Apology
November 30, 2007
With some computer changes at the church and being gone on vacation, I have been unable to post my blogs for a couple of weeks. I have written a few that will be edited and posted over the next few days.
Weekly Note From the Pastor
November 14, 2007
I will be on vacation and may not post a Weekly Note next week, so I wanted to share my thanksgivings now…
Christ has truly been that friend who has stuck closer than any other these past several years as pastor. He has never failed me once and I don’t expect He ever will!
I am thankful for my wife. She, of all created things, is the most constant fixture in my life – the one I can’t do without.
My kids are a gift from above. The joy they bring to my life gives more fulfillment than I ever thought possible. I can’t imagine life without them.
TCOC is like the fulfillment of a dream I never dared to dream… until I said, “Yes, Lord, I will go.” I am so glad I minded.
I am privileged to have such a wonderful group of armor bearers who have committed their life to serve under my leadership full time. There are no weak links, only strong cords that bind.
And what a blessing it is to have you as friends and co-laborers in the Kingdom. It is an honor to know and love you, and to know it is reciprocated.
“Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.” Colossians 3:15-17 MSG
Weekly Note From the Pastor
November 8, 2007
A fellow pastor gave me a great compliment today. Sherri and I had invited him and his family, as well as some other newer pastors in the area, to our home a couple of weeks ago. His children are younger than Jefferson and Sheridan, yet my kids played with them and made them feel welcome. He said he wanted to make sure he shared this with me and not just as a passing compliment. He went on for several minutes giving some play by play of what he had observed that night and some of the stories his children told later. He bragged about their politeness and inclusion of his kids in their evening.
I am with my kids every day. I observe their selfishness at times, how they fight with one another, and how they act toward others. I know the areas we have to discipline them in and their shortcomings all too well. But it sure is nice to know that some of what we are trying to teach is sticking. With our desire for them to become all God wants them to be and to reflect the character of God, we sometimes see the flaws instead of the good.
Our Heavenly Father is the perfect parent and He sees it all. He not only sees our actions, but knows our motives and intentions as well. I pray He is able to brag on us.
“And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9 NIV
Serving You In Love,
Jeff
Weekly Note From the Pastor
November 2, 2007
Halloween is known for its scares and dark attributes. Some choose to bypass the activities of this holiday to avoid any connection with what it may represent. Still others are careful to attempt using the occasion as a positive alternative. Harmless or foul, no earthly festivity, whether considered good or evil will compare to the reality of hell that awaits those who do not serve the Lord. This is a real place full of torment and suffering. Death would be a sweet relief from the darkness and misery that will last for an eternity. No ghost, goblin or fictional character from a horror movie will compare to the ghastly sight of the demonic presence that awaits. The smells of burning flesh and the screams of torture are inescapable. No peace, no comfort can be found, for it is devoid of God’s presence.
The most frightening thought is that somehow we might be deceived into thinking we will avoid Hades as our final destination and yet not fully subscribe to the full counsel of God found in the Holy Scriptures. That we may rationalize our actions and sin using grace and mercy as allies without total obedience. To have a form of godliness, but justify the other areas of our lives until we become completely desensitized to the truth. Our only real assurance is allowing the Word of God, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to guide our actions and being genuinely repentant of our sins. No one, even with the correct knowledge, will be excused from God’s justice if that truth has not been adhered to.
“I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8:11, 12 NIV
Serving You In Love,
Jeff
Viewpoint of a Shepherd
November 2, 2007
A shepherd of a flock was once asked about the most difficult aspect of his position. Without hesitation he responded, “The way in which some sheep are lost.” The interviewer asked for clarification. Turning the table around, the shepherd asked the man if he had any children. He replied that he had a sixteen-year-old son that he had partial custody of due to a divorce. The shepherd replied with this analogy… “I am sure that you love your son because you have been there from the beginning of his life, nurturing and caring for him. What if a new stepfather came along and your son, who was now old enough to choose where he lived, went with this new man without so much as asking your advice.” “That would hurt me very much” replied the interviewer. “Not so much because he went, but because he didn’t even consider my input. And the stepfather did not consider my investment prior to his involvement.” The shepherd went on to explain that he feels the same way about his sheep. “Many times I am there when they are born and watch over them as they grow. I am there as they learn to walk, when a thorn pierces, and when they are weaned. I do my best to keep them healthy, to guide them through life, and protect them with prayers and comfort them with song. I sheer them in the summer and lead them to greener pastures in the winter. I am there when the path leads through storms and valleys. I watch them celebrate the mornings and laugh with them in the warmth of the springtime. I listen to their ‘baaing’ when the rest of the flock ignores. I am there when they are shunned and when a black sheep is in the midst. I warn them of danger and keep a lookout for wolves and other predators. I pour much energy and life’s work into every little lamb, yet sometimes, they will respond to another voice and leave the flock without even looking back or seeking my discernment. It is all part of the job, but it never gets easy as long as I still care.”“Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money.” 1 Peter 5:2 CEV
