Tuesday, July 31, 2007
FINDING THE RIGHT CHURCH - Part 1 of 3
God has created us for community. It's called "church." Church is where we grow, encourage one another, share our spiritual gifts and become accountable to one another. It is where we praise God together, pray together and worship together.
Recently I was asked by a friend who had moved to a new community and was looking for a new church home, "How can I tell if a church is right for us?" and "What are some things we should look for and some things we should avoid in a church?" Those are very good questions, and I thought it would make a great post for discussion. So let's start with some churches you might want to avoid.
CHURCHES TO AVOID ...
Recently I was asked by a friend who had moved to a new community and was looking for a new church home, "How can I tell if a church is right for us?" and "What are some things we should look for and some things we should avoid in a church?" Those are very good questions, and I thought it would make a great post for discussion. So let's start with some churches you might want to avoid.
CHURCHES TO AVOID ...
- A CONTROLLING CHURCH: I'd avoid any church that feels they have "authority" over all areas of your life. If you have to ask the leadership's permission to change jobs or permission to move ... that's probably a church you should avoid.
- A PERFECT CHURCH: Avoid any place where everyone pretends to be sinless and without problem. Look out for anyplace that you feel you must dress up and smile every Sunday for an hour of deception, pretending like everything and everyone in the church is perfect. Simply put, avoid a place where no one ever discusses their faults, struggles or problems.
- A WE'VE "GOT IT ALL RIGHT" CHURCH: I wouldn't want to be part of any place that felt they were a perfect church. Any place that believes that they have all the answers correct and think they are the only ones that have it "all figured out" ... that's not the place for me. The "perfect church" feels like they're right and everyone else in the world is wrong.
- A CHURCH THAT'S NOT BIBLICALLY BASED: Avoid the church that is more concerned with how they look socially and in the community than how they compare to the word of God. A church that considers the bible to be "out-of-date" and old fashion may not be a church at all. Find a church that seeks the truth from God's word, follows it faithfully and shares it with others.
Those are a few churches that I would have on my "avoid" list. Tomorrow - Finding the Right Church part 2: "Churches to Consider."
Labels: Church
posted at 
Monday, July 30, 2007
TAGGED
I've been tagged twice this summer but haven't had time to reply to either challenge. The first tag comes from my friend John Dobbs. It calls for me to list eight random things about myself. These things are not necessarily marvelous things…or good things … or even interesting things. These do not have to be secret things that no one else knows. So keep that in mind when reading my list. Random simply means they come out of nowhere. Oh…the rules…
The Rules:
Players start with 8 random facts about themselves. Those who are tagged should post these rules and their 8 random facts. Players should tag 8 other people and notify them they have been tagged.
EIGHT RANDOM (and possibly weird) FACTS ABOUT TREY:
The Rules:
Players start with 8 random facts about themselves. Those who are tagged should post these rules and their 8 random facts. Players should tag 8 other people and notify them they have been tagged.
EIGHT RANDOM (and possibly weird) FACTS ABOUT TREY:
- I hate getting out of the shower all clean and my teeth still feel dirty, so I brush my teeth in the shower everyday.
- I love a good cup of coffee. It is my favorite drink.
- I like my breakfast cereal a little soggy, so I'm likely to pour the milk and go do something for a couple of minutes.
- I like my ice cream soft. A few seconds in the microwave will make it perfect.
- I love doing yard work, it's my therapy.
- I love watching my children from a distance. My chest swells up with pride and I think, "That's MY boy!" It gives me an idea what God sees when He watches us.
- I don't like to preach with notes. I just want a few thoughts on a single piece of paper.
- I think bluetooth earpieces look goofy. I don't want one.
So, I've completed tag number one. I'll get to tag number two next week. Oh, and here are the eight people I tag with this. I'm going to pick on some new people that we might not know as well around here.
Brandon Price - Put your camera down and fill out the tag :)
Matthew Morine - He's kind of a new guy around here so it would be great if he'd participate.
Eben Emerson - Being the camp ping-pong champ doesn't exempt you from this little game.
Chris Clous - He's been MIA lately.
Dee Andrews - You can't be to tired from your trip to participate in this can you?
Frank Bellizzi - You've been on summer break from teaching college classes, so you've got time :)
Jeff Foster - This guy will make it interesting.
Scott Wakefield - Can Scott come out and play?
Labels: General, Morgan Family
Saturday, July 28, 2007
"DAD, CAN YOU PUT MY BAPTISM ON YOUR BLOG?"
I was blessed to baptize my son, Connor, at camp on Friday. Lea and I have been talking to Connor for some time now about becoming a Christian. Connor decided it was time. Later that afternoon I asked him if he'd like to watch the video we shot of his baptism. He said, "Sure dad, and can you put it on your blog?"
I'm honored to put it on my blog, Connor. Your mom and I are very proud of you and we love you very much.
I'm honored to put it on my blog, Connor. Your mom and I are very proud of you and we love you very much.
PS - The crazy guy you see briefly in the video is Nate, our fantastic (yet goof-ball) youth minister. He was shooting the video for us.
For the QMCC campers that promised to drop by: Click here for some camp pictures.
Labels: General, Morgan Family
Thursday, July 26, 2007
TEN THINGS I'VE LOVE ABOUT SUMMER CAMP
Camp is going well. All 240 of us are having a great time. I had about 20 minutes to run into town and check my email. So I thought I'd share a quick post. Here are ten things I've loved about church camp at QMCC so far...
- I've learned some great new praise songs.
- I've learned that fun and faith CAN go in the same sentence.
- My friend Jesus has been there.
- The real Jesus has been there too.
- I've loved watching my kids play and realize God loves watching His kids play too.
- Five young people have become Christians this week.
- I've heard some great lessons on David - "A Man after God's own Heart."
- Worship has been inspiring.
- I've renewed old friendships and made new ones.
- I've realized from watching these young people ... the church has a BRIGHT future!!!
Blessings ~ Trey
Labels: General
Sunday, July 22, 2007
BUSY SUMMER
I'm headed to QMCC this week for six days of camp with 175 kids. Temperatures are going to be about 95 degrees everyday, but trust me that's cooler than usual. It'll be a great week. Jesus is coming to camp with us again this year. I told you about him a while back, so I'm looking forward to getting to know Kendal a little better.
Summers are usually busy, but this one has been busier than usual. I guess it happens. Hope everyone has a great week.
A couple of links for you this week.
Summers are usually busy, but this one has been busier than usual. I guess it happens. Hope everyone has a great week.
A couple of links for you this week.
- John Roberts wrote an excellent post on marriage called "Together, Forever." You can find it here, posted under the date of Wednesday, July 18th.
- Here's Sunday's sermon. "How to Know God's Will for Your Life." I hope if you get time you'll drop by and give it a listen (or a sleep).
Blessings to you this week ~ Trey
Labels: General, Morgan Family
Friday, July 20, 2007
THE MOST POPULAR BIBLE TRANSLATIONS
Did you know that the Bible is the best-selling book of all time and it continues to be the best-selling book of the year, every year. The CBA has released this month's "Best Selling Translations" list. Does any of these surprise you?
- New International Version
- King James Version
- New Living Translation
- New King James Version
- English Standard Version
- The Message
- Holman Christian Standard Bible
- New American Standard Bible
- Today's New International Version
- New Century Version
For years I've preferred the NIV. Seems like most of the people I preach to use the NIV as well. Lately I've been doing my daily reading from the NCV and the NLT. I've enjoyed both of these as well.
So what translation do you use? Is there a translation you don't like? Do you know anyone who thinks the Bible translations they use is actually the only one God authorizes us to use?
Labels: Bible
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Mexico City Update - 6 (Clothing the Poor)
We're home. Glad to be here for a couple of days before I leave for a week of camp. But I can't help but think of what an amazing day Monday was in Mexico City. It was by far the high point of the mission trip.
Monday we left the house early for a little Mexican village about 2 hours north of Mexico City. We spent the major part of the day working in a little park where kids play soccer, basketball and play on playground equipment. We worked hard, and then we were invited to play a game of soccer with some of the locals, in which we were killed.
Following the soccer game, the church members treated us to a Mexican feast, which they called "barbacoa". They offered us their very best food. We explained to the kids earlier that day ... whatever you are offered ... eat it! The food was pork, lamb and other Mexican favorites.
Later that day, we took clothes that we had gathered from our own closets before we left Childress, and drove to an area of Apaxico where the poorest lived. We pulled into a little neighborhood, opened the tailgate on the pickup and people started coming from everywhere. We gave out shirts, pants and a few hats to those who have nearly nothing. It was gut-wrenching watching how we made these people so happy with what I'd considered our "leftovers." I wasn't sure how I felt. Had I really sacrificed anything offering only my used clothes? I became emotional watching the children speak to me in the universal language of a smile. I couldn't understand their language and they couldn't understand mine ... but their eyes and smiles said everything. They were so beautiful and I wanted to give more, but had nothing else. I took pictures while the others gave away the clothes. When we got back from the clothing give away ... my heart broke again when I saw our teenagers crying. They'd been touched by this more than anything else.
One of our youth group's beautiful teenage girls summed it up best when she said with tears rolling down her cheeks, "I think I need so much to make me happy, then I see these children that are so happy just to have a used shirt... I realize I'm so blessed."
"...For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'"
I know there's a lot of pictures ... I just wanted you to get "visual" idea of what we experienced. Again, thanks for letting me share our Mexico mission activities with you!
The feast of pork and lamb we had for our supper.
We pulled up on a dirt street among some homes and the people came running.
Trying on clothes outside their home.
A new hat and a new shirt for one little boy and a smile from his sister.
Giving out clothes from the back of a pickup.
One of their homes.
Labels: General, Morgan Family
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Mexico City Update - 5
Monday was unbelievable. I can't wait to tell you more about it. We worked our tails off and gave clothes away to poor families and children. It was an extremely emotional day. It's been a long time since I've struggled with my emotions like I did today.
I can't wait to tell you more about it in a couple of days. But tonight, I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed.
We leave early in the morning for what should be a 32 hour bus ride home. Thanks for thinking of us and thanks for sharing our Mexico trip with us.
I can't wait to tell you more about it in a couple of days. But tonight, I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed.
We leave early in the morning for what should be a 32 hour bus ride home. Thanks for thinking of us and thanks for sharing our Mexico trip with us.
Labels: General, Morgan Family
Monday, July 16, 2007
Mexico City Update - 4
A few things to update you on...
- Saturday we had an "off" day. We spent time at the park playing football with some of the Mexican people and then they taught us how to play soccer. It was lots of fun spending the day playing in the park. We told Nate (our wonderful youth minister) that he could play only if he toned-down his competitiveness. Nate is the most competitive guy in the whole world, and we enjoy spending time teasing him about it. He was able to keep himself under control (for the most part). :)
- Saturday night a handful of us went to Lucha Libre (yes, a Mexican professional wrestling match). How could I ever live with myself knowing I had a chance to watch a cultural event such as Lucha Libre and didn't go? So I decided not to deprive myself of this pleasure and I watched the great "Mistico" defend his title. It was too fun.
- Sunday: Worship with the church in Mexico City was amazing. The singing was tremendous and the communion time was very moving. I wish everyone could experience worship in another country. It's a "out-of-your-comfort-zone" experience.
- The other morning I was the first to get up so I made coffee. I drank half the pot before someone else finally got up. When they did they asked me how I made the coffee and I replied, "like I always do." I realized I'd made coffee with the water we aren't supposed to drink. I made it with water from the faucet instead of bottled water. To this point ... I still haven't gotten sick. Yea, dumb move on my part.
- Update on kids ... A hand full have sick, but only off and on. Nothing serious. Good thing we have a couple of fantastic doctors with us on the trip. Tomorrow we take a trip outside the city to a little community. There we will be working, serving and giving clothes away that we brought with us. It will be a long, hard and fruitful day.
- Thanks for your prayers and your notes. The kids have sure enjoyed the comments from home. A few pictures are below.
Most of the group that went to the park.
The communion table during Sunday morning services.
Two more of the homeless people we fed. They asked that we take their picture.
Labels: General, Morgan Family
Friday, July 13, 2007
Mexico City Update - 3 (Feeding the Homeless)
$300 for the groceries...
Three hours to make about 100 sack lunches for the homeless of Mexico City...
Watching our group coming to the realization that the church's purpose is about serving the world .... PRICELESS. 
I know I've got a lot of moms and dads from home reading each day to see how their kids are doing. The kids are doing awesome. They are working hard, serving others and keeping a great attitude. The singing at tonight's devotional was awesome, but you could see "tiredness" in the kid's eyes. Tomorrow will be an easier day and we're giving them an extra hour of sleep. I think it'll help with the tiredness.
The day was very eventful. The kids experienced a lot of emotion feeding the homeless today. It too three hours to fix the sack lunches but it only took about 3 minutes to give them all out. They watched a fight over a sack lunch between three men, but also experienced "making friends" with the homeless, as you can see from the picture above.
We had one of the adults who had his pocket picked on the metro (subway) today. We lost about $250 dollars. It was their "group food money" for the day. It was very replaceable. We were thankful that no one was hurt.
God is working in our little group of 35. I see hearts being softened, attitudes being changed and God's love being shared. Our goal this week is to leave here with the full understanding that ... "The church's purpose isn't to serve it's own members, but its purpose is to serve the world."
Labels: General, Morgan Family
Mexico City Update - 2
I'd like you to meet Pedro. He's the one in the center between Lea and I. Many years ago Pedro was walking out of a Mexico City bar in the early morning hours when someone handed him an invitation for a Bible study. Pedro went home, sobered up and decided he needed to change his life. He became a Christian after a few Bible studies and is now one of the strongest leaders in the Mexico City church. He currently serves as a local missionary here and was our group leader today. As for the one who handed him the invitation as he walked out of the bar years ago... it was someone in a group just like ours. Someone in a group who'd come to work with the church that week. That will be on our minds as we hand out the same invitations tomorrow to hundreds of people how need to know Jesus. 
Labels: General, Morgan Family
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Mexico City Update - 1
We made it! And in record bus-riding time. Twenty-nine hours to be exact. We're tired, dirty and excited all at the same time. We're in the process of a slight clean up and heading out to eat lunch and then work.
Trip was uneventful. Had a few motion-sick kids, but all in all, uneventful. Crossing the border was a breeze this time. We didn't even have to unload from the bus.
One quick note: It was amazing the difference in housing, cars and lifestyle that was noticeable the second we crossed the border. You had no doubt you were entering a different country.
Thanks for letting me share our trip with you.
More later...
Labels: General, Morgan Family
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
MEXICO CITY
32 hours from Childress, Texas to Mexico City on a bus (and then another 32 hours to get home again). - Walking close to 6 miles a day.
- Handing out invitation to study the Bible.
- Picking up trash.
- Seeing a few sights.
- Working in communities.
- Feeding the homeless.
- Serving others.
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Here are a few interesting links you might enjoy ...
- Last week's sermon: "Know How To Stop." I started the sermon with watching Cooper's bicycle crash. That was fun.
- Tammy Ross wrote a GREAT piece in the Christian Chronicle on "ministers and their families." Check it out here.
- Church members come and church members go. Why do they leave? What's our response? What's a church to do? A must reads for every minister/ elder/ church leader. Read them here and here.
- I miss my fellow blogger Don. Please "blog" again.
- Finally, here is a MUST for all parents. If it were only this easy, huh? I'm not sure the Morgan's need the “stop/screaming” button, but the “attitude/off” button could come in handy. Ooh, and the “tidy room” button ... I really like that one!
Labels: General, Morgan Family
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
"WHY DIDN'T MY DAD TELL ME HE LOVED ME?"
I still remember sitting next to her at the funeral home. She was in her 50's and her dad had just passed away. She wasn't crying, instead she was weeping uncontrollably. I asked her if she was okay, and she repeated the same question to me over and over, "Why didn't my dad ever tell me he loved me. I know he did, but why didn't he ever just say it? Would it have been that hard just to say it?" I didn't really have an answer.
Thankfully I was raised around a dad that was always willing to tell me, "I love you son." Even after he'd just disciplined me for something I'd done wrong, he'd always let me know, "I love you son." That was his way of saying, "I'll never stop loving you. No matter what you do." This past weekend I got to spend some time with my dad and at least twice he told me how much he loved me. I am SO thankful for a dad who was man enough to tell me he loved me.
Dads, you cannot tell your children “I love you” enough. Trust me, one of the biggest fears that they have is messing up so bad that their parents eventually stop loving them! We need to ALWAYS communicate to our kids that there is NOTHING they can do to make us stop loving them!
I am sick and tired of the men who refuse to tell their kids they love them because “their daddy didn’t do this for them.” BE A MAN ... tell your kids you love them ... A LOT!!!
Thankfully I was raised around a dad that was always willing to tell me, "I love you son." Even after he'd just disciplined me for something I'd done wrong, he'd always let me know, "I love you son." That was his way of saying, "I'll never stop loving you. No matter what you do." This past weekend I got to spend some time with my dad and at least twice he told me how much he loved me. I am SO thankful for a dad who was man enough to tell me he loved me.
Dads, you cannot tell your children “I love you” enough. Trust me, one of the biggest fears that they have is messing up so bad that their parents eventually stop loving them! We need to ALWAYS communicate to our kids that there is NOTHING they can do to make us stop loving them!
I am sick and tired of the men who refuse to tell their kids they love them because “their daddy didn’t do this for them.” BE A MAN ... tell your kids you love them ... A LOT!!!
Monday, July 09, 2007
THE GROUCH
I see Mrs. C working nearly every time I go out to the prison to teach a class to the prisoners. I'm guessing she's in her late 50's or early 60's. I don't know much about her other than she works the gate at the prison. And every time I've seen her, it's always the same. No words, no facial expression and no smile, only hand gestures. If she ever makes eye contact, and that very rarely happens, you can feel her icy stare burning right through you. I believe she could scare anyone from the smallest child or the meanest convict with simple eye contact.She is always there in all her grouchiness. It's almost as if an aura of grouchiness surrounds her like dirt surrounded Pigpen from the cartoon Charlie Brown. I've always guessed that she's just unhappy with the world and everything in it. I've often thought to myself, "Mrs. C working at the prison is the perfect job for her."
The very first time I saw her I offered a smile and spoke to her, she didn't respond. I thought she hadn't heard me so I repeated myself louder and smiled bigger. She looked up at me with "those eyes" that made me want to look away and motioned for me to "move along." It made me a little mad at first. I remember thinking "What's up with this woman?" Since then it has become a personal challenge to get this woman to smile at me. It hasn't been easy, and I may have bitten off more than I can chew.
She was there this last Monday night when I went out. I walked up to her window with a massive smile on my face and I laid-it-on-thick. "Well, hello Mrs. C. It is wonderful to see you. I hope you're doing alright, and I hope you have had a GREAT day to day." It was as if I didn't even pause between sentences knowing she wasn't going to respond anyway. She looked up at me with her sharp icy stare, made eye contact and gestured for me to move through the security gate. Another failure.
When class was over Mrs. C was still at the window working. She handed me my driver's license and I said, "Mrs. C, I hope you have a great night." Without hesitating and without ever looking up, she very quietly under her breath mumbled, "you too." I COULD HAVE DANCED A LITTLE JIG RIGHT THERE! Words, she said words to me! I heard them with my own ears. I couldn't believe it. There was no smile, no eye contact, but there were words for the first time.
That night driving home from the prison I thought about how she'd finally said something in response to me. I knew she'd heard me all those times. I thought about my challenge to get her to smile and how I'm sure she's loved by someone in this world. I said a little prayer for Mrs. C as I drove home and God reminded me that He loved her.
Who knows, maybe I'm making some head way with Mrs. C. Maybe she's not unhappy with the world. Maybe, just maybe, she's not an old grouch. (I still have my doubts.) You know, she did speak two words to me for the first time, but I still haven't accomplished my goal ... an actual smile from her. But hey, I'm headed out there tonight and this might just be the night!
Labels: Christian Living, General
Sunday, July 08, 2007
A FEW THOUGHTS ...
Wow, what a weekend. We made a flying trip to New Mexico for my niece's wedding. Rachel is my sister Monalea's oldest daughter. I'm tired but it was good to spend time with all my family.
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I've made a big change to my "sermon" page. I'm now posting my sermons at http://trey.mypodcast.com/. The main reason for the change is it's FREE! I like free. It's also much easier to listen to a sermon on the new page. And for those that like to use podcasting. I was able to "podcast" one of my sermons with my new I-Pod. That was pretty cool. Anyway, check out the new page if you'd like.
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I've made a big change to my "sermon" page. I'm now posting my sermons at http://trey.mypodcast.com/. The main reason for the change is it's FREE! I like free. It's also much easier to listen to a sermon on the new page. And for those that like to use podcasting. I was able to "podcast" one of my sermons with my new I-Pod. That was pretty cool. Anyway, check out the new page if you'd like.
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I'm excited that my friend Eben Emerson, who preaches in Tulia, Texas, has begun blogging. I'm sure Eben will be challenging us on a regular basis. When you get time, stop by and welcome Eben to the blogging world.
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I'm leaving for Mexico City this Wednesday for a mission trip. I'm thrilled that my whole family is going with me. I plan on using my blog for mission trip updates. I'll be writing about the sights, activities and efforts of the trip. I'll try and include some pictures.
Labels: General, Morgan Family
Friday, July 06, 2007
25 WAYS TO KILL A GOOD MARRIAGE
2. Pout when you don't get your way.
3. Use the silent treatment when you are mad.
4. Always put yourself first.
5. Be critical.
6. Tell your spouse they need to change, but you make no effort to change.
7. Ignore your spouses needs.
8. Make no effort to improve yourself or your marriage.
9. Never compliment your spouse.
10. Speak negatively about your spouse around other people.
11. Make no effort to keep yourself "looking good" for your spouse.
12. Use derogatory names like stupid, dumb, ignorant and idiot.
13. Always blame your spouse for the problems. It's never your fault.
14. Take your mate for granted.
15. Quit trying to impress your spouse (you're married, it's not needed anymore).
16. Withhold sex to punish your spouse.
17. Never take any time to get away without the kids.
18. When arguing ... bring up old stuff from the past.
19. Have a short fuse.
20. When angry be verbally abusive.
21. Never seek outside help when you come to an impasse.
22. Don't tell your spouse how much you love or appreciate them. Just expect them to know it.
23. Have a "it's my way or the highway" attitude.
24. Spend more time with your friends than your spouse.
25. Never say "I love you."
Labels: His Needs Her Needs, Marriage
Thursday, July 05, 2007
FASTING
I've been reading Jim Martin's blog about "Journaling As a Spiritual Discipline" (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4). I like his thoughts on journaling and on spiritual disciplines.We don't do a lot of talking on "spiritual disciplines." And one spiritual discipline that doesn't get much attention is fasting.
The purpose of a dedicated period of prayer and fasting is to humble ourselves before God, seek His will, and ask Him to empower us to do His will. Jesus expected his disciples to fast. In Matthew 6:16 Jesus said, "when you fast" indicating an expectation that his followers would fast. So, as requested by a reader, here are a few of my thought on fasting.
BIBLICAL REASONS FOR FASTING
- To bring the body under control (1 Corinthians 9:27).
- To receive understanding and insight (Daniel 9; 10:2-3; Luke 2:37).
- To sorrow over sin. (Daniel 9; Acts 9:9; 1 Samuel 7:6).
- To begin a new work for God (Matthew 4:2ff; Exodus 34:27-28; Acts 12:2-3).
- To empower us (Esther 4:15-16; Matthew 9:15-17).
- To seek the will of God (Acts 13:2).
- To humble ourselves before God (Deuteronomy 8:2-3).
- To be heard by God (Esra 8:53; Jonah 3).
- To change God's mind (Jonah 3:5,10; 1 Kings 21:27-29).
HOW TO FAST (Warnings: Do not fast if you are....)
- Diabetic
- Hypoglycemic
- Taking certain medications with food.
- Receiving treatment for an eating disorder.
- Fasting for the praise of men (Matthew 6:16-18).
EXAMPLES OF HOW LONG TO FAST
- One day (Leviticus23:27, 1 Samuel 14:24; Nehemiah 9:1).
- Three days (1 Samuel 30:12, Acts 9:9).
- Seven days (1 Samuel 31:11-13).
- Fourteen days (Daniel 10:2-3).
- Three weeks (Daniel 10:2-3).
- Forty days (Exodus 34:28; Matthew 4:1-2).
FASTING ALTERNATIVES
- Fast from television or other entertainment (Daniel 6:18).
- Fast from certain food groups, including bread, sweets, fast foods, cokes or meat (Daniel 1).
- Abstain from sex with your spouse, by agreement only (1 Corinthians 7).
PRACTICAL FASTING TIPS
- Usual meal time should be replaced by Bible study and prayer.
- If you have never fasted before, begin with a short fast.
- Fasts longer than one day should include water and/or unsweetened fruit juices.
- Avoid vigorous exercise during your fast.
- Longer fasts are best accomplished with an accountability partner.
- Expects some light-headedness, bad breath, and irritability, particularly with longer fasts.
- When fasting longer than three days, seek medical advice.
Labels: Christian Living
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
SARGENT JON JAMES & HONORING OUR TROOPS
Today, July 4th, my friend Sargent Jon James fights for my freedom in Iraq. Today is also Jon's birthday.
Jon, my prayer is that you are able to get online today. Because I want you to know that although you're a long way from home, today I think of you and today I thank you. Thanks for being my friend and thanks for being my hero. Today, as always, I pray God will keep you safe. Happy 4th of July and Happy Birthday, Jon.
Labels: General
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
IMPOSSIBLE TO WATCH WITHOUT SMILING
You've heard of the 23rd Psalm from the KJV or NIV. This is the 23rd Psalm from the "sweet" or "precious" version.
Then he said to them, "I can guarantee this truth: Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
~Jesus
Monday, July 02, 2007
SPICE UP YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE
A long time ago someone handed me an index card that said "Don't just pray, pray dangerously." I've always been curious about how to pray dangerously, because so many of my prayers are "me" centered. I sometimes present my prayers to God like they are a Christmas list, "Lord, here are the things I want." Let me challenge you to pray some dangerous prayers this week. Ask God for some things that will spice up your spiritual life. Pray any of these 5 dangerous prayers and see what happens.
- SEARCH ME (Psalm 139:1, 23) - How many times do we look at others sins, others problems and other screw ups and not see our own. David asks God to search him and show him any thing that's offensive in his life. And the more I learn about myself the more I realize there are so many areas of my life still not fully surrendered to God. Ask God to "search you" this week.
- BREAK ME (Psalm 139:24) - "Lord, if you find any offensive way in me ... break me." One of the ways we grow spiritually is through our brokenness. My life is full of worldly things that I have allowed to become "acceptable" because others do it, but God sees as sin. Break me in these areas, Lord.
- STRETCH ME (or Test Me) (Psalm 139:23) - The strongest Christians I know are those that have been stretched and tested. Just like companies test there products to see their weaknesses, so also our testing can do the same. In the book of Acts we find the apostles and the church being stretched and tested, it made them stronger. Show us our weaknesses Lord, so we can become stronger in them.
- LEAD ME (Psalms 139:24) - Asking God to take your life and lead you is a HUGE risk. Because His plans for us may be different (and better) than our own plans for us. Just ask Abraham what it means to have God lead you (Genesis 12). God told Abraham He wanted him to move, and when Abraham asked, "where," God said, "You pack and let me lead you and I'll let you know when we get there." Wow, risky, but what an amazing adventure.
- USE ME - It's exciting to make yourself available to God so that He can touch someone else through you. "Use me" is a dangerous prayer that creates adventure. Oh, how I want to be used by God, but to be used, I wonder if I first must allow Him to search me, break me, test me, stretch me, and lead me.
Want to spice up your spiritual life? Pray a dangerous prayer this week.
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To my friend Don, "AW - Please say it isn't so."
Labels: Prayer, Spiritual Growth
Sunday, July 01, 2007
SUNDAY NIGHT THOUGHTS ON WATS
What an amazing day. The day started off with worship to God and ended with serving others. Our WATS (We Are The Sermon) day went great. About 100 came and worked for 3 plus hours cleaning, cutting, mowing, raking, hoeing and serving the community. I was amazed that there were around ten trailers full of junk hauled off in such a short amount of time.
I'm proud of my Childress family. I'm proud of how hard they work to show others who they are and who God is (John 13:34-35). Thank you Childress church for the sweat, effort and labor you gave tonight. And, we give God all the glory.
I'm proud of my Childress family. I'm proud of how hard they work to show others who they are and who God is (John 13:34-35). Thank you Childress church for the sweat, effort and labor you gave tonight. And, we give God all the glory.
