Don't Quit

I have spent some time watching the 2008 Olympics and have been quite impressed with the elite athletes from around the world. These men and women have worked long and hard perfecting their sport specialty. They have made some high sacrifices along the way. They have committed themselves to hours a week for years to achieve the level of excellence they have obtained. All of that is impressive, but perhaps for me what is most impressive is that these men and women refuse to quit. Instead they choose to persevere through the pain of training and the disappointment of occasional failure. They stay with it instead of quitting and turning away.

I think that impresses me so much because we live amidst an epidemic of quitting. It seems like “Let’s just quit” are household words. A marriage gets shaky and almost without much thought those words come to mind, “let’s just quit.” Our dreams get broken and often it is easier to quit than stay the course. Things don’t go as planned at work or at our church and the majority say “let’s just quit.” So many people seem to be into this unfaltering trend of quitting.

What has happened to the days when our motto was “if the going gets tough the tough get going”? Where have all those people gone that stayed the course no matter what? Are there still a few folks that can agree with the apostle Paul who wrote, “let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Heb 12:1 NIV?

Personally I admire the perseverance of those Olympic athletes. I also admire the quality of perseverance in people who display it. Because when that quality is displayed in one’s life it tells you a lot about the character of that individual.

So if you are facing some troubling times, a struggling marriage, rebellious children or a host of other things that are causing you to consider quitting. Let me encourage you, don’t quit. Instead persevere until the end you will be forever changed for the good if you do.

Oklahoma Summer

We have been experiencing a true Oklahoma Summer these past few days. Temperatures in the 100 degree range have made the days just plain hot. I have been thinking though during this heat how it doesn't even compare to the place of torment that awaits those who have disregarded God all of their lives. Those people who refuse to commit their lives into His care and under His direction are going to experience an eternity that is far worse than the 100 degree days we have had here. After experiencing these few days I am certain that I want no part of an eternity of something worse. How about you is it time to commit or recommit your life to Christ and His care and Direction? Your eternal future depends upon that one decision.


Blessings

Pastor Dave

From my Pastor's Heart

It is hard for me to believe that I haven't posted here for almost a month. But as I think about it I really can understand why that has been. July has been one crazy month for this Pastor. I haven't really figured it but I would guess I have logged more hours of ministry in this one month than I do across two months at other times of the year. A trip to San Antonio for IYC a week of preparation for VBS and this week is VBS. This does not include all the administration, sermon and lesson prep and hospital visits and errands and the list just keeps going. Over the past couple of days I have stepped back, mostly at 1 AM, and asked why am I doing this? The answer is simple as I understand it. I am doing this because people need Jesus and I want to everything within my power to make this a reality for as many as I can. If that means endless hours o working at so be it. I confess sometime I feel very alone in this process. I often wish I had some help. But when the help doesn't come I will still be doing what I do because People need Jesus and Christ has given us Christians that responsibility.

Sleepless In Sand Springs

There are a few things that keep me up at night. Severe headaches, tornado sirens are just a couple of examples. One of the most difficult items that keep me awake is the lack of funding for ministry. I have been around the Church and church people long enough to know that rarely is the problem that God has not made provision. The problem most often is that we are not very good at releasing His provision to the church so that world changing ministry can be done. Just last week I sat in a meeting where a grim report of how bad the national agency is doing was given. Today I have spent time figuring just how short we are in our own budget. Now I know that financial times are tough, but are they so tough that we willing rob God from his small portion of the blessing He has given to us? This is an area that greatly frustrates me because it always illustrates man selfishness and lack of regard for what God desires from those of us who claim to love Him and claim to be totally His. We go real good being His until the offering plates are passed and the chance to really step up is given. I still firmly believe that one day their will be a judgement where each of us will answer for the lack of respect we showed God when it came to our giving.

Pastor Dave

Power of Excitement

I just came from two events that in some way speak a great deal about excitement. The first was a luncheon meeting where we are planning a community event. There is a sense of excitement as we work through the plans for thier fall time. The excitement has attracted several new faces to the meeting times. There is also a sense of enthusiasm that is apparent in people as we share ideas.

The second event is a hospital visit. A woman who has endured almost 3 months of doctors and nurses and hospital beds and all else that her stay has entailed. She too had a sense of excitement. Her excitement was over the possibility of having one last surgery before she can think about returning home. her hope seems to be that when all of this is done she can be back where she is most comfortable, home.

In both these cases excitement has stirred the atmosphere. Both are places where it is a delight to visit and spend a little time. Excitement has attracted people to itself and to the hope that awaits.

I was thinking about this on the way back to the office and wondered what might happen if Christians were as excited about their next gathering or the hope they have in Jesus? What might happen if we came across to others as the most excited group of people in the world because we have the most exciting news in the world and a hope that is out of this world. I do not believe we could contain the out pouring of people if we were like that.

That is the power of excitement

So if you know Jesus be excited.


Pastor Dave

Committment

I preached a couple of days ago a sermon on marriage. This has my mind thinking on the subject of commitments. The past several months I have been working with some youth from our church. I have noticed that they do not seem to understand the importance of making a commitment and keeping it. The more I have given thought to this I have a hard time blaming these youth. Most of them have not had a good example of what it means to be a person who is committed to something besides one self. The world we live in is this way and many have adopted the world's way into their life. I really believe though that Jesus intends for us as children of God to be people of commitment. Our commitment starts with Him. We need to be sure that our lives are always totally committed to Him and His desires. After that commitment in our other relationship is some how made easier because of our commitment to Him.

Blessings

Pastor Dave

Persistence Pays Off

I was thinking a bit this morning about my college friend Thom. I haven't seen or heard from him in a while, but from time to time he crosses my mind. When I think about Thom I am reminded of the value of persistence. You see Thom was a Bodybuilder. he spent hours and hours at the gym lifting weights and doing all the exercises that allowed him to have those hugh muscles. I remember one tie I was at the gym with Thom and found out just how hard he did work at this. I could not keep pace with him for even a few minutes. Thom was persistent as he work out day after day, week after week and month after month. I have actually seen Thom since those college days on TV commericals for exercise equipment. His persistence must have paid off.

We need that kind of persistence in our spiritual lives as well. The difficulties we endure are necessary so we can grow stronger in our faith. We need to keep the spiritual workouts going too. Bible reading, prayer and a sound devotional life are all import is we intend on staying spiritual fit. Journaling helps us chart the course we have been on too. I wonder what the body of Christ (His Church) might look like if we all maintained a regimate of these daily disciplines. I bet no dude would mess with us.

Blessings

Pastor Dave

Feeling Fortunate

I was thinking today just how fortunate I really am. I have so much more than a lot of other people do. Now I am not talking about physical possessions. I have my fair share of these things, but for me the great fortune comes from all the special people in my life. I have people around me from a variety of places. I have family who cares for me, friends who keep track of me and the greatest group of Church folks that a pastor could ever want. Each of the different groups have become such a precious part of my life and have enriched me in ways that I cannot describe with mere words. I am truly a wealthy man. So fortunate to have all of these special people in my life. I wish this kind of good fortune for everyone. It is the greatest feeling ever know to mankind.


Blessings

Pastor Dave

A Lesson From Technology

I confess I am a gadget person. I love the way technology develops all kinds of gadgets for our lives. PDA's, Cell Phones, Computers, GPA systems are all wonderful. These things make life so much easier. At least when they work as designed. This past week I had an frustrating experience with some technology. Due to our ISP making some security changes we were unable to send e-mails from our office. Since I have grown dependant on e-ail services this alone was more than inconvenient. It got much more frustrating as I spent about 4 hours over three days on the phone with our ISP tech people trying to figure out the problem. Then there were all those hours after we figure out the issue resetting passwords and modems and routers and stmp servers and, well you get the idea.

When technology doesn't work life can be so frustrating. I guess though there are many things that can cause this level of frustration. As I have learned this past week the key in all these situations is how we respond. Losing e-mail services is not the end of the world. Neither are most of the things that cause frustration for us. When these things come we simply need to take a deep breath and know life for those of us in Christ is still great even with the minor set back.


Blessings

Pastor Dave

God Has A Sense of Humor

As sure as I am writing this afternoon I believe God has a sense of humor. Look at His creation if you do not believe me. Recently I took my almost 30 year old daughter to the zoo. We had a great time, but I was capture by all of the amusing creatures God has created. There were some of the most ugly birds in all the world there. They had a face only a mother could love. There were some other funny creatures there as well. Long Neck Graffias and heavily plated rhinos. God was having fun when He created these animals. He must be humored by us humans a lot too. He chose us above all the rest of creation and yet sometimes we act like we have little sense. When you also add that we often act so badly I wonder if God just sits on His throne and laughs wondering when are we humans really going to get it? I have been around God's church for several years now and I have seen some of the best in people, but I have also seen some of the worst. Most of the time when I see the worst I just silently wonder is God amused or is He just saddened by this poor display of Christian character? I think most of us would agree He has to be saddened. So why not right now do something that will bring Him joy and cause Him to laugh? Invite someone to church. Volunteer for a time of service. Help out a neighbor. The more good we do the better we all will be.

Blessings
Pastor Dave

Worship

Yesterday I spoke to the congregation about worship. As I was preparing for that message I began to think about how canned a lot of our worship really is. I mean we seem to all get into a rut of what we expect to find in our worship times. Little of what we do is a response to God. We sing and we pray and we preach, but little of this seems to be a legitimate response to having experienced God in some tangible way in our life. I am concerned by this trend and by the loss of a responsive culture to God.

Our God is so great and He continued to be active, but so often we fail to recognize His activity in our lives and by failing to recognize His activity we fail in our truest opportunity to worship.

Streaching Our Lives

This past weekend I had an opportunity to do something I had never done before. I had opportunity to attend an Acquire the Fire event here in Tulsa. I readily admit I was unsure about going. I knew the music would be loud and it would take several hours of my time and I wasn't sure there would be much I would like about it. I really was coming up with some good excuses. But in the end I finally went.

I am so glad I did. Sure it was a stretch, but it was so worth it. I began to learn more about the youth culture and when we understand these things we see differently. Sure there were some uncomfortable times during this event for me, but again the stretching was good.

Too bad that we all get so comfortable living life in our safe little boxes that we too often fail to allow ourselves to be stretched. Let me encourage you go ahead do something this week that is not normal something that stretches you. I really think you will be glad you did.

Fresh As Spring

I think that spring has to be one of my favorite times of the year. The freshness of all of creation is just amazing. The flowers as they bloom and the trees begin to bud out again. The earth begins to go from brown to green again. I like these refreshing times. They make a difference in us as well. When spring comes in full bloom people just like us begin to be refreshed as well. We are glad to see the long winter and cold are soon coming to an end. refreshing is so good.

You know We can have a refreshing in our lives constantly. When we stay connected to the source of life, who is Jesus Christ, our lives can be refreshed on a daily basis. Sure we will still have the struggles that come form living in this world, but we will be able to respond differently to them. I encourage each one to think seriously about enjoying this kind of refreshing found only in Jesus.


Pastor Dave

Storms

It is storming today here in Oklahoma. Not something unusual for this time of year. In my short time here I have learned that storms can come here very quickly. The weather can drastically changes in literally minutes. Kind of sounds like life too. I mean that we can be going along smoothly and then all of a sudden something happens and life's storms are upon us. We really have no control of when these will happen. We do, however, have a say in how we react when they come. Those of us who have a life changing relationship with the Savior of the world have the opportunity to draw on a special strength during these stormy times. We can find courage and support at the foot of the cross because Jesus provides us with all we need for life and its storms.

Celebrate

As a rule I am not much for the party scene. There is something about getting together with a bunch of people that I just don't find real relaxing. There is however a time celebration that I so look forward to. Normally we call it Sunday Worship, but really it is Sunday celebration. As a people we have so much to celebrate that I cannot wait until the next Sunday comes to share with others all that God is doing in our lives. This past week, Easter Sunday, was very special. On that day we celebrated God and His love for us as Jesus rose from the grave. Now that is something worth celebrating. These times of celebration are so important for us. We need these times to continual remind ourselves that we are a part of some great things God is doing among us. Truly God is up to Something Good!

The Greatest Season of The Year

I love this season. I am talking about Holy Week. In one week we can encapsulate all that God is attempting to do for us through His Son Jesus Christ. I love the triumphant of Palm Sunday. I love the Service aspect of Maundy Thursday and I love the Celebration of Good Friday as we are reminded what Jesus did in our behalf. Most of all I love Easter. I love to sing and preach about a risen Savior that offers hope and a second chance to all who will call on His name. If you are reading this I hope you will find ways to celebrate these special days of Holy week. This week is truly good for the soul.

Pastor Dave

When Will We learn

When we will learn that sin is sin? I read yesterday in our local paper an editorial by the managing editor who was mad at a senator for saying homosexuality was wrong. He really let this lady have it in his writing. All because she had the courage to take a stand and say sin is wrong and we don't need it in America. Our society has gotten so lazy when it comes to sin. I believe that is because there are just not enough people willing to stand up and call sin SIN!. We really need to give this some careful thought and make sure we are caring for our own lives in this area. God love people, but so often our actions separate us from Him and His love.

Finding The Better Way

Last Friday evening I had the opportunity to take some of the youth from our Church to Winter Jam. This is a three hour long festival of very loud music. It was a good experience even though I didn't understand the words very well. I had an interesting experience during the concert. I could actually feel the vibrations of the music in my right side. To update you I have a Kidney stone there and for some time I have been wondering if and when it might move. I think it did last Friday. It reminded me of having Lithotrispy. I came away from the concert thinking that I found a better way to move those kidney stones than having that expensive procedure done. Now I recognize that is not true. Moving Kidney Stones with loud music is certainly not better than having a trained professional handle the problem. But how often t=do we use that logic in our lives. How many time have you decided that you had a better way only to find that It really isn't. How about in our spiritual lives? How often do we think of a "better way" instead of keeping with Jesus' way? Jesus is always the best way and always will be. So if you are searching for a better way try Jesus.

Pastor Dave

A Look At Where We Have Come

What is with all of the cheating these days. I mean the papers are full of stories about the latest cheating scandal. There is Major League Baseball and it's steroid problem. I guess the same could be said for the NFL. Then there is Spygate and a lot of questions about how long this really has gone on. Most recently the cheating has crossed over to Nascar and the attempts at "an advantage" by some of their racers. Then there is the IU scandal and the "inappropriate" phone calls. I read the other day that most college coaches cheat but few get caught. What a sad testimony on our society when people who play games for a living cheat. What great role models for our kids. Of course cheating is nothing new. Politicians have been cheating for a long time. Kids in school have often cheated to get through a class. It does seem though that our society is growing more accepting of this horrible behavior all the time. It seems that so many say do what you have to do, even cheat, to win. This is such an unfortunate place we have come to in our society. With all of this going on around us it is Little wonder that so many live life seeming trying to cheat their way into heaven. I am reminded however that the Bible say, "Be not deceived, God is not mocked". God knows our hearts and their intent and we will not win if we are not being honest with Him.

Pastor Dave

Friends

Across the years I have had several different friends. Somwe of them have been true blue, loyal, dedicated and honest with me. Others have been a bit more fair weathered. Some of them have been very generous and others not so. Some of them have kept in touch across the years and many more have drifted away as time has passed. I have appreciated them all the times we have had have been wonderful and I would not change them at all. I would say that now the most loyal, dedicated friend I have is a 7 year old Doberman named Raven. He always want to be close to me. Always wants my attention and is always faithful. Unfortunately a lot of people do not get the chance to have a humn friend like this. We all could if we would only realize that Jesus wants to be out faithful, devoted friend.

Love

This week of course we expect to hear a lot about Love. Valentine's day and all of it's commercial celebration will make sure of that. I often wonder though at this time of the year just how well people understand love. It seems that in this world love is often confused as something that makes us feel good. In reality true love is always other centered. It is always seeking something better for someone else. Jesus modeled this kind of love for us and expects that we will take the hint and exhibit this love towards others. Imagine what a difference could happen if we were all about desiring the highest good for others all the time. Marriages would last longer, relationships would be healed and fighting would slow. If only we would love each other a little better.

Winners and Losers

We are fresh off another Super Bowl Sunday. Congratulations to the Giants for their remarkable win. I absolutely love it when the underdog wins. I mean these guys rose up from caious early in the season to the top of the mountian at the end. I love it when I hear stories like that. Stories where the one's who are not suppose to win, win. The Bible is full of these kinds of stories. Jesus specialized in helping those who the world around them look on as losers, win. Think about the paralyzed man who society scorned and Jesus rose from his mat. How about the woman at the well who had so many marriages she couldn't show her face in public, but Jesus helped make her a winner too. There are endless others. Just as there are endless stories from those around us. People who no one ever thought they would be much, but became great in the eyes of Jesus. Jesus is all about making each of us winners.

Beginnings

New things are always hardest at the beginning. That feeling of uncertainty and wonder as we wade through the first few times of something new can be overwhelming. So much s that often people don't attempt much new during their lives. I once new a man who never changed anything on his radio. He has set the channel and the volume just where he wanted it so all he would do is plug it in to play of unplug it to shut it off. How sad!

New things are important ways of stretching ourselves. Seeing more possibilities than ever before as we attempt to try something new.

Blogging is something new to me. I have never had such a thing in all my life, but this makes a lot of sense to have a personal blog that I can extend my ministry with. I hope that as we progress with this and as I get past the feelings of insecurity about this that this will allow for some great sharing of thoughts. Tune in weekly and see what is on my mind.

Blessings

Pastor Dave