Life of a Pastor Blog

I just read an interesting article at www.ichilly.com about the old Christmas song, 12 Days of Christmas.  This song has always intrigued me, because I wonder who could write such a song.  Took some creativity and, well, the song just doesn’t seem to have presents that most people would want.  I don’t know about you, but if somebody gave me ten lords leaping, I would ask them to take it back and get me a 50” plasma.  12 drummers might be cool for a couple of hours, but 12 drummers would get old by day 2.

Ichilly.com gave the history of this song and then it all made sense.  Enjoy the background of this song:

“From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly.  Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church.  Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

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1. The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
2. Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments
3. Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
4. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
5. Five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the  Old Testament (aka Pentateuch).
6. Six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
7. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit– Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
8. Eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes (Matthew 5).
9. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit – Love, Joy, 12 Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
10. Ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
11. Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The  Apostles Creed.”

Just uploaded our latest podcast for growthhelps.com.

It is a discussion on Servant Leadership and what it means to lead with others.  Check it out here.

I have always been one to bring work home.  It is one of those things that I have tried to cut back over the last couple of years.  Home time is not meant to be a carry over from work, although sometimes it is inevitable. 

But ladies, it could always be worse.  This cartoon reveals the ultimate workaholic:)

As we look forward to a new year, it is a good time to make a goal to read through the Bible in 2010. 

To help encourage you in your goal, we just uploaded a new podcast at growthhelps.com that discusses Bible Reading plans.  Check it out here.

You can also print a variety of Bible Reading Plans Here.

“I may not be able to change the world I see around me, but I can change the way I see the world within me.”

-John Maxwell, Developing The Leader Within You-

Have you ever taken time to look inside of your heart?  I am not talking about an Arteriogram or MRI here, but a soul evaluation.  Heart searching is a painful procedure but it is necessary for spiritual development.

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life."

It is the responsibility of each person to keep track of what is within his heart and clean it out accordingly.  You see, I am not responsible to come over and clean your house. (I don’t like housework anyway)  It is your job to clean your own home.  Sometimes we are better judging someone else’s heart or trying to clean someone else up.

The wise man here in Proverbs said it is YOUR heart you must keep.  Cleaning spiritual house is a necessity.  As believers we often tend to allow our heart to fill up with some small things that eventually grow into big things.  It is kind of like a house that needs to be dusted.  Sometimes you don’t notice the dust until the light comes on.

Turn the light on in your life and look at what kind of dust build up you have.  It may be the way you talk, the way you act.  It could even be the things you watch on TV or the things you listen to.  Perhaps it is your temper that causes you to stumble at times.  It may be something that you are not aware of except for a heart searching.

Many times I have allowed things to creep into my life that I didn’t realize until I did a good heart searching.  The Holy Spirit revealed these things within my life so that I might root them out.  There have been times He has revealed to me some bitterness that I was hanging on to.  Out of your heart springs the issues of life.  What comes out of your heart is either good or bad issues.

We shouldn’t go into issues should we?  We all have some ISSUES!  The only way to deal with bad issues is to search our heart.  The good issues come by allowing God to root out the bad and replacing it with the good.  The greatest thing about seeing your heart the way God sees it is that God is working some marvelous things in your life.  He doesn’t reveal it to you to condemn you but rather to mature you.

Our God is making a bride that is prepared for Him.  A Bride that is blameless and pure.  Allow Him to clean you up.  You clean your spiritual house as the Holy Spirit reveals the dust.

Let me pose to you some questions to ponder this week of thanksgiving:

What if God began to treat us like we so often treat Him?

What if God began to treat us like we so often treat Him?

What if God met our needs to the same extent that we give Him our lives?

What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?

What if God stopped loving & caring for us because we failed to love & care for others?

What if God took away His message because we wouldn’t listen to His messenger?

What if He wouldn’t bless us today because we didn’t thank Him yesterday?

What if God answered our prayers the way we answer His call for service?

What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we did not follow Him today?

Thank God that He doesn’t treat us the way we deserve…thank God for Him mercy and grace.  This thanksgiving let’s take on a new attitude and be thankful in all things.

I Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

I have not been a loyal customer for long at Chic-Fil-A, because after all a chicken sandwich is a chicken sandwich.  I do, however, find myself frequenting Chic-Fil-A alot more lately.  Sure their waffle fries are second to none, not to mention they have great iced tea.  But the reason I keep going back is because of their service.  That’s right, service. 

I am impressed every time I go.  The employees are friendly and helpful, which in fast food is not always the case.  Employees at Chic-Fil-A are armed with a smile and a genuine willingness to help.  The food is always hot.  The store is always clean.  The business is run with precision with little room for error.

But my main reasons for going to Chick-Fil-A are:

1.  They wait on your table and refill your drinks without expecting tips.

2.  The manager walks around to make sure everything is okay.

3.  When you order and tell them thanks, they always respond, “My pleasure!”

4.  They greet you when you come in the door and tell you thanks when you leave.

Last time, I was at Chic-Fil-A, I thought about how the church could learn from them.  The church is in fact in the customer business.  We are  here to serve others and we could learn alot of lessons from a customer service genius.  When we have guests or even faithful attenders, we should always aim to serve others with a smile.  The church should be the happiest place on earth.  When we serve in ministry, we should do it with a smile on.  From those who sing and worship  on the platform, to the Sunday School teacher.  Serve with joy!

We should welcome all who walk through our doors and, if they are new, show them around.  Help them find a seat or answer any questions that they may have.  If they are seated by themselves, sit near them so they do not feel alone. 

As far as excellence in service, we should make sure that all we do is done with excellence. 

Dear Lord, for your blessings I am truly thankful
Even though, when I don’t get what I want, I tend to grumble

You give me guidance, favor and unlimited grace
But I always complain when things don’t go my way

I’m in awe of the lovely flowers that bloom in spring
But I really get upset when you send us the rain

I’m thankful for such a gracious and lovely wife
But I take her for granted because she’s stuck with me for life

Oh, I can’t forget my incredible kids that you gave to me
But Lord, couldn’t you at least have given them a little less energy

I know the tendency that I’m sure all of us have
To thank you for the things we like and not for the bad

We want our lives to be perfect, without any pain
All peaches and cream, everything going our way

But God, let me now put all joking aside
Help me not be selfish and help me lay down my life

To understand that the world doesn’t revolve around me
I’m thankful for you and my wonderful family

For the blessings you have so generously bestowed
And for the children that you have given me to mold

And, one more thing, Lord, the next time I want to complain
Remind me of Jesus, who endured suffering for my gain

-Danny Cheney

I just uploaded some great videos to growthhelps.com.  These videos were produced by the Assemblies of God headquarters and they highlight our four core doctrines. Salvation, Divine Healing, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, The Return of Christ.

These videos are quality introductory teachings on these subjects.  Check them out here.

Since I have been suffering with the flu this weekend, I have been quarantined in the back bedroom.  Last night, as Hannah was going to bed, she came and stood in the doorway, clasped her hands and bowed her head.  She said, “I am going to pray.”  She proceeded to pray for me, with her eyes open, these words, “God heal his body. God touch him. Amen!” 

There is nothing more sincere than a child’s prayer.  Short, to the point, no fancy words, just prayer.  It touched my heart to hear Hannah pray.  It is a reminder that children pick up things that we do.  When people are sick, we believe in prayer.  She has seen me pray for others.  Hannah has listened to me pray for her.  Children learn from the action of others.  Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old, they will not depart from it.

In October the Lord enabled us to pay off our church mortgage 2-3 years early.  It is exciting to be a debt-free church.  God has brought us a long way this year.  All glory to God!

Next Sunday we will be celebrating Thanksgiving by having a special mortgage burning service.  Be sure to join us as we celebrate this momentous occasion.  We will meet next Sunday night as well to have a church Thanksgiving dinner.

One of my last posts was a cartoon about the swine flu.  Well, around eleven o’clock last night I awoke with a high temperature.  Went to the doctor today and, though I wasn’t diagnosed with the swine flu, I have the flu.

I have been laid up all day trying to get better for Sunday.  I was supposed to go hunting for opening weekend but instead had to stay at home.  That was probably good for the deer.

Lord willing, tomorrow we will conclude our Faith series by talking about elevating faith.  Faith that takes you to another level.  Don’t miss it!

Many people do not plan for their future.  Many do.  Many people live only for the day, others look ahead at what they want to accomplish.  The Bible says that without a vision people perish.  To get the most out of life we should have a vision for our life.  Maybe you do not know what you want to accomplish over the next five or ten years. But at least you can plan on what you want to see in the next year. 

On Ron Edmonson’s blog today, he gives a list of questions to ask as you plan for 2010.  I encourage you to take some time and set goals for next year.  When we set goals it gives us something to work toward.

Here are Ron’s questions to ask yourself:

• What do I want to improve upon or accomplish in the new year?
• How can I accomplish my goals for the year? What action steps need to be taken? What changes in my life need to be made?
• Are there disciplines I need to add to insure success in a particular area of my life?
• Do I have the accountability and structure in my life to carry through with these disciplines?
• How is my walk with Christ? How can it be improved?
• What things could I stop doing to give myself more time to accomplish the goals I have set for a new year?
• If I know the direction I want to go in the new year, what changes need to be made to head myself in that direction?
• What areas of my life need the most attention for improvement; work, family, leisure time, finances, health, etc.?

Our country would not be a freedom-loving nation without the sacrifices and service of our brave men and women in uniform.  Because of their selfless patriotism, Americans enjoy the freedom to worship as well as the freedoms of speech and life.  On this Veteran’s Day we remember those who have given their lives for our country overseas.  We are also mindful of the recent deaths of the  men and women at Fort Hood.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the present military who are serving our country.  We also salute all of those who have served in years past.  We are proud of our Armed Forces.  Freedom is never free and we thank all veterans for their service to this great nation.  God bless America!

I was wondering how long before it would come down to this.  I just didn’t think it would get this serious:)

HT: Los

Today, Sonya and I are celebrating our 18th anniversary.  We have been on a great journey together and I am blessed to have such a godly wife.  I am thankful that God has given her to me and look forward to many more years of marriage.  We’ve come along way, baby!

Yesterday, Josh got his first deer.  It was Arkansas’ Youth Hunt and we headed down to Paris, Arkansas to hunt on Calico Mountain.  We were out there for less than an hour when Josh got him a spike.  He was pumped!

Sonya told Hannah that Josh got a deer and Hannah said, “Oh when they get home the deer can chase me around the back yard.”  I had to break the news to her that the deer would be coming home in small one to two pound packages.  Nonetheless when I got home, Hannah dressed up in my camo.

Josh on the other hand has had his passage into manhood.  There is something about that first deer that makes  you feel like more of a man.  I am proud for him, not to mention he made a perfect shot on the deer while the deer was on the run. 

To hear the doctor’s dreaded words
The heart gripped with fear
Not knowing where to turn
Your eyes become full of tears

With a voice barely able to mutter words
You cry out, “O God help me please”
But can barely muster the strength
to get down on your knees

All your hope has been lost
Your mind just races away
Afraid to express your doubts
You try to trust in faith

You know that God can do anything
You understand His Word
But sometimes when you ask
You wonder if your heard

The situation looks like there’s no way
You cannot see beyond the fear
It is hard to truly believe
But you know that God does care

Just continue to remind yourself
that for the body that’s wracked by disease
There’s the sun of righteousness,
Arising with healing in His wings

-Danny Cheney-

Just uploaded a new podcast at growthhelps.com.  Today’s topic is the SOAP devotional method.  Check it out here.

We also finished the resources section with a weekly devotional, recommended reading and online study helps.  Check these out here.