O the pain of living in the mid-west and being a Steeler fan. I am certainly missing the black and gold decor. At least I have my terrible towel, Steeler's cap, t-shirt, pennant, and peanut container to keep me going. How I have longed for the day of "One for the Thumb!" Will this be the year? If the last 6 weeks are any indication of how they will play in XL Game then I'm almost certain the Bus will be painted in real gold with headlights made of diamonds.
The trick for me will be able to get through our entire Sunday evening service and make it home without hearing any score of the game. I plan on tvoing it so I can watch the beginning and then be caught up to it probably about half time. That is, unless the Spirt of the Lord is moving in our service, and in that case I would definitely sacrifice seeing the game.
Today I got an unexpected gift from three of the girls in the youth group. They decided to decorate my tamborine. They covered it in sea blue and white ribbon and beads, and wrote on the ribbons, "Go Seatle, beat Pittsburg". I told them that they would have to seriously repent for the error of their ways. And that the tamborine is no longer useful. So I'm thinking about going out or trying to find a little steeler one for Sunday morning.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Friday, January 20, 2006
Is God #1
In a recent email from the Pastors Weekly Briefing (Focus On The Family) there was the following article:
Pastors vs. Congregants
Based on a representative national sample of 627 Protestant pastors across denominations, a study by the Barna Group (Barna) revealed that pastors believe on average that 70 percent of the adults in their churches view their faith as their greatest priority. However, among those who attend Protestant churches (to accurately compare Protestant pastor and congregants), the study found that less than one out of every four (23%) listed God as their highest life priority.
Those more likely to make God their number one priority include evangelicals (51%), African-Americans (38%) and adults who attend a house church (34%). The people least likely to put God first as a priority were adults under 30 years of age, residents of the Northwest and West, and those who described themselves as mostly liberal on political and social matters.
"The nation's adults deserve credit for acknowledging that God is not a top priority in their life", said Barna. "The challenge to church leaders is to stop pandering for popularity and to set the bar higher. People only live up to the expectations set for them. When the dominant expectations are that people show up, play nicely together and keep the system going, the potential for having the kinds of life-changing experiences that characterized the early Church are limited. If churches believe in the life-changing power of the gospel and the Holy Spirit, they must hold people to a higher and more challenging standard."
Where are you spiritually? Is God # 1?
Pastors vs. Congregants
Based on a representative national sample of 627 Protestant pastors across denominations, a study by the Barna Group (Barna) revealed that pastors believe on average that 70 percent of the adults in their churches view their faith as their greatest priority. However, among those who attend Protestant churches (to accurately compare Protestant pastor and congregants), the study found that less than one out of every four (23%) listed God as their highest life priority.
Those more likely to make God their number one priority include evangelicals (51%), African-Americans (38%) and adults who attend a house church (34%). The people least likely to put God first as a priority were adults under 30 years of age, residents of the Northwest and West, and those who described themselves as mostly liberal on political and social matters.
"The nation's adults deserve credit for acknowledging that God is not a top priority in their life", said Barna. "The challenge to church leaders is to stop pandering for popularity and to set the bar higher. People only live up to the expectations set for them. When the dominant expectations are that people show up, play nicely together and keep the system going, the potential for having the kinds of life-changing experiences that characterized the early Church are limited. If churches believe in the life-changing power of the gospel and the Holy Spirit, they must hold people to a higher and more challenging standard."
Where are you spiritually? Is God # 1?
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Gave Blood
Today we had our church blood drive, thanks to everyone who gave. Poor Pastor Eric, he was the first to take the seat in the blood withdrawal chair. I'm not sure if he got the bad seat or just has some seriously clogged up veins but it took him 30 min to fill his bad. I sat down 15 min after he started and was done in 6 min. Of course, he had to make the comment, "Thin blood, that must be why you have thinning hair." All in good fun of course.
As I sat there it really caused me to reflect on the power and life that there is in blood. With out it we die. There is a lady in our church who currently going through a difficult psychical challenge. For some reason her body is not producing blood. This caused her to pass out and almost lose her life this past week. As I visited her in the hospital she shared how they were going to probably need to give her 3 pints of blood because her body was so depleted. With out the blood transfusion she would most likely be facing difficult days. But thanks for the blood.
Thanks for the life giving blood of Jesus Christ! With out it we all would surely perish. If not for his shed blood upon the cross of Calvary there would be no hope. As Christ shed his blood on the cross he knew that someday, actually that very day it would be needed by another. He knew that you and I would be in need of that life giving blood. His blood is the blood that never looses it's power. It is just as powerful to heal and to save today as it was 2000 years ago.
If you have never given your life to the one who died and shed his blood for you, why not do it right now. Without the forgiveness of your sins by His blood, you, me, all are condemned to die and spend eternity in hell. Knowing your sins are forgiven and you are ready for heaven is as simple as the following steps:
A. Admit you have sinned.....
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8).
B. Believe in Jesus.....
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
C. Confess and leave your sin.....
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
You might want to use the following prayer as a guide:
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I'm a sinner, and I'm sorry for my sin. Thank You for dying on the Cross for me. Please forgive me of my sin, and accept me as Your child. I desire to live for You, Jesus. Amen.
Maybe you can take the time this week or next to give blood as well.
As I sat there it really caused me to reflect on the power and life that there is in blood. With out it we die. There is a lady in our church who currently going through a difficult psychical challenge. For some reason her body is not producing blood. This caused her to pass out and almost lose her life this past week. As I visited her in the hospital she shared how they were going to probably need to give her 3 pints of blood because her body was so depleted. With out the blood transfusion she would most likely be facing difficult days. But thanks for the blood.
Thanks for the life giving blood of Jesus Christ! With out it we all would surely perish. If not for his shed blood upon the cross of Calvary there would be no hope. As Christ shed his blood on the cross he knew that someday, actually that very day it would be needed by another. He knew that you and I would be in need of that life giving blood. His blood is the blood that never looses it's power. It is just as powerful to heal and to save today as it was 2000 years ago.
If you have never given your life to the one who died and shed his blood for you, why not do it right now. Without the forgiveness of your sins by His blood, you, me, all are condemned to die and spend eternity in hell. Knowing your sins are forgiven and you are ready for heaven is as simple as the following steps:
A. Admit you have sinned.....
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8).
B. Believe in Jesus.....
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
C. Confess and leave your sin.....
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
You might want to use the following prayer as a guide:
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I'm a sinner, and I'm sorry for my sin. Thank You for dying on the Cross for me. Please forgive me of my sin, and accept me as Your child. I desire to live for You, Jesus. Amen.
Maybe you can take the time this week or next to give blood as well.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Happy Anniversary Jamaican Style
14 years, my how time flies when your having fun. Happy Anniversary Suzanne!
We just returned from the most incredible restaurant in St. Louis, De Palm Tree. If you remotely like Jamaican you'll love De Palm Tree! If your ever in St. Louis it's a must, located off of 170 and Olive. The Jerk Pork is out of this world, three extremely tender pork loins marinated and smothered in their own jerk sauce accompanied by a side of beans and rice and a side of pineapple. Suzanne had the 1/4 jerk chicken, nice and spicy.
When it comes to eating out I've got my two favorites since moving out to the Midwest: #1 definitely De Palm Tree and #2 is our local China Star restaurant right here in East Alton. So if you ever want to go to lunch or are in town visiting either one is a sure tasters satisfaction.
We finally discovered some real pizza out here. Only trouble is that we have to drive 45 minutes to Fox's Pizza in O’fallon, MO. But it's worth the drive for a Pittsburgh based pizza shop that knows what a white pizza and a wedgie are.
What are your favorite restaurants where you live?
We just returned from the most incredible restaurant in St. Louis, De Palm Tree. If you remotely like Jamaican you'll love De Palm Tree! If your ever in St. Louis it's a must, located off of 170 and Olive. The Jerk Pork is out of this world, three extremely tender pork loins marinated and smothered in their own jerk sauce accompanied by a side of beans and rice and a side of pineapple. Suzanne had the 1/4 jerk chicken, nice and spicy.
When it comes to eating out I've got my two favorites since moving out to the Midwest: #1 definitely De Palm Tree and #2 is our local China Star restaurant right here in East Alton. So if you ever want to go to lunch or are in town visiting either one is a sure tasters satisfaction.
We finally discovered some real pizza out here. Only trouble is that we have to drive 45 minutes to Fox's Pizza in O’fallon, MO. But it's worth the drive for a Pittsburgh based pizza shop that knows what a white pizza and a wedgie are.
What are your favorite restaurants where you live?
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
They Tried to Steele It!
Unbelievable!
I don't know about you, but for me watching the Steeler game on Sunday was a bit nerve racking. With five minutes to go and a sure interception by Troy P. the game was in the bag! So every Black and Gold fan thought. Then coming out of the commercial break something strange happened. The officials blew the call and overturned the interception. To which the NFL has admitted their fault http://www.superbowl.com/news/story/9168866 (Lot of good that would have done if the Steelers lost), but hey we're (NFL) still going to penalize Joey Porter $50,000 for speaking the truth. If that wasn't enough for us die hard fans to be fuming over, what about the heart attack we all had as the old reliable Bus (familiar to many pastor's) became unreliable. For the game with its total domination by the Steelers to come down to a field goal attempt from the most accurate kicker in the NFL, WOW! To view with anticipation as the kick was away and to see and hear, "He missed it, wide right." O the jubilation that erupted in the hearts of every black and gold fan across the globe. But wait, what would the officials come up with to give them another chance. An offsides no false start movement didn't happen not really a penalty, but we'll let'em kick it again because we feel bad for the guy call? I was waiting to come back from the break after time had expired to see both teams on the sidelines because they mismanaged the clock and found that Indy had 32 sec. left. Man am I glad it's just a game and not life! I couldn't handle that every day.
O, well. We won and it's on to Denver to then Detroit. Let's go Steelers!
I don't know about you, but for me watching the Steeler game on Sunday was a bit nerve racking. With five minutes to go and a sure interception by Troy P. the game was in the bag! So every Black and Gold fan thought. Then coming out of the commercial break something strange happened. The officials blew the call and overturned the interception. To which the NFL has admitted their fault http://www.superbowl.com/news/story/9168866 (Lot of good that would have done if the Steelers lost), but hey we're (NFL) still going to penalize Joey Porter $50,000 for speaking the truth. If that wasn't enough for us die hard fans to be fuming over, what about the heart attack we all had as the old reliable Bus (familiar to many pastor's) became unreliable. For the game with its total domination by the Steelers to come down to a field goal attempt from the most accurate kicker in the NFL, WOW! To view with anticipation as the kick was away and to see and hear, "He missed it, wide right." O the jubilation that erupted in the hearts of every black and gold fan across the globe. But wait, what would the officials come up with to give them another chance. An offsides no false start movement didn't happen not really a penalty, but we'll let'em kick it again because we feel bad for the guy call? I was waiting to come back from the break after time had expired to see both teams on the sidelines because they mismanaged the clock and found that Indy had 32 sec. left. Man am I glad it's just a game and not life! I couldn't handle that every day.
O, well. We won and it's on to Denver to then Detroit. Let's go Steelers!
Monday, January 09, 2006
"We Are" - "Penn State" and Steelers
Living in the St. Louis area dosen't afford me much coverage of my two favorite teams, so it is always difficult to see or hear a game unless they are playing a local team. But this past week was awesome! The entire nation was able to witness the two greatest sports franchises in action. What a thrill when finally the Nittany Lions won the game in triple over time and then to come home Sunday night after church to watch on my DVR (greatest tech. invention since the computer) the Steelers erase the Bungels.
Now if only the Penguins and the Pirates could get their act together.
Here we go Steelers, here we go!
One for the thumb in ... how long has it been? Oh ya, 26 years. Man am I getting old.
Well, let's try this - The perfect mix for a ring in 2006.
Now if only the Penguins and the Pirates could get their act together.
Here we go Steelers, here we go!
One for the thumb in ... how long has it been? Oh ya, 26 years. Man am I getting old.
Well, let's try this - The perfect mix for a ring in 2006.
Italy Vs. Jesus
Wow. Can this be for real? I thought it was some sort of bad joke. Apparently, the "story" of Jesus' existence is in legal jeopardy. Speaking of frivolous lawsuits... Read about this zany situation in its entirety here.
What's the deal?
Yeah for the Dow, Topping 11,000 for the first time since June 2001. But what does the future hold?
What's the deal?
Yeah for the Dow, Topping 11,000 for the first time since June 2001. But what does the future hold?
Is it God or is it Racquetball?
To say that our services yesterday were awesome would be an understatement. What a wonderful presence of the Holy Spirit could be felt in the place. I am so thankful for the faithfulness of God and his people.
As I was reading this morning, I came across this quote and was just wondering how some of you would respond to it. "The effectiveness of our preaching is not measured by how enamored they are with our preaching or how stellar we are in our capacity to communicate, but rather in whether or not their lives are more like Christ today than they were six months ago." Joseph M. Stowell - Shepherding the Church into the 21st Century (By the way pastors I highly recommend this book!) As pastors sometimes we struggle with knowing the effectiveness of our ministry, ie. Preaching, teaching, counseling, soul-wining, discipleship, etc. As I read this quote it stirred me to think that our
number one objective must be to see lives transformed by the gospel and not by the program.
How many churches today have great programs like softball, golf, exercise, weight loss, quilting, bowling, and the list goes on and on, but yet their people have no foundational knowledge or truth of who Christ is or what He has to say about living your life?
From the Doonesbury comic strip Comes this portrayal of today's church. The parish rector of the Little Church of Walden is discussing the focus of his church with a prospective couple.
The Pastor asks, "So what would you like to know about Little Church of Walden, folks? Don't hold back--I know how difficult it can be to choose a church."
The interested husband responds, "well, what's your basic approach here, Reverend? Is it traditional gospel?"
"In a way, I like to describe it as a 12-step Christianity. . . . Basically, I believe that we're all recovering sinners. My ministry is about overcoming denial, it's about re-commitment, about redemption. It's all in the brochure there."
The pastor's response stimulates the wife's interest, and she queries, "Wait a minute --sinners? Redemption? Doesn't all that imply . . . Guilt?"
To which the pastor responds, "Well, yes, I do rely on the occasional disincentives to keep the flock from going astray. Guilt's part of that!"
The husband responds, "I dunno. there's so much negativity in the world as it is." And his wife chimes in, "That's right. We're looking for a church that's supportive, a place where we can feel good about ourselves. I'm not sure this guilt thing works for us."
The husband observes, "On the other hand, you do offer racquetball . . ." To which his wife responds, "So did the Unitarians, honey. Let's Shop around some more." Gary B Trudeau, Doonsbury. Universal Press Syndicated, 1993
We must believe this, that, "greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4)
As I was reading this morning, I came across this quote and was just wondering how some of you would respond to it. "The effectiveness of our preaching is not measured by how enamored they are with our preaching or how stellar we are in our capacity to communicate, but rather in whether or not their lives are more like Christ today than they were six months ago." Joseph M. Stowell - Shepherding the Church into the 21st Century (By the way pastors I highly recommend this book!) As pastors sometimes we struggle with knowing the effectiveness of our ministry, ie. Preaching, teaching, counseling, soul-wining, discipleship, etc. As I read this quote it stirred me to think that our
number one objective must be to see lives transformed by the gospel and not by the program.
How many churches today have great programs like softball, golf, exercise, weight loss, quilting, bowling, and the list goes on and on, but yet their people have no foundational knowledge or truth of who Christ is or what He has to say about living your life?
From the Doonesbury comic strip Comes this portrayal of today's church. The parish rector of the Little Church of Walden is discussing the focus of his church with a prospective couple.
The Pastor asks, "So what would you like to know about Little Church of Walden, folks? Don't hold back--I know how difficult it can be to choose a church."
The interested husband responds, "well, what's your basic approach here, Reverend? Is it traditional gospel?"
"In a way, I like to describe it as a 12-step Christianity. . . . Basically, I believe that we're all recovering sinners. My ministry is about overcoming denial, it's about re-commitment, about redemption. It's all in the brochure there."
The pastor's response stimulates the wife's interest, and she queries, "Wait a minute --sinners? Redemption? Doesn't all that imply . . . Guilt?"
To which the pastor responds, "Well, yes, I do rely on the occasional disincentives to keep the flock from going astray. Guilt's part of that!"
The husband responds, "I dunno. there's so much negativity in the world as it is." And his wife chimes in, "That's right. We're looking for a church that's supportive, a place where we can feel good about ourselves. I'm not sure this guilt thing works for us."
The husband observes, "On the other hand, you do offer racquetball . . ." To which his wife responds, "So did the Unitarians, honey. Let's Shop around some more." Gary B Trudeau, Doonsbury. Universal Press Syndicated, 1993
We must believe this, that, "greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4)
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