A Completed Work!

Have you got some of those tasks around the house that you just haven’t finished? What about that piece of molding that you put up on a Saturday and “next Saturday” you were going to paint it? Or the tree that you cut down in the back yard needs to be hauled off….before it rots.? How about that barn that you cleaned out and organized all this year that still sits there in all of its clutter?

Before you think I’m not in that club, the preacher here knows all too well the frustration of an unfinished task; a goal that you simply did not meet. And when the water boils down, it’s all because of your own personal negligence. Ouch!

Well, I know what you’re doing? You are looking at your life, your goals, your dreams, your family, your money, or the lack of it and you’re saying…”This year I’m going to get it in order!” Now that’s a resolution – something that you resolve to do or accomplish.

When it comes to matters like these, I am so glad that God is a keeper of His plans. Jeremiah the prophet brought encouragement to a people oppressed and in bondage when He reminded them, “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord; “plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.” God desires to bless His people. He wants us to accomplish all that He puts upon our hearts. His biggest challenge is us! We neglect. We fail. We procrastinate.

And now that the year has come to a close, we are all facing the same challenge. We want to accomplish more. We want to finish the tasks that are before us; things that flow out of heart’s desire. God wants us to complete our tasks, whether they be practical or spiritual. Philippians 1:6 reminds us…”being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

God is going to accomplish in us that which He desires. He knows us better than we know ourselves. When God starts out on the task of cleaning us up and molding us into His desire for us, He doesn’t do it like we do our barn or our closet. He starts and He finishes. It’s a process, and a steady one. And He will complete it! He is faithful.

Come on out to church on Sunday!

I love that classic admonition from Psalms 122:1 – “…..let us go to the house of the Lord!” So…what is your reason for not going to church; setting aside that holy time in your week to worship the Lord corporately with other believers? Well, before you give an answer, why not consider reading this little item of interest entitled Ten Reasons Why I Never Wash!

I never wash because….

1) I was forced to wash as a child.

2) People who wash are all hypocrites; they think they are cleaner than everyone else.

3) There are so many different kinds of soap; I just can’t decide which one is best for me.

4) I used to wash, but I got bored and stopped washing.

5) I only wash on special occasions such as Christmas and Easter.

6) None of my friends wash.

7) I’ll start washing when I get older and dirtier.

8) I don’t have time to wash.

9) The bathroom is never warm enough in the Winter or cold enough in the Summer.

10) The people who make soap are only after your money!

Sound familiar to you?

Speaking of the church, Paul writes: “There should be no division…it’s parts should have equal concern for each other…..each one of you is part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:25-27 NIV). Friends you are part of the Body of Christ, so you need to be there.

Watchman Nee said this – “Alone I cannot serve the Lord effectively, and He will spare no pains to teach me this. He will bring things to an end allowing doors to close and leaving me effectively knocking my head against the wall until I realize that I need the help of the believers, as well as of the Lord.”

You and I must realize that there are certain things that we just will not hear anywhere else; truths that flow out of Godly instruction. It’s in the church that you will find a spiritual family to belong to, a faith to live by, and a focus that gets your eyes where they need to be – on Christ! So…come on out to church on Sunday!

Harvest Time!

I love this time of year. Just yesterday I made the trek to Perquimans County; my homeland. I saw the combines in the fields harvesting corn. My mind went back to the days of my youth. I was one of ten boys hired to chop peanuts; ridding them of Morning Glory, Nut Grass, Broadleaf Signal Grass, and the like. Some rows were bad and some were not so bad. We made our way across that field and the next taking away the hindrances to growth and development of a hopeful 5000 pound per acre yield in those days. At the conclusion of a couple of weeks, Ed Nixon told our ten-man troop that the job was coming to a close. Everyone’s last day would be Friday; that is everyone’s except mine. He slipped over to me and asked if I would be willing to stay on. I excitedly told him I would and he kept me from that day when I was 12 years old until I finished college at N.C. State. He was my influence that took me to the home of the Wolfpack! I moved a long way from pulling weeks from the goober patch. I broke land, made rows, planted, cultivated, sprayed, and finally …..harvested. That was the fun. I can still remember peeping through the tiny window to see the grain fall into the hopper. It was much fun to see the rewards of our labor as we filled the bins with corn. We were harvesting the reward of our labor.

The harvest time reminds me of those days on the Nixon farm. Ed and the gang taught me how to farm. There were standards and procedures to follow, yet we still had to have the blessing of God. The same is true of harvest in the Kingdom of God. You have the standards and procedures in the Word of God. You still need the blessing of the Lord and the anointing of the Holy Spirit to bring the harvest in that He desires. It’s harvest time and the fields are ripe according to the Lord. The need is for the reapers. Are you one?

Jesus said in Luke 10:2….."The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Friends Are Friends Forever!

Michael W. Smith wrote a song several years ago with an awesome title line -  "Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them...".  Wow!  It's so exciting being a part of the Kingdom of God because...you get to meet some of your new brothers and sisters in the great big family of God.

I don't think we really give enough attention to the value of relationships in the Kingdom of God.  They are everything.  In fact,  God's whole kingdom foundation IS relationship; starting with our relationship with Jesus.  He links us to the Father!  Once that relationship is established.....WOW!.....you begin building relationships that do indeed have that "forever" quality.

I had the honor almost a year ago of establishing a relationship with the family above -- Jerry, Angi, Lauren, and Shane Martin.  Jerry came from the Captial City of Raleigh, N.C. and met me in Ahoskie. He spent about an hour talking to me about the call of God upon the family to transition from living the American dream to spilling out their lives for the cause of Christ in Sudan. From there.....the Martins came to Ahoskie and ministered at Carpenter's Shop Church; articulating that call in a powerful presentation  validating a missions heart and faithfulness.  Fro there....we invited the Martin family to our home for a fellowship meal and a boat ride on the beautiful Chowan.  Relationships do need to be nurtured.  We made a commitment that night to support this family on an ongoing basis. Now, the reality of all their hard work for the past three years of travel and itenaration comes to fulfillment.   Off to language school in Egypt to prepare for Sudan!

Sudan is a country in northeastern Africa. It is the largest country in Africa and in the Arab World, and tenth largest in the world by area. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, Kenya and Uganda to the southeast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic to the southwest, Chad to the west and Libya to the northwest. The world's longest river, the Nile, bisects the country from south to north. It is one of the most ancient continuous civilizations and ....is steeped in Islam. 

The Martins have committed their lives to sharing the love of Jesus Christ to this nation.  Our ministry supports this family in this incredible call upon their lives. We are among a large family of those who stand with the Martins prayerfully and financially.  As they prepare to leave America on November 10th, Jerry writes to share information about that departure.  Included?....prayer requests.  These are specific and I would like to pass them along to you today.

(From Jerry's letter)
Prayer Requests:

As you think of us over the course of the next couple of months, please pray for our transition. We’ve been speaking of God’s calling on our lives for almost three years at this point. Today, however, we’ve begun to look to the horizon with eyes of wonder, contemplation, and some uncertainty. This is where faith must become courage and where love for the lost must become an outward expression. This is new territory. This is a frontier for the Martin family. As we walk into a land of ancient history, will you pray that we will properly represent the author of history?



-Pray for closure of all stateside issues (banking, taxes, insurances, sale of possessions)

-Pray for emotional, spiritual, and physical strength

-Pray for proper and healthy good-byes to happen

-Pray for our packing and uneventful transfer of our household to Cairo (28 suitcases)

-Pray for family unity amidst all of these stressful things

-Pray that we will rest in the Lord’s arms, remembering to put Him first in all things.



Ephesians 3:20-21


Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory…

Thanks Jerry!  And may the Lord do just that in your lives. We love you and are your friends...forever!

NOTE: If you would like to consider financial support to this missionary family, I will be honored to share that opportunity with you.

Character, Class, & Christianity!

I love what the New Living Translation says of Hebrews 12:27 -- He will sift out everything without solid foundations, so that only unshakeable things will be left. Hebrews 12:27 (TLB)



I also love to write, but ….guess what? I love to read others’ writings as well…every day. So I cannot take credit for this one; it’s written by Bob Gass and was passed along to me in an email from a friend in our church.


The Lord often uses trials to realign us, and storms to attack everything in us that can be shaken. Everybody God uses goes through experiences that cause them to let go of the temporal and take hold of the eternal. Some wake up in hospital rooms with beeping monitors to discover the things they thought were important, mean nothing at all. Others discover it when the person they thought was everything, walks away and leaves them. Job went through it. One day he had everything, and the next day—nothing. His health was in shambles, his children dead, and his marriage a joke. At times like that you discover what's meant by "things which cannot be shaken," that are worth living for.


Things like character, class, and Christianity.


Character is not what you know, it's what you are.


Class doesn't show in what you have, it shows in the way you act, and even more in the way you react.


Christianity is not a culture, it's a way of life. It's seeking to be Christ-like—not just to observe rules and impress people, but to please Him. That's why Paul calls it "the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."


Remember, when the sun rises tomorrow you’ll have one day less, Give your life to things that cannot be shaken! Have an awesome day and serve the Lord with gladness!

"Turn that wood loose!"

Have you faced a difficulty or hardship in your life and carried it with you for some time?   Have you?   Maybe you suffered a broken relationship because the one you loved chose to break that covenant.  It was 19 years ago...and you're still alone....still bitter. 

Maybe you lost a mom or dad to cancer and you still have their clothes hanging in the closet.  It seems like yesterday, but you buried them 29 years ago. You're not going to throw mom's clothes away!  She loved that burgandy dress that she stitched with her own hands!

Or perhaps your feelings were hurt by someone in the church.  You've chosen to stay away because you really don't won't to be around that person.  In fact, you haven't been to church in over a year.  Come to think of it...nobody from the church has even called you to say "We miss you."

Hardship and difficulty is something that is a part of life.  Job said "man born of a woman is but a few days and filled with trouble."  You will have issues to deal with and to go through.  "Well I just wish my life was normal," you say.  Barbara Johnson was so right -- "Normal is just a setting on your dryer!"

The Apostle Paul knew hardship.  It went further than hurt feelings.  2 Corinthians 11:24,25  records this man's challenges in just a few words --  "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea...".

Paul's missionary journeys were filled with trial and hardship.  As you read the Book of Acts you become very aware that this man was on the hit list all the time.  When he was on his way to Rome to go before Caesar, the ship ran aground in the midst of a storm and crashed into a sandbar.  Lives were spared, but the ship was completely destroyed! 

Paul instructed those who could swim to swim to shore!  The rest were told to grab a plank or a piece of the ship and make their way to shore.  Are you holding on to a piece of your shipwreck?   Have you been floating around and holding on to something that's dead?  Is bitterness robbing you of moving on?  Is hurt keeping your from getting to the next level in your life?

Make sure that the crisis that you face is only a "chapter" in your life and not the whole book.  Acts 27:44 says..."The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land in safety."  Turn that wood loose!  It's suppose to get you to the shore safely.  But it's not intended for you to hang onto the rest of your life.  Grief?  You must deal with it.  Loss?  You must deal with it.  Hurt feelings?  You must deal with it.   Turn that wood loose!  Move on to a new chapter in your life.  God's waiting to help you write it. 

Today...I had a lunch appointment with a guy named Daniel!

This week was a wonderful spiritual journey for me; found myself in the pages of that Old Testament Prophet's book - DANIEL. What an amazing story! I mean God had his hand on this young man even in the midst of the overtaking of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.

Daniel was among the nobility that was taken captive and transferred 600+ miles away from the "City on the Hill" to a boot camp in Babylon. It became just that because King Nebuchudnezzar was certain to take any means possible to break the Hebrew man in Daniel. He would do whatever it took to make Daniel understand and live out the life of a Babylonian; barring nothing. In fact, the first thing Daniel faced when he arrived was castration. He would become a eunuch. No wife, no kids, no intimacy with a God-ordained wife. He was humiliated; head shaved, broken down in many ways, but not spiritually.

Daniel chose to serve the one true God and he was not about to forsake Him. I wonder just what pressure you and I would face and still choose with tenacity to walk out our faith? Daniel is an awesome example of making God the top-shelf priority.

Daniel quickly refused to eat the food of the King's table -- pork, horse meat, and wine to top the list. The reason? Daniel was not willing to defile himself (Daniel 1:8) by eating meat that was sacrificed to another god, nor was he willing to eat that which was forbidden in the Law.

Instead he chose the route of cauliflower, broccolli, green beans, bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and the like. Oh...now you get it! Just vegetables and some water for Daniel. Immediately the leader of the eunuchs thought he was going to be in trouble with the King because Daniel would show up on the low end; not "fattened" up like the rest of those who WERE partaking. But the Scriptures bear it out that Daniel, whom received favor to even eat like that was given better health, knowledge, understanding, and favor according to Daniel 1:15-20. In fact, it declares that Daniel and his three godly friends were 10x better that the rest of the camp in "every matter of wisdom and understanding."

Daniel abstained. He chose to turn away from some of those foods and implemented for us, what we know as a "fast".

As you move throughout the Book of Daniel and come to chapter 10, you see that Daniel is an older man now. He comes to understand a message given to him in a vision. He comes to understand his time of "mourning" for the span of 3 weeks.

Scripture tells us that he was on the banks of the great Tigris River on the 21st day of his "fasting" and his vision was one of the Christ. Isn't that amazing? It's pre-incarnate; Christ has not yet been born in the flesh. But God showed himself to Daniel and touched him as he had fallen face to the ground.

Daniel heard a voice (10:12) say unto him..."Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them." God knew the heart of Daniel. He stood for the one true God and desired greatly to hear from Him in the midst of time of tremendous transition.

Do you need to hear from the Lord in your life? Are you at a place where you need to experience clarity from the Lord as He speaks to you? Good, set a lunch appointment with Daniel. The menu will be slightly changed. In fact, you will do away with some of the things that you think you just can't live without. But the end result will be a clarity that comes from God. You will draw close to him and you will begin to see God the way should have seen Him all along.

Fasting? Yes. Jesus even said, "When you fast.....," not "...if you fast." He assumed that we would. He did. Right before he entered into public ministry. Soooo....

...set a lunch appointment with Daniel. As a matter of fact, try it for 21 days. You'll be glad you did. And your church will too.

For more information on the "Daniel Fast" go to www.danielfast.com . Have a great week!

Much love....less food!

See Jesus! He just gave His bike away!

I saw Jesus today! Yep....I did.

Two little dirty-faced kids came to our house to try to sell us some school stuff that they put into all the kids' hands when they return to classroom after summer vacation. Well, we did it. My wife loves that wrapping paper; the double-sided kind. After we made our purchase, the little ones made it over to my busy neighbor's house.

He was busy; just makin' a passin' stop to load a trailor of garage items that he needed to clear out because He's turning his house over to the realtor for selling. Gotta' have that property clear and clean you know. He really didn't have the time, but the kids got his attention and he explained to them that he would not be here for an order "delivery". So......he simply gave them a "ten" each and said, "No you pick you out something on that candy page and put it in your name because I won't be livin' here. You can keep the candy for yourself."

They were soooooo happy! Didn't really look like they come from a "candy givin' family". So, as my neighbor put a smile on their faces, they stood with their eyes gazing in his garage (the one that he came down quickly to clean out). Inside was a lot of various things, but the things that caught their attention were the BIKES.

BIKES? That's right. Two bikes that this man had probably had for his grandchildren way back when. He gave them some more attention and asked, "Do you have a bike?" The little girl replied, "I don't have a bike; I've never had one. I can't ride one."

He pulled one out, sat her on the seat and placed his hand on the back. With the forward motion and the encouragement to peddle away, he took off alongside her just like she was his little grandchild.

Well....she looked like should could've gotten' a DWI, but guess what? She was ridin' that bike. He quickly pulled out the other one and proceeded to put some air in the tires...when..."POW!" He popped the tire!

As busy as he was, he stopped what he was doing and made a dash to the hardware store. He bought a pack of tire patch and did a quick repair job on it, pumped it up, and these two little kids were on their way!

That man blessed these little ones with some time, some love, some candy, and two bikes! "Oh...what was his name Pastor?"

Well....I'm not going to tell you his name. Why don't you just call him.... JESUS? That would really be the right thing to do, because I watched from a distance and I saw it. Jesus gave his bike away!

James 2:18 says..."...Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." Good deeds will follow faith in Christ. Is that happening in your life?

Dr. David Jeremiah & Alvin Slaughter Bring the Masses together for a Super Sunday in Ahoskie!

AHOSKIE – They came by the carload, truckload and busload.
The majority walked to their seats; others were chauffeured in by golf carts; while a few made their way confined to a wheelchair.
But no matter the mode of transportation, they came by the thousands to attend a historic gathering of churches here on a comfortable Sunday afternoon at the Ahoskie Amphitheater.
“Super Sunday” attracted well over 3,000 individuals from different walks of life and various religious denominations.
The outdoor gathering of diversity did not go unnoticed by the event’s featured speaker, Dr. David Jeremiah, Pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in Cajon, CA and the founder of the very popular program and ministry, Turning Point.
“This is a very unique day, one with so many walks of faith in attendance,” said Dr. Jeremiah, making his first appearance in a pulpit in nearly eight weeks after undergoing double knee replacement surgery.
He continued, “But I see this as a way back for our great nation…the different churches walking together in unity.”
A unified religious effort was the theme of Dr. Jeremiah’s message. He spoke on a “walk worthy of our calling.”
“If you are baptized and born again, then you are of one Christian body and one Holy Spirit,” he said. “I don’t get a bigger piece of the Holy Spirit just because I’m a preacher. I have the same piece of the Holy Spirit that you have. I have the same Christian body that you have.”
Dr. Jeremiah said Christians are also unified in hope…that of Jesus making a return to Earth.
“There’s only one way to get to Heaven and that’s through the Lord,” he noted. “There’s also just one faith, but that’s not to say there’s not more than one way to express that faith. How do you get to Heaven? By placing your faith in Christ.”
Dr. Jeremiah added there’s only one baptism, whether you are sprinkled with water or dunked, forwards or backwards, underneath.
“Baptism is a testimony of what God has done to your life…you have died from your old ways and are reborn in Christ,” he said.
Keeping with the unified theme, Dr. Jeremiah said there was only one God…“rejoice and celebrate in him,” he stated.
He asked all in attendance to place aside the petty differences that come with life and as a member of a church.
“Stop thinking about you and start thinking about us,” he stressed. “That will allow you to help unify your church and your community.
“What you are doing today with this celebration is exactly what I mean when I use the word endeavor,” Dr. Jeremiah added. “You should endeavor to keep this unity intact. Hopefully this is just the start of great things to come in this community.”
The three-hour event also included several selections from national recording artist and Dove Award nominee Alvin Slaughter who shared his Christian testimony through his powerful voice.
Additionally, the “Super Sunday” mass choir, under the direction of Dr. Ola Gathers of New Bethany Missionary Baptist Church of Harrellsville, performed several inspiring hymns, including the traditional “Just As I Am” for the altar call.
Several local pastors also shared the main stage, each contributing to the program. That group included Rev. James Brown, Rev. Lee Edwards, Rev. Elisha Barnes, Rev. Robert Richardson, Rev. Wallace Phillips, Rev. Tommy Kiker and Rev Faison.
Spanning the large crowd, Rev. Faison remarked, “Look what God has done. He has brought us all together. Nothing was going to stop this day. It is one in which to rejoice and be exceedingly glad.”

How 'bout them Wednesdays?

Hey...what do you do on Wednesday night? I know, I know...."I am so tired when I get off work, I just want to go home, get something to eat and chill!"





Who don't? That would be the thing that all of us would like to do. But I'm asking you to consider shocking the socks off of your Pastor no matter what church you attend -- Get your family together......don't worry 'bout the clothes.....grab you something to eat at Mickey D's, Bojangles, or whateva' your quick stop is on the way to church and get connected at the house of all houses -- The Church!





I have been pastoring for more years that you got fingers and toes and I have never witnessed a Wednesday night of worship that was "off the chain" in attendance! I've seen some that were "off" balance when it comes to the comparing of Wednesday night attendance with the Sunday mornin' attendance. In fact, in most ministries, Wednesday night has become the night for the "chosen few". It's almost like we want to be called "The Twelve". LOL





Isn't it interesting that the same folks that call that church "my church" are the ones that will chase a sports ball here there and everywhere, but make no effort to get connected with the Christ-crowd on Wednesday nites. "Pastor...Pastor....ease up 'bro! Ease up!" you may say. I have discovered that connection is important. It's sooooo easy to forsake the spiritual connection that God has provided for you.



I know we live in a world of all kinds of connections, but no matter how much time you spend on Facebook, twitter, myspace, and all the other social media choices out there, nothing takes the place of personal participation. God created us to interact. We need each other!



I am so thankful for the opportunity to get with other believers on Wednesday evenings, be led in worship by a team of 1st Class musicians and singers taking us into a journey of connecting to God and then have the opportunity to hear something that will encourage me in the middle of a week of work, obligation, stress, challenge, and hardship. 'Cause you know what? If you work in the home, outside the home, or both, you are busy, busy, busy! But don't get toooo busy that you don't pop in to the "hope house" on Wednesday night and worship the Lord.



Most ministries have a menu filled with opportunity for all ages. Our ministry has a KIDZONE for the little ones to "play for awhile" and have some "power time" in the Word. Our youth have a state-of-the-art center called the YZONE. It's a great place for them to connect with other students in gaming, music, peer talk, and a time in the Word and worship on their level.



How 'bout them Wednesdays? What do ya' say? Can you join me in the challenge to take your Wednesday night to a new level -- in your life and in the life of your church? Why not start this week! Come on man.....grab that high-dollar cell phone you got in your pocket, ring the wife (after all...you are the one God is holding responsible) tell her to meet you at church. You guys grab the kidz, do a "Happy Meal" and get on down to the church house. There are others waiting there to get to know you, and you need them.

Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us "Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching" (from The Message).

The closer we get to the return of Jesus Christ, the more we should worship together and spur each other on! Let's do it....this Wednesday. Take the challenge....put it on Facebook, myspace, twitter, etc. Text a friend an tell them to meet you there. Shock the socks off your Pastor, and do it again, again, and again.....'cause you need it and it's the "God" thing to do.

CONNECT ION? CONNECTION!

It's 7:00 a.m.!!! We're up. As a matter of fact, we've been up. My wife is "connected" with the heritage of the past this time of year and that means you don't throw vegetables away when they are in abundance -- YOU PUT THEM IN A JAR! So, we were turning the first pot of water on at 6:00 AM to salvage and save those tomatoes! I might be a bit grumpy about "doin' the maters" this mornin', but when the soup's hot and the soup's good in December......no complainin' from this ole boy! "Mmm mmm good....Mmm mmm good.... Joy's homemade soup is Mmm mmm good!" Eat you heart out Campbells! You're sodium filled and sooo predictable!

As we're up and at it in the kitchen tryin' to hit the early task of tomatoes, we both grab laptops with an attempt to communicate to those we need to for the important matters of the day. I'm connected...off an runnng. You know the deal FB, twitter, bloggin', emails, readin' the news to find out that the "Liberal Lion" Ted Kennedy passed away, checkin' the weather, and all that stuff. Joy, the master of that soup we were just smellin' in our head, makes a little noise that seems to express frustration -- "Uuuh!"

"What's wrong baby?" I asked. "I'm not connected!" she replies.

My bloggers block ended. My how important it is to stay connected. I mentioned a little of that last night in the Wednesday night service. That's the service that 10% of the congregation manages to work in their busy evening schedule. Let's pause for a commercial .........

"THANK YOU TO ALL THE FAITHFUL CONNECTORS WHO CONNECT WITH US ON WEDNESDAYS!"

Okay...back to the story. Man...it's so important. Because on Wednesday nights, the tiny one's are in BabiZONE, the smaller kids are in KIDZONE, the youth are in YZONE, and the rest of us aged believers are in the sanctuary......connecting through a season of worship music and a message from the BIBLE. You know, that manual for success in life......eternally. : )

And it's so fun to see people connect. Like a puzzle....the more peices you get into the right place, the easier it is to see what this thing is supposed to look like.

Romans 12:4-5 reminds us ....Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Man, we are one beautiful puzzle that God designed and desires. And when you are not connected to the body that you say you're connected to, it's like we're missin' something that makes us what we're supposed to be.

And don't you remember when you got that puzzle almost completed only to find that isolated peice that fell on the floor. You went after it, picked it up, and placed it in to make the thing whole. So....if you're reading this blog of mine.....and you are "on the floor" when it comes to the house of God that you call home, please....for your sake and ours.....help us get this puzzle complete.

"Ohhhhhhh man! The tomatoes.....the tomatoes.......JOY! JOY! Your tomatoes!"

"Wow...that was close." If I had messed up that batch of "maters" I could have been disconnected. That would not be good.

Connection....it's wonderful. Let the rest of that puzzle see you this Sunday....and Wednesday at your house of worship. Ohh...one more thing.....I did get her laptop connected. : )

Me....apathetic?

I received an interesting email from a friend this past week. He had ministered at our church just a couple of weeks ago and, as always, I had tossed that ultimate question out to him as I do all the guests that come our way -- "What do you see in ministry as you travel this country and move from church to church?"



His answer was the same one that has come to me from mosts in these last several months. He said, "As I travel, I am finding a common thread for the apathy that has set into the church, but not all are getting proactive."

Man, this is so disappointing! But, as a senior leader of a ministry, I would have to agree with my friend. It caused me to take a look at the term "apathy" to better understand what we were experiencing. What is apathy?

As you look into the etymology of this term you find that it dates back to 1594; the 16th Century. It comes from the Greek language. The word is "apatheia". It's a term that has two parts -- "a" and "pathos" -- "a" meaning "no" and "pathos" meaning "emotion". Therefore, we conclude that it means "no emotion". A synonymn would be "impassiveness," or "to have no feeling, or "indifference" which means "to lack interest or concern."

Are you "apathetic" in your spiritual walk? Does this sound like something you are experiencing when it comes to the idea of a regular and frequent time of worship in your local church and its ministries? I hope not. But it seems to be the norm throughout the church world today. Sadly, many are disengaged from spiritual life collectively. The Scriptures teach us in Hebrews that we are "not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together."

God wants you connected! Connected? Oh yes! And Scripture bears out a model that Jesus has for the church; those persons who make up the body of Christ. This "Jesus model" is taught in the two biblical "greats" recorded in Matthew's gospel (Mt. 22:34-40; 28:18-20).

What is that model? Will it assure a connectedness to all the God has for me as a believer? Most certainly! Here it is ....

1) WORSHIP - Jesus said, "Love with all your heart...". When we do this in every area of our life, we live a lifestyle of worship.)

2) FELLOWSHIP - Jesus said, "Go and make disciples...". This is a relational experience. You can win people to Jesus when you have a relationship with them. It continues and grows when they are also saved.

3) DISCIPLESHIP - Jesus said, "...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded them..". This teaching continually nurtures and equips believers; it's lifelong.

4) SERVICE - Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." That's ministry right outside your door. Not to mention the many areas that you are needed in your local church.

5) EVANGELISM - Jesus said, "...baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit...". You don't baptize until salvation is experienced. And salvation doesn't come until some form of "evangelism" has taken place.

This model keeps the believer active in their faith and their walk with God. And it has perpetual benefit; ongoing! It will assure connectedness and keep you from apathy?

Me...apathetic? You answer that.......with your life. : )

"LITTLE PANDA's got BIG TASTE!"

Okay....okay.....it's out in the open! Pastor Wallace hits the Little Panda Chinese Restaurant in the Roanoke-Chowan town of Ahoskie, North Carolina at least once or twice a week!



Okay....okay....we'll get those numbers right! Pastor Wallace hits the Little Panda Chinese Restaurant in the Roanoke-Chowan town of Ahoskie, North Carolina at least two or three times a week! Okay....okay! So my math is not the greatest. What's the point?


The point is simple --


I like fresh food. I like it a lot.


I like Chinese and I like it hot.


Little Panda's the best that this little city's got!


Raymond's got the others beat whether you admit it or not!


Plus, he's a kind man who puts the customer first. Hey in this day and time it's hard to find good service, friendly staff, great food, and affordable prices. That's the "combination" plate you get every time at our great little Chinese Restaurant in Ahoskie town!


Pastor, what are you doing? Trying to get you a free meal? No....no...no.


I'm just affirming something that is a blessing to the people of our city. Everybody likes to receive some "flowers" once in a while.


Burger King said it a long time ago -- "Have it your way!" Little Panda does it just like you want. I know because I always order...."Mandarin Spicy Chicken, white meat, little garlic, no MSG, and no rice!"


Wow! Let me shut this laptop down and get down there. It's almost time for lunch. Little Panda's got big taste! Try it you'll see. And don't forget...if you think a lot of something or someone, let them know.


Proverbs 12:25 says it like this -- "....kind words cheer a man up!" Go ahead...speak something kind about someone or something you like today!



And when you're in Ahoskie, North Carolina check out the "Little Panda with the big taste!"

I'm Talking About A Classic!

Hey it's out! Have you seen it? I'm talking about somethin' that is 92 years old and still in style. It the classic Coca Cola shape that has made it to the big bottle -- the 67.6 ounce soda pop that is commonly called the "Two Liter".

Hey don't you remember the "little co'cola"? I mean if you say it fast like we did when we were comin' up, you kinda' leave the "ca" out of "coca cola" and just settle for "co'cola". Got me? Sure you do. You remember. I grew up on these things man. I remember when they were a quarter. That's right! One quarter....twenty five cents.....would get you an ice cold co'cola in the glass bottle.

And by the way, my mother-in-law said, "You can get a colder drink in a bottle than you can in that plastic!" You know what? She was right. Man she loved a drink, too.

Oh...........remember when the old fellas' used to open up a small pak of Lance peanuts and dump'em in the bottle. That was good too! I still like to do that. Something about that salt mixin' with that co'cola created an unforgetable taste. Then you had to turn that bottle up and beat in on the bottom to get those peanuts out. Now you need another co'cola to wash them things down!

I'm going back to classic! I'm likin' the "new OLD look" that's showing up on the 2 liter products from Coke! It's cool. It's big. It's classic.

Isn't it funny that "classic" just goes the distance? Simple. Not complex, just "classic". I guess we should be the same way. We should stop all this trying to impress everybody with new stuff. We should keep ourselves simple -- just a simple pair of blue jeans. Real blue, not washed out....beat up....ripped in the knees and selling for 5 times a much as a classic pair.

Keep it simple. Life that is. Keep it classic. Basic. Don't spend a bunch of time and money on yourself trying to be something that just doesn't impress. Go "classic"......like the Coke folks did. 92 years later....the Co'cola icon has made it to the big bottle!

Oh...one more thing. Did I tell you that I prefer Pepsi over Coke? It's the taste "born in the Carolinas".

Do Something Visible!

I saw an awesome ad the other day from a church. Big, bold letters stated the surprising line across a full page in the paper.....


I AM GOING TO QUIT GOING TO CHURCH!


Then, the next line at the very bottom of the page was the clincher -- It read, "I'm going to start being the church!" Wow! What a statement! I love it. It gave the church's name at the end of the ad.

Isn't it time that our society get the opportunity to come face to face with the church in reality? Isn't it time that we become the salt and the light that Jesus called for in the Sermon on the Mount passages? I think we should be the agency that seeks to be a blessing to our society by showing some love! Jesus said, "By this all men shall know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another" John 13:35

"Being the church" means that we are more than a building on the corner that hosts a service on the Lord's Day. Being the church immobilizes us to touch people with God's love on every occasion possible.


Carpenter's Shop Church is preparing to show some love to some families in our area of influence by taking a little financial burden off of parents as the kids prepare for "back to school". We are joining with musical artist, Mitchel Jon in his up and coming "Do Something Visible Tour". You can visit him on the web at http://www.mitcheljonmusic.com/ . His challenge to us was to do something visible in our community on that day.



What are we choosing to do?



The first 250 kids to grace our services on August 9th at Carpenter's Shop Church will receive a back to school bag in their choice of cool colors. The bag will have some of the back to school basics in it -- notebook filler paper, pencils, etc. Spread the word..."Carpenter's Shop Church is doing something visible on August 9th at the 9:30 AM service!" Attendees will enjoy an awesome time of praise and worship with Pastor Brandon Crawford and the CSC worship team as they back up Mitchel Jon. The Dance Ministry under the direction of Pastors Roland and Shirleen Garcia will engage the young people in some "full body worship".


Plan to be a part of our service on Sunday, August 9th at 9:30 AM. You'll love it. You'll feel the love of God....receive a little help with back to school items.....and experience a warm and loving body of believers who want to "do something visible" and BE the church.

Trash or Treasure?

"They're no good for nothin'!" "They're just so bony they ain't worth messin' with!" "Oh man.....a gar!" or "Don't even pull him in, he ain't worth the trouble!" These are all the classic statements that you hear about the Gar; an elongated, heavily scaled, needle-nosed fish that inhabits the freshwaters of North America.

Recently my wife, Joy, and I were fishing in the beautiful Chowan River just outside of Edenton, N.C. We were going for White Perch on the bottom rig baited with shrimp. All of a sudden she landed a fish that undoubtedly was NOT a white perch. it took a few moments for her to get this one to the boat. His back and forth motion in the approach to the boat was joined with an occasional run the other way. In the words of Joy...."I think I've got a shark!"

She was so happy to finally land this fish to the boat and was amazed at his beauty and unique markings. She and I chatted about this "garfish" and what it's potential worth was if any. I made a quick cell-phone call to a fishing friend and he said what most do -- "He ain't worth nothing; toooo bony to mess with." So....we tossed him back after his razor-sharp teeth cut her line a moment or two later.

I took a moment to google the gar when I got to my laptop. One site said this --- "If you have never caught a gar, you have missed out on a thrill. They look like something out of Jurassic Park and have been around since prehistoric times. These fish have teeth that can shred your hand and lures and are inedible, from what I hear. I am not sure what they are good for."

Another site gave a different perspective. It stated that there was great value in the meat for eating. They said, "Gar don't tast fishy; more like lobster. They also can be a little chewier than most fish." They talked of how the gar were voracious predators that could kill smaller fish with a swift strike from the side of their sword-like bill. Finally, they said, " To most people they are considered a worthless 'trashfish' but to some they are considered a valuable sport fish."

Isnt' that just the way it is in our lives? Some people see great value in others, while some deem them as good for nothing. All of humanity has value. We were created in the image and the likeness of God. At least Adam was. But...he messed up in the Garden of Eden. He sinned against God. We are offspring of Adam. So we are created after Adam's own likeness. We are born in sin. But God loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for us. Jesus Christ gave His life for all of mankind. We have value. We are not trash. We can be. We have the potential to live out our lives unregenerated by the blood of Christ. We then miss out on all that God has planned for us and we miss out on His eternal plan for us in His presence.

Our greatest worth is discovered when we come to Jesus. We find purpose and meaning in our lives to fulfill His purpose for us -- to house His presence and to be His presence in the earth. The enemy wants to "throw us back" because we are "worth nothing". But he's a liar! We have value. Trash or treasure? It's treasure...no doubt!

Oh and by the way....you ask Joy if the gar has any value. I'll bet she'll tell you that it's truly one of the greatest sportfish that you could ever catch. Go Joy! You are an awesome fisherwoman. Have a great week and stay in touch with us on the blog.

What is Ministry?

What comes to your mind when you think of the word "MINISTRY"?

*A man dressed properly in a suit and tie preaching a message from a pulpit?

*A notable figure reaching the masses in the context of a coliseum or convention center?

*A gospel singer packing out the biggest baddest building for miles around as thousands line up two hours prior to the event that was a sell-out?

I'm sure there are a host of things that come to your mind when you think of ministry. While all of the above may constitute ministry, I have come to the conclusion that most folk limit their thinking to the confines of their local church. But I'm also convinced that most of us need to think outside of the box and see what ministry really is.

When I think of ministry I think of the influence of a man who has taken an unconventional, creative, and label-free (in terms of denomination) approach to ministry. That man? Dr. Mark Muirhead. "Dr. Mark" is the host Friends Forever TV in the spicy land of Jamaica "mon". You can visit him on the web at http://www.atworldradio.com/ or http://www.friendsforever.bz/ .

Dr. Mark taught me a great understanding of the word "ministry". He said..."MINISTRY TAKES PLACE WHEN DIVINE RESOURCES MEET HUMAN NEEDS THROUGH CHANNELS OF LOVE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!"

Why don't you commit that to your memory? Why don't you let that get down on the inside so it will directly affect what comes out of you as you minister?

God is the source! He is our resource for ministry. It has to be about Him....ALL ABOUT HIM. And He is all about humanity! "For God so loved, HE GAVE!" His resources are the only means of filling the emptiness of all of humankind! That's right....ALL of humankind. People just like you and people that are NOT like you.

In fact, John teaches us that love comes from God and He that loves knows God ..... and he that does not love, does not know God. That's deep! Jesus adds, "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples if you have love one for another" (John 13:35).

So God is the source.....that meets the needs of humanity.....and the needs are met through the channels of love that He desires to use. That's us! That's you, too. That's ministry. And when that kind of ministry takes place, God is glorified!

So...is ministry a man in a suit and tie preaching? It can be. Is it a notable figure reaching the masses at the convention hall? It can be. Or, is it a gospel artist packing out the biggest baddest building to sell-out crowds who gathered in long lines? It can be. But....it can be outside of the box you've been livin' in.

Ministry is when you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to a person and you are sensitive to their personal need. You love them through Him. Even if it's one person. It may be the guy on the street who always seems to hang out and wait for a chance to get something to eat. It may be someone who has lost mom and dad and their placed in a home where there daily needs are met.

It may be the person you work with whose life is falling apart. It's definitely outside of the confines of that building we call the church.

Thanks Doctor Mark for teaching and living real ministry. Thanks for influencing my life. I've got everthing you ever shared with me in a folder. I've got every fax you ever sent. I read your emails. I listen to your program. I do it, because you understand "ministry". I salute you as "my friend forever". :)

Check him out at http://www.friendsforever.bz/ .

King of Pop Influenced My Life Too!

It's June 25th, 2009! I've just made a cable-wire connection at my dad's house that has taken him from cable that he's pay'in for to a dozen high-def channels that will be absolutely free. While I'm inside after mounting the new hd antennae, I download the channels after connecting the hd converter box. A picture emerges on the local news channel. It's MICHAEL JACKSON. And the reporter then releases the first words that I hear from my dad's hd hook-up:
"The 'King of Pop' is dead!" I listened closely and simultaneously my Blackberry is receiving texts one after another. I passed it along to my son in Seattle, my wife by phone, and my Youth Pastor, Roland Garcia. My mind wandered back to my childhood and Michael's influence in my young life. After all, "Michael Jackson is only 2 years older than me."

I remember the highlight of the week for me; going to the Super Dollar store in Hertford, North Carolina and spending 77cents to get a Motown 45. One of my favorite songs was the one that took Michael away from the Jackson Five and put him on the musical journey by himself. That song? "BEN"..... It was a story about a rat. A rat? Yep. Walter Scharf and Don Black co-wrote the song that was intended for Donny Osmond, but at the last minute, Black spoke up and said, "This one should go to Michael Jackson."

Michael Jackson went on the sing this song in his early teens. It was his 1st hit as a solo artist. What's the rat song about? Don Black said, "I'm not writing a song with words in in like 'cheese'"......"I'm writing a song about friendship!" The song never uses any words about rats, rodents, or cheese. It talks about the value of a real relationship. I'll never forget the words...'cause I used to spin my 77cent "vinyl 45" every day. It goes like this --

Ben, the two of us need look no more
We both found what we were looking for
With a friend to call my own
I'll never be alone
And you my friend will see
You've got a friend in me

Ben, you're always running here and there
You feel you're not wanted anywhere
If you ever look behind
And don't like what you find
There's something you should know
You've got a place to go

I used to say, "I" and "me"
Now it's "us", now it's "we"
Ben, most people would turn you away
I don't listen to a word they say
They don't see you as I do
I wish they would try to
I'm sure they'd think again
If they had a friend like Ben.... Like Ben... Like Ben

It's sad that someone could start out like Michael did, and finish with, as CBS put it "a confused life". Michael Jackson died hundreds of millions in debt, physically ill, and mentally ill. He never experienced God's intention for all of humanity -- a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He was raised as a Jehovah's Witness and died with conversion to the Muslim faith.

The song "Ben" talks about friendship. Michael needed friendship, true friendship...divine friendship. Proverbs 18:24 says, "...there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." That friend is NOT "Ben". His name is Jesus!

You and I can accomplish a lot in this life. We can make famed status, popularity, and stardom, but Jesus said in Matthew 8:36..."What shall if profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?"

Oh yes, I will remember your songs Michael,.........but I wish your life on this earth was more peaceful.

TAKE A MOMENT AND LISTEN TO THE SONG "BEN"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSqo17o2a1w

Watch Your Mouth!

I recently began a series in our ministry called “Changing the City”. Each message presents a simple truth that can be implemented to change the course of the city or region in which you live. First out of the gate was the change that can come simply by what we “speak”. I recall moments of passing through the drive-thru in our local McDonald’s and having to “interpret” for myself what the employee on the other end was saying. When I pulled up to the task of talking into that little speaker on the outdoor menu, the voice came through it “WecometoMcdonacandihepu?” I understood what the message was supposed to be because I understand the principle and the whole idea of placing my order. I moved through the motions to receive my order which included NO napkins, no ketchup, etc. I had to ask for it. Isn’t it amazing how companies have the unfortunate destiny of depending on humanity for their performance and reputation?
Can I tell you something? In this country we need a greater work ethic. I think Ronald McDonald would be happier too. We need to change the course of where we are; getting rid of laziness, forgetfulness, etc. We need to invest in the young people the desire to do a great job and do as Paul said to the church at Colossae – “work as if you are working for God and not men.”
In our city, we have begun to speak to this issue. We have come to the conclusion that there are some powerful verses in the Scripture that make the difference in our own perspective –
Proverbs 29:18 declares that “where there is no vision the people perish.” At CSC we have vision to see God transform the people of our region, thus transforming our region.
Proverbs 18:21 says that “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” At CSC we are “speaking to our city” believing that we will see positive change and true transformation. Someone said, “You get what you say!” One of my favorites is “Attitude determines altitude!”
I recently pulled into our Mickey D’s on a Saturday morning with all of these thoughts in my mind. The young lady gave me my order as requested; passing it through the final window. She said nothing. I looked at her and smiled….and then gave her these words – “Thanks for shopping McDonald’s and have a wonderful day!” She broke out into a laugh. At least I changed the moment for her. I know she was trained to do so, but she really has to be “changed” to do so.
I challenge you to begin to speak positive things over your city. You have the power in your tongue to bless or to curse. Join me in “blessing” your city, your church, your family, and yourself. You will be amazed at the change in your attitude and your environment. Please….”watch your mouth!” Visit me on the web at http://www.wallacephillipsblog.com/ . Final note: Joshua was told that the Lord would give him every place that he sat his foot upon. J

Peel It Off!

Hey.... fresh out of the "blogger gate" let's get something established -- On the left is a pic designed by my man Jeff Whelan (http://www.jeffwhelan.com/). Jeff is a pro-illustrator and has done some "bad to da' bone" work for Nascar, ESPN, etc.

As his pastor, he hooked me up with a pic that was needed for the Father's Day edition of ESPN magazine. Of course....I had the time. I sat on the bench in half of all of my sporting career as a youngin' in Carolina. I was delighted to make it ESPN in my forties.

It was a shot of a light-weight "peel off" jock suit ....gone with the snatching of the velcro. Underneath, reveals the man who needed to remain dressed to kill! Maybe he had a lunch appointment and didn't have the time to dress down. Nonetheless, the idea is that the businessman could leave the casual and return to his desk with a simple "peel off". Sounds quite easy don't it? Well it is when it comes to velcro jock suits....but not so with powerful socialized behaviours and attitudes picked up along this journey of life.

I came to the conclusion a loooonnnnng time ago that there are some things that are just deeply engrained in us. Prejudice is one of those bad dogs! It runs deep. As a young man (when it came to African Americans), I remember being taught to "treat them nice, but don't mix with'em". I remember being told to never call a black man by "Mr."....but to call him "Uncle". I never realized just how deep that stuff ran until I became a man; an adult who was entrusted with building the Lord's church.

Everything was okay until a little girl walked in the door of our church who was, in our perspective, "the wrong color". I did the thing that I was socialized to do. I took a church leader to the house and told them to never bring her back to the house of God again. I was a believer, an ordained minister, and a bible-college graduate who had some stuff that ONLY the Lord Jesus could "peel off". It's an ugly suit. It's called prejudice. I wear it no more! Glory to God!

Paul said in Galatians 3: 26-28...."You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

*You can read the whole story in Wallace's book, "All Dressed Up and No Place to Go."

http://www.wallacephillips.com/ b