Just A Few Thoughts

I am adding an extra blog today. I am currently at the office trying to get some work done. When I left the house this morning, Nathan was having a bad day so I decided to bring him to work with me. I must admit, I am not getting alot of the things done that I would like too, but I am enjoying it. Being a pastor can take you away from your family alot if you are not careful with your time and schedule. These last few weeks have been rough in that aspect.
I have learned some things from the Holy Spirit while being with my son this morning. First, the Father is just a call away, and we don't always have to have a problem to call on him. Second, there are things that are too big for our hands to move, but His are the right size. Third, He is delighted when we show intrest in His work. Have a great day and God bless.

Struggling with Liberty

I Corinthians 6:12 says, "I am allowed to do all things, but all things are not good for me to do. I am allowed to do all things, but I will not let anything make me its slave."(New Century Version) There are those in today's church who have the same struggle that the church of Corinth had in Pauls day. The struggle is with liberty. We have been given liberty through our relationship and faith in Christ. However, we are not to use our liberty as an occasion to sin. While it may be lawful in our land to buy alcohol or x-rated materials, it is not good for a believer to do so. While it may be lawful to buy tobacco products, it is not expedient for a believer to do so. While it may be lawful in our land to have a sexual relationship before marriage, it is not healthy for a believer to do so. There are alot of things lawful in society that for Christians will hinder our walk with God. Paul says here that what may be lawful may actually cause bondage. Christ did not give us liberty so that we could in turn enter back into bondage. As Christians we are to stay away from anything that we might become a slave to. Whether it is drugs, alcohol, gambling, or sexual perversion, we must not allow ourselves to be a part of it. We must give ourselves totally to God. We must know that we are not our own, but His. Are there any places in your life that are in bondage instead of liberty? Give those places to God. God Bless.

Labor Day

Today is Labor Day. The summer season is winding down and fall is around the corner. Many will use today as a vacation day. A day to get away and do no work. While that may be okay with our secular jobs, it is not with our Kingdom jobs. The work that God calls us to do never ends or ceases. In Luke 9:23, Jesus teaches that we are to "take up our cross daily, and Him." This means that there are no breaks in our relationship with Him. I can't slow down or take a day off with my Bible reading and prayer. This means that there are no days off in living out my faith before others. Many of you will probably be around family and friends today that are not saved. You must not lay down your cross today just to be around them. We must carry our cross. We must share our faith. We must do the work of the Kingdom. Don't take a vacation on God, for He never takes one on us. God bless and have a great day.

This is it

Today is the day. I am preparing today to give my first sermon in the new sanctuary. I know that today will be an emotional day for everyone. I just pray the emotions don't take place of the Spirit. This has been in the works for the past 12 years. In July of 1997, Pastor Freddie Fields and his wife came to Rock Hill and started this great church. Pastor Freddie went to be with the Lord earlier this year, but I know that he would be very proud. He loved this church, the people, but mostly he loved the Lord. When I came here as interim pastor in Sept. of 2003, I was so lost about what a pastor was. God has given me grace, mercy, and time to learn. I am still learning, and my desire is to be a pastor after His heart. I want to be who the people need me to be. So many things have changed in the last 6 years, but God has never and He never will. Hold to His unchanging hand today. God bless.

WOW

Wow!!! Those words seem to be the best way to describe how I feel. For the last five years we have been working to get into our new facility. We have been turned down by banks, gone through different plans and contractors, but yesterday we finally made it. I still dont't feel like it has all sank in. I don't know what it will be like to not be in talks with the bank or lawyers. That has been so much of my life for so long. It really felt at times like I would never see this day, but September 6, 2009 will be our first Sunday in our new sanctuary. So many have made sacrifices to get us here. Many have given money, others have given countless hours and time away from family. I cannot express how thankful I am to them all. This is not just a dream come true for me, but for all of the Friendship family. I just want to thank God for hearing our prayers and seeing our needs. May He now give us the grace to be who He wants us to be in our area. We may have a building, but I still desire God's presence above all things. God bless and have a wonderful weekend.

Cast Your Net on the Other Side

In Luke chapter 5 and again in John chapter 21, we find two seperate accounts where Jesus instructed the disciples to cast the net in a different direction. In both instances they fished all night and caught nothing. Fishing is a symbol of our call to win lost souls. Jesus said He would make us "fishers of men." The night is a symbol of the sinful condition of this world. We are to be "lights" in a dark world. Is it possible that like the disciples we have been working all night trying to do the work of God and not caught anything because we have been casting in the wrong direction. It was only when they heard from Jesus which direction to cast, and then obeyed, that they saw a result. We can not just throw our nets out without purpose and aim. We must follow the Lords directions. We must know which side He intends for us to throw. Don't work all night for nothing. Ask God today to give you direction in His work and then it will be productive. Ask Him to lead you to the right individuals. The ones that He wants to hear what you have to say and to see His glory in your life. Then and only then will you make a difference for the Kingdom. God bless and have a great day.

Just Wondering

First, I want to apologize for the late post today. I have been out at the church so that the different crews can come in and finish what they need to do. I hope everyone's day is going well. I am looking for some feedback today that will not only help me, but those who are following as well. I am not a big reader, but I do try to push myself and read books that will help me to be better as a believer and as a pastor. So, I was wondering what are some of the authors that you read and what type of Christian books do you like? What are some titles that you have read recently that you would suggest to others. Speak up and let us know. God bless.