Time To Get Packing

I leave tomorrow to go on the trip of a lifetime. I am leaving on a plane tomorrow night and will fly 13 hours landing in Tel Aviv, Israel. I am going on a tour of the Holy Lands led by my pastor. I can't believe that I get to go on this trip. I am going to be packing tonight....of course waiting until the last minute. I have never been out of the country before, except one time on a boat, but that does not really count does it? I am a little nervous, but not about the long plane ride or being in the Middle East where it is always crazy, but I am nervous about my seat on the plane. Let me explain. I am a rather big individual. The seats on planes are very compact. The two of these things do not make for a good combination. It is manageable when you are on short flights, but when you are going to be on a plane for 13 hours it can't be good. I am going to bring a sleep aid to try and help me, but I have a feeling that it is going to be the longest 13 hours of my life. But I realize that regardless of how miserable my plane ride might be it will all be worth it in the end. I am going to attempt to post updates here on what is going on, but no promises. Internet may be scarce, and even if it isn't my use of it certainly will be. I must get packing, the time is drawing near.

Family Day

Today was declared family day. Because I have been out of town all week, and because I am leaving Tuesday to go out of town for 10 days, today (and the rest of the weekend for that matter) is family day. The 10 days that I will be gone will be the longest that Heather and I have been apart from each other since we have been "Mark and Heather." That includes our dating life. We dated 2 years and have been married for almost 5, so that means in the 7 years that we have been together we have never been apart from each other this long. Now Noah is in the picture and that makes being gone all the more difficult. I am going on the trip of a lifetime so I am very excited, but I will miss my family more than anything. That is why I am taking the day to spend with my family. I love my family. I love my wife so much, I can't believe I have such an awesome wife...God is so good. I not only have her, but now Noah. I have the best baby boy on the planet. He is so cool. My world is so awesome because of my wife and my son. Thank you Jesus for my family. Family days rock!!

I'd Like To "Christianize" That Please

Oh how funny this kind of stuff is...my first question is always, of course, why? Why do people do this? My second question is similar, why do people purchase this stuff? "Christian stuff" has become some what of a normality in the so called "Christian subculture." If you walk into a "Christian" Bookstore, you can get everything from "Christian" t-shirts and hats all the way down to "Christian" pencils and chewing gum, and who could forget about "Testamints." I read Rob Bell's book, Velvet Elvis, a couple of months ago. He said something that I agree with wholeheartedly, the word Christian is a noun, and it makes a far better noun than an adjective. In our modern day practice of Christianity we have attempted to "Christianize" everything. We love to offer a "Christian" alternative to every "secular" trend. The other day I was on myspace, yes I have a myspace, and I saw that there are "Christian" substitutes for myspace called dittytalk, and one called yourchristianspace. We got our own kind of music, our own kind of clothes, there are businesses that advertise themselves as "Christian." Furthermore, there is a resource available that helps people find "Christian" businesses. There is an Internet bookstore that sells "everything Christian for less." Churches now have "Christian" athletic programs, workout facilities, dance lessons, and all kinds of other "Christian" things. It seems to me like people have so submersed themselves in the "churchy" things that they no longer interact with the world. As a result they are not connected to nor have any real relationships with people who are lost and unchurched. These Christians walk around flaunting their hats, like the ones above, and/or t-shirts that match, and never take the time to BE Christians to anyone. Would it not seem only rational that if Jesus said to go "into the world" that we should immerse ourselves in the community and the culture in order to establish relationships with those who need the gospel? I believe that instead of creating things that keep us from the world, we need to be active participants in the world so that we can effectively reach the world. Why don't we just cast off our "Christian" things and just be true, authentic Christ-followers who are passionate about getting others to follow Him as well?

On The Road Again

We just drove through St. Louis on the way back to Woodstock...first time I have ever seen the St. Louis Arch. It was pretty cool. Not as big as I thought, but it is by no means small. I am looking forward to getting back to GA to see my wife and baby, even though they will be asleep when I get home. It has been a good trip. I got to talk to my pastor and get some great wisdom. Traveling is fun...but it is exhausting, don't really know how people do it all the time. This trip is just the beginning for the next few weeks. The next trip I am leaving on comes up on Tuesday. I will be gone for 10 days. I am very excited about the trip, it is once in a lifetime, however, my wife isn't going, so I am not excited about that part of it. Onward we go.....

Oh What Jubilee.....

I am here in Branson, MO traveling with my Pastor and helping work the Jubilee Conferences put on by pastor's son-in-law....hard to believe that these are the same guys who put on Xtreme Conferences, but nevertheless. It's always cool to hang with my Pastor, and of course always good to hear him preach like he did this morning. It's also cool to hang with Dr. Jerry Vines. He is so awesome!! Got to chill with him briefly at Starbucks, and helped him sell some of his cd's and books. He is so down to earth. He is a pastor at heart, and a pastor of pastors. Can't believe I get to hang out with guys like Johnny Hunt and Jerry Vines. Not really in to all the Southern Gospel music or all the shows they do, but it wasn't designed for people like me. The senior adults love it, to them there is nothing better. It is funny how different my generation is from theirs. Can't wait to get back in town and get to researching on some things regarding the future.

The Wheels On The Bus Go Round And Round

I have been on the bus for a really long time. We left Woodstock last night at about 9:30pm and as of 10am eastern time we have still not arrived at our destination. I thought I would not have difficulty sleeping on the bus, but I was wrong. So in order to get some sleep I entered into a Nyquil induced sleep. Praise the Lord for the Nyquil. Maybe we will get there soon.

For Those Who Missed It

For those of you who couldn’t make it last night to hear me preach at First Baptist Woodstock….shame on you!! Not really. I understand that everyone has their own lives to tend to and are busy with all sorts of things so it's all good. The good news is you can still see it!! Go to this link and you can watch. I am not sure how long it will be up, but it will be there for at least the next couple of weeks. If you don’t want to do that you should be able to order an audio copy of the message here. Thanks to all for your kind and encouraging words, and your prayers and thank you to all who were there to support me…you are the best!!

Mission Accomplished

On the bus now headed to Branson, MO with Pastor Johnny, and the preaching event is behind me now. I did it. The task is complete. From what I can gather from others it went well. I have never been so nervous in my life, but once I was there is was all good. Nothing like the preaching moment. It is an unbelievable experience. I can't believe I get to do this thing. God is so awesome, Jesus is awesome!

Me, Noah, And Our "Chuck's"

Noah is the coolest little boy on the planet! The other day his Dee Dee (one of grandmas) bought him some shoes like his daddy. His are red, mine are black...which is cool because those 2 colors together are a great combination.....GA BULLDOGS BABY!! We were just chillin' last night with our cool kicks. My wife and I decided that we were going to make sure that our kid dressed hip and cool. The chucks are just the beginning. I am so blessed to have such a cool son!! He is the absolute joy of my life.

Very Excited About The Future

I did some things today that pertained to my future in ministry. I am very excited about the people I am going to be working with, and I am very excited about the stuff we will be doing. The time is drawing near and things are really unfolding. I cannot wait to see all that God is going to do. The call on my life has never been so clear, and I am so excited about taking part in this journey that God has called me (us) to. I can't believe I get to do this. Let's roll baby!!

Why I Love Coffee Shops

I really love coffee shops. I mean that, I really do. I am sitting at one now constructing my message for Sunday. Here are just a few of the reasons why I love coffee shops.

1. I love coffee. But even if I didn't there are always other things you can get and still enjoy the coffee shop, like smoothies, muffins, cakes, milkshakes, etc.
2. I love the environment. It is so inviting, comfortable, and relaxing.
3. There is something for everyone. You can always find something at the coffee shop to enjoy.
4. You can stay in the coffee shop and hang out for as long as you want and they don't care. There is no pressure to buy anything, and there is no pressure to leave.
5. Most of them offer free Internet. Who does not like free stuff? Who doesn't use the Internet?
6. You can meet all kinds of different people. Every type of person goes to a coffee shop, from the old to the young, the business man to the hippie.

Yep, those are just a few reasons I love coffee shops.

Different, Yet Still Significant

Just because some do church one way, and others do church a different way it does not mean that one is wrong or one is less significant. There are all kinds of different people, therefore, there needs to be all kinds of different churches. What matters is that they are serious about reaching people with the gospel. That is, people who are lost, unchurched and disconnected from God. This is what matters. In Luke 9:49-50 John told Jesus that he saw someone casting out demons in His name, but that person was not following them so they tried to stop them. Jesus rebuked John and told him not to stop him because "whoever is not against you is for you." There are a lot of "churches" that are not for us. They emphasize things that are ridiculous, and instead of making Christ followers, they cause people to be disgusted with Christ followers. These churches are not for us. But there are those who my differ in philosophy, and as such do not necessarily "follow us," but they no doubt are for us, doing everything they can to reach thousands for the gospel. They may very well do it differently than we do or ever would, but they are no less significant as they desire to see people authentically encounter Jesus in such a way that they are forever changed.

Nervous, Terrified, Anxious, Scared...Just To Name A Few

These are just some the adjectives I would use to describe how I feel this week as I prepare for the preaching moment on Sunday night @ FBCW. The message is coming together well, but I am just freaking nervous. It is unbelievable how overwhelming you can feel when you do this thing called preaching. The Bible calls it a foolish thing, and sometimes quite frankly you feel like a fool when you are doing it, but nothing is better than taking God's Truth and speaking it to others and seeing their lives changed. Pray for me as I prepare, pray for me as I preach, and pray that lives would be changed. This is a significant event for me, but it could very well be even more significant for someone else as God does what only He can do through His Spirit and His Word.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Had a very cool weekend. I did several things this weekend and here they are:

1. Had a great time hanging out with this guy and his wife...they are so cool, can't wait till they move to GA with their family!

2. Got to sleep in a little with my beautiful wife and my favorite little boy on the planet...Noah!

3. Went to a wedding which proved to be very interesting for more than one reason....it was out door and it was raining is just one of them...Congrats Lisa!

4. Had several people chillin' over at my house on Saturday night...and we indulged in the always delightful homemade strawberry milkshakes...can't believe that a couple of people did not like them...something is horribly wrong with them...but it worked out good for me and Stevie!

5. Worshipped at MLC on Sunday morning where my buddy Stevie was co-leading worship...it rocked...Stevie did awesome, and Shawn rocked the house as usual...God is doing unbelievable things through Shawn and MLC...they rock!!

6. Went to the Varsity after church and took in enough calories for the rest of the year by eating their infamous chili dogs and french fries....mmm...so good, but back to low cal's and the gym today!

7. Went to Turner Field and froze to death watching the Braves destroy the Marlins in great seats (see pic)...I literally did not feel my toes or my face for about 2 hours...Go BRAVES!! World Series baby...mark it down!!

8. Hung out with my wife and baby at home for a few hours before bedtime...good times!!

Land Of The Free, Home Of The BRAVES!

Headed downtown ATL tomorrow after church to go watch the Atlanta Braves play some baseball against the Florida Marlins. I was given some free tickets just behind the dugout, and a free parking pass...can't beat that! I am looking forward to seeing the Braves spank some boo-tay tomorrow afternoon, and enjoy some good fellowship with some friends at the ole' ball game! GO BRAVES!

Mister Rogers And Me

Do you remember watching Mister Rogers? Do you remember when he would come in singing "it's such a good feeling...?" Do remember how he would always go to his closet first thing and change his more dressy coat for his more casual one, and then he would do the same with his shoes? Then, when he was leaving he would do the opposite, do you remember that? Well, I do. And today I felt like Mister Rogers because I had a meeting with this guy (it was awesome by the way...very cool guy) this morning so I when I got ready I put on my "chucks" and a t-shirt. That is what I like to wear. That is just me. But then I went home for lunch with my wife and baby, and when I was about to leave to come to the office I realized, I can't wear this to the office! So I put on a sweater, and changed my shoes. For some reason when I was changing my shoes I felt like Mister Rogers. I dress one way for work and then one way for play. I guess that is what Mister Rogers did too. Well, not really much of point I am trying to make, except that I felt like Mister Rogers, but he was way cooler than I am!

I Finally Did It!!

I finally started going to the gym to run again!! I was running everyday back in the fall before Christmas and Thanksgiving, but the holidays took me off my routine and I stopped going all together. In combination with not going to the gym I started back to my old eating habits, and well...I paid the price. For months the number on the scale was going down, and for the past few months the number started going up again. But I am back, and I am going to attempt to train for a road race in July becuase some of my friends have coerced me into doing so....so I am running again and this time I am not stopping!! I am going to Forrest Gump-it (well, sorda)!

Java and The Sermon

I decided to take my office on the road today and make the Serene Bean my place of study. I am studying for the preaching event on April 22. That's right April 22. That is the day I will preach at FBCW PM service. I am sitting here sipping on the always delicious Iced Coffee and studying for my sermon. I love coffee, and I love to communicate...I love to prepare for the communication event, but I hate the nervousness that comes before the event. So to clear my mind of all the tension of the event, I am enjoying a relaxing cup of coffee and making the best of my preparation time. I feel God has put upon my heart a verse of Scripture, and I am studying that Scripture and sculpting what will become the most significant sermon I have ever preached to date. I can't believe I get to do this, I can't believe I will stand in front of the church at FBCW, I can't believe that my pastor will be there, I can't believe God called me to do this, I can't believe it, but it is true and the time is drawing nigh...so I must get back to my prep...and my java...that's Tuesday for me.

Another Monday

Mondays are not my favorite...I think I have mentioned that before. But today I have some exciting things I am doing. I am going today to have a meeting with Casey Graham who is the Connections Pastor at Mountain Lake Church. I am pretty excited about getting to hang out with him because they are doing a phenomenal job with small groups. I can not wait to hear what he has to say about that. I am also excited today because I read several great reports of what God did yesterday. I can't believe New Spring Church had over 10,000 people come to their services this weekend! God is doing great things there! Gary Lamb's church, Ridgestone Church, had over a 1,000 and they are only 2 years old! Wow!! Makes me really excited about the future, and what this blog will say next year! Oh, how I can't wait!!! Still a Monday...but this one is better than the last.

Risen Conqueror

"HE IS RISEN!" Those were the words of the angels at the tomb on that very first Easter Sunday. There were no Easter eggs to be hunted, and there was no Easter Bunny (or Peter Rabbit) bringing Easter Baskets to good boys and girls, but there was indeed a stone rolled away, an empty tomb, and thanks be to God, a Risen SAVIOR!! Mary and Mary Magdalene came to the tomb looking for Jesus' body, only to find He was not there. Today...countless thousands of people, who at no other time of the year do so, flocked to churches all across America possibly hoping to find Jesus, I hope they found that He WAS THERE! Unfortunately, I believe that for many churches, today was just business as usual. The sad truth is that Jesus was not there, and has not visited those churches in years, if ever. But I am grateful to God that there is a movement spreading across the globe of church planters who are serious about making the name of Jesus famous. Today was no exception for them. I can not wait to hear from some of them about all that God has done in the lives of thousands of people who went to church this Easter and encountered the Risen Conqueror, Jesus!

How Expensive Is The Oil In Your Jar?

"Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that's why she loved much (Luke 7:47)." Is this true of you? Have you reflected on the cost of the cross as it pertains to your sin? Read this. Have you poured the oil of your love on the nail scarred feet of the Savior? Have you kissed His feet with your adoration? Have your tears of praise and thanksgiving washed the blood that was shed for your sin off of the Saviors feet? How expensive is the oil in your jar? Pour out the oil and wash the feet of your Savior... "then He said to her, 'your sins are forgiven'" (Luke 7:48)."

Good Friday

What is so GOOD about GOOD Friday? Is it good because it is the best day to finish getting ready for the Easter Bunny to come? Is it good because of all the great candy that is available (God Bless this kind)? Is it good because lots of people get the day off? Is it good because we get to look forward to good eatin' on Sunday? What is so good about Good Friday?

Is it good because God sent His Son into the world? Is it good because He lived a perfect life? Is it good because He was falsely accused of crimes He did not commit? Is it good because He was arrested? Is it good that He was chosen over a murderer to be condemned? Is it good that He was sentenced to death? Is it good that He was given over to be crucified? Is it good that He was scourged over and over and over and over and over and over and over again with whips containing broken glass, bone, and metal that ripped apart the flesh of His back with each lash? Is it good that they placed upon Him a robe and mocked Him? Is it good that they pressed into His scalp a crown made with thorns, piercing through His flesh causing great agony? Is it good that they beat Him in the face with a scepter repeatedly making Him unrecognizable just to make fun of Him? Is it good that they ripped off the robe they had placed on Him reexposing the wounds on His back? Is it good that they made Him carry His own cross outside of the city and up a mountain to be used for His own torment? Is it good that they nailed into His wrists and feet long nails to suspend Him above the ground on this so called cross? Is it good that He hung there hours grasping for life in utter agony from physical pain? Is it good that God the Father turned His back on Him as He bore upon His sinless Self the guilt, the sin, the iniquity, the shame, the punishment, the death that was rightfully due to all of mankind? Is it good that He absorbed the full wrath and justice of a Holy God due to all humans that ever would exist just so they would not have to?

YES, YES, YES!! It is not only good but it is GREAT!! It is the greatest feat of all history, that the God of all creation, the only God, would put on flesh, and even though He knew NO sin, BECAME sin FOR US, in order that WE could become the RIGHTEOUS OF GOD (2 Corinthians 5:21)!

It is indeed a GOOD FRIDAY, but it was an even GREATER SUNDAY!

Here's Your Sign

So I am driving down the road last night going to get some dinner with my wife and just down the street from my house is this sign for this church. I had to stop and take a picture because...well...look at it. With church planting on my mind 24-7 now days a few questions come to mind when I see signs like this one:

1. How often do visitors come to this church?

2. Are there any unchurched or lost people that see this sign and come visit?

3. How "missionary" are you with a sign like this?

4. Are these people as passionate about reaching lost people as they are about which version of the Bible they use?

5. Do they not allow people to come to their church if they do not believe this way?

6. What message do they think this sends to a lost world trying to connect with a real God?

7. Seriously, why?

No wonder so many have a distaste for church and Christianity. God help us to get back to what really matters.

Stirring In My Heart

Several things stirring in my heart. I believe there is something huge about to happen. I believe I (we--you know who you are) are on the brink of something larger than finite minds dare to even grasp. Just some things that are in my head and on my heart:

"God is in the business of strategically positioning us in the right place at the right time."
~Mark Batterson (In The Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day)

"The Lord spoke...(to Moses)....you are to take possession of the land and settle in it because I have given you the land to possess (Numbers 33:50, 53)

"...You will see greater things than these (John 1:50)."

God is awakening my heart to the vision! God is awakening my soul to the dream! God is speaking, I am listening...He is moving...I am moving!

....Die GATORS!

Stupid Gators....I hate the Florida Gators. I am really disappointed that Ohio State...who I could really careless for as well...had their opportunity at 2 national championships and lost both of them to the same freaking team...and unfortunately it was the Florida Gators. This is ridiculous. This has to be the worst year in college sports. I would like to do my part as a GATOR HATOR (I spelled it that way on purpose) by casting my judgement upon them...here goes:

• I hope the GATORS lose every game this football season!
• I hope Tim Tebow gets injured the first game!
• I hope the Gators get GATOR-AIDS!
• I hope the Gators never win another national championship in any sport, even if it is water polo...EVER!
• I hope that the GATORS get put on probation for something so that even if they did win they would have no bowl eligibility and as a result have terrible recruiting for the next 100 years!
• I hope the GATORS get eaten by real gators!
• I hope the GATORS.......slowly but surely wilt out of existence!
• I hope that the University as a whole becomes one those tech schools you see advertised on TV for training car mechanics and such!!

That is what I hope for the GATORS...total annihilation...GO DAWGS!!!

LOST On 24...Or Something Like That...

LOST and 24 are pretty much the only shows I keep up with these days, and I usually only catch them on tivo. I am caught up on my Lost, but I am not caught up on my 24. That is a little discouraging because 24 comes on tonight and I can't watch it...at least the newest one. I was able to watch one this weekend but I still have 2 more to watch before I get caught up...3 if you count the one coming on tonight. So I guess you could say I am lost on 24, but not lost on Lost...or something like that.

Random Monday Thoughts

• Mondays are not my favorite day of the week. I think Mondays should be considered part of the weekend and no one is allowed to do anything on Mondays except for spend time at home with your family. That is what I think...or maybe that is just how I feel today. I did not get home till late last night, and then I stayed up later than I should have, and today I am paying the price...it would probably be a lot better if I had some Starbucks.
• Starbucks and Mondays. That is probably a good combination. I should have went there first this morning. Then maybe I would not feel like someone beat me in the head with a 2x4 repeatedly.
• Maybe I should go Starbucks now....I think I might...well at the very least I am going to get some coffee...iced coffee that is...its my favorite...plus it is getting hot outside and who can drink hot coffee when it is hot besides seniors and war vets?
• Which reminds me, I was at Wendy's the other day and the older couple in front of me ordered cheeseburgers, fries, and coffee. Who drinks coffee with cheeseburgers? Seniors and war vets...that is who. It's just weird.