WOMEN of FAITH

Quick update -

We have 3 tickets available. If you know someone who would like to go, or maybe you want to go, please let me know . . .

ASAP

Luther at his best

It's just after midnight and I am rereading my writing. Still kinda weird. I even hit a part which I did not remember writing which made me teary eyed. I'll write about that passage another day.

For today, slowly read these words from Martin Luther, from near the end of his work, The Freedom of a Christian ~

The Christian can do all things and has all things and is filled with the love which makes us free, joyful, almighty workers and conquerors over all tribulation, servants of our neighbors, and yet lords of all.

But who lives this Christian life in our day? It is neither preached about nor sought after so that Christians do not know why they bear the name of Christ. Surely, it is because God dwells in us so that by faith in God we become Christs to one another and treat our neighbors as Christ has treated us, that "Christ may be the same in all . . . that we may be truly Christian.

What wonderful words from Luther. To know that this was written in 1520 is pretty scary, since we are battling some of the same issues almost 500 years later.

Light Reading

Today I started rereading my major project. It seems kinda weird to be reading stuff I have written. I am taking notes about what I have written, with the expectation that some of what I take notes on will be areas where questions will be asked.

Along with that, while laying in bed I was reading some great reformed theology, reading up on the doctrines of God's Providence and Predestination (which includes election and reprobation). Just some light reading at 12:30 am.

Keep me in prayer!

Becoming Like Wal-Mart?

I read the following article on a church leadership web-site by Todd Rhodes. It was interesting and made me do some thinking and wondering about how the church moves in and around our community. What are your thoughts?!?

Maybe the Church Should Become a Little More Like Wal-Mart…

What is the price or value of a soul?

$215,000.

That’s the price that Wal-mart has put on each of their customers. A couple weeks ago, I happened upon a documentary on CNBC about the inner workings of Wal-mart. It was a very interesting program. One of the main things that stood out to me is that Wal-mart has done extensive research into their business.

If, for example, I go into my local Wal-mart store and get bad service; can’t find what I need; have to wait in the checkout line too long; or anything else that really makes me upset, Wal-mart knows that they have a lot to lose. In fact, they’ve calculated the value of what I’m worth to them. If I get mad at Wal-mart and never return, I have just cost the company (on average) $215,000. That’s how much sales they have figured they will lose from the average customer over their lifetime if they don’t come back...

Wal-mart puts a high value on me and every other person and family in my community.

Many churches, on the other hand, seemingly couldn’t care less about the people in their community. Sure, we give them lip service, but when it really comes down to reaching our target, many of us are too busy arguing about carpet color, worship styles, and how much to ‘give’ to missions in Africa, all the while missing the main point of reaching our own community for Christ.

Wal-mart provides diapers and socks and hemorrhoid cream for a profit.

The church offers eternal life and salvation for free.

Shouldn’t our communities know we value them at least as much as Wal-mart?

FOR DISCUSSION: Here’s today’s questions for you:

--Does your church value people more than Wal-mart?
--If so, what does that look like in your community?
--Who is better at reaching their audience in your community? Your church or Wal-mart?
--Does your church even have a specific target audience?
--Does your church have a specific plan to reach that audience?
--If your church shut down today, would your community notice?
--And if they noticed, would they care?
--What is your church offering your community that no one else can or does?

Sunday Reflections

WOW! I'm exhausted. For the second Sunday in a row, I could easily go to sleep early.

It was a wonderful day. I love having someone come forward to join the church or accept Jesus. Having Jennifer come forward was great. There is nothing like baptisms. Now we have 3 on the horizon, Jennifer's may be on Sunday due to family obligations and her fiance (Luke) is heading back to college and wants to be there.

I was really struck by the message. I am asking God, what changes do I need to make, instead of asking Him to change my every want and whim. How can God disturb me . . . wake me up. We all need it. How does God need to do that for you?!

Tonight was also a fun night, beautiful weather to sit and enjoy time together as a church. There were 125 people out there at Praise on the Prairie. Thanks to the Music Committee for putting this fun night together, for Doug's help and Jeff's equipment.

I loved Zachary telling jokes. What nerve he has. When I was 8 there would be no way you'd get me up on a stage.

Have a great week, and look to make a difference for Jesus.

Time to Defend

I now have the date for my Oral Defense . . . August 26th at 10 .m.

Of course, the bad part is the fact that this is my wedding anniversary. Now, this means it will be a great day, because the 26th of August must be a great day.

So, keep me in prayer as I prepare and move forward in the process. They don't give you questions in advance to review and discuss, it's whatever the readers deem appropriate. Hopefully, they will ask about the Cubs and Bears. I have no problem with those.

Anyway, I need to reread my writings and a couple of other books in prep.

TEST

I changed some settings, hoping the blog gets mailed on a more regular basis, since it seems it is not always getting e-mailed in a timely manner by the blog service called feedblitz.

Thanks for your patience.

Ding Dong

At 1 am last night our doorball rang. We both jumped up, I looked out the window, no cars, nothing out there. Maybe it was the lightening. Not!

A little while later, while we were still moving around the house, it happened again, and this time I saw a head by the door. Gave me big time goose bumps. Do I get the butcher knife, call the police, what comes next?

Then Debbie saw them over by a neighbors house. Okay, it's kids. Fortunately, it began to rain and that put the kabosh on their night and mine. But the adrenalin made it difficult to go back to sleep and morning came too quickly.

A night out

We went out with members of the JOY class to Beef and Boards and saw Smoke on the Mountain. My first thought when I heard the title was the old Deep Purple song, Smoke on the Water.

We had a wonderful time, very relaxing, went in the church van with about 20 others. The food, company and performance were right on. Speaking of the performance, the talent was great, it was a comedy about a pastor's final Sunday before moving to a new church and the family remembers and looks forward to the future. Great truths about Christ and the Kingdom were passed on, there was a great deal of openness to speaking about Jesus, which was wonderful.

The group wanted me to take notes and the only one which I don't think I can do is the one they all wanted me to remember, and that is sermons should be 10 minutes. Don't know if I have ever done 10 minutes.

In my first church most sermons were 17-22 minutes, now they are 25-30 minutes. If I ever do a 20 minute sermon, you will all be so shocked. Anyways, it was a great night and a fun night.

I heard we missed the Oak Ridge Boys at the 4-H fair in Alec, and they sang Elvira. Gosh, haven't heard that one in about 20 years. That was a fun one.

Now it's time to lay my head on the pillow. The previous blog tells you why.

An Open Letter

I received this letter / blog awhile ago and have held onto it. It's from Tim Stevens' blog, Executive Pastor at Granger Church in Indiana. This blog is from a woman named Kelly Adkins who writes a blog as "The Pastors Wife." I liked it, it was so right on about church people, about the way many think and react, so I thought I would send it out, uncut in a blog. What is your reaction, let me know.

Here it is:

Open Letter to a Church Hopper

Kelly Adkins was a dear friend (of Tim Stevens) many years ago when she lived in God's country (i.e. Granger) with her husband, Mike. About 5 years ago, they started Grace Fellowship in Orlando, a church that is growing and thriving.

I (Tim) enjoy reading Kelly's words of wisdom, and loved this open letter she wrote to a church hopper...

Dearest Career Church Hopper:

I met you again on Wednesday, the same person smiling at me through a different face, telling me that you've been shopping for churches for months now, and that darn it, you "just can't find one (you) like." The music's too rocky at this one, you said; the preacher too funny at that one. The latest one might make the cut, though: you'd had the pastor and his wife over the previous evening for a little "dinner audition" -- your words, not mine -- and he said things that made you feel good and comfortable, things that you already agree with, so you're thinking about sticking around. At the very least, you could get your teaching from this church and your worship from that one.

I'm sure we'll run into each other again, but before we do, I'd like to suggest some things you could perhaps think about before you move on to the next church, as I'm sure you will, whether this weekend or next year:

* Christ didn't bleed for the Church so you could treat your search for one like an episode of Survivor, deciding who to vote off the island this week.
* The Church was not commissioned by Christ to meet your needs. You ARE the Church, and you've been commissioned to meet the needs of the world.
* Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her (Eph 5:25). Quit treating his bride like a Jesus buffet where you can pick and choose what you like, hedging your bets against the pain and sacrifice of making a commitment.
* Per scripture's instructions to use your gifts in service to the Body of Christ -- and its lack of instruction to search for a church that scratches you where you itch -- you might want to consider what the Church you're visiting needs from you, rather than the other way around.
* If you only want to hear things you already know and agree with, save your Sundays and talk to yourself in the bathroom mirror.

Sincerely,
The Preacher's Wife

So, what is your reaction to this? Are there more you would want to add or subtract?

Quote - 2

Seth Godin, author and speaker, wrote this on his blog (July 9, 2008)

• If you are willing to satisfy people with good enough, you can make just about everybody happy. If you delight people and create change that lasts, you’re going to offend those that hate change in all its forms. Your choice.

Is good enough good enough for God? Does God expect greatness or simply good enough (simply passing the exam)?

As Christians we need to be asking those questions everyday? Not in the sense of am I good enough for God's salvation, because frankly we will never be good enough, but what are our actions like when we are in the world, how good are we and making a difference.

Quote

Don Hutson is a great speaker and author of One Minute Entrepreneur. I appreciated this quote from him . . .

“The image of a person, company or product is never a constant but an ever-changing variable.”

Have you ever considered how much you have changed in your lifetime. Then add to that God's call to change, which is a constant theme in the Bible.

Laughing Prayers

Usually we try to be pretty reverent during bedtime prayers. On Sundays I always pray and just before we started we were all giggling and and each time there was silence and I was ready to begin, we all would burst out laughing. What a great way, and I mean it, what a great way to enter into prayer. . . with hearts bursting with happiness and joy.

I eventually started the prayer off by being silly and we all settled down from there. Just a reminder God is not an old curmudgeon, He wants and expects us to have joy and laughter.

Sunday Reflections

Great day at church. Wow!! So amazing and exciting when people come forward. We had a couple and one other gentlemen come forward to join the church and one man who I mentioned last week, gave his life to Christ. That is so cool!!! Actually, it is also draining on me emotionally, physically and spiritually. As great as the day was, I was exhausted.

Since the final hymn was song over and over, Doug tells me 6 verses in all; we are shooting for 7 verses next time. Wouldn't it be great if we looked forward to the end of the worship, not because it is over and we can go home, but to celebrate those who come forward each week and to give God a praise offering. What an expectation that would be!!!

Why not keep that hope and dream as part of your prayers. Let's watch a God thing "miracle" occur in our midst.

All Star Ending

Seasons over. The Alexandria 10 and under all star team lost to Napannee in the first round of games on Friday at North manchester, 11-2. They were dominated. To think that Napannee was the 4th seed from their region and we were number 1 was scary. They were amazingly sound in all areas of the game.

On Saturday we beat Frankton 6-1 and needed one more win to guarantee a chance to advance to next week's state tournament, but lost to Plymouth in a close and hard fought game 5-3. Thus ends the season. Joshua was happy about playing, he walked and scored in one of the games on Saturday and caught a fly ball for the final out of the Frankton game.

He is already looking toward next season, when he expects to pitch and play 3rd base.

He is also looking forward to football season, and wants to start kicking, since he was the kicker last year, and practice running routes as a wide receiver.

ANGEL FOOD

We are going to be starting a ministry called ANGEL FOOD. It is simply a means of buying food at a discount and passing it out, but there is a huge need in Alexandria for this. You pay $30 for about $50-60 worth of food. Tree of Life ministries is moving from Alexandria to Marion and they have provided this to the community, we are going to take it over from them. I have met with their pastor Chuck Moore about it.

This Saturday morning we will have the opportunity to go with them to Swayzee to pick up the food and see how it all works. I cannot go because of a funeral, but if you would like to be involved and see how the operation works, they will be leaving from their church off Harrison St. at 8:40 a.m. Let me know if you are interested in learning more about what to do and how you can help. To learn more about Angel Food, go to www.angelfoodministries.com

Brett Favre and the church

If you are a football fan then you are starting to salivate since the preseason practice begins in the next week. . . go BEARS! Now they need our prayers.

Brett Favre the great quarterback for the Green Bay Packers retired after last season, and now he wants to play again, and needs the Packers to resign him, in order to be eligible to play again, then they need to do something with him. That is, play him, trade him or sit him on the bench. Remember, Green Bay has already committed to start a quarterback they drafted 4 years ago. I wonder how this guy, Aaron Rodgers feels about all this. He's kept quiet. It is an interesting story because of the intense emotions. Let me give you a couple of thoughts . . .

Favre retired, he had an amazing career. As a life long Bears fan, I intensely disliked it when he played against the Bears. Yet I marveled at his playmaking ability and excitement for the game. I heard a reporter say he received a voice mail from Favre after he retired saying he was not forced to retire, it was his decision, but now Favre is saying he was forced to retire. Something is not fully correct here! What should the Packers do?

Favre has one, maybe two good years left, and has been brutally critical of management in the last weeks; and two years ago he stunk. Last year was a surprise year for the Packers, but I don't think he can repeat that magic. So, do you keep what was old, but good, even great; or do you move forward into the future which is unknown and go with a new quarterback? That seems to be the struggle for the universal church . . . do we look to the future and grab at new opportunities God gives us, or do we stick with something which has worked, but will no longer bring us to the promised land? I don't believe Favre has the team or ability to lead the Packers to the Super Bowl.

There are hard decisions to make, sometimes I see selfishness in Favre, making this all about him. Do we do that in the church as well? Do we make church about us, about our likes and dislikes, or about the greater mission of serving Christ? I see Favre trying to hold the Packers hostage, sometimes we hear about church folk holding the church hostage by not giving or serving. I also have seen a great enthusiasm and passion for the game, which you don't see from many professional athletes, do we as a church (individually and corporately) have that same passion and excitement for serving Christ?

I believe the Packers will sign him and trade him and move into the future. They may stink this year, but they are building for the future, and that for most sports teams is painful, but I give the management credit for sticking to their guns, thus far.

When you think about yourself and your faith, your role in the church, what will you do, what will you be for Jesus?

Church Business

I thought we had a great start to the future of FBC last night. There were many people who were willing to share thoughts and ideas. It is so important for us to communicate and know we our on the same team. So, great job to all!

There were so many comments, majority were positive and we need to build on that and on that momentum and passion which we have for one another because of Christ. There is a lot of work to do, but there always is. The road ahead will have stretches of unbroken perfectly smooth paved roads, while other roads will be rocky, with wild bends and curves and detours, but the final destination remains the same. We will rely on one another and we will make it and we will as Paul said, "fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith!"

I am excited about the future possibilities God has for us.

New Life

1. Announcing the birth of Micah Lynn Barnum. She was born on July 17, 2008 at 3:25 pm. Weighing in at 7 pounds 2 ounces. Mandy and Micah, and Damon are all doing well.

1. No mistake, we have a tie for number 1. Also at just about the same time I was praying with a new gentlemen to the church to accept Jesus as His Lord and Savior. Lots of tears and lots of joy.
   

Now that is a good day!!

QUICK HITTERS

• I usually blog late at night, but am trying to stop that, and as a result, have not blogged at all this week, so go figure.
  
• Too many late nights, makes for a tired guy in the a.m., so one of my goals for the coming weeks and maybe life time is to start to go to sleep earlier. That's not easy for me, but one I think is becoming necessary.
• 
  
• Got my new car on Monday. YAHOO!! It has that wonderful new car smell, can't get enough of inhaling that smell. Actually there is just the right amount of new car smell, not too overpowering. It's fun to drive my new Toyota Corolla. If your nice, maybe I'll give you a ride.
• 
  
• Zachary had a 104 degree temperature on Monday. Wow! That is high. He ended up being diagnosed with strep throat. He's feeling better, but still has stomach pain and pain in his legs and arms. Keep him in prayer.
• 
  
• Joshua made it back to play in two all star games, and they won the 10 and under district tournament in Alec, beating Marion 6-2. Now we go to North Manchester (75 miles one way) to play in the semi-state tournament. It's great for the kids, but tough on time and mileage.
• 
  
• I'll post separately about a couple of church related things . . . including my take on Brett Favre and the church.