Opening Day

I'm not a diehard baseball fan, but there is something about a Cubs broadcast in the background to give you a warm relaxed feeling. Especially after this long snowy winter, opening day at Wrigley Field is like the first robin of spring to let you know warm days are ahead.

For a little spiritual challenge early in the week, here's an interview of Pastor Randall Ross of Calvary Church in Naperville, IL.

HERE


Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Scripture of the Day: Ezekiel 19:15 When she saw her hope unfulfilled, her expectation gone, she took another of her cubs and made him a strong lion.

Quote of the Day: Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living. Alvin Dark

In the Pit

For our Family Night Out from church we played a mean game of Pit. I won for the night, but I like to think that my whole family really won. My wife was reminded how lucky she is to be married to me. My kids learned a valuable lesson on the hardships of life and persevering in loss. Everyone went to bed a winner and once again I have been able to bless my family:)

A good morning at church with missionaries Scott & Suzi Wiesrma. They are on their way to Albania as Missionary Associates. Any chance to be reminded of the heart of God is a good day.


Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 30:5-6 5 Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

Scripture of the Day: Deuteronomy 8:11-14 11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

Quote of the Day: "A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small package." Uknown

Field of Dreams

This is just a piece of the 8-10 age area at the big Sycamore Easter Egg Hunt this morning. It was snowed out last week and the switch of days left about a 1/3 of the normal kids coming today. Elizabeth filled her basket, pockets, my pockets, and more and we still left candy on the ground. I almost felt guilty loading her down but the candy was everywhere and 1000's of pieces were left behind. Jeremiah is too old now but came in an advisory capacity. After a while he started loading up when it became obvious that much would be leftover. He didn't have a bag so he started to fill his coat. He looked pregnant and gave birth to 170 pieces of candy when he got home.



It's Saturday afternoon so I hope you're gearing up for worship tomorrow. Too often we don't receive because we never came expecting.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad.

Scripture of the Day: Revelation 4:9-11 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

Quote of the Day: "Had I cared for the comments of people, I should never have been a missionary." C.T. Studd

Big Mama's

Our East St Louis work team stopped by Big Mama's on the way home a couple of weeks ago. I've been sitting on the picture till after Easter week since it seemed a little trivial. But you can only hold Big Mama back for so long. I had the Cuzin's Cooter's Comeback Sammich. Pulled pork open faced sandwich covered with fries, cheese, and chili sauce. I prefer straight meat at a BBQ, but I couldn't pass up the name. Good eatin'.


Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 26:24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit.

Scripture of the Day: Philippians 3:7-9 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

Quote of the Day: "If you plan to build a tall house of virtues, you must first lay deep foundations of humility." Augustine

Happy Resurrection Day!

Happy Easter! I know it's Monday, but everyday is Resurrection Day for the believer. Our first Good Friday in Sycamore I preached at the Sycamore Good Friday service back when it was a variety of Sycamore churches. At our next Sycamore ministerial meeting one of the mainline pastors was concerned that we had rushed too fast past the cross. But then he said to me, "But I guess every day is Easter for you guys." It was a little shot at the Pentecostal/charismatic wing of the church, but I took it as a compliment. We eventually quit doing the Sycamore Good Friday service after one mainline pastor used an ancient African proverb as his text and another time one preached that, "The message of the cross is to follow your heart." A few of us pastors still refer to that as the Bad Friday Service.

But to all you Pentecostals out there, HAPPY EASTER!

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

Scripture of the Day: Luke 24:36-43 36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

Quote of the Day: "God's wrath is harder to bear than Christ's cross." Rieger

Resurrection Day!

Happy Easter!

I hope you had opportunity to gather with others today to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We looked at The Cross and the Resurrection today. The struggle of the 1st century is the struggle of the ages. The religious stumble over grace without works and the secular think it's foolishness. But to those who find hope in the cross and the empty tomb it is is the power of God for eternal life.

1 Corinthians 1:23-24 23 "but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."

Whose fool are you?

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 23:19 19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.

Scripture of the Day: Luke 24:1-7 1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' "

Quote of the Day: Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. Clarence W. Hall

Holy Saturday

I can only imagine the grief of the Sabbath after Jesus had been placed in the grave. The unknown. The loss of their teacher. The crush of their hopes and dreams. From the great possibilities on the Palm Sunday procession to the cross in just a matter of days. We see a glimpse of the confusion that Resurrection morning when Jesus encounters a couple of his followers before they recognize Him.

Luke 17b-24 They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19"What things?" he [Jesus] asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."

For us it's a day of solemn anticipation. We still feel the sting of the crucifixion but the Easter Resurrection celebration slowly is approaching. The joy of "He's Alive!" is close on our lips.

Are you ready?


Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: 22:12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

Scripture of the Day:Psalm 30:5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Quote of the Day: "His soul was crucified more than His body." Antony Farindon

Good Friday

It was a crosswalk to remember today. 25 of us made the trek through town to the noon Good Friday service. What the picture doesn't show is the 25 mph sleet coming straight at our face. The last time I led the crosswalk I had Scriptures printed out for readers, songs to sing, etc. Today we sang a couple songs, but it was more of a plodding through. It was a neat time of reflection though as we walked and worshiped.

Nathan our Uth leader/guitar player/SS teacher put together a little montage from the Passion of the Christ. Check it out.

CLIP

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.

Scripture of the Day: Mark 15:33-39 33 At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah." 36 One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said. 37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"

Quote of the Day: And in the article of death, as He saw the last fold of the grand design unrolled, He passed out of the world with the cry on His lips, "It is finished!" He uttered this cry as a soldier might do on the battlefield, who perceives, with the last effort of consciousness, that the struggle in which he has sacrificed his life has been a splendid victory. But the triumph and the reward of His work never come to an end; for still, as the results of what He did unfold themselves age after age, as His words sink deeper into the minds of men, as His influence changes the face of the world, and as heaven fills with those whom He has redeemed, "He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied." James Stalker

Maundy Thursday

Today is a full day in the Holy Week. Traditionally many protestants have called this "Maundy Thursday" (the “Maundy”, from Latin mandatum, a commandment: “a new commandment I give to you, that ye love one another”). Some call it "Holy Thursday." Today Jesus washes the disciples' feet, institutes Communion at the Last Supper, goes through the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, and is betrayed by Judas and arrested.

As the intensity of Holy week quickens today, I encourage you to take a little extra time away with God and meditate on His love and worship Him for His sacrifice.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"?

Scripture of the Day: John 13:31-35 31 When he [Judas] was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. 32If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 33 "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Quote of the Day: "Men point to the sad incidents of human life on earth, and they ask “Where is the love of God?” God points to that Cross as the unreserved manifestation of love so inconceivably infinite as to answer every challenge and silence all doubt for ever. And that Cross is not merely the public proof of what God has accomplished; it is the earnest of all that He has promised." Sir Robert Anderson

Betrayal Wednesday

With the last supper and the cross drawing closer, Judas is setting up the betrayal of Jesus.

We looked at Psalm 118 tonight in Bible study. I had picked it out because some of the Messianic overtones, but as we dug in it was amazing. From the song of victory from the Red Sea, to the Hosanna and palms of Palm Sunday, to the hope of coming victory, to the cornerstone that is Jesus. Great stuff. Psalm 118 was also the last Psalm sang at the end of the Passover meal. It is very possible that this is the last hymn Jesus sang with the disciples before the crucifixion. (Matt 26:30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. )

Even Peter when preaching after the healing at Gate Beautiful in Acts 4 quotes from Psalm 118. 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is "'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

Scripture of the Day: 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Quote of the Day: Upon a life I did not live, upon a death I did not die; another’s life, another’s death, I stake my whole eternity. Horatius Bonar

The Main Thing

Today in Passion Week is the day Jesus went and cleared the temple.

Mark 11:15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: " 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'

There was a lot of activity in the temple. Worship, sacrifices, teaching, preaching, Levitical rituals, ceremonies, and more. But when Jesus clears house He's looking for one thing, prayer. If Jesus were to come and clear your religious house what would He find? A "me-centered" feel good religious walk, or a God centered house of prayer?

Use this holy week to clear the temples of your life and recenter your walk with Jesus. Keep the main thing the main thing.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 17:3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.

Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 53:2-3 2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Quote of the Day: Does God really love us? I say look to the crucified Jesus. Look to the old rugged cross. By every thorn that punctured His brow. By every mark of the back lacerating scourge. By every hair of his beard plucked from his cheeks by cruel fingers. By every bruise which heavy fists made upon His head. God said, "I love you!" By all the spit that landed on his face. By every drop of sinless blood that fell to the ground. By every breath of pain which Jesus drew upon the cross. By every beat of His loving heart. God said, I love you. Billy Lobbs

What's in Your Hand?

A great Palm Sunday as I blessed the church with these edifying words.

-You aren't able.
-You aren't smart enough.
-You don't have the resources.
-You don't have enough money.

But that's OK. God is more than enough. What's in your hand?

On the road to Jerusalem that day the people had no idea what the coming week held. But they did have a donkey colt, cloaks, and palm branches. And as they offered up what they had, prophecy was fulfilled and the whole city was stirred.

In Exodus God was looking for Moses to lead the people out of slavery. Moses had excuse after excuse and God asks him, "What's that in your hand?" It's a simple staff but God turns it into a snake and then Moses carries the staff throughout the exodus as God does the impossible time and time again.

Abraham and Sarah were too old to have kids.
Joseph can't interpret dreams.
Moses can't speak well.
There were only 2 fish and 5 loaves.
Paul is a persecutor of the church.
Peter is a coward and Thomas a doubter.

How many believers lived stunted lives always waiting for the perfect time, when they have enough, until they are fully able? And all the time God is asking, "What's in your hand?" So take a look around you this week, see what's in your hand, and then trust God for the impossible.
What's in your hand?

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Scripture of the Day: Exodus 4:2-4 2 Then the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A staff," he replied. 3 The LORD said, "Throw it on the ground." Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. 4 Then the LORD said to him, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail." So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.

Quote of the Day: "Without Christ, not one step; with Him, anywhere!" David Livingstone

Home Again

The last month has been on the run it feels like. Sonya in Russia 10 days. The work trip to East St. Louis. And now just home from 5 days in AR to see Sonya's brother Rodney off to Iraq for a tour with his National Guard unit. Passion Week may seem slow this year compared to the rest of the month.

Here's a picture of Sonya and Rodney the night before he left to go back to Mississippi where he's been at the last few months preparing to leave.

Please keep him in your prayers this next year. His projected tour is 9 months, but you never know. He's excited to go, but he is over 50+ soldiers so he's more worried about them. They will be based in Tallil and be working the convoys.

Here's my Arkansas quote from our trip: The temperature was 79 (yeah!) on Wednesday so we took the kids to the park for a few hours. Elizabeth was talking to a girl who Sonya's mom watches sometimes after school. The girl was talking about hunting and fishing. I asked her if she hunts and she said she went hunting last year. She said she had gone deer hunting with her dad. Oh yeah, she's 7. God Bless America!

Palm Sunday is tomorrow. I hope your spirit of anticipation is warmed and ready to worship. Worthy is our Lord!

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 15:19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

Scripture of the Day: John 15:5-8 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

Quote of the Day: "A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling 'darkness' on the wall of his cell..." C.S. Lewis

Home

Got back tonight from our work trip to East St Louis. We were dirty, tired, sore and had a great time. Thanks to everyone who prayed.

Hello.....

Sorry it's been a week since my last post. We leave for a men's work trip to East St Louis today and then Sunday afternoon it's off to AR to see Sonya's brother before he is deployed to Iraq in a week. So this has been a packed week to get ready to go, cover while I'm gone, and then be ready for Easter when I get back.

I really don't even have much time now but here are a couple of links for you.

Here's a Speed the Light Lego mini-movie from one of our youth.
MOVIE

Here's another link to the national A/G 2008 Prayer Summit. Jim Cymbala is the keynote speaker. He's one of my favorite authors and speakers. No gimmicks. No flash. Just good stuff. We have played his video from one of the Gaither gatherings on "My house will be called a house of prayer" several times at church.
PRAYER SUMMIT

Hopefully I'll post again this weekend but I'll be gone with the crew through Saturday night.

Be Refreshed!


Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 6:25-26 25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, 26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 73:28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Quote of the Day: No matter the society or culture, the city or town, God has never lacked the power to work through available people to glorify His Name. Jim Cymbala