Yesterday was a great day at Faith. It was an honor to take in new members, recognize volunteers of year, and baptize people who wanted to make their commitments to Christ public. I felt a little rushed in doing so much and I hope that everyone felt as honored by service as I did helping to conduct it.
As we continue to pray for Erik one of the effects that his accident has had on me is that I'm realizing in a new way how valuable people are to everything that we do. Before Erik's accident I didn't realize how much time we spent together or how much Erik actually does. If you had asked me, then I could have listed everything, but now that he is out of commission for a bit, I'm realizing the value of his friendship and all that he contributes to the work of the church.
That reality has caused me to look around at other people and think about all they are doing that I might be overlooking. Just sitting and thinking about different people and what it would mean if they were laid up for a month like Erik has been has given me a new appreciation for what different people contribute to my life and the work of the church.
I am so blessed to a part of a wonderful family, and a part of a wonderful team of people doing the most important work in the world. To say that I'm thankful this Thanksgiving is an understatement.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Honduras 2011
This was my fifth opportunity to lead a group to Honduras, and I can say without a doubt it was the most productive trip. I think that many of the seeds we had sown over the previous four years began to bare fruit, and it was exciting to see.
The week began with our missing our connecting flight in Miami due to weather in DC. This had a domino effect on our schedule which literally changed almost everything, but it was exciting to see how God would take control of our schedule and bring everything about at the right time. I've tried to bring that lesson back to the states with me - knowing that God is in control even when things don't go according to plan.
Sunday morning, October 30, was our first productive day in Honduras due to the flight delays. That morning half of the team went to the school at the mission and began painting the exterior of one of the school buildings and cleaning school grounds - Hondurans know nothing of not littering. The other half of the team stayed at the hotel and prepared food and supplies for our first projects. After lunch the entire team went to the Los Pinos community to distribute food bags and share the gospel. At least 6 people prayed that day to accept the Lord, and many made commitments to attend church at Iglesia Jesucristo es El Señor (Jesus Christ is Lord Church, Pastor Carlos' church).
Following the food distribution we had a service at IJES. Before our arrival in Honduras we had sent money to Pastor Carlos to put a door and windows in at the church. He said that this caused many people to question who had provided the doors and windows and upon hearing the story they began attending the church. He told us that as a direct result of the doors and windows 23 people had been saved, and he wanted us to baptize them because we had provided for them. So, after an energetic time of worship and a brief message which I delivered and Jose translated, we baptized those 23 and 5 more for a total of 28! It was an incredible night.
After we returned home from IJES we planned for the Bible School at the Mission School which we did with the students Monday morning, October 31. We had a station for a Bible lesson (Gideon), a station for a song (Celebrate Jesus Celebrate), a station for games and face painting, and a station for a karate demonstration. Then we came together at the end for all 200+ students to sing the song together and receive candy. It went very well!
Over night Sunday into Monday 9 team members began to feel sick, and after seeing the doctor at the Mission Clinic, we decided to take Monday afternoon off to give them time to recover. Before leaving the Mission we did enjoy Luz's (Pastor Julio's wife) famous cheesy spaghetti. Maybe the sick ones didn't enjoy it as much as I did! I felt great and was hungry!
Monday night, after everyone had rested, we packed food bags for distribution to the hotel employees and other communities and we planned for the next day at Puerto Cortes prison.
Tuesday morning we went about an hour down the road to Purerto Cortes prison on the northern coast of Honduras. We shared there in music, drama, and the story of Gideon again (works best for Jose and I to pick one story and stick with it). We were received well, and I think we were a blessing to the inmates. Pastor Carlos and his wife, Naomi, packed lunch for the inmates, so they are always glad to see them coming. Often the inmates do not get to eat unless family members or the church bring them food.
We rushed back to the hotel where we had arranged to meet for a service with half of the hotel workers. Once again we shared music and drama, and Jose shared a message with them. After the message we prayed with anyone who wanted prayer. Many of those prayers were answered while we there, including one man whose feet were instantly healed. There were several stories of answered prayer and commitments to the Lord which emerged out of this service and another one we held for the employees on Wednesday.
Wednesday morning we returned to the Mission, and 1/3 of the team finished painting while 2/3 went into a neighborhood close to the mission which is known as a gang neighborhood. We were escorted by a woman from the church who leads a prayer meeting on the street every morning at 3am. She took us to houses where she knew there were needs, we gave food to them and shared the gospel with the evangecube. The last house we visited was the home of several gang members. Through this woman's relationship with them, we were able to share the gospel with them and give them food bags. It was very exciting!
Wednesday afternoon we had another great service with the hotel employees, and then we departed for the San Pedro Sula prison. This is a much larger prison (Puerto Cortes about 190) with over 2000 inmates. We shared music and drama, and Jose shared a message about God moving through worship. There was a great response.
Thursday morning we visited the Teen Boys Juvenile Detention Center and shared in music, drama, and several team members shared their stories with the boys. Only one boy responded there, but it was a good time of scattering seed. (Some sow, some water, and some reap!)
We then went immediately to the Children's Orphage. The state workers were on strike, so the only people watching over the children were volunteers from the church. We weren't able to do a lot with the children because there weren't enough workers to manage them. We visited the infant nursery which is always a difficult time. Many of the children are abandoned there because of disabilities and all of them suffer neglect just because of the lack of workers attempting to manage a lot of children. We left supplies with Pastor Luis, and played with a few children before departing.
In the afternoon we went to the Teen Girl's Orphanage. Many of these girls are there because they were abused sexually in their home. Many have children which they conceived through that abuse. Some of the girls are mentally disabled and were abandoned for that reason. We played games with them, sang and shared with them, and then gave them gifts including purses which they were very pleased to receive. We gave baby dolls to some of the girls and I'll never forget how happy it made them. They cradled them and acted like it was the greatest thing to ever happen to them. It was humbling to watch as I reflected on how my kids would have responded to those cheap dolls.
That evening we returned to IJES and distributed clothing to church families. We had a time of worship before the distribution, and following the distribution Pastor Carlos presented me with a "Key to the Church" telling me that we are welcome there any time, then he prayed over me. He is such an incredible man with a genuine faith and trust in God. I very much believe in the work that he is doing and look forward to ways that we can support him more in the future.
Friday all of our projects dried up, so we moved our free day to Friday and went to see the Mayan Ruins in Copan. I learned that "Mayan" comes from "maize," the word for corn, because the Mayan people thought that the first human beings had sprung from the corn. I think that I should have known that before. It was a really good trip.
Saturday morning began with one of the hotel employees asking Jose to pray with him to receive the Lord. He said that he knew he needed to pray in service but didn't, and Jose prayed with him. It was a really cool way to start the day. We visited the Guamalito market, then we returned to Los Pinos to distribute clothes in the community.
Every morning throughout the week we had devotions with the team before setting out. We reflected on a different verse from Psalm 23 each day with different people sharing. It was a great time that set the tone for the day, and I was proud of everyone who shared. Chuck Jessup lead us in worship at the start of each devotion, and it was a real blessing to begin each morning with corporate worship and then have those songs on my mind all day long.
As long as this summary is, there are still many details that are left out. While we were there it seemed that every time we turned around someone was telling us of an answered prayer or someone was making a commitment. The ministry times were rich and the people seemed genuinely impacted. I know this is a result of our four previous years there investing in relationships and the overflow of the attitude of this team of people. This 2011 team was a special group with an amazing attitude in the face of sickness and countless changes in the plan. I believe God rewarded that attitude.
Another current running through this trip was the continued blessing of Jose and Sara. They intrepret, but in that they serve us in so many ways. They make arrangments, order and distribute our food, plan transportation, and communicate with all the local pastors. On top of that Jose puts on the pastor hat and preaches and teaches while Sara puts on the nurse/mom hat and cares for everyone. What a genuine blessing they are to the work of the Lord.
The other consistent is Patty and her amazing ability to organize the ministry supplies. She uses the gift she has for organization and combines it with a tireless willingness to serve the Lord and the people. Just imagine organizing 2000 lbs of supplies in a living room with a constantly changing schedule so that you don't know exactly which event to plan for next. She is amazing!
Click here for pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lowe744/sets/72157628141610332/
The week began with our missing our connecting flight in Miami due to weather in DC. This had a domino effect on our schedule which literally changed almost everything, but it was exciting to see how God would take control of our schedule and bring everything about at the right time. I've tried to bring that lesson back to the states with me - knowing that God is in control even when things don't go according to plan.
Sunday morning, October 30, was our first productive day in Honduras due to the flight delays. That morning half of the team went to the school at the mission and began painting the exterior of one of the school buildings and cleaning school grounds - Hondurans know nothing of not littering. The other half of the team stayed at the hotel and prepared food and supplies for our first projects. After lunch the entire team went to the Los Pinos community to distribute food bags and share the gospel. At least 6 people prayed that day to accept the Lord, and many made commitments to attend church at Iglesia Jesucristo es El Señor (Jesus Christ is Lord Church, Pastor Carlos' church).
Following the food distribution we had a service at IJES. Before our arrival in Honduras we had sent money to Pastor Carlos to put a door and windows in at the church. He said that this caused many people to question who had provided the doors and windows and upon hearing the story they began attending the church. He told us that as a direct result of the doors and windows 23 people had been saved, and he wanted us to baptize them because we had provided for them. So, after an energetic time of worship and a brief message which I delivered and Jose translated, we baptized those 23 and 5 more for a total of 28! It was an incredible night.
After we returned home from IJES we planned for the Bible School at the Mission School which we did with the students Monday morning, October 31. We had a station for a Bible lesson (Gideon), a station for a song (Celebrate Jesus Celebrate), a station for games and face painting, and a station for a karate demonstration. Then we came together at the end for all 200+ students to sing the song together and receive candy. It went very well!
Over night Sunday into Monday 9 team members began to feel sick, and after seeing the doctor at the Mission Clinic, we decided to take Monday afternoon off to give them time to recover. Before leaving the Mission we did enjoy Luz's (Pastor Julio's wife) famous cheesy spaghetti. Maybe the sick ones didn't enjoy it as much as I did! I felt great and was hungry!
Monday night, after everyone had rested, we packed food bags for distribution to the hotel employees and other communities and we planned for the next day at Puerto Cortes prison.
Tuesday morning we went about an hour down the road to Purerto Cortes prison on the northern coast of Honduras. We shared there in music, drama, and the story of Gideon again (works best for Jose and I to pick one story and stick with it). We were received well, and I think we were a blessing to the inmates. Pastor Carlos and his wife, Naomi, packed lunch for the inmates, so they are always glad to see them coming. Often the inmates do not get to eat unless family members or the church bring them food.
We rushed back to the hotel where we had arranged to meet for a service with half of the hotel workers. Once again we shared music and drama, and Jose shared a message with them. After the message we prayed with anyone who wanted prayer. Many of those prayers were answered while we there, including one man whose feet were instantly healed. There were several stories of answered prayer and commitments to the Lord which emerged out of this service and another one we held for the employees on Wednesday.
Wednesday morning we returned to the Mission, and 1/3 of the team finished painting while 2/3 went into a neighborhood close to the mission which is known as a gang neighborhood. We were escorted by a woman from the church who leads a prayer meeting on the street every morning at 3am. She took us to houses where she knew there were needs, we gave food to them and shared the gospel with the evangecube. The last house we visited was the home of several gang members. Through this woman's relationship with them, we were able to share the gospel with them and give them food bags. It was very exciting!
Wednesday afternoon we had another great service with the hotel employees, and then we departed for the San Pedro Sula prison. This is a much larger prison (Puerto Cortes about 190) with over 2000 inmates. We shared music and drama, and Jose shared a message about God moving through worship. There was a great response.
Thursday morning we visited the Teen Boys Juvenile Detention Center and shared in music, drama, and several team members shared their stories with the boys. Only one boy responded there, but it was a good time of scattering seed. (Some sow, some water, and some reap!)
We then went immediately to the Children's Orphage. The state workers were on strike, so the only people watching over the children were volunteers from the church. We weren't able to do a lot with the children because there weren't enough workers to manage them. We visited the infant nursery which is always a difficult time. Many of the children are abandoned there because of disabilities and all of them suffer neglect just because of the lack of workers attempting to manage a lot of children. We left supplies with Pastor Luis, and played with a few children before departing.
In the afternoon we went to the Teen Girl's Orphanage. Many of these girls are there because they were abused sexually in their home. Many have children which they conceived through that abuse. Some of the girls are mentally disabled and were abandoned for that reason. We played games with them, sang and shared with them, and then gave them gifts including purses which they were very pleased to receive. We gave baby dolls to some of the girls and I'll never forget how happy it made them. They cradled them and acted like it was the greatest thing to ever happen to them. It was humbling to watch as I reflected on how my kids would have responded to those cheap dolls.
That evening we returned to IJES and distributed clothing to church families. We had a time of worship before the distribution, and following the distribution Pastor Carlos presented me with a "Key to the Church" telling me that we are welcome there any time, then he prayed over me. He is such an incredible man with a genuine faith and trust in God. I very much believe in the work that he is doing and look forward to ways that we can support him more in the future.
Friday all of our projects dried up, so we moved our free day to Friday and went to see the Mayan Ruins in Copan. I learned that "Mayan" comes from "maize," the word for corn, because the Mayan people thought that the first human beings had sprung from the corn. I think that I should have known that before. It was a really good trip.
Saturday morning began with one of the hotel employees asking Jose to pray with him to receive the Lord. He said that he knew he needed to pray in service but didn't, and Jose prayed with him. It was a really cool way to start the day. We visited the Guamalito market, then we returned to Los Pinos to distribute clothes in the community.
Every morning throughout the week we had devotions with the team before setting out. We reflected on a different verse from Psalm 23 each day with different people sharing. It was a great time that set the tone for the day, and I was proud of everyone who shared. Chuck Jessup lead us in worship at the start of each devotion, and it was a real blessing to begin each morning with corporate worship and then have those songs on my mind all day long.
As long as this summary is, there are still many details that are left out. While we were there it seemed that every time we turned around someone was telling us of an answered prayer or someone was making a commitment. The ministry times were rich and the people seemed genuinely impacted. I know this is a result of our four previous years there investing in relationships and the overflow of the attitude of this team of people. This 2011 team was a special group with an amazing attitude in the face of sickness and countless changes in the plan. I believe God rewarded that attitude.
Another current running through this trip was the continued blessing of Jose and Sara. They intrepret, but in that they serve us in so many ways. They make arrangments, order and distribute our food, plan transportation, and communicate with all the local pastors. On top of that Jose puts on the pastor hat and preaches and teaches while Sara puts on the nurse/mom hat and cares for everyone. What a genuine blessing they are to the work of the Lord.
The other consistent is Patty and her amazing ability to organize the ministry supplies. She uses the gift she has for organization and combines it with a tireless willingness to serve the Lord and the people. Just imagine organizing 2000 lbs of supplies in a living room with a constantly changing schedule so that you don't know exactly which event to plan for next. She is amazing!
Click here for pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lowe744/sets/72157628141610332/
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Prayer for Jeff for Friday, May 13
The doctors have agreed to do another needle biopsy on the mass in Jeff's upper right lung. If the biopsy is successful, then they will be able to give him the exact medicine to treat the mass; instead of guessing which is what they are currently doing. The walls around the mass will still need to fall in order for the medicine to get to it, but WHEN they do it will be the right medicine waiting to "walk right in" and destroy the mass.
Please pray tomorrow that the biopsy is successful, and thank you so much for your response to our call to pray and fast last Monday. I know God's response to our humbling ourselves and calling upon Him will be to bring healing.
Please pray tomorrow that the biopsy is successful, and thank you so much for your response to our call to pray and fast last Monday. I know God's response to our humbling ourselves and calling upon Him will be to bring healing.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Praying for Jeff Robinette
Just wanted to put together a few thoughts for us as we join together to pray for Jeff's healing. I may not get the medical language right, but God knows the details. The simple version (that I can understand) is that Jeff has two fungal masses in his lungs that have resulted from the treatment that he received following his bone marrow transplant. One of the masses is open/unwalled and the medincine (antibiotics) is able to get to it. The second mass is "walled" off in his lung and the medicine cannot reach it. Surgery is not an option at this time because of how the masses are effecting Jeff's lung function.
Since that was explained to me, my prayer has been Joshua 6:5 in which the Commander of the Armies of the LORD told Joshua, "When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”
We are fasting and praying that the same God who brought down the walls of Jericho will bring down the wall of this mass, or maybe not even stop there and dissolve the mass altogether. We believe there are still miracles in our time, and we desire to see one for our friend!
Since that was explained to me, my prayer has been Joshua 6:5 in which the Commander of the Armies of the LORD told Joshua, "When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”
We are fasting and praying that the same God who brought down the walls of Jericho will bring down the wall of this mass, or maybe not even stop there and dissolve the mass altogether. We believe there are still miracles in our time, and we desire to see one for our friend!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Faith Community Devotional Week 1
Jesus’ Ministry Begins
Tuesday, March 15
Matthew 4:1-11
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." 4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " 5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " 7 Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.' " 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and
worship me." 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.' " 11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
worship me." 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.' " 11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
Thoughts for Children:
· What does it mean to be tempted?
· Are you ever tempted to do something that you shouldn’t?
Thoughts for Adults:
· Jesus was obviously vulnerable when Satan came to Him. During what times are you more vulnerable (tired, burned out) and need to be on guard for an attack?
· Jesus leaned heavily on the Scriptures in responding to Satan,
beginning each response with “it is written.” Do you use specific Scriptures to respond to temptations in your life?
beginning each response with “it is written.” Do you use specific Scriptures to respond to temptations in your life?
You Are the Salt and Light
Wednesday, March 16
Matthew 5:11-16
11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 "Rejoice and be
exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they
persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 " You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a
basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they
persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 " You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a
basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Thoughts for Children:
· What does it mean to be the “light of the world?”
· Should you tell others about Jesus? Do you?
Thoughts for Adults:
· As adults it is difficult to walk the line of evangelism. We don’t want to offend and drive away, but we need to share the eternal message of Christ. How do you navigate this in your own life? Do you ignore evangelism out of fear?
· What actions and attitudes in your life would you say “shine a light” to others that you are a Christian?
Dealing with Anger
Thursday, March 17
Matthew 5:21-24
21 " You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' 22 "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has
something against you, 24 "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
something against you, 24 "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Thoughts for Children:
· How should you respond when someone makes you angry?
· Have you made someone angry? Have you asked them to forgive you?
Thoughts for Adults:
· Are you upset or angry with anyone right now? Have you prayed for them today? If not, stop and do so right now. Ask God how to make the situation right, or if you need to just forgive and move on.
· Why do you think Jesus said for us to reconcile with other people before we come to worship God?
Say What You Mean
Friday, March 18
Matthew 5:33-37
33 " Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' 34 "But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 "nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 "Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
Thoughts for Children:
· Has someone ever broken a promise to you? If so, how did it make you feel?
· If you say you are going to do something, like clean your room, do you do it?
Thoughts for Adults:
· What does it mean to you to have “integrity?”
· Do you make promises that you don’t keep, even unintentionally? If so, how do you think you should change based on this
Scripture?
Scripture?
Do Unto the Lord, Not Unto Men
Saturday, March 19
Matthew 6:1-6
1 "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 "Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 "But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 "that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. 5 " And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the
synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Thoughts for Children:
· Should we follow God’s rules only when others are looking?
· Do you ever pray by yourself or only when someone tells you to pray?
Thoughts for Adults:
· These verses talk a lot about a “secret” life with God. What is your secret life with God like right now?
· What is one thing you could do to improve your “secret” life with God? (private prayer, anonymous kind act, etc.)
Monday, February 21, 2011
Current Community Groups ~ February 21, 2011
Current Groups: (All groups Wednesday @ 7pm unless noted)
3D Youth ~ Jeff and Kelli Robinette, Youth Pastor
Church Office 1509 S Kanawha St, Beckley, WV 25801
304-573-4141
(Open from 6:30 to 8:30 pm to accommodate travel time)
The Blessing of Fellowship ~ Jason Lowe, Lead Pastor
117 Cajun St, Beckley- 304-237-7934
117 Cajun St, Beckley- 304-237-7934
Crazy Love by Francis Chan ~ Mark Dawes
205 Granville Ave, Beckley, WV 25801—304-255-0442
205 Granville Ave, Beckley, WV 25801—304-255-0442
Monvee ~ Sam Peterson, Executive Pastor
100 Bishop St, Beckley, WV 25801—304-255-5044
Five Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith ~ Angie Harding
(Ladies Group) 231 Market Rd., Beckley, WV 25801 - 304-253-1466
Fellowship, Food, and the Word ~ Debbie Marks / Cindi Atkins
(Monday morning) 214 Price Lane in Daniels, WV 25832 - 304-255-5606
Ladies Bible Study ~ Dee Peterson
(Every other Monday evening @ 6:30pm ~ check calendar on back)
(Every other Monday evening @ 6:30pm ~ check calendar on back)
Church Office 1509 S Kanawha St, Beckley, WV 25801 - 304-255-5044
Transformed Vessels (Widow’s Ministry) ~ Debbie Neal
(Every other Monday evening @ 6:00pm ~ check calendar on back)
Church Office 1509 S Kanawha St, Beckley, WV 25801 - 304-573-8591
Couples Group ~ Keith and Tara Webb
1210 Old Grandview Rd. in Beaver, WV 25813 - 304-763-0271
Tuesday Group ~ Sharon Toney
February 15-March 15 from 2:00-3:00pm
Church Office 1509 S Kanawha St, Beckley, WV 25801 - 304-860-1940
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
This Too Shall Pass
As I wrote the title above I couldn't help but think of the line from Lord of Rings when Gandalf says, "Yoooou, shalll nottt passs!" to the Balrog. My boys, especially Ben, love those movies, and I like them too - great allegories.
Unlike the Balrog, however, who did not pass if you haven't seen the movie, the various seasons of our lives do pass. I have been a little mentally and physically exhausted this week, and things always look more difficult when you are worn out. I am generally very optimistic (some might say foolishly optimistic; a dreamer), but it has been harder this week to see everything as possible. There are thoughts that creep in attempting to discourage, but I've been around the block enough times by now to know what is going on internally. I need rest.
So many times, however, I have seen people get lost in certain seasons of their lives and allow temporary circumstances or feelings to swallow them and do permanent damage. It is so easy from the outside looking in to see that everything is not as bad as they perceive it to be. Maybe they just need a break, maybe they need to stop being so hard on themselves, maybe they need to stop expecting perfection from others, but whatever it is, it is smaller than they think, and will pass soon if they let it.
Nobody is "UP" all the time, so don't beat yourself up with that lie. If you are going through a rough stretch right now, just close your eyes, breath in, breath out; turn your heart to God, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how small today is in the scope of eternity.
Unlike the Balrog, however, who did not pass if you haven't seen the movie, the various seasons of our lives do pass. I have been a little mentally and physically exhausted this week, and things always look more difficult when you are worn out. I am generally very optimistic (some might say foolishly optimistic; a dreamer), but it has been harder this week to see everything as possible. There are thoughts that creep in attempting to discourage, but I've been around the block enough times by now to know what is going on internally. I need rest.
So many times, however, I have seen people get lost in certain seasons of their lives and allow temporary circumstances or feelings to swallow them and do permanent damage. It is so easy from the outside looking in to see that everything is not as bad as they perceive it to be. Maybe they just need a break, maybe they need to stop being so hard on themselves, maybe they need to stop expecting perfection from others, but whatever it is, it is smaller than they think, and will pass soon if they let it.
Nobody is "UP" all the time, so don't beat yourself up with that lie. If you are going through a rough stretch right now, just close your eyes, breath in, breath out; turn your heart to God, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how small today is in the scope of eternity.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Save Your Life
In our time together yesterday we talked about two things that are so important. Recognizing the parrallel tracks in our lives of "Spiritual" and "Non-spiritual," and crying out to God.
I am in a position where I get to hear a lot of stories of people blowing up their lives, and it is sad and avoidable. The solution is so simple that I feel like an idiot saying it, "Live a godly life." Sure the "advice" takes different forms in different situations, but it boils down to "live a godly life," "God's way really is the best way," or "that may feel good, or right, now, but it isn't godly and it won't feel that way later."
By the grace of God choose to save your own life. Prevent situations by taking time to think about areas of your life that aren't "integrated." That is to say, "Are there areas of your life where God is absent, or you know that, if you really thought about it, are wrong?" Those things might seem managable now, but they are entry points for things that will destroy your life.
Crying out to God means calling on Him with the realization that He is your only hope. We like to think that we are strong enough, smart enough, savy enough, or attractive enough to make our lives into what we want them to be. The truth is we are not. We need God, and any area not plugged into Him is eventually going to be unfulfilling or a destructive force.
May the Holy Spirit lead us on this journey!
Psalm 15 "LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? . . . He who swears to his own hurt and does not change . . . He who does these things shall never be moved."
I am in a position where I get to hear a lot of stories of people blowing up their lives, and it is sad and avoidable. The solution is so simple that I feel like an idiot saying it, "Live a godly life." Sure the "advice" takes different forms in different situations, but it boils down to "live a godly life," "God's way really is the best way," or "that may feel good, or right, now, but it isn't godly and it won't feel that way later."
By the grace of God choose to save your own life. Prevent situations by taking time to think about areas of your life that aren't "integrated." That is to say, "Are there areas of your life where God is absent, or you know that, if you really thought about it, are wrong?" Those things might seem managable now, but they are entry points for things that will destroy your life.
Crying out to God means calling on Him with the realization that He is your only hope. We like to think that we are strong enough, smart enough, savy enough, or attractive enough to make our lives into what we want them to be. The truth is we are not. We need God, and any area not plugged into Him is eventually going to be unfulfilling or a destructive force.
May the Holy Spirit lead us on this journey!
Psalm 15 "LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? . . . He who swears to his own hurt and does not change . . . He who does these things shall never be moved."
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Purpose of the Church
The passion of my heart is discipleship, which I see as helping Jesus followers live like Jesus. This has always contrasted with my evangelistic side which is that part that wants to see people coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus; entering into a relationship with Him and making Him Lord of their life.
As we think about the purpose of the church it is easy to say that we should do both equally. However the reality is that you are going to lean one way or the other. You can't offer an infinite number of programs in the local church, so do you offer more discipleship or more outreach? You can't share two messages on Sunday, so is this Sunday going to be discipleship or outreach? (What was last Sunday? What is next Sunday?)
It is obviously a great church growth strategy to trend toward non-believers because there are more of them out there to reach. But, for me, I think that in over emphasizing that aspect you end up with a room full of shallow believers (inch deep, mile wide). However, an overemphasis on discipling people who already believe leads to a group of people that are so inwardly focused that non-believers are made to feel like outsiders walking into a conversation that they are not a part of mid-stream.
As in everything we have to find a balance and avoid letting the pros on one side swing the pendulum too far.
What do you identify as the greatest responsibility of the church?
As we think about the purpose of the church it is easy to say that we should do both equally. However the reality is that you are going to lean one way or the other. You can't offer an infinite number of programs in the local church, so do you offer more discipleship or more outreach? You can't share two messages on Sunday, so is this Sunday going to be discipleship or outreach? (What was last Sunday? What is next Sunday?)
It is obviously a great church growth strategy to trend toward non-believers because there are more of them out there to reach. But, for me, I think that in over emphasizing that aspect you end up with a room full of shallow believers (inch deep, mile wide). However, an overemphasis on discipling people who already believe leads to a group of people that are so inwardly focused that non-believers are made to feel like outsiders walking into a conversation that they are not a part of mid-stream.
As in everything we have to find a balance and avoid letting the pros on one side swing the pendulum too far.
What do you identify as the greatest responsibility of the church?
Monday, February 7, 2011
Avoid Relationship Emergencies
It is human nature to avoid things until they are broken. We don't often times think about the oil in our car until the light comes on, or eating right until the doctor or scale give us a warning.
Relationships are the same way. We often neglect them until there is an emergency or reason for alarm. In our society and culture that is so inundated with relationships (read Facebook/Twitter) it makes even more difficult to keep track of our more valuable relationships. It is helpful to think in terms of there being three levels of relationships with: 1 - being those closest and most important to us; 2 - important friends and co-workers/classmates; and 3 - acquaintances/people who you know their names but not their story.
As you categorize the people that you know, clarify if you are giving your best energy to people in group one, or if 2 and 3 have hi-jacked your thoughts and calendar. Think of a way to systematically "check-in" with those people in group 2. I have a list of names that I try to cycle through monthly to make sure that I keep my relationships connected with the goal of knowing what is currently going on in their lives. My group 3 is primarily maintained through random social media contact, and an attempt to contact people on their birthdays for a once a year "check in."
You may think it is crazy to try to come up with a system of maintaining relationships, but the truth is that it is easy to disconnect from people through the busyness of life and those connections are important! I can think back now to relationships that I wish I had better maintained and not lost in the flow of life.
Checking in regularly and giving your best energy to group 1 also helps to avoid relational emergencies. You never want to be the person whose marriage train wrecks, or relationship with their children vanishes, and you are caught saying, "I didn't know there was anything wrong!"
As Christians we should allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us as well! When is the last time you sat down in your prayer time and said, "Holy Spirit, you know everything! Can you tell me what I can do to make my important relationships better?" I know from experience that God will bring things to your mind and heart that you need to know to strengthen your relationships!
Relationships are the same way. We often neglect them until there is an emergency or reason for alarm. In our society and culture that is so inundated with relationships (read Facebook/Twitter) it makes even more difficult to keep track of our more valuable relationships. It is helpful to think in terms of there being three levels of relationships with: 1 - being those closest and most important to us; 2 - important friends and co-workers/classmates; and 3 - acquaintances/people who you know their names but not their story.
As you categorize the people that you know, clarify if you are giving your best energy to people in group one, or if 2 and 3 have hi-jacked your thoughts and calendar. Think of a way to systematically "check-in" with those people in group 2. I have a list of names that I try to cycle through monthly to make sure that I keep my relationships connected with the goal of knowing what is currently going on in their lives. My group 3 is primarily maintained through random social media contact, and an attempt to contact people on their birthdays for a once a year "check in."
You may think it is crazy to try to come up with a system of maintaining relationships, but the truth is that it is easy to disconnect from people through the busyness of life and those connections are important! I can think back now to relationships that I wish I had better maintained and not lost in the flow of life.
Checking in regularly and giving your best energy to group 1 also helps to avoid relational emergencies. You never want to be the person whose marriage train wrecks, or relationship with their children vanishes, and you are caught saying, "I didn't know there was anything wrong!"
As Christians we should allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us as well! When is the last time you sat down in your prayer time and said, "Holy Spirit, you know everything! Can you tell me what I can do to make my important relationships better?" I know from experience that God will bring things to your mind and heart that you need to know to strengthen your relationships!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Be Healed, Be a Healer
I have been reminded lately of the healing power of the things of God. There is healing power in reading the Bible - just reading and taking in the Word of God will heal you mentally, emotionally, and physically. This is also true of prayer and fellowship with godly people.
Above all there is NO DOUBT that there is healing power in our words. Jesus says it this way in Matthew 15:11, "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." He pointed to the fulfillment of all the Old Testament dietary laws as being the realization that our words are powerful! If you read through Leviticus (which I know is on the top of your list), then you will see there are a lot of dietary laws and this is truly a powerful statement!
Proverbs 18:21 cannot be underestimated! "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." We need to take seriously the exhortation to speak life and not speak death. You have the power to speak life over yourself and those around you. Be a healer!
Above all there is NO DOUBT that there is healing power in our words. Jesus says it this way in Matthew 15:11, "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." He pointed to the fulfillment of all the Old Testament dietary laws as being the realization that our words are powerful! If you read through Leviticus (which I know is on the top of your list), then you will see there are a lot of dietary laws and this is truly a powerful statement!
Proverbs 18:21 cannot be underestimated! "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." We need to take seriously the exhortation to speak life and not speak death. You have the power to speak life over yourself and those around you. Be a healer!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Learning to Listen
Before our eldest son Noah was born we felt like the Lord told us that he was going to be a leader. He certainly has two traits of a leader which are: 1) a vision of how things should be; 2) and the willingness to tell people about it. To put it plainly, he never shuts up. My standing joke is that he even talks in his sleep, and it's funny because it is true!
Don't get me wrong, in certain ways I love this about him! I would much rather he be a talker who has "never met a stranger" than a wall flower afraid to say a word. However, I have noticed something about Noah that will be a struggle if he doesn't grow, and that is his inability to listen.
He is physically able to hear, but his mind is so geared toward talking that he doesn't process the words that are being spoken to him. This is important because listening is a key to success in every relationship.
Don't get me wrong, in certain ways I love this about him! I would much rather he be a talker who has "never met a stranger" than a wall flower afraid to say a word. However, I have noticed something about Noah that will be a struggle if he doesn't grow, and that is his inability to listen.
He is physically able to hear, but his mind is so geared toward talking that he doesn't process the words that are being spoken to him. This is important because listening is a key to success in every relationship.
- Don't listen to people and they think you don't care about them.
- Don't listen to advisers and you make mistakes.
- Don't listen to supervisors and you get fired or passed over.
- Don't listen to subordinates and they find other jobs.
- Don't listen to God and you'll take every wrong turn.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Earning the Right to Lead
We are HUGE football fans and are so excited about this time of year as the NFL playoffs unfold. One of the interesting things that emerged from yesterday's games was the "controversy" over the Chicago Bears quarterback, Jay Cutler, not finishing the game after suffering a knee injury. The critics noted that he stood for almost the entire second half (bringing into question the severity of the injury)and that he didn't engage in trying to help the back-up quarterbacks succeed in the game (bringing into question his commitment to the team). This is important because quarterbacks are supposed to be the leaders of the team, and there is a lot of talk about "earning the right to lead."
In football terms, a player earns the right to lead through showing up to practice early and staying late, through personal sacrifices made for the team (like playing through pain), and affirming other players who are vital to the teams success but who do not play glamorous positions (like the offensive line).
As I thought about Cutler this morning my thoughts turned to how I earn the right to lead in the areas where I am called to lead. How am I earning the right to lead my wife? How am I earning the right to lead my children? How am I earning the right to lead Faith Community Church? What things do we do when we we would rather be doing something else, but by doing them we earn the right to lead. For my wife, I empty and load the dishwasher and vacuum. For my kids, I slow down and listen and play silly games with them. For the church, I study and pray. These are just examples, but you get the idea.
In all of those areas the relationship stuff comes naturally for me. I love being with people, so I don't mind the "people time.". It is the other stuff that is hard. Some people are like me, and others prefer the "behind the scenes" stuff over the "with people" stuff. Either way there is a sacrifice to be made.
Remember that if you want authority to speak into the lives of others, especially those you are called by God to lead, then you need to earn the right to lead them. Resist the urge to excercise authority without having built the foundation of credibility.
I would love to hear some of the things that you think give people credibility to lead others!
In football terms, a player earns the right to lead through showing up to practice early and staying late, through personal sacrifices made for the team (like playing through pain), and affirming other players who are vital to the teams success but who do not play glamorous positions (like the offensive line).
As I thought about Cutler this morning my thoughts turned to how I earn the right to lead in the areas where I am called to lead. How am I earning the right to lead my wife? How am I earning the right to lead my children? How am I earning the right to lead Faith Community Church? What things do we do when we we would rather be doing something else, but by doing them we earn the right to lead. For my wife, I empty and load the dishwasher and vacuum. For my kids, I slow down and listen and play silly games with them. For the church, I study and pray. These are just examples, but you get the idea.
In all of those areas the relationship stuff comes naturally for me. I love being with people, so I don't mind the "people time.". It is the other stuff that is hard. Some people are like me, and others prefer the "behind the scenes" stuff over the "with people" stuff. Either way there is a sacrifice to be made.
Remember that if you want authority to speak into the lives of others, especially those you are called by God to lead, then you need to earn the right to lead them. Resist the urge to excercise authority without having built the foundation of credibility.
I would love to hear some of the things that you think give people credibility to lead others!
Monday, January 17, 2011
It's Hard Not To Apologize
After a Sunday morning message I almost always get a one or two line "pep talk" from my dear wife. Yesterday it was "Don't apologize about sharing on that topic. Be confident." It's hard not to apologize sometimes when I'm on a topic that I'm almost sure no one came to church to hear about. I love the people of Faith, and I want to portray the idea that we are all on this journey together. I felt like yesterday's topic could have come across as "preachy," and in my mind it should be as Haddon Robinson said, "The language of effective preaching should be the language of stimulating conversation between thoughtful people." I love conversation, and hate "preachy," so yesterday was difficult.
If you weren't there, we talked about our responsiblity to care for our bodies because they are the vehicle of our spirit; also the vehicle/temple of God's Spirit. I attempted to use the analogy of a motorcycle rider with the rider representing us and how we submit control of the motorcycle/ourselves to the Holy Spirit. Then, with the Holy Spirit driving, we let out the air from the tires, mix a little water in the fuel, and never change the oil on the motorcycle. The idea being that we shouldn't spiritually do the right thing through submiting to the Spirit, then undercut that move through lack of care for the vehicle He uses to accomplish His purpose.
I think that we neglect the spiritual aspect of caring for our bodies, and it is a perfect application of God's way of life being the best way. He prescribes ways that we should care for our bodies which enable us to do His work AND we feel better and live a better quality of life (abundant life!).
Are there any areas of our lives that you think that we ignore the spiritual dynamic in?
If you weren't there, we talked about our responsiblity to care for our bodies because they are the vehicle of our spirit; also the vehicle/temple of God's Spirit. I attempted to use the analogy of a motorcycle rider with the rider representing us and how we submit control of the motorcycle/ourselves to the Holy Spirit. Then, with the Holy Spirit driving, we let out the air from the tires, mix a little water in the fuel, and never change the oil on the motorcycle. The idea being that we shouldn't spiritually do the right thing through submiting to the Spirit, then undercut that move through lack of care for the vehicle He uses to accomplish His purpose.
I think that we neglect the spiritual aspect of caring for our bodies, and it is a perfect application of God's way of life being the best way. He prescribes ways that we should care for our bodies which enable us to do His work AND we feel better and live a better quality of life (abundant life!).
Are there any areas of our lives that you think that we ignore the spiritual dynamic in?
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Path of Least Resistence
I just skipped eating lunch to go to the Y and excercise. My whole body is protesting. My workout partner counldn't make it today, so I am really proud of myself for going. I am usually a lot more motivated to leave the work on my desk and take the time to go when someone is waiting on me. It would have been much easier to stay here and mark 2 or 3 things off of my "to do" list.
The fact that we should always question the path of least resistence (like using ANY excuse to avoid excercising) fits well with our discussion yesterday regarding beans and potatoes. If you missed yesterday we discussed that there is room for everything we want and need in our lives if we will put the most important things on our calendar/schedule first, then allow everything else to fill in around them. The realization that culture pushes us toward the consumable things that others profit from was key. No one profits from you having a successful marriage or a strong spiritual life, so don't expect culture to push you in that direction.
This means that almost always the path that is most facilitated by culture, thus becoming the one of least resistence, will be toward profit and away from those things that should be most important.
May God stir our hearts to question taking the easy route. If you throw something at the trash can and miss, it is easier to "get it next time" than to go pick it up. If you are tempted to look at something you shouldn't look at, it is easier to look than to guard your eyes and heart. If you are tempted to worry about the possible, but unlikely, tragedies around every corner, it is easier to worry than to release all things actual and possible into the hands of God.
May we followers of Jesus be a people who do not take the path of least resistence.
The fact that we should always question the path of least resistence (like using ANY excuse to avoid excercising) fits well with our discussion yesterday regarding beans and potatoes. If you missed yesterday we discussed that there is room for everything we want and need in our lives if we will put the most important things on our calendar/schedule first, then allow everything else to fill in around them. The realization that culture pushes us toward the consumable things that others profit from was key. No one profits from you having a successful marriage or a strong spiritual life, so don't expect culture to push you in that direction.
This means that almost always the path that is most facilitated by culture, thus becoming the one of least resistence, will be toward profit and away from those things that should be most important.
May God stir our hearts to question taking the easy route. If you throw something at the trash can and miss, it is easier to "get it next time" than to go pick it up. If you are tempted to look at something you shouldn't look at, it is easier to look than to guard your eyes and heart. If you are tempted to worry about the possible, but unlikely, tragedies around every corner, it is easier to worry than to release all things actual and possible into the hands of God.
May we followers of Jesus be a people who do not take the path of least resistence.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Year
I've had a few people talk to me about yesterday's service and the message regarding making a list of New Year's resolutions. It was such a great day with the presence of the Lord so real in worship, and the Lord really trying to stir us through reminding us of our importance to Him.
It has been exciting to hear from people who accepted the challenge of making a list of "resolutions" that really matter. Reflecting on the idea of desiring things that will matter in 10, 100, or 1000 years really changes our perspective on what we desire to have or to have take place in 2011.
I had a paragraph in my notes yesterday that I intentionally decided to skip just before service. It was a reflection on how much time I spend praying for my back not to hurt. I was already afraid that some of my comments would be misinterpreted, so I left this out. But in preparation, when I intially wrote the paragraph, I was convicted about how the pain in my back is not going to matter in eternity so maybe I should limit the amount of time I pray for it - devote more of that time to eternally significant issues. I was concerned people would think that I was saying that you shouldn't pray over those types of things, but what I think was in my mind was that we easily get caught up in pressing/immediate/personally painful issues that will be resolved in this life at the expense of issues that will not be resolved during our time on Earth.
Looking forward, I am so excited about what I believe God is going to do through Faith Community in this coming year. Pastor Sam and I had a conversation recently about all that God did last year, and we are both eager to see what comes next. I said to him that I feel many times that we just need to get out of the way as much as possible and let God work. It really is amazing to watch Him solve problems in a moment that I have wrestled with for weeks. I've purposed to take my trust in God to a new level this year. He has certainly shown Himself trustworthy.
Love to hear from you about ways that God has shown Himself trustworthy in your life, and about things you are excited to see come to pass at FCC. Comment or email: jlowe@faithcommunitywv.org
It has been exciting to hear from people who accepted the challenge of making a list of "resolutions" that really matter. Reflecting on the idea of desiring things that will matter in 10, 100, or 1000 years really changes our perspective on what we desire to have or to have take place in 2011.
I had a paragraph in my notes yesterday that I intentionally decided to skip just before service. It was a reflection on how much time I spend praying for my back not to hurt. I was already afraid that some of my comments would be misinterpreted, so I left this out. But in preparation, when I intially wrote the paragraph, I was convicted about how the pain in my back is not going to matter in eternity so maybe I should limit the amount of time I pray for it - devote more of that time to eternally significant issues. I was concerned people would think that I was saying that you shouldn't pray over those types of things, but what I think was in my mind was that we easily get caught up in pressing/immediate/personally painful issues that will be resolved in this life at the expense of issues that will not be resolved during our time on Earth.
Looking forward, I am so excited about what I believe God is going to do through Faith Community in this coming year. Pastor Sam and I had a conversation recently about all that God did last year, and we are both eager to see what comes next. I said to him that I feel many times that we just need to get out of the way as much as possible and let God work. It really is amazing to watch Him solve problems in a moment that I have wrestled with for weeks. I've purposed to take my trust in God to a new level this year. He has certainly shown Himself trustworthy.
Love to hear from you about ways that God has shown Himself trustworthy in your life, and about things you are excited to see come to pass at FCC. Comment or email: jlowe@faithcommunitywv.org
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