Busy

This past week has been incredibly busy! I went to my second annual Refuel: Innovate Church conference at Thomas Road in Lynchburg (home church of Liberty University) and was blessed by some awesome pastors such as: Ed Stetzer, Johnny Hunt, Jonathan Falwell, Johnathan Maxwell, Steven Furtick, and more! It was an incredible blessing to hear from these guys who have ginormous churches talk about the struggles they have even with big churches. They talked about us realizing God has us where we are, and has equipped us. That we need to find our yes, even when the church budget says no. That we need to focus on the one while trying to get "many" to our church!

After the conference, I came home for a few hours and the next day left for a three day Deacon retreat! It was incredible...the deacon's came up with wonderful ideas and God is moving in these servant leaders! I am excited about what is going on at the church and praying it continues!

What are you praying for?

-Brian

What if...

What ifs are a natural part of life. We all have them. "What if I had just been there..." "What if I had worked just a little harder..." "What if I was taller...or a baller...or had a girl who looked good I would call her" ha That was a mid 90's reference to Skee-lo. Anyways, I digress. We all have these what ifs in life, but tend not to question the important things.

Let's take faith for example. I think about when I accepted Christ. What if I had not been there that Sunday when I heard the message and responded? Where would I be? Would I be saved? Some would say yes, absolutely, others would not be so sure. I think about things that keep people from accepting Christ. "What if this event hadn't happened? What If they were there that Sunday and heard the Gospel? The what ifs seem to go on and on. But one we don't tend to think about, that I think affects both Christian and non Christian is this: What if God loved us as we love Him?

That's a terrible thought to have. We don't understand His love. We don't understand "unconditional" love. We have so many conditions, so many reciprocal expectations when it comes to Human love. We do the same with God. We expect good things from Him. This is a good expectation as the Bible says He is a God we can and should expect things from. And He is generous in His blessing constantly. But it's not always the blessings we were expecting or wanting, and so we miss it. We miss it, and we start to point fingers. We first point fingers and Him, and when that fails (and it always does) we start looking at ourselves and what we need to do or change or what we can say or how we can manipulate God to do what we want!

"God...what if I read my Bible everyday for a year? Will you give me Blank?" "What if I pray more? Will I get this?" Rarely do we take an inventory of issues in our lives that God wants us to address. Sin. Things that cause separation in our relationship with Him. We don't want to think about that. However, I think when we truly take an inventory of the blessings and curses in our lives...and then we go back and add all the blessings we take for granted (life, air, sunlight, A/C, clothes, food, relationships, cars, money, jobs, homes, et cetera et cetera) we would always have more blessings than not. This is because we serve a God that unconditionally loves us and gives good gifts to His children.

But what if...what if He chose to love us as we love Him? Chose to turn His back on us when we didn't obey Him like we do when He doesn't give us what we want? What if He chose to be upset with us and stop loving us when we didn't read His word or spend time with Him like we do if some situation doesn't go our way? It sounds silly, and pointless because these What ifs are not possible, but it does make a point, a point when can Thank God for. Thank God He isn't us. He is like us...He made us in His image, but we fall miserably in comparison. And yet...He loves us! He truly, 100%, at all times Loves us! Even when we make bad decisions, (which is often) He loves us. Even, and get this, even when we Don't love Him, He loves us!

So take all those "What ifs" and turn them into "Thanks to God" for His wonderful love, and lets spend our time on something more useful, like being in His word, spending time with Him in prayer, and doing His work in sharing with us the live saving message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

You with me?

-Brian

Big month

May has been and will be a big month. I think it feels like that because of how late Easter was this year. My Birthday was May 2nd (turned 27) and it was just a day...nothing spectacular. Then May 8th was Mother's Day. I tell you, it's backward. A Birthday is the only time someone can celebrate you for something your parents did (birth) and then Mother's Day is to celebrate the fact that they gave birth (which would actually be celebrating the kid) haha! It's Crazy! This Sunday is our last big Fundraiser for our Youth Mission Trip to Charleston, SC This Summer. Then, May 16-18th I will be in Lynchburg for the Refuel: Innovate Church conference. Then I will get home long enough to pack again and May 19th-21st is the Deacon Retreat. Then May 23rd is my TWO YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!! Then May 30th is Memorial Day.

Whew! That's a lot in one month! But it's a great month. I am trying to do my best to enjoy the moments even though like most people I do not always appreciate what I have. I am always thinking about what I should have or what I can get and need to just take a moment, and thank God for the life I have. It is not perfect, but it's a lot better than terrible!

God is good, even when my life is not! That truth keeps me going and I pray this months is good for me and others and that we all take the time to enjoy the blessings!

God Bless,

Brian

G.O.S.P.E.L.

I encourage you all, if you have not to watch this video. I pray if any of you find this video not having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that it compels you to see the truth. For those of you who are saved, I pray you are encouraged, and reminded that the GOSPEL is just as much applicable to us as those who are perishing!

God Bless,

Brian

The Return

Officially today, the 400th Anniversary of the original King James Bible, and my 27th Birthday, I return to the world of blogging. The hope this time is that I stick with it and stay strong. I am hoping to continue to do this and make it more of a ministry tool than something I need to check off this list to get done.

It's weird growing up. There are those selfish tendencies that I still see, the childish wants (like "stuff" for my birthday) and the propensity to be negative when things don't go the way I want it. I am 27 now, starting the 28th year of my life and I am no where near where I think I would be in the areas of finances, success or what have you. I recognize that those are man made goals, but still I cannot help but compare to a lot of my friends my age...out in the world or even those in the church and so many are doing so much better than me. It's easy to say I should not compare and I shouldn't but I struggle with that. It's something I am working on.

Anyways, there is my vulnerable moment as I end up my birthday. All in all, it has been uneventful, which is really not a bad thing at all. I am alive, my family is alive, and for the most part healthy, and I have a lot of every day blessings to be thankful for that I am often remiss in being thankful for!

God Bless,

Brian

I am alive

Not that anyone keeps up, but I am alive and will be updating this on the reg (for realz) shortly. It's been a busy few months.

God is doing big things however, and I look forward to sharing!

Monday is for Meetings

We had another pray meeting today. It occurs to me we have a lot going on within our staff, let alone our church, that needs prayer. Even though that be true...we are thankful. I am thankful. God is good and is doing great things. It's us that fail. We don't see what God wants for our church yet...that's an US problem, not a HE problem. God is good and is in control. We just have to 1. Be obedient 2. Be thankful.

Are those easy? Oh no, but so very important. I am thankful for the time soon coming where I get to spend time with family. Some of which, I have not seen in years! I am also thankful that tomorrow is my Friday! And, I have the opportunity yet again to preach on Sunday!

God is Good!

-Brian

Friday is for Fun

Friday's are always good because they mean the end of the week. Now, for me it's a little different with Thursday being my day off. Also, Saturday (tomorrow) we have a youth event (which I am PUMPED about). God is doing HUGE things in the lives of the youth I am looking forward to it. So, because of the event,  it's a short week in that regard for days off. However, I always try to have fun on Friday and I have. Though I had a long day at work, I have had a fun night at home catching up on DVR and the like with the wife!

I treasure time with her...treasure! And I love having fun! And I love things that are funny. I think the Sprint 69.99 plan commercials are funny. I saw their newest one for the first time yesterday...enjoy



Enjoy the rest of your Friday!!

God Bless,

Brian

Thursday is for Thinking

Days off are weird for me. I don't think I was designed for un-structured time. For most, it is relaxing to not have anything to do...or to have mundane things only...like laundry, eating, et cetera. I had that, and had plenty of time to do all that. But my mind races when not compelled by a task, such as working. Sometimes this is good, other times this is bad.

I am reminded so much of my shortcomings, and misgivings...and just how much I need Jesus. I just wish (and really need to pray) that I had more of a desire for Him. I love God, I do, I just don't always live like it.

I am privileged to work with a wonderful, vivacious group of teens, who believe it or not, look up to me. I don't want to let them down, and sometimes I feel I do. However, I think that's the point. We should never hold ourselves so high that we believe we are infallible. We realize very quickly how much we are not when we do that. In this, I can take great solace, because my God IS infallible. He is perfect and He won't let the youth down, even if I do.

In my weakness, I am grateful for His strength!


God Bless,

Brian

Wednesday is for Wisdom

All I want to say is that youth ministry is awesome! I love the youth and I love that God allows me to work with them! Even better, they are getting into it! They are taking notes, and reading their Bibles and memorizing scripture!!!!

Than you Lord! I hope the rest of you are blessed and being used by God!

God Bless,

Brian

Tuesday is for Talking

Tonight is the last night of financial peace university. it has been a long 13 weeks but a great 13 weeks. God has done so much not only in our finances but in our lives (Sam and I) and specifically our marriage! I cannot begin to explain what God has done and has started to do through this process.

I think God uses things (like financial peace) to teach us things...and if we are disciplined...we will see results. So it is with the Christian life. The more discipline we have in the things of God, the more spiritual results we see. Moreover...it carries over to the physical...and it's then you will see God do amazing things you never thought possible.

I hope wherever you find yourself, you are seeing results in your relationship with the Lord, and if not i pray you reach out to Him. if you can read this (which is everyone) and you ARE reading this...God loves you!

God Bless,
brian

Monday is for Meetings

Today was fairly standard. There wasn't much in the meeting category...but it was a good time in prayer none the less. I also had some good conversation with the pastor...looking at the church and where we are headed. I have the opportunity to preach the Sunday after Thanksgiving...add to this the pastor will actually be there...

While most people shy away from this, I do not. It's one thing to preach while he is gone, it's another to do it with him there. I am not concerned about it; moreover excited! God is good and He will work through me, of this I am sure. I am hoping him being there will do nothing but let him see that his trust in me is not in vain. I take it very humbly to be trusted. There are not many people out there that trust me, most likely.

A lot of people make jokes about the ADHD, and other such stuff about me...and I do to, but when it comes to the things of God, I take it seriously. The pastor has had to leave me in charge on multiple occasions for lack of a better alternative...but, what's better is that he would trust me even if he had other alternatives. At least, I think, (haha). God has certainly grown me, and I look forward to many more opportunities, to meet, vision cast, preach, and work together doing the work of the Lord!

God Bless,

Brian

Monday is for Meetings

Every week, we as a staff (at my church) get together to pray. It makes sense. We take in what happened on Sunday...any cards we receive from guests...anyone in the hospital and any other prayer requests we have ourselves or we know others have. It may seem routine and uninspiring, but I am a big believer in scripture, and it says, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." -Matthew 18:20

The phrase, "there is strength in numbers," doesn't even begin to describe it here. I think there is something awesome and powerful about prayer, though we often undermine and underplay it's significance. Then add that numbers, gathering together for the common purpose of praising and thanking the Lord, and bringing to Him the requests we have. I don't appreciate that as much as I probably should. I think we all could be more appreciative of prayer. The fact that we can pray. And we have one true God to pray too! I pray, wherever you are...that you know you are loved. God loves you, and much!

God Bless,

Brian

Friday is for Fun

I always look forward to Fridays. This doesn't happen at every church, but with the unique structure of my church, in that I am one of only two pastors...my days off are Thursdays...and Saturdays if nothing is going on at the church. So I don't very often get to string two days off in a row. But I like Fridays because another day off is coming. Also, because Fridays can be fun!

It's one of those days where you can thank God for laughter. I have a question for you....Who's on First? Exactly...




Enjoy your Friday! God Bless!

-Brian

Monday is for Meetings

Had a great youth pastor network meeting today. It started off hilarious which is always good. You see today's topic was on Time Management. The meeting starts at 12. The guys from Suffolk, including our defacto leader, arrived at 12:25...Hilarious Irony. However, the meeting was very very good. We talked a lot about ways to increase productivity and were challenged to be good stewards of our time. I recognize this spills over into all of our lives.

I don't think there is anything wrong with say watching football, going to a movie (depending on the content) playing games, surfing the internet et cetera. I recognize that we could spend hours and hours mindlessly entranced by these things. But I think if we are living intentionally, that won't matter. What I mean by that is, if we are intentional about opportunities to do the work Christ has called us to, we will be willing to step away from those things when opportunities present themselves. I have found more often than not, spending time on Facebook has led to multiple opportunities to share about Christ, whether in chat, or continuing into a face to face encounter. I believe we can use all things we do to be a model of Christ in our behaviors and actions while doing everything that we do.

Be intentional...be a good steward of your time. Let God use you!

God Bless,

-Brian

Thursday is for Thinking

I have spent a lot of time packing today...and traveling. It's been busy! But I have been thinking all day about how hard life can be sometimes. We are all looking for the certain things out of life. While we search for these things, I believe we miss out on lots of opportunities that God places before us.

We place our preferences above His principles. We seek opportunities that we deem to be "from God" while God sends us opportunity after opportunity and we miss it. This usually is the case in the midst of tragedy. We can become overwhelmed by a negative situation and miss the opportunity for US to be a blessing to others though we are suffering. We get the mourning part...everyone does...Christians and non-Christians alike. The difference is...the "joy comes in the morning part...and that's the part we miss as well. We will have pain, and we will mourn loss...but Joy...comes in the morning...and God can give us a PEACE beyond understanding.

Everyday we are faced with a myriad of choices. And with those comes massive opportunities...if we don't miss them or overlook them. Follow the Lord, and He will lead you to His opportunities...and as you let go of those certain things you desire and trade them in for what God wants...you will find more blessing than you ever thought possible!

God Bless,

Brian

Wednesday is for Wisdom

Tonight was a great night with the youth at Western Branch! We have been going through a series on How to share your faith. I think it has been a very fruitful experience! The students were taking notes and everything! Before the start of my talk tonight...I showed them a video from Francis Chan called Just stop and think...it was all about taking in all of creation...seeing God for who He is...the creator...and that He loved us SO much He sent His son to DIE for us on the Cross...He deeply, lovingly, intentionally wants a relationship with us! Huge! A video full of wisdom and maturity! I will post the video below! I pray you take some time to check it out and see if God has something to say to you today!!!

God Bless,

Brian

Stop & Think from Stop & Think on Vimeo.

Tuesday is for Talking

I am back on the normal schedule. Life has been different lately and I have been away from the blog. I will try my hardest to stay true to it.

Today, I have been listening to the song "If I die young" by "The Band Perry." The song is awesome, albeit side, dealing with, as the title says dying young. It is a very pretty song...but it got me thinking, as most songs do.

I am one of those people who gets affected greatly by music. I started thinking about my job and what I do. I am a youth pastor. I work with youth. It is hectic at times, but I love it because I get to be a positive impact to so many young people. The Lord has used me to lead many to Christ over the three years and I am excited to help the students along with the journey. However, the part of the job I hate, which I (thankfully) have not yet had to experience, is the loss of one of those youth to death. There have been many youth in the area that have died via sickness, or even murder, but none have been in my care.

While I realize this sounds incredibly selfish...and I realize it would be some other person's kid, I could not imagine losing any student in my group. Not so young. They are just growing into the young men and women God is making them to be. They have dreams and aspirations. THIS...to me is why it is so important to not just impact a youth, but make an impact of ETERNAL significance. I want them to know about Christ...but moreover, to KNOW CHRIST. There is a substantial difference there. We live in a world who emphasizes Christ, as times that suit it, and occasionally make Him a movie star. But they don't truly understand who He is, or why He came. That's our job as Christians to tell.

A line in the song I like and is so true is "The sharp knife, of a short life...well, I've had just enough time..." I wonder sometimes...is there enough time...so many want to lead up to the Gospel, or give them weeks to come to hear it...are we really afforded that luxury? We are not guaranteed our next breath! We have to BE the GOSPEL and SPREAD THE GOSPEL NOW!!

I want the youth that come to my group to know they are loved, that God loves them, and desires a relationship with them, and that no matter how good or bad their lives are, He has a plan and a purpose...for them.

So, if you are a youth reading this, especially one of my own...1. It is an honor to share Christ with you. 2. I love you 3. God LOVES YOU infinitely more!

Christ FIRST, Love ALWAYS,

-Brian

Sunday is for Service

I have been remiss lately. I was sick last week and then had to play catch up. Today was a really good service (I think) at Western Branch. I had to the privilege of speaking today and will do so tonight. I spoke on Passion. I hope people were listening. Passion is important...Having a passion for Christ and others is how churches grow. When people are cared for...and God is presented to them, they are more likely to respond.

But it requires us taking action, and doing the works that God has called us to. Huge. Impactful. Hopefully something that will continue to make a difference in my life and in others!

God will respond in big ways when we let go of our measurements of success, when we let go of our preferences and let Him do Mighty works only He is able to do!

PRAY WITH PASSION!

-Brian

Thursday is for Thinking

As I sit here, in various states of disrepair (sickness) I am thinking about how even when we go through bad things, God is with us. I mean He really is WITH us. He never said it would be easy, nor did He say it would be without pain. He simply said He would be with us!

This is an awesome thing, right?! I think so! I won't usually have a blog post that is this short, but I will basically leave it with this...

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

God Bless,

Brian

Wednesday is for Wisdom

This has been an interesting day. I am sick with the ick (cold mess) and so I stayed home most of the day so I had the energy to be there for youth tonight. It proved to be great! We had 21 come out which for my church is a big deal, and I learned a lot about Youth tonight! I used to think and was fine with the thought that if youth didn't come it's because I am in a smaller church and can't do all the big things other churches can do. What I learned however is, if you can make a kid feel welcome...if you can break through the walls and prove you care...they will come back.

We sat for many months at 7 kids, and a bit of a rut had set in. We talked about inviting friends, and introducing them to Jesus and to the church. For the longest time nothing happened till one day one of the kids caught the bug. The passion bug. They were excited, even more so convicted, to invite friends! In three months we have gone from 7 to an average of 18 with tonight being 21!

This has nothing to do with me...and everything to do with God. I am excited about it.

All that to say PASSION...is contagious...PASS IT ON!!!

God Bless,

Brian

Tuesday is for Talking

I think Tuesdays tend to be good days to decompress from the weekend, and really unpack all the things you may have learned. You see, Mondays, as I shared yesterday, tend to be full of meetings, and so you haven't really be able to move forward from Sunday yet. I am speaking, of course, about church. Tuesday tends to be the time we really start to think through what the Pastor told us, or what God spoke to us. Mondays are so busy starting a new week and preparing for what is ahead...we forget sometimes to look back.

So now here it is, Tuesday. You heard a great message from your Pastor? Great! What have you done with it? You see, it is not enough to "hear" a great message. The Christian life is all about the application of what we learn. After all, if we apply nothing to what was learned, did we really learn anything?

I akin it sometimes to school. You learn a lot of things and then you take a test on what you learned. Assuming the structure of the class is not "cumulative," you move on to a new subject. Most often, you forget most of what you learned after the test. Why test? To gauge what you learned. If you studied, and studied, and studied and never applied any of the learning via a test or other device, you would forget what you learned, and never have anything to show for all the time spent.

I have all of my methodologies, and Discipleship programs, and sermons that I created while at Liberty in the Youth Ministry Program. It was my minor, and I got an A for all 5 subjects, which makes me happy (and is part of why I kept them). I also keep them to gauge my understanding of the very things I did 4 years ago based on where I am now (post seminary).

If I were asked to do a Methodology paper now...I wouldn't have a clue. It's like someone handing you sheet music but you can't read it. I haven't applied that particular skill in so long. If we hear from God, by way of a preacher, or through person Bible study, and we are lax in our desire and commitment to apply it to our lives, we will forget it, and it will effectually useless in our lives.

I shudder to even thing of the opportunities I have missed for God to do a big work in my life because I didn't apply things He was teaching me to my life and my situation. Oh, to have the time back. I hope on this Tuesday, though, you won't dwell on what you did not do, but rather focus on applying what you can now, and living out the best life for Christ you possibly can!

To Quote Pierre Mario Travis, the first. "Always be teachable." Always be open to His correction, His direction, and ultimately, His instruction!

God Bless,

Brian

Monday is for Moments

Today I had a few meetings. Meetings are typical on Mondays across the world, especially in churches. The staff meeting went well, and we discussed many things that needed to be discussed. Then I left to go to the monthly meeting O' Awesome! This is otherwise know as the Youth Network Meeting!!! I meet with 8-15 other Youth Pastor's in the area on a monthly basis to discuss all things youth ministry. It is a wonderful time. I want to take a few moments to brag on this group.

For the longest time, I did not go to the meetings. I was always invited but never went. I thought, in all honesty, I would have nothing to contribute. I still don't know that I do...But that's not the point. I have been going for about a year now, and have learned so much from this fine men of God. It is such a blessing to be with like minded individuals who have two great passions in common...Jesus Christ...and Youth! This would seem obvious, but I am intentional to say that far to often it is NOT always the case! The passion for students is evident. These meetings are more than just people who want to be better at their job...but people that want to serve God better by loving students better!

We talk not just about our ministries, but even us coming together with all our youth ministries for the possibility that some youth might choose Christ!!! It doesn't matter who's church it is or who's youth it is...it's all about Jesus. This is amazing. And hard. It is hard for us to not look at our own ministries. I think unfortunately our own churches make us that way. It makes sense to an extent. How can I keep a job (in this case youth ministry) without having youth? So, in these situations, that makes sense. But we can become so obsessed with numbers sometimes that we miss RELATIONSHIPS!!! It's NOT about how many converts we have, Jesus said go and make DISCIPLES!

That's what the network is all about...building relationships with each other, and with youth! Imagine a world where we care more about a person, who they are, than whether or not they come to our church. Should they be a part of the fellowship? Absolutely! But can we love them even if they aren't? Absolutely!

I am learning so much from being a part of these meetings, that it's not just meetings to me, it's moments. Precious moments that I mean not to take for granted! I am very thankful for these guys, and with it being Pastor Appreciation Month, I want to again say that I appreciate them!!! THANK YOU GUYS!!!

I hope, when God is doing big things in your life, and even when it feels He is far away, that you will take in the moments, and thank God!

Amen!

-Brian

Sunday is for Service

This could be any type of service I suppose, but I am talking specifically this week about church service. Recently, after a year of effectively walking "through the desert," where the 2 service model we went to felt like, we went forward to 1 service. This was not something we took lightly, but something we (the Pastor and myself) believed God was leading us to. So far it has been awesome. There is an energy, an excitement, and a passion that is moving through the church.

Where we are now vs. where we were, heart wise, a year ago is astounding. "What a difference a year can make," never meant more than it does in this case. We are together. But unlike when we used to be together, we are "united" as we seek Christ together. There is a sweet spirit which is very palpable and tangible. People are joining the church, recommitting their lives to Christ, and more and more people who are already saved, are getting involved with the ministries of the church; filling vital positions! I thank God and I praise God for this.

It is simply put, AMAZING, when we move out of the way, let go of our desires and comfort zones, and allow Christ to do HUGE things through us! What will God do next? I am not sure, but I EXPECT it to be GREAT, and I look forward to more reasons to boast in Him!

Amen!

God Bless,

Brian

Friday is for Fun

I have decided the best way to make myself blog more to have themes...so Friday's are for fun!

The weather the past few days in the 757 has not been fun...however...it stopped today...the sun is out...AND it's October 1st.

Nothing terribly special about that other than it's a new month and it finally feels like fall. It's like 72 today! I actually wore a hoodie...I love wearing hoodies...

Even though some places we live tend to have ridiculous weather, I thank God for all He did in creating the seasons and weather patterns. Even when it's terrible weather sometimes you get the most awesome rainbow or colors in the sky!

Heard any good jokes lately? I did recently...a man was parachuting out of a plane and pulled his chute, and it didn't work...so he goes to pull his emergency chute, and that too wouldn't open.

Starting to panic as he heads closer to the ground he sees out of the corner of his eye another man ascending next to him....he yells to the man "HEY DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT PARACHUTES?" The man replies, "NO! DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT 'PROPANE?'

haha, that's funny. I don't care who you are. Again, I thank God for laughter. speaking of things being fun...here is a cool video of people trying to create ways for people to exercise more.

Enjoy your Friday! Spend it with family and friends! Start and end it with the Lord!

God Bless,

Brian

Thursday is for Thinking

I realize I had thoughts on Monday too, but I think I may change that. I was looking at my stat counter, and even though I don't see a lot of comments from this people, I have seen that people view this from all over the world. I had people check from Belgium, India, Australia, et cetera. Then of course there are the visitors all over the US and Portsmouth (which I would expect).

I like that people read it, as this is what it's here for, but moreover I hope it is a blessing to people. Even though it's hard, I try to remind myself that what I do matters. Not in a arrogant sense, but that it matters to God. It matters to God that I live my life as a blessing, and not a curse. It matters to God that I treat people as He would treat them. It matters to God that I do what He has called me to do.

I'm not saying, per sa, that God called me to blog, but that whatever it is I do; I would do it with Him in mind. This is helpful for a number of reasons. But, to lead people to Christ, there is no greater thing.

I hope my blog can point people to Him. That would be an awesome way to use this gift. I am reminded today from the Proverbs that "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses."

If that is true (and I believe it is) then I need to Love as Christ loved, and let Him do the rest! So, any of you reading this out here, I pray you well and love you in Christ, but more so, Christ loves you, and I hope you know it!

God Bless,

Brian

Financial Peace

We are going through Financial Peace University, by Dave Ramsey, at my church. We have a 13 week class that we started August 24th on Tuesday Nights (tonight) 7-9pm. It has been hard so far, but it gives a sense of liberation unlike any other.

It's important to have your finances in order...to be debt free is to be able to give like no one else. It's to be able to live like no one else...and it can stop most excuses (from a financial perspective) why you cannot do things for the Lord.

To be in debt is to be a slave to the lender. Christ is all about FREEDOM, and financial peace is a program to create a bridge from where you are (slavery) to being debt free (freedom). I highly recommend it.

In general, this is one of the many activities going on at Western Branch Baptist Church that God is using to grow us, numerically, and spiritually. I am really excited about what God is doing.

If you don't have a church home, and are reading this...please check us out...www.wbbchurch.net

God Bless,

Brian

Monday thoughts

Hope and Faith

They go hand and hand...they tend to be spoken in tandem...but they are different.

Hope is passive.

Faith is active!

A lot of people hope for things, but that is not the same as having faith. Having faith means you continue doing what it is you are doing believing GOD is going to carry out His end of the bargain.

Hope is waiting for God to do something and not moving until He moves. Some people thing that is the thing to do...that it is the "safe" thing to do. And, it is the safe thing to do.

But, aren't you glad that we serve a God who isn't "safe?" He is a God who does amazing, wonderful, great things, above anything we could even imagine. We must move from the Hope that God will do big things...and live out an active Faith believing God will move in miraculous ways.

Amen?

Brian

Sun Stand Still

I think I talked a little about this but a few days ago...for 24 hours, Noon-Noon, Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church from Charlotte, NC, preached part of everyone of those 24 hours. He wrote a book, apply titled, "Sun Stand Still," which I just received.

For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, it is based from the Book of Joshua in the Bible where he asked God to not let the sun go down while they accomplished all God had for them. Based off of that, Steven Furtick challenges us with the book, with the byline, "What Happens when you dare to ask God for the impossible?" Too often, we think the miracles of God, the impossible accomplishments of God, and the impossible answers to prayer from God are a thing of the past.

I think part of the reason, besides our lack of faith, is that we live in a, "when I see it, I'll believe it," culture that has become more and more saturated with the tangible vs. the supernatural. Hilariously enough though, almost every week, a new mystical, angels vs. demons, possession, kind of movie comes out. So we as a culture are obsessed with the topic...but purely for entertainment purposes.

Getting back to the book, my first impression was that of disappointment as it has no pictures (I kid, I kid). For those of you who follow this, you know I do not enjoy reading. However, I had a free gift card, and I felt compelled to get this book. I am looking forward to what God may reveal to me through reading it. Not just for me personally, but for my church as we have been in transition and have finally arrived at what we hope is a means to an expansion numerically, but also spiritually in the life of our church. God has been good to us and we have seen marked growth in the past few months. We can tell God is up to something, but we must START having an audacious dream for this church, that God will do BIG things, not simply things that Help us, but things that are truly IMPOSSIBLE for us to accomplish!

One of my favorite quotes from the 24 hours that I heard Steven Furtick say was "If God has given you an impossible prayer to pray; He has a specific instruction for you to Obey!"

WOW! There is so much meat in that quote. First off, he says something that is huge! God gives us the prayer! He gives us the VERY audacious prayer that we cannot accomplish! This is great news! The pressure is off! He gives it to us...however...in order to accomplish it, He has something specific for us to obey. It could be in the area of finances, relationships, letting go of bitterness and envy, stopping a specific sin, having that conversation you've been avoiding, letting your dreams die so God's dreams can take it's place, et cetera.

Each of us has something God wants us to do. Which leads to another thing he said. Something to the effect of, we must place ourselves in a position to receive the provision from God. Simply put, we must be in a posture of obedience, we must be doing things and preparing ourselves so that we are responsible with the blessing He may give. (I.E. if it's a financial prayer, you are on a budget and being smart with what you have).

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." Luke 16:10

I can tell this book is going to cause a confrontation between my current thought patters, to that which God would want me to think! I am looking forward to it, and will blog more on as I progress!

In the meantime, pray for me, pray for my church, as I lift you all up that we would ALL be a people who had an AUDACIOUS pray, not just believing God could answer it, but expecting Him too!

God Bless,

Brian

Quick

God is really moving at our church. We started our new combined service on Sunday and had about 35 more than normal. Sincerely hope we can keep this up...God is working and we hope we are "adding many to the number being saved!"

Also, I have been listening to Steve Futrick as he preaches some of 24 hours since noon today to noon tomorrow. Sun Stand Still is the name of the program based off the book he wrote that came out today. I already ordered it. He had a lot of great things to say about provision and I am stoked with how this can be implemented in my own ministry and the church.

More later, I want to use this as an avenue by which others receive blessing as well!

God Bless,

Brian

ESC (The rest of the story)

This past week was the 1st Annual (I do think we will keep doing it) youth VBS called Extreme Summer Challenge. I explained in the previous post what it was all about. I have been struggling with numbers in my ministry and as of early June we were running 7. As of the beginning of ESC (August 23rd) we were running 16. Most of the kids I have are home schooled. 90% at least. This seemingly presents a problem, or at least I thought. Instead however, the home school kids invited the most kids to ESC. The first day we had 18. The second day we had 20. The third, we had the largest of the week with 27 youth! The fourth day we had 23. The fourth day was special as it was the 26th of August...and my 3 year anniversary of being hired as the youth pastor at Western Branch! Friday we ended with 20. While not all the kids were able to continue the whole week...in all we had 13 Guests...that had NEVER been to our church before...making for 33 registered youth for the week!

This is incredibly exciting, especially for the size of my church and where we were just two short months ago! On top of that, many of the kids said they are going to start coming and have finally found a church "home!" God is doing HUGE things that really have NOTHING to do with me which I love even more!

I am excited about numbers, but more than that, I am excited about spiritual growth which seems to be taking place as well! Please pray as I pray that God moves in radical ways within the lives of the youth and that they continue to have the passion for inviting their friends!

God Bless,

-Brian

ESC

Today starts what I hope to be an annual event at my church. It's called Extreme Summer Challenge and it is for the youth group. It is a glorified youth vacation bible school but with competitions and points. They will be put on teams play games earn points for showing up, winning games, and bringing friends. Each day there will be a lesson and at the end of the week there will be the Gospel Presentation! I am praying for lots of youth we do not know to join us for this awesome event!

Would you join in praying for us?! It will be all this week Monday-Friday 6pm-8pm!

I will let you know how it's going!

God Bless,

-Brian

Upcoming

I feel like, as someone who works in the church, that most of the time is spent on things that haven't happened yet. It's ironic that we speak the truth of the word weekly reminding people that tomorrow is not promised and all we have is today, when it comes to Salvation, and yet all we do as church workers is plan for next week or that big event next month or Christmas, et cetera.

Now, I am not condoning not being prepared, because you need to be. I am having a youth VBS next week, and it is called Extreme Summer Challenge. There are going to be lots of activities and competitions between teams. They will earn points for showing up, winning competitions, and bringing friends. The point of course is the friends. As many youth as possible to come and hear the Gospel, which is what the event is designed to get out! I am looking FORWARD to it. There is a lot to do to get ready for it.

We have big things coming into the church. Major transitions for the fall that still aren't finalized. Again, a lot of work toward a future something. Again, being prepared is important, but our preparations ultimately must not be founded in the future, but in what is done today!

Sometimes, as church workers (pastors or otherwise) or Christians in general, it can be easy to get caught up in future thinking and future plans. We look forward to what God is going to do in the future. We look forward to who will come in the future! We look forward to the blessings that come from this future endeavor. But what are we doing today that has eternal value?

I find so often that I can spend an entire day/days working FOR God, and miss spending time WITH God. That future I am working toward, that YOU are working toward is not guaranteed. All we have is today. Really all we have is this moment...what are we doing with it?

Psalm 94:11 in the NIV says The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile. Other versions say they are worthless or pointless, you get the general idea. The plans that we have are pointless outside of God. Now, many would say the future things we work toward are plans that God gave us. That is fine. That is really not the point. The point we have to be careful that we don't put the future plans ahead of our daily relationship with Him.

Spend time with HIM today. Yes, He will reveal things to you, even future things. But let that future be confirmed through daily inspiration from the LORD. That way, His plans will be Your plans, and the future will be bright!

Amen?!

-Brian

I AM FIGURE SKATING!!!

Not Really...but it's fun to make an exclamatory statement every now and then, even if it's not factual! Kinda like sometimes I like to go to Walmart and wear an Optimus Prime mask and say "Fate rarely calls upon us in a moment of our choosing!" Or open my window and say "IT'S MY MONEY, AND I NEED IT NOW!" from the J.G. Wentworth commercials...even though it's really not my money...or whatever.

None of that made sense, nor does it have anything to do with what I want to blog about, but it's funny, haha! I am preaching this weekend on living life in light of the Gospel. A lot of people know what the Gospel is. Many have been saved because of the Gospel, and have since shared the Gospel to others so they can know Jesus and be saved. But I have discovered that many Christians check out when the gospel is preached because they think other than being saved and sharing it with others, that the gospel has no bearing on them anymore.

The Bible, however, shares a different story. The Bible is full of scripture pointing to what it means to live our lives in light of the gospel. It is a beautiful thing to hear the gospel and be saved, but once that happens we must live a saved life, and the Bible tells us what that means.

I look forward to the opportunity to share the gospel with the unsaved, and also to help reawaken the gospel in the hearts of the saved! I will most likely post my notes after Sunday!

Prayers appreciated!

God Bless,

Brian

VBS and other things...

Today is the first day of VBS! We do it at night as our church isn't big enough to have enough leaders available during the Day! We also do it offsite, which gives us an incredible opportunity to reach into the lives of children not necessarily near us, with most not attending our church.

The bad news...we chose August this year...and not only is it hot, but with August comes afternoon relief...in the form of rain...which is not good when you are in a grassy field and not in the church.

It is raining now...praying it stops. Either way, looking forward to God doing what He will do and trying to stay out of the way!

I had a long and wonderful vacation, and am ready to tackle what God has in store. We have a lot of big things going on for the youth, and in the church in general, and some big things coming up that we are believing God for as we believe He is leading us to it! It is exciting, and I am cautiously optimistic that it will cause widespread growth in our church (numerically, and spiritually). Will you pray with me?

This blog is intended not just to be my thoughts in life and ministry, but also to BE a ministry to others...if there is anyway I can be praying for you...please let me know!

God Bless,

Brian

P.P.

No, it's not what it looks like...though looking at it, it is kind of funny. No the P.P. stand for Problem People. We all have them in our lives. For all you know, you could BE that problem person. I know I have been/may still be for some people. But the point is, we all have to deal with people who cause us grief, for whatever reason. If these people are in leadership over us, we may feel they are not adequately qualified, or that they lord their power over us. If they work with us, we may feel they do not share their load of the work, or want to much to be a chief, and not an Indian as the saying goes.

It may not even be someone you work with, but someone you come in contact with on a daily basis. A colleague, a family member or friend, or friend of a friend. It may even be a fellow church member. This happens a lot of times. It's how we handle this person that makes all the difference though in whether or not they remain a problem person or we become the problem person. You and I probably know a lot of people who won't step foot in a church because of the way they have been treated.

Do we need to be careful how we treat people? Sure! Do we need to lie or beat around the bush when a problem comes along so as not to upset someone? Biblically...I don't think so! I think too often we don't go to another person when we have an issue. We play this game with the word "sin". "Well it says if they sin against us we should go to them, if it's not sin , if it's just they upset us then we don't have to..." I think that is a load...a knee high load of words not appropriate for this juncture.

When someone upsets us, and we don't address it...either we let it go (not very often) or we

A. Bottle it up and then let it fester, and become bitter (sin, by the way). Or,

B. Go tell your spouse, your best friend, anyone that will hear you about this person and what they did (it's called Gossip, another sin, by the way).

So that thing they did that upset you...it may not have been a sin against you, but your reaction, by not going to them, has now cause you to sin...against them. So now the person who hurt you, you have to apologize to when they were in the wrong! This is an infuriating circumstance I have been in many times and makes us typically even more mad at this problem person.

The point...we have to stop beating around the bush and communicate...to the person...the truth! It may hurt...the truth often does. Now, how do we communicate? Honestly...effectively...and lovingly. That is the hard part...but that's the part Jesus called us to!

You see in the Bible...Jesus called out His disciples...lovingly...and He called out the problem people as well...and even though it seems curt...it was necessary. He called them a brood of vipers...and hypocrites and self righteous...but we must remember...He was Jesus He was perfect.

He tells us to be careful to remove the plank from our own eyes before we try to remove the speck from the problem person. So yes, we must be careful in disseminating the truth, but we must tell the truth. The longer we hold it in, the harder it is to approach someone Biblically.

The point isn't to make the other person feel like scum, or to even feel like they made you feel...that's the human nature that wants us to do that. No, the point is to make them aware of the issue, and to reconcile. That's the point.

That is not always easy and it doesn't always happen. The person may not agree with you. The person may see you as the problem. The person may never repent or apologize. But in the end, you did what you were supposed to do by confronting, and the rest is left up to God. You don't have to be around that person. You don't have to associate more than you must. But you must seek forgiveness, or forgive them, as Christ has done for all of us.

Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting though. You don't have to open yourself up to constant hurt or whatever it is they may have done, but you do have to forgive and move on. Otherwise, you become the sinner, you become the problem person and you become the person needing forgiveness. Think about that.

God Bless,

Brian

SAVE THE BLOG...SAVE THE WORLD

Wow It's been a while! I have been busy!

Here is a list of Random thoughts in no particular order of what's been going on in my life. I may, and probably will expound upon some of these later.

*It's been Hot. Like so hot, "hot" called and said it was melting...

*Went on a mission trip with the youth to Philly last week. Amazing times, but we had major issues with the church van (alternator, engine overheating...no A/C) did I mention it was hot?

*Checked under the hood of the van...looked at the battery...the reason for the Van troubles is self evident...

DECEPTICON!!!

*Major Transitions at church...God is doing big things!

*The Student Ministry is growing!!! This is something to be excited about.

*My wife FINALLY has a job interview to teach, and it's at the school she did her student teaching at...she is thrice excited...please pray for her...it's Monday at 3:30 EST.

*Lebron James should probably exit Cleveland swiftly under the cloak of darkness. There has not been a bigger outcry against someone since Jesus! (I kid, I kid, but SERIOUSLY!)

*There was a girl who I won't name (though for sake of this point let's call her Kathleen) who in 8th grade believed that Benjamin Franklin created the Boat. To this day, that makes me laugh. By the way, her real name was Kathleen.

*I saw a newspaper clipping months ago that read "increase in child birth reason for population growth..." I can't fathom why newspapers are dying.

That is all for now! I will have more later!

God Bless,

Brian

INNOVATE CHURCH CONFERENCE

Wow! This conference is incredible! I am so excited to be back at LU in Lynchburg! I can't talk to much about the conference for now, but I will say I heard some amazing preaching today from Jonathan Falwell, Chuck Swindoll, Mark Batterson, and Ed Stetzer!

These guys brought it about evangelism, personal holiness, et cetera and so forth! I will post a more lengthy blog about it later...there is still more conference later today!

I pray one day God calls me to Lynchburg because I love being around LU!

Anyways, God Bless,

Brian

Wow

It's been an interesting few days! God is doing big things though and I am excited!

Hope you all are having a wonderful week and if Wednesday is a church night for you, go get 'em!

-Brian

Sunday

I hope everyone attends somewhere tomorrow...God has a message for everyone...and while I realize that you dont have to be in a church to hear from God, the Bible tells us that we are not to forsake the assembly!

I hope God is richly blessing all of you where you are, and that you grow in HIM!

God Bless,

Brian

Weekend

What are YOU doing this weekend?

How to Deal with difficult people

This has never been a strong point of mine. I do not do well dealing with difficult people...especially when those people are also saved. It's one thing when you have disagreements or can't see eye to eye with a non-believer, but a totally different thing when two or more Christians can not see eye to eye.

Perhaps one person feels God has lead them to this, and the other person doesn't believe it...one is wrong. Perhaps both or wrong to an extent...but one isn't hearing God properly. This creates a lot of problems, because then pride gets involved. One person doesn't believe they are wrong, and neither does the other, both toting "God is leading me."

All this to say, I have situations in my life that aren't going away, that are difficult. People who are difficult. I am sure I am seen that way to them, but they are especially to me.

Anyone have advice on how to deal with difficult people?

-Brian

God is Great, He makes me good

I've pondered often the issue in the Bible (Romans 3:10) where Paul speaks and says there is no one righteous, no not one. Comparing this with James 5:16 which says Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be HEALED. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective, one is left perhaps confused.

However, I think, as with anything context is very important. In the Old Testament, before Jesus, when people would obey God (the Father) and do what He asked of them, it would be credited to them as righteousness. And God, being in His very nature, righteous, is where we get our understanding of it in the first place.

No man, of his own right, of his own doing is righteous, No not one. However, through our acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and in relationship with Him, we are made as righteous. When we seek forgiveness of sin, and pursuit of his righteousness, we are as righteous in his sight. We are justified, we are sanctified, we are forgiven, we are His!

When we walk with Him, when we talk with Him (pray) when we live for Him, we then see Him work in our lives. That's why we have to be careful who we contend with, who we share things with, who we look to for guidance. Pray for one another so you shall be healed because the prayers of a RIGHTEOUS man has powerful effects. If you're not in relationship with Christ, then your prayers do not have the righteousness needed to be powerful. Think on that!

Take on the righteousness of God today!

-Brian

The Devil Wears Prada (NOT)

The devil wants you to think he wears Prada. That is, the devil wants to convince you he has the latest and greatest things for you. He is known by many names, in our culture, and in the Bible. Such as,

The evil one
Satan
Lucifer
chief demon
Roaring Lion
Wolf in sheep's clothing
deceiver

And the one that I think is most accurate; father of lies. As the father of lies, he is uniquely qualified to bait you into believing what he has is what you want. It's not that he forces us to do anything; it's that his suggestions are hard to ignore. You see, the devil is trained in the art of temptation. He temps us into doing things; things most often we already want to do. You see, the devil appeals to our human nature. It's a nature we all have, and it's a nature that serves our flesh. It serves our selfish wants and desires, and seeks to overpower the will of God in our lives.

If you are a Christian, you know that you received the Holy Spirit when you accepted Christ. As such, you have two nature's battling within you; human nature, and the nature of God through the spirit. In one hand, the battle has already been won, as you accepted Christ, and therefore your soul is secure. However, there is still the day to day living for God that is brought into question. Everyday there is a battlefield in our spirit. What do we want vs. what does God want for us? Do we want what God wants, or what we want? Whichever we pick, shows where our heart is at the time. We must choose wisely.

Though difficult, we were given discernment to know if something is from God or from the devil. Unfortunately, we to often are not patient enough to listen to God, and therefore do what we think is right on an impulse. Sometimes, however, we do wrong because we are just tired of doing right. We lose patience with God. We lose interest into what he might be doing and whatever trial we may be going through. We give in. We want the Prada. But it won't be too long before you find out the devil's offer is not the great thing you thought. However, by then you are caught in a trap that is hard to get out of. A trap that makes you feel guilty at even the thought of going back to Jesus. A real difficult return.

Difficult, but not impossible. While a struggle it may be, God loves YOU and ME, and even when we fall, He is always there to pick us up, despite what the devil may tell you! So, I implore you, even on this Friday, discard the Prada, and run full steam into the blanketing love of the Savior!

-Brian

Pick me up

This may give you a much needed pick me up this Saturday Morning. You may remember years ago the office linebacker from reebox, where a big guy would tackle anyone who wasn't following office protocol; not refilling the coffee pot, not recycling, not putting cover sheets on the TPS reports (haha).

Well, there is a video I just became aware of called "Evangelism Linebacker" where a guy comes out and tackles anyone who won't share their faith. As you may know, the one thing we ALL have in common besides being human, or those who are Christian, is that God called ALL Christians to share their faith and make disciples.

For your viewing pleasure!

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Quick

Right, so I haven't posted in a while. Needed a break from 40 intense straight posts! It's been a crazy past two weeks. I have been running my church while my pastor was in Cambodia...and I had a lot of firsts (funeral/memorial) big business meeting, outings into the community, and my favorite lots and lots of preaching.

I will post more about that later, I just wanted to quickly write so that my blog doesn't seem to have been abandoned. Alright, off for now!

God Bless,

Brian

A CALL TO DIE-DAY 40

Day 40-The Next Step

The scripture that went along with this topic is Matthew 16:24-27 which says,

^24"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'²⁵For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. ²⁶What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? ²⁷For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done."

This is the last day! This day deals with the transition from this 40 days "back to reality." Many, like myself, want to take a break. I most certainly am going to take a break from this blog! It's been 40 long days and 2 small views (haha a few more views but still). Nasser speaks of getting right into another bible study as to keep the fire fueled, and to work toward incorporating a lot of what was learned in the book. I have certainly learned a lot. There is also a fat yak worth of scripture I have learned and continue to memorize. I am excited for what it has done for my youth group as well!

The next step for anything you do is to "put what you learned into practice." I pray and hope that maybe some of what I have written over the last 40 days has encouraged you in your walk with the Lord. I pray that in some small way, God spoke to you. I know He has to me. Life is all about choices and we must choose to stay the course. Sure we may fail here and there, but God is there to pick us back up! Think about the Apostle Paul. He dealt with the harsh realities of staying the course with God all the time and not taking the easy way out, and while he may have fallen here and there, he finished the race, and looked forward to His eternal reward.

That is what awaits us in Heaven. For any of you not saved that may have read this blog, I hope you have been encouraged to really seek out who Jesus is for yourself. He loves you. He knows you. After all, He created you and wants you to know Him! For the rest of you, He desires deep spiritual relationship with you. Get in your Bibles, study books like Romans or Ephesians, and Get to know Him even better! It's been quite the journey, I hope you have and I appreciate you for joining the ride!

Stay tuned for...I'll be back at some point! FACEBOOK AT MIDNIGHT!

GOD BLESS,

-Brian

A CALL TO DIE-DAY 39

Day 39- As You Go...

The scripture that went along with this topic is Matthew 28:18-20 which says,

¹⁸Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

A lot of people do not like this passage. Rather, they ignore it or say it is for someone else. Jesus was talking to the disciples after all, not everyone was He? Well think about the definition of Disciple. If they were to go out and make disciples of all nations, then likewise, the people they discipled would disciple other people. Therefore it is a responsibility of everyone. Another reason why people don't like this passage a lot of times is because they do not know the end. It's common that people think the last verse is "go and make disciples..." But the last part of the verse is "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age..."

This is great! This means that God will be there every step of the way. Even the most uncomfortable of steps, sharing the Gospel with others. So many are afraid to share the truth of God. It's uncomfortable, it makes others uncomfortable, and is becoming increasingly dangerous in our society. But we shouldn't fear, for God is with us. So because of that, we should go.

It's interesting to note though, as the title of this post says, the original text reads "As you go..." This was an assumption that people were already on their way to obeying God and doing what He says. It's no different than your boss giving you a task "as you work" or stopping by the get something "as you drive home." As we are serving God, we should be making disciples. Now, this is much more than just sharing Jesus. It goes deeper. We must share Jesus and help them get into a church. Invite them to ours and help grow them in their faith. People often wonder what to do if this is a stranger who doesn't live near their church, or doesn't want to come. Well then, encourage them to go to another and work toward helping them grow in the truth.

So many are afraid just to simply share the truth, let alone make disciples. Well, take heart! God is with us and will be with us to the very end of the Age! With Him, all things are possible. I implore you, especially as we come upon Easter, and the celebration of Jesus death for our sins, burial and RESURRECTION from the dead. This is an excellent time to invite people, as for many this is the only time of year they will come to church.

Think and pray on that!

Stay tuned for the FINALLY, Day 40!

-Brian

A CALL TO DIE-DAY 38

Day 38- God Can Use You

The scripture that went along with this topic is John 2:7-9 which says,

⁷Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.

⁸Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."

They did so, ⁹and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.

This day is all about encouraging each of us that God can use us. However, it also exhorts us to obey God to be used. So often, and I would hope many of us want to be used mightily by God. However, we aren't always so quick to obey what God has us to do, especially when it's not comfortable. I can use myself as example. I work at a smaller church, which really any church not Liberty Baptist is small to me, but this one is roughly 115-130 people. 300 on the role (of course) but 115-130 coming. I work with youth and pretty much every ministry in the church. I love it and I believe God has given me a gift to communicate, sometimes dynamically, to the people. However, I often covet a larger audience, a bigger opportunity to serve God! Sounds great in practice, but could it be it's more about me than God?

In the Bible, God tells us that when we are trusted with and are obedient in the small things, He will trust us with the big things. I think in that sometimes, comes contentment. God has us all in the place that He has us, and we ought to be content where we are. We must obey God, wherever we are, no matter where He has us, even if we want or think He wants something better for us. It takes a long time sometimes, but it is more and more clear as I get older that God does not work on my time table. He doesn't do what I want exactly when I want it, and most often what I want clearly is not His will. That's ok. This means what He has for me is so much better.

So I encourage you all, no matter where you are. No matter how big or little your area of ministry is, secular or otherwise, God can use you. Trust Him in all that you do, big or small. Trust Him in the small things, and He will trust you in the bigger things. All in His time, and His will.

GOD CAN USE YOU! Stay tuned for Day 39!

-Brian

A CALL TO DIE-DAY 37

Day 37-A Fork in the Road

The scripture that went along with this topic is Matthew 18:5-6 which says,

⁵"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. ⁶But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

This scripture is all about having the innocence of a child. We often forget what it is like to be like a child. We shy away from it. We frown upon it. We think life is all about being the best and most mature of adults. While that may be important, fighting for position and clout is not the answer. So many want to be leaders. They want to be at the top in their school, on their teams, even in the church. Wherever the power is, they want it. But Jesus taught us something different.

He said the first shall be last. He said the first would serve and be the most humble among all of them. That's what it means to be like a child. The disciples were confused by this. They were confused as to how to treat people. They thought being the best and greatest among all people was the way to have prominence in His kingdom. Jesus explained to them that isn't the way it works. Being great in this life often can hinder God's plans, not fulfill them. They thought they needed to be powerful, but Jesus brought a kid before them and told them they need to be powerless, like a child.

Real spiritual strength, as Nasser puts it, is simply love being loved by the Heavenly Father, like a child. It's having a simple heart of trust of the Father, and to not be concerned with Power or Authority. To simply trust and rest in the Lord. This is what it means to be like a child.

Whether your not so long removed from childhood, or have been many years, let this be a reminder to you to have child like faith. This is what God wants, this is what pleases Him. When we try to stop being from being reckless abandon for Him like a child, we may cause them to sin, and hence heap a millstone upon us like it says in the scripture. Let us not stand in the way of what God does in others, nor what God wants to do in our lives! Think on that!

Stay tuned for Day 38!

-Brian