Good morning. Just a few updates for some of the happenings at FBC-Odessa.
World Missions Offering
FBC Odessa, you are incredible! As of Tuesday afternoon we have collected contributions totalling $439,600 toward our World Missions Offering goal of $440,000. There is no doubt in my mind we will reach our goal and probably before Sunday. Incredible job FBC-Odessa! Your love for missions is wonderful. I am honored to be your pastor.
2011 Budget Discussion
Tonight in the fellowship hall we will discuss the 2011 budget from 5:30-6:00. If you have already received your copy of the budget overview you will have noted that we are not increasing the budget at all. In fact, we are reducing the budget by a slight amount. Thank you for your faithful giving to the Kingdom work being done at FBC.
Christmas Blitz Update
Yes, we did it! All 10,000 candy canes have been delivered to homes in Odessa. As of Tuesday morning the church family had delivered 9,400. To complete the goal some of the ministers on staff met at the westside Wal-Mart and handed out the remaining 600 invitations. FBC you did a phenomenal job in coming together to accomplish this goal! I love and appreciate you for rising to the occasion!
Permian Basin Christmas Celebration
Tickets are going fast. Some of the 5 services are already full. If you have not picked up your tickets yet, you need to get with it quickly. Please be in prayer for this great event. God is on the move and we are getting to be part of His work.
Have a great rest of the week. Only two more Wednesdays left in 2010. Have you been thinking about some new and fresh goals for 2011?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday Thoughts and World Missions Offering...
Yesterday at FBC was another wonderful day of worship. The sanctuary is in shambles due to the preparation for our annual Christmas Celebration coming this weekend but the good people of FBC have learned to take the disruptions in stride. We had a number of decisions yesterday. God is so good!
World Mission Sunday
Yesterday was our in-gathering for our World Mission Offering. We take one missions offering a year so as to not be hitting our folks up multiple times throughout. Our goal for 2010 was $440,000. Yesterday we received $426,000 making us just $14,000 short of the goal as of yet. If past history is any indicator of the future, we will probably meet our goal before next Sunday and certainly before December 31. From your pastor, I want to say a HUGE thank you to all who gave to world missions at FBC-Odessa! I love you guys.
We have one of the biggest weeks of the year ahead as we prepare for the Christmas Celebration. I'm praying God's huge blessing on every person involved. I'm believing God for a greater Celebration than any other because of all the hard work of so many FBC folks who are getting the word out. You guys are great!
Oh yeah, I updated my profile picture with a family shot. My wife and kids sure help me look better!
Have a good week!
World Mission Sunday
Yesterday was our in-gathering for our World Mission Offering. We take one missions offering a year so as to not be hitting our folks up multiple times throughout. Our goal for 2010 was $440,000. Yesterday we received $426,000 making us just $14,000 short of the goal as of yet. If past history is any indicator of the future, we will probably meet our goal before next Sunday and certainly before December 31. From your pastor, I want to say a HUGE thank you to all who gave to world missions at FBC-Odessa! I love you guys.
We have one of the biggest weeks of the year ahead as we prepare for the Christmas Celebration. I'm praying God's huge blessing on every person involved. I'm believing God for a greater Celebration than any other because of all the hard work of so many FBC folks who are getting the word out. You guys are great!
Oh yeah, I updated my profile picture with a family shot. My wife and kids sure help me look better!
Have a good week!
Candy Cane Blitz Update
Last night many of the faith family at FBC-Odessa assembled again to knock on doors inviting people to attend the Christmas Celebration this coming Friday - Sunday. As of today we have hit about 8,500 doors on our way to 10,000. Tonight is the final night and it is gonna be a blast!
Come on out FBC and let's get it done!
Come on out FBC and let's get it done!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Candy Cane Blitz @ FBC-Odessa
For the past two evenings FBC-Odessa has gathered to go out into our community on what we are calling the "Candy Cane Blitz." We set a goal to knock on 10,000 doors in four nights in Odessa inviting the residents to our annual Christmas Celebration. Yes, that's right, 10,000 doors. After Sunday and Monday nights we have exceeded our expectations and have hit over 6,500 doors. Next Sunday and Monday will be our final two nights and I have no doubt we will meet our goal.
To all of the wonderful people at FBC-Odessa who have walked down streets knocking on doors - THANK YOU! To all of you who tied the plastic cards to the candy canes - THANK YOU! And to everyone else who played a role in the success of this event, regardless of how small it may have been - THANK YOU!
I love you guys and praise God for the opportunity to be your pastor. Now let's continue to pray for God's blessings on all of the hard work. It will happen because God always rewards our work for His Kingdom.
Have a great day!
To all of the wonderful people at FBC-Odessa who have walked down streets knocking on doors - THANK YOU! To all of you who tied the plastic cards to the candy canes - THANK YOU! And to everyone else who played a role in the success of this event, regardless of how small it may have been - THANK YOU!
I love you guys and praise God for the opportunity to be your pastor. Now let's continue to pray for God's blessings on all of the hard work. It will happen because God always rewards our work for His Kingdom.
Have a great day!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Movie Recommendation...
If you have known me for long, you know that I publicly recommend very few movies. Why? Because most of what Hollywood churns out is nothing but worldly fodder that denies what I stand for. But also, I take very seriously my role as a spiritual leader and would not want to endorse that which does not honor God. Every now and then, however, a movie comes along that merits a public "check it out" from me, and today I want to share one such movie with you.
My youngest daughter viewed this movie at the theater several months back. When it appeared on DVD this week she picked it for our Saturday night entertainment. To Save A Life is the movie and you can watch the trailer at the link below.
I like this movie because it pulls no punches. It reveals the hardhitting lifestyle that many of our teenagers face on a daily basis as they seek to navigate the student world - alcohol, sex, drugs, peer pressure, teen pregnancy and dishonesty. Primarily though, it is a very powerful and effective message against a dangerous temptation among some students (and some adults) that Satan seeks to flourish - teen suicide. For these reasons, I encourage you to check it out. Have a movie night at your house and watch it with your teenage kids. Then talk about it. Quit being afraid to address the really difficult and touchy issues with your children that the world throws at them. Talk to them about alcohol, sex, peer pressure and the need to fit in. And most importantly, convey to them that suicide is never an option. But don't expect them to come to you and bring up these topics. That's your job.
http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/movie-trailers-to-save-a-life/db04473e18b674826617db04473e18b674826617-165597283439?q=Movie%20%22To%20Save%20A%20Life%22&FORM=VIRE1
My youngest daughter viewed this movie at the theater several months back. When it appeared on DVD this week she picked it for our Saturday night entertainment. To Save A Life is the movie and you can watch the trailer at the link below.
I like this movie because it pulls no punches. It reveals the hardhitting lifestyle that many of our teenagers face on a daily basis as they seek to navigate the student world - alcohol, sex, drugs, peer pressure, teen pregnancy and dishonesty. Primarily though, it is a very powerful and effective message against a dangerous temptation among some students (and some adults) that Satan seeks to flourish - teen suicide. For these reasons, I encourage you to check it out. Have a movie night at your house and watch it with your teenage kids. Then talk about it. Quit being afraid to address the really difficult and touchy issues with your children that the world throws at them. Talk to them about alcohol, sex, peer pressure and the need to fit in. And most importantly, convey to them that suicide is never an option. But don't expect them to come to you and bring up these topics. That's your job.
http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/movie-trailers-to-save-a-life/db04473e18b674826617db04473e18b674826617-165597283439?q=Movie%20%22To%20Save%20A%20Life%22&FORM=VIRE1
Saturday, July 31, 2010
28 Truths Regarding Money from 28 Years of Marriage...
Last night my wife, Andi, and I taught a marriage class together on conflict resolution and finances. In the course of the evening we shared "28 Truths Regarding Money from 28 Years of Marriage." I am providing the items in this format as some have already requested I share them on my blog. Hope you enjoy, smile, and maybe receive some help in an area or two.
_______________________________________________
1. That money really does not grow on trees.
2. That “Easy Come/Easy Go” is a one-sided lie – earning money is hard work!
3. That impulse purchases are always a bad idea.
4. That professional salesmen have that name for a reason.
5. That my family really does deserve the best – but only the right way!
6. That full disclosure with each other regarding purchases is always best!
7. That money plays a role in some of the disagreements we’ve had over the years.
8. That most people can never wait long enough so they can “afford” a baby.
9. That saving a little is better than saving none.
10. That eating at home is far cheaper than eating out.
11. That, with rare exception, it takes years to learn maturity in handling credit cards.
12. That you don’t have to have credit cards to be happy – cash is king!
13. That debt collectors can’t come and take your children from you.
14. That you have the right to hang up the telephone on rude people.
15. That owning your own home does not have to come in the first 5 years.
16. That the baby brought home to an apartment isn’t concerned about a backyard.
17. That when baby makes three a will is an essential piece of family business.
18. That if you have the guts (operative word), you really can make it on one income.
19. That living with blinders on is a necessity if you try to make it on one income.
20. That starting new careers always costs - but sometimes you have no choice.
21. That fear and panic leave when you take control of your finances.
22. That being on a budget really does work.
23. That money management is tedious work!
24. That financial goals are good when aligned with God’s priorities.
25. That God owns everything.
26. That being a good steward brings an inner peace that is highly valued.
27. That God helps those who honor Him with their finances.
28. Prayer works!
It was fun when we sat down and put this list together. We laughed about the fun times we had (even when they didn't feel so fun at the time). Most of what I'm sharing is common sense, but again, I hope they bring a smile and maybe some assistance/encouragement in your journey.
_______________________________________________
1. That money really does not grow on trees.
2. That “Easy Come/Easy Go” is a one-sided lie – earning money is hard work!
3. That impulse purchases are always a bad idea.
4. That professional salesmen have that name for a reason.
5. That my family really does deserve the best – but only the right way!
6. That full disclosure with each other regarding purchases is always best!
7. That money plays a role in some of the disagreements we’ve had over the years.
8. That most people can never wait long enough so they can “afford” a baby.
9. That saving a little is better than saving none.
10. That eating at home is far cheaper than eating out.
11. That, with rare exception, it takes years to learn maturity in handling credit cards.
12. That you don’t have to have credit cards to be happy – cash is king!
13. That debt collectors can’t come and take your children from you.
14. That you have the right to hang up the telephone on rude people.
15. That owning your own home does not have to come in the first 5 years.
16. That the baby brought home to an apartment isn’t concerned about a backyard.
17. That when baby makes three a will is an essential piece of family business.
18. That if you have the guts (operative word), you really can make it on one income.
19. That living with blinders on is a necessity if you try to make it on one income.
20. That starting new careers always costs - but sometimes you have no choice.
21. That fear and panic leave when you take control of your finances.
22. That being on a budget really does work.
23. That money management is tedious work!
24. That financial goals are good when aligned with God’s priorities.
25. That God owns everything.
26. That being a good steward brings an inner peace that is highly valued.
27. That God helps those who honor Him with their finances.
28. Prayer works!
It was fun when we sat down and put this list together. We laughed about the fun times we had (even when they didn't feel so fun at the time). Most of what I'm sharing is common sense, but again, I hope they bring a smile and maybe some assistance/encouragement in your journey.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Faith and Discouragement...
The following is an article I wrote for the SBTC this fall. Hope it speaks to your heart.
_________________________________
While having lunch with a fellow pastor recently, I was asked an interesting question: “Do you see many pastors experiencing joy and victory in ministry?” Struck by the pertinence of his question, I began to reflect on my ministry as well as those I have encountered while traveling in Texas and beyond in 2010. With some hesitation I replied in the affirmative but I couldn’t help adding a footnote that “I don’t see many churches attempting that which requires great faith.” The ensuing discussion left me pondering faith and discouragement in ministry. I hope the following will be a help as we explore this topic together.
Faith is the central dynamic of the Christian life. It is not static but changes and fluctuates as we walk in fellowship with God. Sometimes our faith is strong; sometimes weak. It is an essential component of Christian living as any attempt to approach, serve, pray, or praise God apart from faith is futility of epic proportion. Without faith we cannot experience all God has in store for us or hear the still small voice of His Spirit whisper guidance in our heart. True faith is the primary means through which we deny Satan the glory he desperately craves and credit to Almighty God the glory He desperately deserves. It is true that nothing of eternal value can be accomplished apart from faith and equally true that nothing is impossible to him who has faith rightly directed in God. Faith matters immensely, even when weak and struggling.
Not long ago I was preaching a sermon on faith and I brought a cup of mustard seeds into the pulpit to make my illustration. There must have been 10,000 seeds in that one cup. Afterwards my wife asked to see the seeds up close and personal. I handed her the cup but she took only one tiny seed. She then taped the seed in her Bible next to Matthew 17:20 as a reminder of the quantity of real faith God is looking for in His followers. She is expecting mountains to move in her life as she understands faith to be the central dynamic of her walk with God.
Faith is particularly necessary when we come under trial and attempt to “count it all joy” as James implores. No person can look up from the bottom of a pit and praise God apart from a living faith that believes circumstances can change on-a-dime with the Lord. While corporate faith may be on the decline, discouragement is on the rise among God’s chosen leaders. Many of the pastors and church leaders I have crossed paths with this year as president of the SBTC face daily discouragement. These wonderful servants of Christ possess a deep passion for the things of God. They rejoice in their calling and daily seek to honor the Lord by faith. The pastors are men who desire their churches to grow for the glory of God and see the lost come to Jesus. Yet, like high blood pressure, discouragement is the “silent killer” of ministers, regardless of church size. At one time I thought only those serving God away from highways and high-speed internet, malls and movie theaters were the ones primarily subject to discouragement. Was I ever wrong! Satan has no respect for God’s minister regardless of whether he receives his mail on a rural route or while seated in a high-rise. So what is the answer? Let me encourage you with the following.
First, recalibrate your focus on “Who” matters most. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Whenever discouragement seeks to replace faith in my life, I always know my focus has shifted not from “what matters most” but from “who matters most” – the Lord Jesus. God knows that all who serve Him have the propensity to be just like Peter when the wind and waves begin to roll and we take our eyes off Jesus. So fix your eyes on the Master and the faith you exhibit will conquer the discouragement you face.
Second, maintain a hope that refuses to doubt God’s power. When Satan attacks your mind by telling you that what you are doing for God does not matter, refuse to believe his lie and doubt God’s power. If you are praying and working as you should, you are making a difference regardless of what circumstances may say. A recent note on Twitter I received shared a quote from A.T. Robertson on difficult pastorates: “Young man, if you go to a hard field, stay by it. For, while you may not help the field, it will help you." My only addition would be to stay by that hard field with an expectant hope that God can transform even the most difficult circumstance for His glory. Place a mustard seed in your Bible if necessary.
Finally, maintain a faith that refuses to shrink back. Years ago I was struggling with discouragement in ministry on a supreme level. It wasn’t the first time; it will not be the last. On that day, I well remember driving the 45 miles to the hospital for visitation and crying out in desperation for God to move the entire trip. I felt I was nearing the end of my rope. Discouragement had caused me to lose my focus and doubt whether I was making any difference for the Kingdom. That afternoon when I returned to my office I did the only thing I knew to do – I poured over Scripture in prayer, seeking a word of encouragement from the Lord. While doing so the Holy Spirit brought me to Hebrews 10:35-38 NIV, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, ‘He who is coming will come and not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” Message delivered; message received.
Perhaps you are nearing the end of your rope, your grip is lessening and discouragement seems about to win the day. Stop what you are doing right now and take back the joy in serving Jesus that Satan is attempting to steal. Refuse to shrink back in defeat. Pray. Focus on your Master. Do that which you know God would have you do. Remain faithful and sooner than later a new day will dawn and the discouragement you feel will be replaced with a fresh expectancy that God is on the move. Be encouraged fellow servant of the Most High God!
_________________________________
While having lunch with a fellow pastor recently, I was asked an interesting question: “Do you see many pastors experiencing joy and victory in ministry?” Struck by the pertinence of his question, I began to reflect on my ministry as well as those I have encountered while traveling in Texas and beyond in 2010. With some hesitation I replied in the affirmative but I couldn’t help adding a footnote that “I don’t see many churches attempting that which requires great faith.” The ensuing discussion left me pondering faith and discouragement in ministry. I hope the following will be a help as we explore this topic together.
Faith is the central dynamic of the Christian life. It is not static but changes and fluctuates as we walk in fellowship with God. Sometimes our faith is strong; sometimes weak. It is an essential component of Christian living as any attempt to approach, serve, pray, or praise God apart from faith is futility of epic proportion. Without faith we cannot experience all God has in store for us or hear the still small voice of His Spirit whisper guidance in our heart. True faith is the primary means through which we deny Satan the glory he desperately craves and credit to Almighty God the glory He desperately deserves. It is true that nothing of eternal value can be accomplished apart from faith and equally true that nothing is impossible to him who has faith rightly directed in God. Faith matters immensely, even when weak and struggling.
Not long ago I was preaching a sermon on faith and I brought a cup of mustard seeds into the pulpit to make my illustration. There must have been 10,000 seeds in that one cup. Afterwards my wife asked to see the seeds up close and personal. I handed her the cup but she took only one tiny seed. She then taped the seed in her Bible next to Matthew 17:20 as a reminder of the quantity of real faith God is looking for in His followers. She is expecting mountains to move in her life as she understands faith to be the central dynamic of her walk with God.
Faith is particularly necessary when we come under trial and attempt to “count it all joy” as James implores. No person can look up from the bottom of a pit and praise God apart from a living faith that believes circumstances can change on-a-dime with the Lord. While corporate faith may be on the decline, discouragement is on the rise among God’s chosen leaders. Many of the pastors and church leaders I have crossed paths with this year as president of the SBTC face daily discouragement. These wonderful servants of Christ possess a deep passion for the things of God. They rejoice in their calling and daily seek to honor the Lord by faith. The pastors are men who desire their churches to grow for the glory of God and see the lost come to Jesus. Yet, like high blood pressure, discouragement is the “silent killer” of ministers, regardless of church size. At one time I thought only those serving God away from highways and high-speed internet, malls and movie theaters were the ones primarily subject to discouragement. Was I ever wrong! Satan has no respect for God’s minister regardless of whether he receives his mail on a rural route or while seated in a high-rise. So what is the answer? Let me encourage you with the following.
First, recalibrate your focus on “Who” matters most. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Whenever discouragement seeks to replace faith in my life, I always know my focus has shifted not from “what matters most” but from “who matters most” – the Lord Jesus. God knows that all who serve Him have the propensity to be just like Peter when the wind and waves begin to roll and we take our eyes off Jesus. So fix your eyes on the Master and the faith you exhibit will conquer the discouragement you face.
Second, maintain a hope that refuses to doubt God’s power. When Satan attacks your mind by telling you that what you are doing for God does not matter, refuse to believe his lie and doubt God’s power. If you are praying and working as you should, you are making a difference regardless of what circumstances may say. A recent note on Twitter I received shared a quote from A.T. Robertson on difficult pastorates: “Young man, if you go to a hard field, stay by it. For, while you may not help the field, it will help you." My only addition would be to stay by that hard field with an expectant hope that God can transform even the most difficult circumstance for His glory. Place a mustard seed in your Bible if necessary.
Finally, maintain a faith that refuses to shrink back. Years ago I was struggling with discouragement in ministry on a supreme level. It wasn’t the first time; it will not be the last. On that day, I well remember driving the 45 miles to the hospital for visitation and crying out in desperation for God to move the entire trip. I felt I was nearing the end of my rope. Discouragement had caused me to lose my focus and doubt whether I was making any difference for the Kingdom. That afternoon when I returned to my office I did the only thing I knew to do – I poured over Scripture in prayer, seeking a word of encouragement from the Lord. While doing so the Holy Spirit brought me to Hebrews 10:35-38 NIV, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, ‘He who is coming will come and not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” Message delivered; message received.
Perhaps you are nearing the end of your rope, your grip is lessening and discouragement seems about to win the day. Stop what you are doing right now and take back the joy in serving Jesus that Satan is attempting to steal. Refuse to shrink back in defeat. Pray. Focus on your Master. Do that which you know God would have you do. Remain faithful and sooner than later a new day will dawn and the discouragement you feel will be replaced with a fresh expectancy that God is on the move. Be encouraged fellow servant of the Most High God!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
