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September 11, 2008 by Pastor Jon.
Just before work this morning I visited www.history.com. They have an interactive map of New York City. You can click on certain spots around the map and an eyewitness video will play showing the events of 9/11 from that vantage point. I was shocked by the emotions that stirred within me. I could only handle watching two of the short clips.
I remember I was sitting at my desk that morning. One of my co-workers said that a plane had crashed into the first tower. We quickly pulled up the live videos on our computers, and we were stunned as we watched the second plane crash. I was safe, hundreds of miles away in Atlanta
May we never forget, never forget the firemen, police and ordinary people that risked and sacrificed their own lives to save others.
May we never forget the men and women who were just trying to go about their normal everyday lives.
May we never forget those who thought they were flying to a vacation of a lifetime, or trying to get home to a loved one only to find it a nightmare.
May we never forget those who sacrificed their lives so that flight 93 would never find the terrorists target.
May we never forget the men and women of the Pentagon who lost their lives that day.
May we never forget those who survived but still live daily with the scars, both seen and unseen.
May we never forget the men and women who serve and sacrifice in the Armed Services to make sure it does not happen again.
May we never forget 9/11/2001
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August 29, 2008 by Pastor Jon.
I am always amazed how God seems to show up when I least expect it. Last Sunday night we had our weekly team meeting. Our team is going through “Cleansing Stream” so once a month we show a video teaching from their ministry. I did not have to prepare a lesson for the evening. So I took the time off prior to the meeting to relax. The plan was to do a few praise and worship songs then watch the video. But as usual, God had other plans. God showed up during praise and worship, and one of our team members expressed a deep need. We then spent time praying over them and God brought about the healing that was needed. We still watched the video, but it was obvious that it was not the priority of the evening. In this case, my lack of planning got my agenda out of the way and opened the door for God to accomplish His. He truly is faithful, and His ways are greater than mine. I am thankful that he allows me to participate.
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June 6, 2008 by Pastor Jon.
I wanted to post this to honor the brave men that sacrficed their lives on D-Day. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt leads the nation in prayer on June 6, 1944 as the battle of D-Day began.
Click here to listen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUy1ejRq9RE
Thanks,
Pastor Jon
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May 25, 2008 by Pastor Jon.
I want to take you on a journey. What will Redeemer’s Way look like? Well what it will look like really depends a lot on those people that will come along on this journey. But here are some possibilities.
So sit back and picture it as if you are there. It is a Sunday morning. The service does not start for 30 more minutes, but people are beginning to gather. Of course there are smiling greeters at the door. Once inside the coffee, tea, and juice is flowing freely. Inside the sanctuary round tables and chairs fill the room. People laughing at one table, at another, friends are praying for each other. At another one someone is excitedly sharing something they learned that week from the word of God. Some are in suits, others in jeans and t-shirts. Some are cleaner than others. Oh yea there is plenty of biker leather to go around. Culturally the room is melting pot of all races and ages. Also inside are the underground greeters. No name tags, but they are on the lookout for new faces and missing faces.
Soon the worship leader steps up and gets everyone’s attention. Quickly the leader is in “the zone” as they enter the throne room of God. Then they remember where they are and they reach out to the congregation and begin to draw them in. Soon people begin to dance while others lay on the altar. But some just stand still in the moment.
In the nursery a baby is crying. The nursery minister is holding her close and begins to quietly pray in the spirit. Then she starts to sing before the Lord. Also in the room is the mother that has not slept for several nights because of the crying baby. The nursery minister holds the baby with one hand, and lays her hand on the mom. She begins to pray, she begins to prophesy. Soon the baby stops crying and even a smile comes across her face. The mother sits down in a near by rocker as it seems a weight has been lifted off of her shoulders.
In another room, the children are learning to worship and praise. The older children line up across the altar and the younger kids begin to come down for prayer. The children’s ministers move along the line teaching the older kids how to pray for them. Not only are they learning the word of God, they are being mentored to be ministers. Not just for the future but for today!
During the youth service a similar seen is taking place. Adults line the back of the room. Some are security, and others are intercessors providing spiritual security for the youth and the youth ministers as they work. If this takes place during a regular worship service there is a good chance there are more adults with the youth than in the “big” service.
Tuesday afternoon around 4:30 cars begin to drop off kids of all ages. It is homework time. Inside are teenagers, young adults, parents and teachers ready to tutor those who need help. Teachers will be at school and find a struggling child. I will be at Redeemer’s Way church this afternoon, why don’t you stop by and I can give you some extra help. Other kids that do not need help will beg to still come so they can work on their studies.
Before the school year started we invited the teachers and support staff of the nearby schools to a Saturday morning breakfast. We spent the morning edifying and building them up. We conclude with prayer and assigning an intercessor(s) to each teacher and support staff to cover them the entire year.
Saturday morning Brothers of the Covenant Motorcycle ministry arrive early on their Harleys. Soon teenagers and young adults on their sport bikes (Yamahas, Hondas, Suzukis) begin to pull up. The Brothers are conducting a biker clinic. They conduct a safety lesson, and then they teach how to do a bike tune up and basic maintenance. Finally they are invited to meet back again in two weeks to go on a ride together.
It is Friday night. A youth band is warming up. Once again coffee and sodas are flowing. The purpose tonight is to simply provide a safe place for teenagers to hang out. A safe place for positive peer pressure to flourish
One week during the summer we set up a big tent at one of the local trailer parks, or housing projects. We will take VBS to the community. The kids just need to step out their door. No transportation required.
Another Saturday morning Pastors from the surrounding area begin to show up. Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Church of God etc. They will come tired and weary. We will feed them a great breakfast, teach them a great word then send them away with resources they can take back to their ministries.
Of course this list could go on. Because our members are involved in Rotary, Kiwanis Lion’s club, and other service clubs. We will be in the charity walks, school fundraisers, and community festivals. Whenever the community needs something, we get a phone call. We will be masters at networking and relationship building. We will be everywhere.
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April 14, 2008 by Pastor Jon.
In the book The Devine Mentor on page 77, Wayne Cordeiro writes, “If we are going to be a leader in our families, our communities and our church, then we must be a people who know how to take ground and move forward. To do that effectively you will have to know God’s word – memorize key verses. If all you are doing is playing defense you will continue to lose… Victory only comes to those who learn to go on the offense and succeed on the offensive.”
As Christians we must keep moving forward. Even when we are not 100% for sure where God is leading us we most move. Often times God will not reveal further direction until we show our faith and the willingness to be obedient. We must carry the presence of the Lord and be willing to step into the unknown. We also must be willing to leave behind the comfortable.
Joshua 3:13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the Priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan. Then the waters of the
1. Bear the Ark – The ark represents God’s presence. This relates to the time we spend reading the word, the time we spend in prayer and fasting. If we neglect individual (one on one) time with God we can not walk in His presence. We must carry the presence with us.
2. Get Wet (Step into the unknown) — The Jordan River was in its flood stage when the Children of Israel crossed over. Odds are, it was wider, deeper and flowing faster than any other time of the year. While carrying the heavy Ark of the Covenant, the Priest had to step into the fast flowing strong current with the slippery and sinking muddy bottom. But once they did the ground became dry and firm. We must have faith to step forward and walk into the water.
3. Leave it behind – Matthew 4:18-20 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fisherman (This was there heritage, life, source of income etc.) Then he said to them “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” They immediately left their nets and followed him.
They had to leave behind the comfortable. They also had to step out into the unknown. Christ leads us to a place where we depend fully on Him. It is at this place we can find true peace, and find the life that God has called us too. As we die to self we find our self in Christ. As we step into the unknown we find revelation and life.
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February 16, 2008 by Pastor Jon.
People always get excited when someone has a baby. We give showers, and beg for photos. The beginning of life brings an excitement. But the ending of a life brings sadness and sorrow. It is supposed to be wonderful to be with the Lord, but for some reason our flesh wants to hold onto this earthly realm. I have recently been listening to the David Crowder Band’s “A Collision” CD. It starts, and ends with a snippet of what I think is an old song. “Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die…I want to go to heaven, but I do not want to die.”
I was just a young child when I went to my first funeral. It was a friend of my mom and dad. Later there was my little league soccer coach. Next came my grandmother, and just two months later my dad. I was just 11 years old. I was home when he died. It is a night I will never forget. My dad was my hero, and thankfully a follower of Christ. These events have shaped my thoughts on the ending of this life.
Two years ago Janice and I moved in with her parents. Her dad has Parkinson’s disease. He was diagnosed over 10 years ago. Over the years I have watched him decline. He grew up on a farm in Minnesota, born to Norwegian immigrants. He served state side in the Army during WWII. He built bombers and cargo planes that would fly over Europe and the Pacific. Each year he would have a garden that what produce more vegetables than we could eat. After retirement he and his wife volunteered delivering meals to the shut-ins of Henry County. Now he has nurses come and bath him 3 times a week. He is a devout Christian.
He spends his days sitting in a recliner. He needs help getting into the wheel chair, going to the bathroom and help eating. There are days that go by that he does not know what is going on. Sometimes he will look at me like he does not know who I am. Talk has begun to see if we need to put him in a nursing home. My question over that last two years has been, how do you help someone walk through this time in their life with dignity? Unfortunately, I do not think I have found the answer.
So how exactly do you pray for an 86 year old man that has been fighting a debilitating disease for over 10 years? My wife and I have struggled with this. We do not believe that a Nursing home is a valid option. We long for him to be healed, but he continues to struggle. The past couple of days his breathing has become labored and he does not look the same. It is a hard question to ask, but wouldn’t be better for him to be with the Lord? He no longer has a quality of life in this earthly realm. The only things we know to do are live each day, and do whatever is needed to help Grandma take care of Papa. Our prayer is that when the day comes, he will journey to be with Jesus in peace.
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January 2, 2008 by Pastor Jon.
Several weeks ago I was on a business trip in Tupelo
The restaurant is small. It might hold 35 people. I walked in and asked if I could sit anywhere. The person behind the bar said, “Sure, you can sit at the bar if you would like.” I sat down at the bar and ordered a coke and a grilled chicken Ceasar salad. The person behind the bar’s name was Barry. He was covering the bar and the restaurant floor by himself. Barry handed me the remote for the TV; however, I spent more time watching Barry work. Someone would order a drink. Barry would pull down a glass from the cabinet and he would hold it up to the light to give it a thorough inspection before pouring the drink. He soon rushed over to the kitchen where he picked up a customers steak. He started to deliver it to the hungry patron when he noticed the butter and sour cream were missing for the baked potato. The cook passed the condiments over the kitchen counter. Barry then started for the restaurant floor again, but he noticed something else was not right. He walked back to the kitchen and resolved the issue himself. Later another customer ordered the special of the evening with a few modifications. The cook complained about the changes and complained that someone earlier in the day had not done their part. Barry looked rather perturbed and reminded him the “Customer is always right.” As I enjoyed my salad I watched this repeated over and over. Barry flew back and forth from the bar to the kitchen to the floor, and my glass of coke never ran dry. He also kept holding the cook to a high standard. The next morning I met Guy the restaurant manager. He also made sure I was well taken care of for breakfast. I later checked out and was walking out the door, when I heard some one call out. “Have a good day sir, please come back and see us.” I turned around and there was Guy.
So now you are asking what this has got to do with anything. Barry and Guy worked hard at making me feel welcomed and made sure I was well served. I wonder how many churches and Christians could meet the standard of the Hilton Garden Inn in Tupelo
As with most things I am able to apply the things I learn to the Redeemer’s Way church plant. So here is what I learned:
1. Redeemer’s Way must work (be proactive, be intentional) at making all feel welcome. Not just at the church, but in the community.
2. Excellence must be a hallmark with all we do. (Hold the glass to the light for inspection) Lack of money, personnel, talent, or the fact that someone else
dropped the ball can not be an excuse. If we do not have the money, personnel, talent, or accountability perhaps we do not need to be doing it right now.
3. Training and Mentoring – Training for the ministry leaders must never stop. They must have a clear understanding of the vision and mission of Redeemer’s Way.
They must also know how to put it into action and live it out. We will not just teach theory, but we will teach the practical application. The leaders must pass it on
to others who will pass it on and they will pass it on.
As Christians this must be applied to our individual lives. I must live this out in all I do. I must live it out at home, at my job and out in the community. It will take hard work and perhaps some bruises along the way. But God has called us to be great. Success does not come by accident, but by being proactive, intentional and expending a lot of energy in the right places. The leaders that will come along beside me will not strive for excellence unless I live a life of excellence. My kids will not grow up and work hard to achieve excellence in all they do unless they see their dad doing it. With all things this excellence begins with my relationship with Christ. Then and only then I can bear excellent fruit. I am committed to living a life that is “Hospitable”
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November 21, 2007 by Pastor Jon.
Here is my short list of what I am thankful for:
For a God that loves me with grace. For a God that sacrificed His own son that I might walk with Him throughout eternity. A vision and a call to change a community for His Kingdom.
For my wife Janice: I could never have imagined a better wife. God loved me so much, He gave me Janice. She has loved me for better and worse, and richer and poorer. I would be lost without her.
My son Chris: He is growing into a strong young man. He is always willing to serve, and his heart as a minister is showing more and more each day.
My son Matt: Matt has fun everywhere he goes. He also loves to serve and it shows in how he serves his grandma and papa.
My daughter Victoria: Her wonderful since of humor. Finally I have someone I can relate to. Her friendly nature and her love to snuggle.
My dad: My dad passed away when I was only 12. But I remember the time we had together like it was yesterday. The impact he had on my life is unshakeable. He was my hero.
My mom: She worked hard as a single woman to raise and care for me and my sister. She made sure I was in church each week. She still keeps me in line today.
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October 29, 2007 by Pastor Jon.
I was thinking more about legacy this week. It looks like several of my future blogs will be on this topic. Saturday happened to work out so that I had individual time with each of my three kids. It was not planned, but I was able to take advantage of the day. I spent most of the day with Chris at a Cross Country Meet. That night Matt and I watched the movie “Flags of our Fathers.” Then there was still time to snuggle with Victoria and watch a “Barbie” movie. But during my time with Chris I was able to see the investments of my legacy bare fruit in his actions.
This is the third year Chris has ran Cross Country for his high school. The races consist of a 5K (about 3.2 miles) run through pasture, golf courses, woods, gravel etc. You should also understand that Cross Country is not the most spectator friendly sport. At most courses, the runners will start off and you will not see them again for about 20 minutes. Nor does it have the most parent support. On a team of about 10+ kids you may have 3 or 4 parents show up. For the most part Janice and I have made it a point that at least one of us would attend each meet. We have only missed a couple.
Each year I have tried to learn the name of each team member. Janice would often cringe at my boisterous yelling and cheering for each of Chris’s team members as they would run by. This has been my pattern for three years. Apparently that has begun to rub off on Chris.
On Saturday I drove out to Carrollton to the “Last Chance Invitational” 128 schools and over 1200 runners would race before the day was out. From Chris’ school only four parents made the hour and half trip from Stockbridge to Carrollton and one was the coach. Chris ran with the varsity team at 9 AM. So by about 9:22 Chris was done for the day. The JV team (only two boys made it that day for the JV team and no parents) would not run until 1PM. We could have headed home, but Chris really wanted to stay until they ran. I settled into my camp chair and watched the other regions take the field. Shortly before 1 PM we packed up the gear and took it to our car and the bus for a quick exit after the JV race was over. It appeared that the Varsity team was going to stay on the bus. (They did watch from a different location) Chris made it a big point that we needed to get back to see the start of the race. There were over 300 racers in the JV race and Chris looked hard until he found his two teammates. He walked up to the line and wished them luck. We cheered them on as they passed us twice along the two big loops of the course. Chris then rushed off to be sure he could greet them after they finished.
As I have made a point to cheer for Chris and the other kids, I did not realize I was setting a standard for my son. Chris probably does not even recognize the transfer either. I am glad that he picked up my positive characteristics in my unguarded moments. We really do not know when our children are watching and what they are learning from our words and our deeds. However the investment required my time and making Chris a priority. It is nice to see that it is paying off. The investment and time have been more than worth it.
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October 24, 2007 by Pastor Jon.
Legacy describes the lasting impact someone leaves behind. It is the influence of their life. It can be a positive as well as a negative impact. Although the word legacy is not used in the Bible it is a biblical principal. What is the Bible? From Genesis to Revelation it is the legacy of average and not so average people and their interaction with a Holy God.
Legacy is not just passed on after one dies. But legacy is created through out our daily lives with family, friends, work and church or ministry. Knowing this, we must also know that leaving a positive legacy does not happen automatically. Just because I have a strong relationship with Christ, I cannot assume that my children will walk the same path. Judges provides a good example of this fact. In Judges 2:10 we learn that after Joshua died a generation rose up that did not know the Lord. What happened? Joshua lived a great life for God, but what happened after he died? What happened with the passing on of the legacy of Moses and Joshua? This pattern continues through out Judges. See Judges 2:16-23. The people would cry out to God and he would raise up a Judge, and the people would be blessed. The Judge would die and the people would forget about God. This was repeated over and over.
In order to leave behind a strong positive legacy, one must be proactive and intentional. A life of positive investments must be made. Christ provides the best example. He spent 3 years with 12 disciples. He lived with them, ate with them. He taught and challenged them. Even though they were far from perfect, 11 of them would live on to change he world.
Looking further at the life of Jesus we can learn some practical steps to build a great legacy.
1. All that Jesus did was built on the foundation of his relationship with the father. John 5:19,30
So what legacy will you leave behind? Will Jesus live on in those that you have influenced? After you have passed from this world, will those who knew you still walk with God?
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