, well, that’s even better.

The changes that concern me though are the ones of moral consequence; the ones that tell us the behaviors that were once held in high value are no longer important or relevant. There needs to be a foundation, a standard, a boundary marker, basic principles which we can live.

For followers of Jesus, it is the Bible. The Psalmist said it this way: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalms 119:11 NLT-SE). Society may have a shifting set of values, but God’s Word remains the same. If we are not consistently meditating on it, our values will shift with the culture around us.

My prayer for Centerpointe Church:

Lord, like the Psalmist said, “Open our eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions” (119:18). Help us to be people of The Book. Teach us Your ways. I pray that Your Word comes to life as we read it and meditate on it. May it change us to become the people you have called us to be. 

Sick Enough of not Being Enough

We seem to talk ourselves out of so many things, mostly because we see our lack rather than God’s provision. The words “not enough” loop over and over in our mind. Here are a few “not enough” thoughts:

“I am not brave enough”

“I am not strong enough”

“I am not old enough” or “young enough”

“I am not big enough”

“I am not smart enough”

“I am not gifted enough”

“I do not have enough”

“I do not know enough of the right people”

“I do not speak well enough”

“I am not ____________ enough" (You fill in the blank.)

When are we sick enough of not being enough? Isn’t Jesus more than enough? 

My prayer for Centerpointe Church:

Jesus, I pray that your people would experience You as The Provider, the one who supplies all our needs. I pray that we understand deep in our hearts that You are more than enough. You provide health, strength, provisions, peace, hope, joy and love.

Since I am a big Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir fan, here is a great video for devotions:

We have too much history with God’s provision to allow one season to discourage us.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

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