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Archive for the ‘Community’ Category

Biblical Truths from America’s Got Talent

Posted in Church, Community, Hope on June 8, 2011| Leave a Comment »

 

 

My family sat down last night to watch America’s Got Talent.  It was amusing to watch.  Some of the acts that took the stage really did have some talent – and some . . .  not so much.  But as we watched, I thought about the practical truth that could be gleaned from this show.

Truth 1:  The Bible says, as believers, we are all given gifts and talents that should be used for the building of God’s Kingdom.  Everyone of us has a place in God’s strategy to positively impact our world.

Truth 2:  Not all of us have the same gifts and talents.  That is why it takes us all – working together.

Truth 3:  It is important to come to terms with the gifts we possess and also accept the fact that we just don’t have some gifts.  Not all people have the ability to sing (as was shown on the show last night!).  But that does not mean that they are not gifted in other areas.  In order for us to work together as efficiently as possible, we need to be comfortable with our gifts and talents and be willing to use them for God’s glory.

Truth 4:  I am so glad we don’t have to take a stage on national television to prove our talents.  Just put them to use in your local church!

To read more about what the apostle Paul said regarding gifts, take a look at this.

Be a blessing today!

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Part of Something Bigger

Posted in Community, Hope, Missions on May 25, 2011| Leave a Comment »

You know how you hear a song time and time again, and then one day you actually listen to the words.  I did that yesterday on my commute home.  I had the radio on and the volume pretty low – which according to my wife,  is not normal.  But I caught myself singing along and so I turned up the volume and all of the sudden, I heard the words.

The song was Something Holy by Stellar Kart, and the chorus caught my attention.  Here is what the words say, “We were born to be, a part of something holy.  All of us are restless until we find.”  Then the chorus finishes with “bigger than you and I.  Bigger than all our lives.”

We have been focusing on this idea on Sunday mornings for the last few weeks.  This sums up what we have been talking about – being part of something bigger than ourselves.

It is so easy to focus only on ourselves.  In fact, that is what our culture forces upon us.  We live in a “me first” society and we have all, regardless of how holy we try to be, fallen into this trap to some degree.  Even in the church, it is not uncommon to experience the attitude of “I want it my way.”

But following Jesus means focusing our lives and our love outside ourselves.  It means striving to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.  It means longing to be part of something holy.

Is that your desire today?

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What If the World Really Was Coming To an End

Posted in Community, Motivational on May 23, 2011| Leave a Comment »

It is Monday – two days after the world was to end.  I am still here and if you are reading this – so are you.  I mentioned this at the beginning of my sermon yesterday and a little girl, about 7 years old, shouted out from the second row, “Nobody knows when the world will end – that is what Jesus said in the Bible!”

First off, I loved the enthusiasm.  I have told the congregation that I love interaction and to feel free to respond to questions.  So this little girl was just showing how comfortable she feels in our worship services and I think that is awesome!  Secondly, she was right on!  How cool to have a 7 year old remind us of what Jesus said!

But I have a question for you today.  What if you knew for sure that the world would end on Friday?  How would you live today?  Who would you make sure to call and talked to?  How would your actions be different?

My challenge to you is this:  do those things today – live as if your days were limited – because in reality, they are.

Be a blessing today.

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Will It Change Anything?

Posted in Community, Formation on May 13, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Discussions between Christ followers about what we believe can often draw us closer together but sometimes it can drive us apart.  This morning I read something and I wanted to share it with you.  Jim Dennison is a long-time pastor and professor in Texas and a very respected thinker and theologian.  He shares a wonderful approach to theology from which I think we could all benefit.  A simple question – “Will this change the way I live today?”

I encourage you to take 3 minutes and check out what Jim says here.

Have a blessed weekend!

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Do You Need God?

Posted in Church, Community, Formation on May 11, 2011| Leave a Comment »

You may have heard about the “Awakenings” from many years ago.  They were unrelated movements in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, where God’s spirit began to move and people were changed – in fact, entire societies were changed.  I have had a question rolling around in my mind over the past few weeks relating to the idea of awakening:  “Can it still happen today?”

I believe the answer to that question is yes.  God is still God and God is still in the transforming business.  So what is the problem?

I would say that the problem is not with God, it is with us.  The reality is that transformation is happening in our day and time, but not here in America.  There are countless stories of God’s movement in areas south of the equator.  God is at work in miraculous ways in other parts of the world – so why not here?

I believe the answer is very simple.  In our self-centered culture, we have grown to believe that we can do things on our own.  The idea of “self-made man” has been so prevalent in our society for so long that we think we don’t need God anymore.  Well, we might say we need God – we pray for God to make things go our way.  But do we really believe that we need God?

This Sunday, we will be talking about this idea.  My prayer is that God will begin an awakening here, this week, in me.  If you are around Littlefield on Sunday, stop by the church about 10:45 and we’ll see what God does.

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Retirement? I Don’t Think So!

Posted in Church, Community, Leadership on May 9, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Last night I watched one of the most inspiring news segments that I have seen in a long time.  I am not sure where the story took place, but the coverage was about two softball teams.  Now you may be thinking, “What is so special about softball teams?”

Well, let me tell you.  These teams are made up of retirees.  The coolest interview was with a 93 year old man who still plays.  It showed him batting and running bases.  And there were shots of him fielding balls and throwing the ball into the infield.  When questioned about why he still plays, he said, “If you feel like playing, why would you just sit in a rocking chair?”

Way to go!  I hope I am still active at his age.  I doubt that I will be playing softball at 93 – I don’t really play now so I am not sure I will start.  But I can see maybe a friendly pick-up game on a basketball court (although, the wife has restricted my b-ball since that second knee surgery).

As I watched this inspiring man playing softball, I thought about all the retirees in the church.  You know who I am talking about – maybe you are one.  I am not talking about the folks of retirement age necessarily.  I am talking about those with a retirement attitude.  People who may have made statements like:  “I have done that for years, it’s time for someone else to step up and pull their weight around here.”  There is a lot of truth to that statement, for the church to function as God intended, it takes everyone doing their part.  But no where in scripture do I find the God-sanctioned retirement threshold.

So regardless of your age or years of service remember that God has a plan for you and that plan does not involve sitting and observing.  For God’s community to thrive, everyone has to use their God-given talents to further the Kingdom.

What will you do today to get up out of the rocking chair and get into the game?

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Don’t Forget Mother’s Day

Posted in Church, Community, Hope on May 6, 2011| Leave a Comment »

This has been a whirlwind week.  The boxes of books have been unpacked and most of the office has been set up.

My highlight so far this week was Wednesday night prayer meeting – it just felt right.  Everyone was welcoming and open.  I automatically felt like I was at home.  Thank you all for your love and encouragement.  I am looking forward to Sunday and being together as a corporate family, all in one room – I am excited!

But in the chaos of moving in and trying to get things set up, I almost forgot that Sunday is Mother’s Day.  A day we set aside to remember our mothers.  I encourage you to do something special for your mom this week.  Don’t forget to tell her how much you love her and what she means to you.

I also have a special request.  As I was driving to work yesterday, I was listening to the radio and one of the DJ’s pointed out that she had tried for years to have kids and couldn’t.  She shared that Mother’s Day has always been a painful time for her.  I had never thought about that fact – and how many that affects.  So here is my request, if you know someone who might not be looking forward to this day, reach out and encourage them.  Pray for them and ask God to bring joy and peace into their hearts, even in the midst of the pain they may feel.  Pray that God would make you sensitive to those who might be hurting.

That is what families do for one another.

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Goodbyes Stink!

Posted in Community, Hope on April 29, 2011| 2 Comments »

I guess it has finally begun to sink in.  This Sunday is my last Sunday in my current position.  After resigning as associate pastor and giving my notice, I began focusing on all the things I needed to get done in order to leave smoothly.  I moved computer files to a flash drive to be handed off.  I organized file drawers to make things easier to find for those who will be picking up where i have left off.  I have tried to tie up all the loose ends of my current position at the church so that my leaving will not be a burden on anyone.

Then there is the packing – how can a person collect so much stuff and put it into one office in 9 years?  And where will I put it all?  My new office needs paint and organization before I can even move in.

All that to say, I have not really focused on THE DAY.  But here it is . . . this Sunday is my last day at First Baptist Church in Levelland.  Monday, I will officially begin my journey as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Littlefield (for those of you not familiar with God’s country in west Texas – yes, our founding pioneers were not very creative when they named our cities!).

At least, I had not thought about it until last night.  The family and I sat down to watch one of our favorite shows, The Office.  And last night’s episode was Michael Scott’s last day on the job as manager of Dunder Mifflin.  As I watched the episode it began to sink in.  For those of you who have remained distant from the shenanigans of Michael Scott and are not familiar with the show, Michael has been the boss for the entire run of the show and he is now moving and leaving the company.  So last night’s episode was his goodbye.  As I watched him trying to say goodbye to all the employees individually, I began to realize that I will be saying goodbye on Sunday.

At one emotional point in the episode, Michael said, “Goodbyes stink.”  I could not agree more.

Even though I have no doubt that God is at work in this transition, saying goodbye to all our friends here is going to stink!  But that is part of life I suppose.

It has been an incredible journey here in Levelland, but as we part ways, I know that God has even bigger plans for our friends who remain here as well as my family as we make this transition.

I encourage you to continue to follow our journey through my posts here.  Nothing will change with Clay In The Hands.  It will continue . . . just from a new location.

Goodbyes stink, so I will simply say, “Be blessed!”

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No Room for Condemnation

Posted in Community, Grace, Hope on April 27, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Yesterday, I talked about the importance of the church being accepting of anyone who comes through the doors realizing that no one is perfect.  One comment I received yesterday was from a friend who said, “Well, I guess you are telling me I can’t come back to church – since I am perfect.”  Ricky, love you brother – I think your safe to come on back. (smile)

As I had my prayer and reading time this morning, I was reading through the first few verses of John chapter 3.  I would venture a guess that anyone in America who has ever watched a professional football game has at least seen the reference to John 3:16.  This is a very foundational verse and one that most people are at least aware of and possibly even read.

But are you familiar with John 3:17?  Here is what it says, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  On the heels of the verse that tells us that God loved this world enough to send Jesus here to save it, we see that the plan was not to have Jesus come in and condemn everyone for all they had ever done wrong.  The focus was not on where we have failed, the focus was on saving – verse 16 is clear that this plan was formed out of love.

What pierces me about this verse is that Jesus, the very son of God – the one who had every right to condemn – chose to love instead.  So how can I, a very imperfect human even consider taking the stance of doling out condemnation?  Jesus came and loved people, all people, in spite of our failures and sins.

Notice, it does not say that Jesus dismisses our sins.  In fact, the very reason he came was to save us from our lifestyle of sin – to save us from ourselves.  But this passage shows us that his approach is based in love.

Our task, as Jesus followers, is to reach out to the fallen, the hurting and the sinner (that’s everyone) with love and acceptance.  We are to love and accept the person without accepting the sin.  That is what Jesus came to do and still does today.  As his followers, that is our calling.

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Special X-Ray Glasses

Posted in Church, Community, Hope on April 26, 2011| 3 Comments »

You remember those ads for X-Ray glasses when you were a kid (or at least, when I was a kid)?  I never had any to know if they really worked – I am going to go out on a limb here and say probably not.  Supposedly, you could put them on and see through things.  I won’t mention the things that went through the mind of an adolescent boy when he thought about such glasses.

At any rate, how cool would it be if there were special X-Ray glasses?  What if theses glasses allowed the wearer to see what was really going on in a person’s life?  And what if we handed out a pair to everyone who walked through the doors of the church on Sunday morning?  I wonder if the gathering would be any different?

I started a book last night titled, No Perfect People Allowed.  The book reminds us that churches should be welcoming to everyone, regardless of what is going on in their lives.

Somewhere along the line, the people in the pews got the idea that they should cover up their problems.  I guess, in a way, we have done it to ourselves in the church world.  We preach that Christ followers should strive to be more like Jesus everyday – and honestly, that should be foundational to those who follow in the Way.  But we have failed to remain real.  We have given the impression that a mature believer should be “perfect.”  And no one wants to admit that they are not “perfect.”  So, on Sunday morning, we put on our “Sunday clothes,” and our Sunday faces and we head off to church.  All the while knowing that it is largely a show – often less than genuine.

Jesus followers are to be God’s light in a dark world and collectively the church is to be a place where those lights are recharged.  But why would a person truly seeking answers to life’s difficult questions want to look for those answers in a place where nothing is real?

For the church to truly be what God intended, it has to be filled with people who are real – with all their problems and baggage.  The church should be a group of believers who are doing there best to follow Jesus on a daily basis; leaning on each other through their struggles every step of the way.

That is why you will find this phrase on my business card:  “. . . no perfect people allowed . . .”   That is the church environment we need to create.

Keep it real!

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