Splinters for the King

This is in response to a message that I spoke in the beginning of June at Greenbrier Church. It was called Splinters for the King. The message still haunts me today.  One out of two hundred die as a martyr for the faith yearly. This is the reality of our faith.

They overcame him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
Rev. 12.11

When I think about the above text I think about the people of our faith who did not shrink from death. They died well. I believe that is what Paul would say…and did. What Peter would say…and did. It’s what  Jonathan Edwards wrote about, “How to die well”…what a great puritan Christian. He said this,

“The enjoyment of [God] is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams. But God is the ocean.”

To have those words hidden in your heart would make anyone die well. To see the Gospel in that light, man I wish that would be me someday. Lets go the scripture and see for ourselves what God invites to.

Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. And He said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Then He said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:21-27

Here is the backdrop of this verse. The disciples were told to live a simple life. We could all learn from that. No bags, no money, no problem. Jesus sent them out to be a representation of himself. It was a teaching moment for them. They were to preach that the Kingdom of God was near. So in comes Herod the tetrarch, he ruled ¼ kingdom and is the same cat that killed John the Baptist now he is scaredy-cat. He thought that John the Baptist (Jesus’s cuz) came back to life. Herod was scared of a carpenter but we know HE was and is much more…KING…JESUS. Then the  bros came back and once gathered again, they withdrew to a place but a crowed followed. Jesus welcomed everyone with blessings and taught them.

In the Middle East, folks get soooo hungry…real quick. The 5000 represent the hungry people around the world who need the Bread of life. Jesus took some bread and fish, and fed tons of people.. There were 12 baskets leftover for the disciples…as an object lesson on doubt  (thanks Will). He asked his boys what was the scoop. They said everyone thought that He was a former prophet who came back to life or he was John the Baptist. Jesus asked his main man Peter and Peter told Him He was the Chirst. Jesus said, “don’t tell anyone” because He didn’t want the path to the cross interrupted.

Some people talk about their future goals. They say it with a smiling face…with expectations of  a prospering life ahead. Jesus says He is going to die to make us prosper…and after outlining His future, He gave them a future opportunity. The opportunity was a choice to follow Him by carrying their cross, then fortune/money was to be weighed in their life, & the shame of following Jesus came next.

Now we have arrived at the main text: Luke 9:21-27. The problem with today’s Christianity in the United States is that everyone wants the ideal life. You want the “good life” and still be a Christian. That sounds great except for…the Bible!

God calls us to take up our cross and follow Him. We should never strive for the splinters of the cross when the nails is what is asked. If you goal is for the nails then I would challenge if you are really a Believer. Everyone had “who” they thought Jesus was…do you know? In case you didn’t know it…He is God.

I challenge you to take up the nails along with your cross. Are you giving spinters for the King? You can’t fake it. You can’t lie to everyone including yourself and God forever. You can’t remain the same. You must die to self if you really believe Jesus is who He says He is. Everything in life is nothing more than shadows, but God…He will always remain the substance.

PHATcamp11

 

My thoughts on camp this year have been shaped by the fact that our God will choose to do what He wants to do no matter what we think or say. From Abby singing “the climb”  to Nick preaching the Gospel as the center of every message, camp was incredible! PHAT camp started by us doing a week 1. Week 1 worship was by the Hank Murphy Band & I was the guest speaker for that week. I saw many teens give their lives for the sake of the Kingdom but week 2 was different. These were teens who for the most part knew the Gospel but didn’t live it out. I believe God shaped hearts into crosses this past week.

Here below are some  things that happen:

10. Girls are more messy than the boys. Girls were horrible, boys were just bad. Who would have guessed?

9. Nash took a bath twice a day. I’m not talking about the pool…talking about the shower. He bathed more than I did.

8.  Staffers can eat. We went through three 24 packs of soda within 24hours…and killed off Oatmeal creampies within seconds.

7. Will Rushing is the coolest kid. That is the truth.

6.  Michael Bowling trusted Christ. The dude is changed for the glory of God…not by a human voice or persuasion, but by God.

5.  We had 103 total teens at camp. Most of these were 6-10th grade. So cool!

4. Derrick Mathis is still better looking than Seth. Seth is a ok looking dude but Mathis is stunning.

3.  The grilled chicken was spat-dow! Josh & Shane killed the chicken…Hank & Drew helped a little but we give them no credit.

2. Kitchen staff was awesome! Fed a total of 140 throughout the week…great job!

1. Lots of hard work went into camp this year and it was all worth it. God called us to do it..so we did it. DONE.

Last of the Augusta Christian questions….

11. Is baptism important to have Jesus Christ in our hearts?

Baptism is not an act of receiving salvation, but it is THE obedient act that occurs to show we have received it.  It is important to be obedient to Jesus and quickly so.  According to the Scriptures, everyone who received Christ then followed by baptism (Acts 8:35-39 is a great example of this).  I mean, Jesus was baptized.  You should be too…the Bible says so.  That is the bottom line – the Bible says to do it, so we DO IT!

12. Why did God create Adam and Eve if He knew they were going to sin?

Genesis 3:15.  Ultimately, He did it for His glory.  What we need to understand is that justice would have been served if Adam and Eve were destroyed upon their rebellion.  BUT, Genesis 3:15 shows us the first prophecy of the cross – God’s plan, His LOVE.  God is GLORIFIED in the Gospel (in His redemption of us through Jesus), because the character of God is personified best in Jesus and in His finished work on the cross/resurrection.  We see who God is best in the Gospel.  All of the characteristics of God are involved (His holiness, faithfulness, wrath, justice, love, kindness, grace, mercy, goodness, etc.).  Because in the END, and throughout, God gets SO MUCH glory through saving us from sin.  The Gospel is God’s glory and love on display for all the universe to see.  What GREAT LOVE…!  1 John 3:1.

Remember, God has always wanted us to live in freedom and share in His love forever.  We are secured in this freedom and fellowship with God for eternity because of GOD’s act of glory and grace in the work of Jesus.  He gets the glory!  1 Corinthians 1.  Galatians 5:1.  John 3:16.

13. Does every sin equal the same punishment in God’s eyes?

Romans 3:21-26.  Sin is missing the mark, and all sin is rooted in idolatry (by way of the Ten Commandments, you do not break any of them without breaking the first one).  Everything done against God is sin and is the same, and it is all because of WHO you are offending, not what you have done.  God is HOLY.  Our sin, every sin, one sin, deserves full wrath from a holy and just God…praise God for Jesus!

14. How are we sure that we are fully saved, and how am I sure I am going to heaven?

John 10:27-30.  You have the promises of God to assure you.  You have the Holy Spirit (who convicts you of sin, etc.).  You have a heart-change, where the bottom of your joy is no longer to make much of yourself, but to make much of Jesus.  Your desires change.  You want to please God and glorify HIM rather than yourself.  Jesus Christ becomes more than just a name or a “ticket out of hell,” but the TREASURE of our lives!  The Word of God becomes alive to you, and you love it.  Your whole identity changes!  2 Corinthians 5:17.  These are some signs.  They are all evidences of salvation.

When you are saved, and God makes you His own; NOTHING can change that…and you know it inside.  1 John 5:12-13.  Your life WILL be the evidence of your salvation.  So, living like “hell” does not give evidence that you have “lost” your salvation, but maybe that you do not have it.  1 John 2:15-17.  God does not lose those who are His.  Hebrews 13:8.  Salvation never depended on what YOU have done, so why could you ever lose it?  You can’t!  When you are His, you are His!

15.  If we do the same sin over and over, does God still forgive us?

1. If we are God’s children, an unlimited amount of grace is ours in Christ Jesus.  Romans 8:1-2.  We are not under law (which kills), but grace in the Spirit (which gives life, 2 Corinthians 3:4-6).  Our standing with God is sure (see above question and question 2).  The answer here is to examine our hearts to see if there is an evidence of WAR against sin in our lives (like the answer to question 2).  The Bible clearly says that we will struggle with sin in this body until we are with the Lord and perfected.  Romans 6-7.  Grace gives no one a license to sin.  We are to be “dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11)  But His forgiveness is there and is ALWAYS there…if we confess and as we repent (remember the answer to question 2 again).  1 John 1:8-2:6.

Augusta Christian questions cont…

Cont…

7. Romans 8:29 says, “For these God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be firstborn among many brothers.”

    Ephesians 1:5 says, “He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ—in accordance with His pleasure and will.”

    ***How can there be free will if the above verses are true?

1. The answer is Yes.  : )  NOTE:  The worst thing we can do is grab a single verse without its context.  Pay attention to the rest of those passages.

Things we CANNOT deny: God is sovereign.  God knows everything, right?  Is it surprising to God who receives Jesus and who doesn’t?  No.  Did you wake up one day and DECIDE to follow Jesus and surrender to Him on your own?  No.  God wooed you into knowing Him.  John 6:44.  Ephesians 2:8-9. (God is the ONE who even GIVES us the faith to believe the Gospel of Jesus and be saved!)

Knowing that God is above and outside of everything and is SO sovereign and holy, yet He loves YOU and sent Jesus for YOU, should send you to your knees in humility before Him…No matter how you want to interpret this passage (the content of which is SO God-sized and rests in Him alone to know, Romans 11:33-36), you cannot deny that GOD is the one who initiates, works, and completes salvation!  You must also see that NO MATTER WHAT, the Gospel is not changed by how you interpret or misinterpret Scripture.  Your DESPERATE need for Jesus Christ to forgive you and to be Lord of your soul still remains just as it does with all of mankind everywhere.

8. How is it that God allows some people (like students at this school) to be put in a Christian environment and others (like dying children in Africa) to be born into the situation they are born in—how is it fair when the opportunity for salvation is not equal for both people?

Acts 17:24-27 gives us the basis for why we live where we live as opposed to others, etc.  It is His sovereignty and we need to be awakened to His strategic purpose in having us where He has us.

Let’s get a couple of things straight.  There are more Christians per capita in Africa than there are in the United States.  The church of Jesus Christ is growing faster in China (where people die for sharing Jesus with people) than nearly if not any other place in the world.  Who are you to say what is fair?  You know what’s fair?  Hell is fair.  The most mind-blowing thing is that we HAVE the Gospel – we have heard it so many times that it makes some of us sick – yet we do not want to do anything about it.  We do not want to give up EVERYTHING so that the world who has never heard the name of Jesus can hear and be saved.  That’s not fair.  Where we are born does not change the perfect plan of God’s redemption through Jesus or the URGENCY of the Great Commission.  Understand that you live here and you are blessed.  Surrender and GO.  Psalm 67:1-2.  Romans 10.

9. If God’s will is going to happen no matter what, why do people always pray “if it’s Your will”? Why does God allow horrible things to happen to people, especially to those who follow and obey Him?

Good question.  That’s actually two questions.  : )

1. I think it is good to have the posture and heart in prayer that we want what God wants in the end more than anything.  Isaiah 55:8.  If that is, in fact, what we actually want!  Again, Jesus knows our HEART.  …Matthew 7:7-11.  I do believe that there is an absence these days of praying “big” prayers to God.  Sometimes we just pray, “God, let your will be done,” instead of praying in faith as God’s children for Him to hear our cries and move.  1 John 5:14-15.  We should want His glory above all else, but we should PRAY – it changes things!  Sometimes God’s will aligns with our prayer of faith in an unexplainable way!  James 5:17-18.
2. The world is fallen.  It is just for us to face hardship, see pain, experience disaster and death.  Luke 13:1-5.  Jesus said that the real question we should ask, knowing the state of this sin-cursed, broken world, is why not me?  Why am I still here?  He said REPENT or perish.  This is obviously not popular at all, but it is all true.  Jesus said it.  PRAISE GOD FOR HIS GRACE AND HOPE IN JESUS CHRST!  The world is fallen and broken, and only through Jesus will it all be redeemed and made new.

 

10. Did angels have free will? If so, then how did Satan fall?

Yes, angels have free will, and they do fall (Luke 10:18) but they are not extended grace through the Gospel like we are (which, again, should HUMBLE us before God).  When they sin, they fall and are cursed forever, i.e. Satan and a third of the angels falling, or Galatians 1:8, etc.  1 Peter 1:10-12 says that angels LONG to look into these things and see the love of God through Jesus Christ.  It “wows” them.

Will Clark’s valedictorian address from 2008

The boldest thing/action that I have ever seen in 33+ years on this earth. A teen who I mentored (I didn’t do a great job) was selected as highest among his high school class. His speech still haunts me today…

“The Times I will Never Forget”

Good morning.  Today, we come together to commemorate a huge milestone in our lives.  This is certainly a joyous time, worthy of this ceremony and of the celebration that will take place throughout the rest of the day.  However, as this day has approached, as the pomp and circumstance has come to fill my thoughts and prayers, I have more and more come to rest not on the happiness that all of us share in this day.  Please do not misunderstand; in no way do I mean to diminish the accomplishments being honored today, but you see, for some time now I have envisioned myself looking out over this crowd.  In my dreams the moment has been almost surreal, a blur of sound, color, and emotion.  As this moment drew near, the image in my mind began to become more focused.  Slowly, the swirl of sights, sounds, and emotion turned into faces, voices, and memories.  As I stand here now I am truly humbled.  As, one after another, students, classmates, parents, teachers, and friends cross my mind; my heart wells up with memories, vivid memories of moments and times that I will truly never forget.  It is with great joy that I relive the wonderful experiences that I have had with so many of you throughout the years; times of happiness and of sadness, times of expectation and of disappointment, times of laughter and of tears, times of ecstacy and of agony, triumphant victories, and crushing defeats.  The Bible, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, the first part of verse 11, it is said of God that “He has made everything beautiful in its time”.  That truth from God’s Word has proven itself such in my life, for though I did not always realize it, now looking back, I see everything that God has laid out in my life and in the experiences that we have shared and see that the good, the bad, the encouraging, the confusing, the wonderful, and the terrible have all worked together and in their time as ordained by God are truly beautiful.  And yet, of all my memories, there is one and only one that has continually pushed its way to the forefront of my mind.  This memory finds itself shortly after the beginning of my high school journey.  It is with picture perfect clarity that I recall that November evening, when, long before I had ever applied to a college, taken an AP exam, or won a state playoff game, I laid awake in my bed.  My heart weighed down in my chest, pinning me to my mattress.  I was full of questions; questions such as: “Who am I?”, “What is life all about?”, and “Can I make an impact?”.  The Lord dealt with me, and that night I fell to my knees and repented of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of my life.  It is this, more than any other moment, that I can not forget.  I believe the reason is found in the second part of Ecclesiastes 3:11, which tells us that “He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end”.  Truly, God has placed innumerable memories in my life–so much so that I will never be able to fully comprehend them and wrap my mind around them, and yet, in those things I will never find satisfaction.  The meaning and direction that I sought that night before God will never be found in the things of this Earth, but only in the all-sufficient grace and mercy of King Jesus.  That, dear friends is why amidst all the joy of this day, I am troubled.  I look out at all of you and see people who are talented, ambitious, intelligent, driven, and amazing.  Potential is an understatement for what can be accomplished by those who are here today.  I truly love all of you, and as such my heart breaks because I fear that some of you are seeking; seeking direction, meaning, and purpose in the things of this world which will inevitably leave us empty and incomplete.  My prayer is that as we depart from this place, all of you would know that the answer is found in Christ, who came to earth as a man, lived a perfect life, died upon a cross as the final payment of the sin debt that no one else could pay, and then in three days raised from the dead in Glory.  Now if we would only surrender to Him, he takes our failures and shortcomings and makes them into a something beautiful, all for the glory of His name.  In closing, I implore all of you to continue creating memories and moments that are unforgettable.  I hope with all sincerity that by taking hold of the gift of Salvation and Eternal Life that is found freely in Christ Jesus, that those moments would shine forever, not as our own legacy, but as a testament to the surpassing riches, grandness, and glory of God the Father and of our Lord Jesus.  Friends, I offer you and invitation, and, as is the day’s occasion, a commencement: An invitation–that today as we talk and reminisce over the past, let us fill our conversations with Christ, and leave this place to begin the next era of our lives free of doubt and confusion, certain of our standing before Holy God.  And a commencement–friends, family, faculty, staff, and the Class of 2008, to go, seek the Lord, walk in the Grace of Jesus, and to live our lives unforgettably, and with no regrets.  God bless you all.  Thank you.

ACHS chapel questions cont…

A continue to the questions asked a month or so ago…

4.  Do homosexuals go to hell?

Romans 1:21-32.  John 3:17-21.  The reason that we need Christ to redeem us is more than just the fact that we have done or do wrong things before God.  We need Christ because we LOVE wrong things (John 3:19).  Again, Jesus wants the heart!  He wants to change a rebellious heart to an obedient heart that loves God, and THEREFORE, is obedient.  This is true for the homosexual, liars, adulterers, and all others who are living a life of sin.  God wants to redeem homosexuality in people, the Bible is clear that it is sin.  He wants to redeem those who live in homosexuality because it is in rebellion to His ways…just like He wants to redeem anger and greed, etc.

1 Timothy 1:15-16.  So, who goes to hell?  Unrepentant sinners go to hell.  Understand that those in homosexual sin are no different than those are in heterosexual sin or those who make fun of those who are homosexuals.  Sin is sin.  APART FROM CHRIST and apart from repentance in His name, sin will be punished forever, not because homosexuality is some greater abomination than anything else.  Those who live in unrepentant sin who have no desire to repent and get out of that sin are in rebellion to God and need Christ’s forgiveness.  For those who live this way who do not know Christ and are not covered by His blood, the wrath of God is theirs.  1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 20.

 

5. How do you recognize the voice of God?

Proverbs 11:14.  Hebrews 4:12.  John 18:37.  God HAS spoken – His WORD.   He has given us His FULL revelation in Christ Jesus.  So, listen to what Jesus says in the Scriptures!  John 14:8-10.  Colossians 1.  God will never tell you something that Scripture does not say (For instance, if you say “God told me to move in with my girlfriend,” that was not God.  It may have been your penis or a demon, but not God.)  Know the Scriptures.  The more you know them, the more you will recognize God’s voice.  The Holy Spirit speaks to us and works through people as well.  So, through godly council (THE CHURCH) God speaks to us – that is one of its biggest functions as the body of Christ

6. Why don’t churches talk about helping suicidal people? I have friends that cut themselves until the scars keep piling up on their arms. What should I do? I have gone to adults about it, prayed about it, and talked to them, but it never seems to truly work. I know God loves them. How can I show them how great His love is?

1 John 4:19.  Understanding the Gospel ourselves, leads us to love people.  And that’s what people in these type of situations need.  LOVE THEM.  Do not ever only TELL people that God loves them without showing them.  You patiently, honestly, humbly serve and love them.  Be with them.  ***AND in this case, this person needs professional help, and you need to provide them with that.  But PREACH the Gospel to them continually as well.  Do not ever only SHOW people that God loves them without telling them the truth of the Gospel.  Romans 10:13-17.  That is how the Holy Spirit will lift the veil of their hurt, pain, and “lostness” they are in and allow the power of God to change the situation.  They MUST hear the Gospel to be rescued from the enemy’s lies.  The Holy Spirit loves the Gospel.  It is power.  1 Corinthians 1:18, Romans 1:16.  PREACH IT in faith.  John 10:10.  Isaiah 53.

Also, I do believe prayer is key…and if you say what you have been doing in prayer has not “worked,” then increase your praying and increase the number of people praying with you!  Never cease to pray; never stop knocking on God’s door for people who need to be rescued.  BELIEVE.  James 5:15-16.  Matthew 7:7-8.

2011 Chapel Q and A

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to speak at Augusta Christian School Chapel service along with 3 other-awesome bros who love Jesus and are Pastors in the Augusta area. This was a panel chapel where teens ask questions and we answer them. Since we have a new addition to our home (Daisy,a 3 month old) I wrote down some answers but after finishing my answers to the questions in a matter of 20 minutes…I thought “what a good  discipleship” time this would make. So I gave Hank Murphy, Drew Hall, & Will Clark a holler. These guys “did work” on Skype for a couple of hours. This was one of the proudest moments ever for a pastor/mentor to see his kids (they grown now…haha) tear the Scriptures up. I will be posting 3 questions and answers this week until all 15 have been posted…have fun reading.

2011 ACHS Chapel Questions

1. What is the true line between allowing something to come before God and spending time on other things?

This, like most everything else, is a heart issue.  The real issue/question is (or should be): What’s on the throne in your heart?  Who is it that has your worship/what makes your world go round?  Are you dependent on Jesus and is He your life’s TRUE center?  Are you ALL His?  He doesn’t want anything else.  Mark 8:34-37.  The Bible says we are to do all things to glorify God, which includes the time we purposefully seek Him personally as well as the times we are living out life’s responsibilities.  1 Corinthians 10:31.  Colossians 3:17, 23.  Matthew 6:33.

God is not concerned with the “right” amount of time given to Him, you doing things religiously to gain His favor, etc., because if Jesus has your heart, He has your worship. Matthew 6.33 “Seek first His Kingdom”

2. If Jesus knows my heart and He knows I love Him and I know what is right, even though I continue to do the wrong things, where does that put me with God…even though I completely know and love God?

Everybody sins.  It is what happens after you sin that makes ALL the difference.  Christians are not people who do not sin, but rather people who know how to repent.  Repentance should be a continuous part of our walk with God.  Romans 7.  John 14:15 and 1 John 5:3.  Romans 8:1.  God knows our struggle with sin and His grace is ALWAYS enough.  We must fall on the mercy and grace of God and receive His forgiveness.  He loves you in your struggle, no matter how long it is, and He is making you more like Christ (Galatians 5).  The key is to QUICKLY and sincerely repent!

However, there are really two answers to this question:

1. If your heart is truly desiring to walk with God through Jesus, then this puts you in a place as His righteous child under lavished, limitless grace.  There is SO much grace for you it should make you uncomfortable.
2. If, in your heart you are actually just playing games with God (and you know if you are, so does God) and you have not truly surrendered to Christ, then it puts you in a place under His wrath, because you are still in your sins.  Do not play games with a Holy God.  He will NOT be mocked.  He will not be a means to your own desired end.  Matthew 10:26-28.  Galatians 6:7-8.  1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 20.  Jesus did what He did for you, to save you, to give you LIFE, to change you…UNDERSTAND THIS. We obey because He is good. Joy comes from obedience, not submission to rules or your behavior modification. One is cheap the other is not. 

3. When talking about God’s will…If a baby is born out of wedlock or because of rape, is that God’s will? Or is that baby’s new life part of God’s will? Or does God just “react” to what we do?

Genesis 50:19-21, Job 12:10, Job 38-41.  Yes.  God knows what He is doing.  God is sovereign.  God does not “will” rape or childbirth out of wedlock (because His word/His command is His will and these do not match up with His word), but God is also ALL about redemption, using our mess-ups for His glory and our good (look at the cross!).  He is the best at taking what seems bad and making it good…ALL because HE is good.

God does NOT just react to what we do, but everything goes through Him that happens on the earth (Job 1).  God can stop anything that has ever been done, but has a masterful PLAN that is above our wisdom.  We need to understand that GOD has an ETERNAL perspective and is the one who is in charge of life and death – He RULES over both of these events in all of life whether we like it or not (so, if we see life and death happening, God allowed it, justly and sovereignly).

*Shane and Diana having Daisy, was a blessing and a WORK or miracle of God, not just because they had marital sex.  God loves them and BLESSED them according to His will.  In the same way, a child who is born in any circumstance is a blessing from the Lord.  Psalm 127:3.  We know that childbirth is the will of God because the Word of God says so and that it is a blessing from Him. (Psalms 127:3-5 ESV)And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” (Genesis 33:5 ESV)He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD! (Psalms 113:9 ESV)

My Daisy promises

As we are headed into the unknown with this whole baby-kid thing, I’m reminded of words spoken to me by my Grandma, the dearest and greatest  woman  that I have ever known. She said, “this is not a threat, it is a promise.” I’ve thought of that phrase often while I work with teenagers. I think God often says to us by His Word that He promises us certain things…in which might seem like a threat (if we don’t like it) and might seem like a promise (if we do like it). So, with Daisy being 10 weeks old today I will make her a promise list. This list is in response to working with teenagers for over 10 years (as well as now). Here we go…

Promises:

1. You will wear a one-piece bikini at the beach, pool, etc. You can show your body off to your husband all day, until then…you show off ½ of it. Respect your self-girlfriend.
2. You will spend your money wisely. Since you depend upon us for your survival, all money belongs to us…so respect what God has given you through us.
3. Mama and Daddy will buy you your first car. Sorry that it isn’t a camaro or mustang but your mamas 2003 Envoy. Take care of it since you will pass it down your siblings. Respect your car, because it is really ours since the title says Diana.
4. If you post anything on Facebook that would suggest you have no character you will never use FB again. Ask your mama what that looks like, but incase you forget it looks like this: no cussing, pictures of you in low tops, short shorts, kissing another girl, kissing a boy, or wearing Georgia Bulldog attire. Respect our leadership in your life, if your think we are not letting you be a teen, please read your Bible.
5. We will have family night once a week. This is good for us, as well as you, and your siblings. We are on team Padgett, not team Daisy. We love you baby girl but the world is not centered on you. Respect that we are shutting down work and everything else so our family can bond.
6. If you play sports (prob basketball since you a baller) it will not interfere with your relationship with God (if you have one; if not then move on to #2) #1, & school work #2. If it does, and I don’t care if you have a full college scholarship to UF, we will shut down that sport until things get on track. That WILL not become an idol to you. When you move out then you do what you want, but until then you will respect scripture.
7. If you say it isn’t fair in any of those previously promises, I will show you fair. You will be stripped of everything that “we” own (presidents of our family) and you will sleep on the floor and hopefully you own a blanket. You will be fed and clothe from goodwill unless you own your own clothes. If you want fair you will get fair until you don’t want fair anymore. Respect our guidance please baby girl.
8. If you talk back to your mama, you will face the wrath of mama. She gave birth to you so she will burp you again if she feels like it. No abuse will come upon you, but you might wish it did and be over. Respect your mama lil girl.
9. If your friends come over know that I will be the cool dad. I will play dress up if need be and talk like a girl. I will not embarrass you only highlight how cool your family is. I want all your friends over. I want our house to be full, loud, and the place to be.  Respect the silliness of your father.
10. Last but not least., if you want your way know that you will not get it. I own a ipod so I don’t have to listen to whining and being snotty. If you do that in public then you will get punish in public. If you disrespect in public you will need to apologize in public. What ever the act is in the same way you must make it right. You must know that you WILL not get your way. I’m smart and I have many years of training in the art of snotty-fu. Respect your parents.

 Daisy is 10 weeks old today and the more she grows the more this list will grow. I admit that I do not know all answers or what it is like raising kids, but what I do know is “it is a promise, not a threat.” If you say, “wait till she gets a mind of her own or just wait till she gets older”, you must not know me at all. I have the patience of snail, the boldness of a lion, and the promises of a grandmother…that is a promise.

Basketball Team: Do Work

Well it’s been awhile since I wrote a blog or even thought about it. After many requests, I feel that I should start laying the smacketh downeth again..blog style. So…here is the first of 2011.

We are in a competitive basketball league in my home town. The place where I live and serve on staff is 30 minutes way…not to mention in a different demographic and salary scale. I have a heart for my town…so we are playing ball there. Here is our team and my comparing with people in the NBA.

Jeremy Smiles: SG/SF

6ft 185lbs, 35 yrs, has a good shot and high basketball IQ. NBA Comparison:  Rudy Gay

Byan Mr. Big Shot: PF

6’3”ft 300lbs, 34 yrs, with 25’ range. NBA Comparison: Matt Bonner

Robbie Babyface: SG

5’10”, 140lbs, 16 yrs, trigger happy spotty shooter. NBA Comparison: Kevin Martin

Austin Perfect Tee: SG

5’10”, 160lbs, 18 yrs, trigger happy long-range bomber. NBA Comparison: Luke Ridnour

David Scrappy Doo: SG

5’10”, 150lbs,18 yrs, scrappy rebounder & quickness. NBA Comparison: Mike Conley

Drew Big Baby: C

6’3”, 260lbs, 22 yrs, force on the inside and highly motivated. NBA Comparison: Big Baby Davis

Carlos the Rocket: SG

5’11”, 185lbs, 33 yrs, mad hops, slasher, & great team player. NBA Comparison: Rajon Rondo

Kelly press breaker: PG

6’1”, 185lbs, 32 yrs , great floor general & passer. NBA Comparison: Steve Nash

Doug dependable: SF

5’11”, 185lbs, 30 yrs, good 10 -15ft shooter. NBA Comparison: Eugene Jeter

Tim 3 deep: SG/PG

6’, 185lbs, 32 yrs, good shot & high IQ:.NBA Comparison: Vince Carter

Shane Big Papa: SG/SF/PF/C

6’4”, 245lbs, 33 yrs, good shot & multi facet player.NBA Comparison: Hedo Turkoglu

 

Things that provoke me

Here are 4 things that provoke me daily.

1. When a Christ follower uses current sinful ways as an excuse to continue to rebel. I hate this because I wonder if they are really/or have really accepted God’s grace for their life. It seems to me that they conduct themselves as if the cross never happened. That bugs me.

Discretion advise: not saying being perfect or saying that you cant make mistakes. But if you don’t care and you choose to continue to rebel on your own omission…then you are a liar and the Gospel has never reached your heart. In this, it’s like a check getting bounce. It’s ok…but as soon as you know that there isn’t any money in the account you can’t keep writing checks because you are aware of the situation. Be wise.

2. When I hear a church that does a series after series and NEVER once mentions the Cross of Christ. Heed my advice and read the Bible…It’s cool to chatting about sex, poverty, worldview, politics, and money, but you better talk about the Cross of Christ. Motivation only last for so long and it will leave you exhausted. Only God can stir the heart and bend it in a way that reflects Him. So…I’m not saying that those things above isn’t good or not needed…just saying you better take them to the Cross…you aren’t that good bro.
3. Drama all day and no relief. If your life is that bad then just take some things off of your plate or take some meds. Things aren’t nearly as bad as it seems. Depending on your age, family matters, and responsibility, your case can be pretty rough or very smooth. I believe it’s all in a perspective and mindset. This comes from a dude who didn’t have the American dream child hood and someone who deals with people all the time. Really…if you want a perspective change, go to MCG and hang with the children who has cancer.
4. Pastors and musicians that take trendy way to far. I’m not talking about going to the GAP and buying an outfit that is in style. I’m talking more about the you dress a certain way and then BAM! Your style is changed and you are trying to be very current. This really depends on your age and your swagger (½ confidence level ½ personally). You either look like a fool or someone who is trying waaayyyy to hard at being someone they are not. Be yourself. I like to look at the 3 year window. You should have the same style for pretty much in a 3 year window time period then gradually evolving into your self more, then you get older and then kids-and life modifies you into what you will look like forever. Also a rule of thumb is your style should be consistent. If you play basketball in some DC shoes then that tells me your probably gonna where skinny jeans, but if you play in an entire NBA gear and wear form fitting clothes with skinny jeans on stage…that is not you dude. You have issues.

5. Pastors who cheat on their wives (their one wife) then get a divorce and then pastor a church. This is easy…read your Bible. If you can’t take care of your house hold then how can you take care of God’s bride? If you make a VERY poor decision then why should you or we elect (I don’t do that trash) or support you (don’t do that either) in your case to be a Pastor again.

Discretion advise: I’m not saying don’t forgive (this applies to pedophiles as well) but it would be unwise to place you back in that position. I don’t judge you as well. I have enough on my plate than to worry about you but facts are facts. Just work/serve as set up and breakdown or sound or something like that BUT not leadership. When you make a covenant with someone before God you need to take it serious. So if you don’t- why should we think in the case of a “job” you would be? If you think God wants you to then I say read your Bible because God doesn’t change His mind from what is written in the Bible. Since your a pastor you should have already known that.