Posted by: admin in Untagged on
Jun 14, 2008
Terri and I just returned from the funeral for my sister-in-law, Sandy Perdue. Sandy was only 50 years old and died unexpectedly. She was a people person, full of life and a leader in her community (her death appeared on the front page of the Rolla, MO newspaper!). My brother David and his four children were forced to face their own mortality and the reality of death. They were surrounded by friends and family, church members and business associates. In spite of the crowds, no one could get inside of them and touch that place of grief, the pain that feels so devastating, so deep. God was also there. Unlike everyone else, He, as the source of life, was able to go deep inside of each member of Sandy's family and using the words, songs and hugs, touch that place of grief. Nothing comforts death like life. Realizing that life is a gift from God that should not be taken for granted, realizing that life is an opportunity that must be embraced fully in order to receive the full benefit, realizing that life must go on in spite of loss, this is choosing life... in death. I am proud of my brother and his family. They have had to face death, but they are choosing life!
Posted by: admin in Untagged on
May 23, 2008
One of the definitions for passion in Webster's dictionary is "intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction". This is how I would describe the way I feel about the life message. I have observed so much passivity when it comes to embracing life that my reaction is MORE passion. The surprising thing about passion is how much it is opposed. You would think that with so much passivity in the world, passion, especially in the Christian community, would be welcomed and applauded. I have observed, however, that the more passionate I become, the more opposition I face! It is no coincidence that the word passion comes from the Latin, meaning suffering! People with passion suffer at the hands of the passive! Calm down, Bob. Can't you leave things the way they are, Bob? Does everything have to change, Bob? Slow down Bob, you are leaving people behind! When these tactics don't work, the attack switches to a more personal one. Are you just trying to build a name for yourself? You don't care about anyone but yourself! This is all about making money, isn't it?
While I admit that the reaction to my passion does cause me to stop and consider, often with discouragement, the end result has been... more passion! Sorry, we can't slow down. Things that are no longer effective in reaching the culture for Christ must change, now! People are being left behind, not because I am moving too fast but because they are choosing not to move at all! I care deeply about people and my greatest desire is to see them embrace life... fully! Call me passionate!
Posted by: admin in Untagged on
May 01, 2008
The Psalmist encourages us to be still and KNOW that He is God. This was actually written as a part of a worship song. I think most true worshippers would agree that sometimes, even with the best of lyrics, instruments and voices... there are moments when there is nothing like ... silence... to usher us into the holy presence of the Father.
I just spent a week in retreat at Selah Ranch in East
Posted by: admin in Untagged on
Apr 04, 2008
Easter 2008
This Easter season I decided to focus on the power of the resurrected Christ. I am getting ready to preach a series on power at church and I want to experience more of His power in my life, particularly in the areas of patience, self-discipline and anxiety. So, as I read and studied for Easter services and spent time with the Lord focused on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ,
