Saturday, May 19, 2007

Numero Dos!!! Unbelievable!!



Yep....that is what it says....we are pregnant again!! Honestly...it wasn't really part of our plan, but very obviously apart of God's plan. We wanted more children...we just did not realize it would be this soon after the first one. Noah is just under 6 months old...so his little brother/sister won't be far behind him. We could not be more excited about having another baby though. Nothing has brought us more joy than our little Noah man, so now we just get double the joy and double the fun!!

I tricked Heather a little bit on this one. You see we have this pact. Whenever she gets the hunch that she might be pregnant she gets the pregnancy test, but I am the one that goes in to check the answer. We bought one of those bargain Wal-Mart ones (we did this the first time too), you know the ones with the lines. Well the plus sign was there but the vertical line was light....makes it a little confusing. So I sent Heather back out for the ones that just say it. Well, when I went in to check it I came back out and told her it said not pregnant. Her immediate action was "That's Cool"...which translates..."that really sucks!". So I hugged her and told her it was okay because we have plenty of time for more kids. Then she told me she was fine, but I could see it in her eyes...I asked her if she was about to cry, and she said no. Then I said...."that's good because your pregnant!" Then she started crying...tears of joy. I know I am mean...but it made it really fun!! We are so pumped about having a second one on the way!! Thank you Jesus for Babies!!

Friday, May 18, 2007

My Trip To The "Holy Land": The Sea Of Galilee




In Israel there are a lot of what they call "traditional sites" and "authentic sites". Traditional sites are those sites which are possible sites where certain events in biblical history took place, while the authentic sites are those that scholars know are the actual sites where events took place. The Sea of Galilee is an authentic site. This is the actual sea that Jesus walked on. This is the actual sea where Jesus calmed the storm. This is the actual sea where Jesus came after his resurrection from the dead to get His disciples who had gone back to their day job. This is the sea where Jesus told Peter to throw down his net on the other side and he caught more fish than his boat hold. This is the sea Jesus crossed when He went and cast the demon out of the Gerasene man. The Sea of Galilee is the sight of numerous events in Jesus ministry. It was an unbelievable experience to ride on a boat where the Lord Jesus Himself once walked...He walked upon that sea!! What a moment!

Starbucks Chats

I had a couple of good "Starbucks Chats" yesterday. I love Starbucks. It is such a cool place. You can go there and just hang out, meet friends, read a book, have a business meeting, drink delightfully delicious coffee, and if you hang out there long enough....you will get free samples.

I had 2 meetings at Starbucks yesterday....so needless to say I was on a pretty good caffeine buzz all day...which is good because I have started this new thing at my house to help out my wife. I have been getting up with Noah in the mornings so she can get a little more sleep before taking care of him all day....he has been getting up early this week so the caffeine was good.

I met with my friend Drew for a little while and we just hung out and talked. We go way back. He is a cool guy. Our friendship has changed over the past couple of months....the past year actually, but it is cool. Drew is a really gifted individual and very down to earth guy...it was good to hang with him.

I also met with Louie Lovoy. Louie is the Pastor of Guest Services/Volunteers at MLC. Louie is extremely cool guy who gave me lots of practical advice and tools. He supplied me with some resources and was so open to helping me out. What a cool guy. It is just another reason I love MLC. I think they have the most helpful and generous and gifted leaders over there...so grateful for all they have done for me and the rest of our team.

Thanks to Starbucks for letting us meet in your facilities and allowing us to partake in the Divine beverages that are offered is various forms.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

My Trip To The "Holy Land": The Wailing Wall


The most holy place in the world for the Jew is the Wailing Wall, or the Kotel. It is such because it is the remains of the Western wall of the 2nd Temple. It was built for the Jewish people by Herod the Great and stood from around 516 B.C. to 70 A.D. when it was destroyed, as prophesied by Jesus. The Western wall of the Temple would have been the closest in proximity to where the Holy of Holies was located in the time which it stood. Because of this the Jewish people come from all over the world to pray at the Wailing Wall deeming it a Holy place. It was an incredible sight to see. It is crazy that at one time the presence of God dwelt right there near that very spot, furthermore, it is crazy that the Word of God in flesh walked upon those very grounds. I am glad though that because God did come and dwell among us that I do not need a wall to visit to get into His presence, but that His Holy Spirit dwells within me. I am glad that the curtain that once hung in that Temple separating man from the Holy of Holies was torn into (Luke 23:45), and now all can come into the presence of God through the Person of Jesus!

Funny Things I've Read In The Bible This Week

Here are some funny things that I read in the Bible this week. I know those who are super spiritual will think I am blasphemous because I am saying that there are things in the Bible that are funny, but I don't care because I thought these were funny...get over it.

  • "When Adoni-bezek fled, they pursued him, seized him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes (Judges 1:6)." -big toes....that is funny
  • "...Eglon king of Moab, who was an extremely fat man (Judges 3:17)." -what a way to be remembered and described to others....that is funny
  • "Even the handle went in after the blade, and Eglon's fat closed in over it, so that Ehud did not withdraw the sword from his belly (Judges 3:22)." -get in my belly!! Poor guy....but it's funny

I am sure that these are not meant to be funny, but let's face it to the modern day reader of these passages...they're funny!

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

I Love Mountain Lake Church

I really do. Shawn is awesome and never ceases to amaze me with his kindness and wisdom. Casey is cool and he so desires to help anyway he can. Tomorrow I am going to hang out with Louie. Louie is the Pastor of Volunteers at MLC. He is sure to give me great insight. This past Saturday me and some friends visited MLC and Shawn invited us to sit in on a meeting following the 2nd service on Saturday. It was a meeting with the Lead Staff critiquing the service so that they could make it better for the 3 Sunday Services. They gave open and honest critique of everything from the music all the way down to Shawn's sermon. It was so cool to see the behind the scenes of how MLC makes it work week in and week out. They are so cool and I am so glad that I met Shawn last year. Can't wait to see all the exciting things they are going to do and I can't wait to learn more from them. Great church.....thanks MLC and thanks Shawn and the gang!!

Creating A "Buzz"

When Jesus took his triumphal march into Jerusalem on a Donkey (I guess the modern day equivalent of a convertible) it created quite a buzz (I was just walked down the Mount of Olives last week were this took place...pretty crazy). There were two camps of people following Jesus that day. There were those who were pumped about Jesus and they were shouting and praising God. These people were excited about what God was doing their midst. They were so excited to be a part of what was taking place. They were sold out the cause of Jesus. Then there was another group of people that were not so happy. I bet you can guess who those people were....that's right it was the religious folks, the Pharisees. They told Jesus to rebuke his disciples and tell them to shut their yappers. But Jesus being the leader he was told those religious dudes that even if they did shut up the rocks would scream out in praise (raise your hands if you would like to have seen that!!). Creating a buzz for Jesus is no different now than it was some 2000 years ago. There are people that are pumped about the vision of making the name of Jesus famous. There are people amped up about being apart of something bigger than themselves. There are people that are so jacked up about the mission of taking Jesus to a lost and disconnected people. But where there are these people, there are the religious folks who are going to try and shut you up. You can just bet if you start creating a buzz that you will make some noise in your community, and it will come from both camps. But rest assured in the words that are recorded in Luke 19:47-48

"Every day He was teaching in the temple complex. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people were looking for a way to destroy Him, but they could not find a way to do it, because all the people were captivated by what they heard."

Regardless of who might try to destroy you and your vision to proclaim Jesus to the world if it is of Jesus they will not be able to do it and people will be captivated by what they hear.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Dr. Jerry Falwell...We Will Miss You

I could hardly believe the news this afternoon that Dr. Jerry Falwell had gone to be with Jesus. A man with unprecedented passion, vision, leadership...a pastor and a pastor's pastor. I will never forget the night that I had the opportunity to drive to the airport with Dr. Falwell. He simply asked me, "Mark, what can I do for you?" I of course did what any young preacher would do in that moment, I asked him as many questions as possible. I wanted to somehow take brief moment and drink from the wellspring of knowledge and wisdom that was Dr. Falwell. He freely offered me wisdom and advice, and then he did something I never expected. When we arrived at the airport for him to board his private jet Dr. Falwell stayed behind while his entourage went to the plane. He preceded to give me advice and then grabbed the hands of me and my friend Drew, who was with me, and right then and there he prayed for us. That moment impacted my life greatly. Who was I in the presence of the this great leader? But yet, I was somebody, and he made me feel that way. Dr. Falwell is the personification of a dreamer who chased his dreams with relentless passion....all the way down to his last moment. The world will miss you Dr. Falwell.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Noah's Mom Has Got It Going On

That's right...and I am in love with Noah's mom. Noah is my awesome five month old baby boy, and yesterday was his mommy's very first Mother's Day. I already new that Heather made a great wife, but now I have been able to witness how great of a mommy she is too. Nothing gives her more joy than being my wife and the mother of our son. She is so awesome! Proverbs 18:22 says, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD." And Proverbs 12:4 says "An excellent wife is the crown of her husband." I have found a good and excellent thing for sure, and she is definitely my crown. Noah is the luckiest boy on the planet to have Heather as his mommy, and I am the most fortunate man to have such an incredible and beautiful wife as her. I hope she had the best first Mother's Day ever. I love you lady!

God Bless America!

Well it has been a long time since I have been in the blog world...here is why: I have been out of the country. I just returned Thursday from spending 10 days in Israel. My pastor took a team of us on a tour of the "Holy Land." It was pretty awesome seeing the places where Jesus actually walked! However, America is awesome!! I really am proud to be an American! I will definitely be singing "God Bless America" with a lot more enthusiasm this 4th of July! As much as I enjoyed my experience, there is no place like home. Besides missing the States I missed my beautiful wife and my baby boy like you wouldn't believe. I was so happy to kiss their faces when I got off that plane, the plane I was on for 13 hours sitting next to a lady who trashed our whole row with garbage and clothes and toys for her baby (the plane ride home was not such a pleasant experience to say the least). I spent the weekend hanging out with my family and celebrating Mother's Day, but now I am back to the blogging world.

Monday, April 30, 2007

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.

Friday, April 27, 2007

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!!

Thursday, April 26, 2007

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?

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

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.....

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

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.

Monday, April 23, 2007

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!!

Sunday, April 22, 2007

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!

Friday, April 20, 2007

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.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

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!!

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

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.

Monday, April 16, 2007

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!!

Saturday, April 14, 2007

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!

Thursday, April 12, 2007

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!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

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)!

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

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.

Monday, April 09, 2007

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.

Sunday, April 08, 2007

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!

Saturday, April 07, 2007

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)."

Friday, April 06, 2007

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!

Thursday, April 05, 2007

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.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

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!!!

Monday, April 02, 2007

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.

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Obstacles

I drove to Cumming, GA yesterday afternoon to meet with Shawn @ MLC. The meeting was unbelievable...he is awesome! I left there so pumped up! More on that later though.

Cumming is about 40 to 45 min from Woodstock, GA. I left my office at FBCW so excited about the meeting that I was in another world...ever been there? My mind was racing with so many thoughts that when I came back into touch with reality I realized that I was driving the wrong way. I had to quickly revise my route and get back on course. When I did that I ended up behind a gigantic cement truck....always lovely. Now I left in plenty of time to get to the meeting but when I am in a car going somewhere I am always in a hurry...I just am. When I am driving I mean business...if you are in my way you will know because I will get so close to the back of your car that I can reach in and change the radio station...so there I am behind this stinking cement truck going 35 mph...needless to say I was about to pull my hair out. I finally got around the cement truck...I won't say how because my mom reads this sometimes and she would just die...I am okay mom... so I overcame the obstacle of going the wrong way and getting beyond the cement truck and I am moving along on my way jamming to some Hillsong...when all of the sudden an 18-wheeler pulls out from a side road and gets stuck...in the middle of the road... blocking both lanes of traffic. The operator of this truck proceeds to get out of his truck (which is in the middle of the road remember) and starts trying to figure out a way he can get out of his predicament. Talk about frustrating...I could feel my face getting hot! He finally managed to maneuver his truck out and of course I followed him all the way to my destination at a speed of about 40 mph. Just lovely...

Obstacles are frustrating...very frustrating...especially when you know where you are going and you are determined to get there. Life is filled with obstacles. Often times they place themselves smack dab in the middle of the pathway of your dreams. How you respond to those obstacles will determine whether or not you will ever see your dreams become reality. You can give up and in so doing miss the opportunities that lie ahead. You can try to find an alternate route that will make your pursuit easier, but risks the chance of getting lost and so losing the original dream and settling for the safe. Or you can press on, staying the course and overcoming the obstacles when giving the chance, or pressing through them when its all you can do, knowing that on the other side of these obstacles are your destiny...your opportunity....your dream!! Stay determined...stay the course...never give up...pursue the dream! On the other side of the obstacles is your dream. When you get there... you will never regret it!

Friday, March 30, 2007

Awesome Meeting Today!!

I am so excited because today I am going to have a meeting with this guy who pastors this church. He is really cool, and I have been trying to hook up with him for a while now. Look forward to getting to hang out with him and ask him some questions about church planting and stuff. It has been a good week...this just makes it all the more exciting!!

Thursday, March 29, 2007

The Coolest Person on the Planet!!


Noah Mark Ayers is the coolest person on the planet....next to my smoking hot wife Heather ofcourse!! Noah is my 4 month old son. As I am sitting here he is knocked out in his stroller at Malia's Mug a cool coffee house in old town Canton. We are just chillin out together. He is now starting to really react to me. He laughs at me and smiles at me....He is so awesome. I love my son!! He brings great joy to my life and my marriage! I enjoy every moment I get to hang with him and his mommy...except when he screams bloody murder...not so enjoyable...but just a reminder that he is around. I love Noah. I love my wife....life is bueno!!

GARY Had A Little LAMB...

...Not really but that is his name and he does have a fricking dynamic church, and had a rocking round table for church planters today at his offices...complete with some good ole' bbq, fat people like me dig anything with good food...Gary Lamb is doing an incredible job of reaching the unchurched...and has an impossible vision for reaching people in and around the Canton area...I admire people with an impossible vision for reaching the world with the truth of the gospel because God is the God of impossibilities!

I learned so much today from his staff at Ridgestone Church, and they are such servants. They were so generous to bring all of us crazy church planting dreamers together and pour into us what they have learned and to connect us with each other....and feed us! I left there pumped to do the mission of God!! Even though Gary thought I sold hair care products....

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

I Love My Pastor

My Pastor, Dr. Johnny M. Hunt, is the greatest pastor on the planet. His preaching...without question powerful and anointed. His life...marked with absolute character and integrity. His passion....after 20+ years in ministry unparalleled. He continues to have a deep passion for reaching the lost for Jesus. He desires more than anyone I know to see people get to the cross. His love for people is incredible. His love for his staff is unbelievable. His leadership is brilliant. His time management is matchless. His desire to wear out his earthly body for the Kingdom of God is challenging. He desires more than anyone I know to live his life with purpose and passion, and to not just merely exist. I love my pastor. I love him. And he loves me.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Hacksaw Jim Duggin and Theological Overdosing

When I was a boy I enjoyed watching wrestling...not the real kind, but the fun kind. One guy a remember was Hacksaw Jim Duggin. He was an American flag waving redneck who carried around a 2x4. When given the opportunity he would whack some guys in the face with his 2x4. It was awesome!

Last night I was reading a blog of a guy who seems to take pride in criticizing the theological positions of some of my heroes. He enjoys the arrogance of strutting his theological intellectualism by attacking openly those who oppose him. He recently wrote a blog discussing what he feels is the importance of taking a dogmatic stance on whether or not you are a Calvinist or an Arminian, a Cessationist or a Non-Cessationist, an adherent to Covenant theology or Dispensational theology, premillennialist, Amillennialist, or Post-millennialist and blah blah blah. He said the importance of doing this is worship. When we truly "know" God we can then truly "worship" Him, was his position. I wonder how he would apply his reasoning to the young 9 year old girl in our church who lost her mother to suicide just a few months ago, and her father in a car accident just a few days ago. Would he tell her that if she just knew where she stood on these doctrines then she could worship God and move forward? What about the countless men and women who are struggling with various addictions? How about the unchurched peering in trying to connect with God? He has so overdosed on theology that he has lost touch with reality. Furthermore, and more importantly, he has lost perspective on the biblical mandate to preach the gospel. This is the condition of so many. These guys need their stomach pumped with a fresh dose of reality, but most often they just die of an overdose and never see the hand of God work on their ministries because they have so packaged God into their theological box of "knowing Him" that they do not even know Him at all. They forget that He is bigger than their theological constructs and have managed to construct their own god with their own hands.

His ways are emphatically above our ways, we can only know of Him what He has revealed, and if we just stop for a moment and realize that our finite minds can only comprehend but a tiny fraction of who He is. To make claims that they have figured God out is to try and bridle God like they would bridle a horse. Then throwing a saddle on Him and riding upon their theological high horse trying to control Him....soon enough He will spit out their bridal and buck them off....

My first thought, though openly not very spiritual, is I would just like to be there the day He bucks them off so that when they get back up I could whack them in the face with a 2x4, Hacksaw Jim Duggin style.

Monday, March 26, 2007

March Madness as a Bulldog Fan

Unfortunately as a Georgia Bulldog fan (God's Team) March Madness is meaningless. I hope one day that will change, but I refuse to be one of those people who have a college football team they cheer for and a separate college basketball team they cheer for. I think Jesus described these people in Revelation 3:15-16. These people want the best of both worlds. Their team is good at one sport and not the other so instead of being a faithful supporter of their team regardless of their win/loss record they find another team that is good at the other sport and so satisfy their longing to be a happy fan year round. I question their true loyalty to either team. These people are really delusional if you think about it. Who do they really pull for? What school do they really support? They are neither hot or cold. These people are usually the people that get mad at those who "cheer for their conference" when it comes down to the National title. How do they have the right to get mad at those who cheer for their conference (I am not one of those by the way) if they can not even cheer for the same team in both sports? I think these people need to get the plank out of their own eye before they start trying to remove the splinters in other peoples eyes.

Let it be said that I am a Georgia Bulldog fan, period. I do not cheer for my conference, the SEC (though it is hands down the most difficult conference). Regardless of how bad they might be at one sport and how good they are at another I will always be a fan that stands with true pride and boldly proclaims.....GO DAWGS....SICK'EM!!

More on the O'Charley's Girl

Our goal in reaching people with the good news ought not to be about trying to tell people to stop doing certain things, but strictly getting them to Jesus. Their problem is not the things they are or are not doing, it is the person they do not know. They are living out of who they are…lost sinners…they will not look like us, act like us, talk like us, believe like us…until they know the one who made us this way. We spend too much time dealing with the symptoms, and forget we need to deal with the problem. It is not a particular sin that condemns them, it is because they are already condemned that they do those particular sins. But Jesus said He came not to condemn the world….that is bring judgement….but to save it! IN HIM there is no more condemnation! We need to spend more time getting people IN HIM, instead of trying to deal with the symptoms of their condemnation, and thus condemning them…this is contrary to Jesus’ mission!

Friday, March 23, 2007

O'Charley's Girl

I was at O’Charley’s the other night with some friends. The waitress was a young girl who was very friendly. It was one of the guys birthday so we asked if they would sing and bring a dessert…just for the fun of it… but she said that they did not do that anymore. She then proceeded to ask how old he was, and he told her 21. Her immediate question was, “don’t you want a drink?” He told her no and that he never has had one, and never will. She was curious as to why and immediately inquired. Another guy with us, the b-day boy’s brother, told her that none of us drank because of Jesus. She began to ask why being a Christian meant you could no longer drink. She said that the Bible talks about people drinking, but only says it is wrong to drink if you get drunk. She then asked about tattoos because one of the guys with us had a tattoo. She began to tell us how her parents are always telling her to stay away from her friends because they drink and she does not need to drink, and how tattoos are wrong and she can not get one. It turns out that she and her parents were members of our church, and not only that, she had been a member of our church since she was 2 years old. After conversing with her and trying to answer her questions honestly, I discovered that at the heart of what this girl was getting at is that she really wanted to connect with God, but her perception of what that meant was that she had to adhere to all kinds of rules that she felt would bring great demise to her life. To her connecting with God meant following rules, not following Jesus.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Mountain Lake Church....WOW!

I had the opportunity this past Saturday to go over and visit Mountain Lake Church in Cumming, GA where Shawn Lovejoy is pastor. It was incredible. They have 5 services on the weekend and two of them are on Saturday. We went to the earliest one on Saturday at 4:30pm. He did a baptism service that was off the hook. Just in our service they baptized 30 people. I think the total number of baptisms was 203...you can read Shawn's blog and find out the total. Shawn rocks!! And so does Mountain Lake...they are knocking it out for Jesus!! Jesus is so awesome!!

Monday, March 19, 2007

You're A What.....?

I was at a Men's Conference with my Pastor this weekend. As I was selling his books and CD's a man came to the table. He was inquiring about a message series that Pastor had taught on Theology. He asked me what messages were included. I opened it up and was going through the different messages and when I came to the one on the topic of Calvinism I thought the man was going to blow a gasket. He said, "Calvinism...he far it or he agin'it?" Well, I responded by explaining to him that he did not ascribe to the doctrine of Calvinism, but he gives a fair and balanced look at both sides of the issue in the message. The guy responded back to me in a way that I can only describe as just plain weird. He began rattling off all the things that he was...something about being a "freewill, foursquare, evangelical, protestant, independent....blah...blah...blah....that goes to a Baptist church." He rattled off several things, but I did not really pay that much attention to most of it....it really made me want to vomit....I detest such labeling...I spew that out of my mouth!!! I did not respond to the man...I just let him go on his way...in a kind way. I am sure that lost and unchurched people are so attracted to this type of labeling. I am sure they are just dying to become a freewill, foursquare....whatever...Why do we have such labels? Did Jesus label himself in such a manner? Here is all I know....I WAS a sinner...then I met Jesus. He changed me. Now I follow Him. I am a NEW CREATION....thanks be to Jesus!

Saturday, March 17, 2007

More Thoughts on UNLEASH Conference

This will be last post on the conference...I wanted to give some of the thoughts that Perry Noble gave that impacted me from the second session on principles to be intentional about growing churches...
  • Leadership is as easy as listening to God
  • You must OWN the vision; Do not ever compromise the Vision
  • God will test every senior pastor or church planter with someone who tries to use their money as power...you will either be a prostitute or a prophet
  • The pastor is not supposed to do everything
  • Surround yourself with godly people who are capable of carrying the vision
  • One of the biggest mistakes of senior pastors and church planters is they want their vision to be safe
  • Stop asking others to support your vision
  • If you look at the vision and say "we can do that" its NOT a vision

Friday, March 16, 2007

My Thoughts on UNLEASH Conference

This was an incredible conference. I am so glad I did not miss this. Perry Noble was unbelievable. If you want to see what he had to say you can read the notes here. These are some of the things he said that really impacted me from his first session on what the church needs to do to make Jesus famous....

  • We give God half baked lethargic environments and expect God to move
  • You don't have to be original, you just have to be good enough to steal it and make it better
  • The time when people need embraced the most we say "to hell with you"
  • People say they want to go deep and be fed...if I am still feeding my child when she is 15 something is wrong...bring a spoon!
  • People are concerned about numbers when it is their bank account, but not when it comes to church
  • When you start doing something for God you are going to piss some people off
  • We need to quit focusing on the issues and behaviors and help people get to Jesus
  • If your focus is not on Jesus you need to change your focus or shut your doors
  • What the church is going to do matters for all eternity

Thursday, March 15, 2007

UNLEASH.....UNBELIEVABLE!

Few things have I been to have ever impacted me the way this conference has. This was one of the most unbelievable things I have ever been to. You know how sometimes when you have experiences that seem to mark you in a way that you will never forget? So much in fact it becomes some what of a defining moment...perhaps even better said a Divine moment? Well, this was one of those experiences for me. Perry Noble absolutely, hands down, without question blew it out of the water with this! He rocked my world! So much of what I have seen and heard I am going to have to just process and chew on for a day or so. I am going to post some of the highlights of the conference, from my perspective, in following blogs....but for now I must just simply say that UNLEASH....was truly UNBELIEVABLE.....simply....UNBELIEVABLE...

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Stevie Flockhart...He Talks A Good Talk...But...


My friend Stevie and his brother Andrew came over last night and we played some Madden on the XBOX. Now Stevie insisted that Andrew and I play first since he was going to destroy whoever played him anyway. He said I should have no problem taking Andrew...he isn't that good. Well, Andrew beat me. Instead of letting the winner, Andrew, advance to play his brother I declared I would take on Stevie...you can change the rules in your own house. Well Stevie talked himself up, saying things such as, "the score will be 58 to 7 me," and, "I am going to destroy you." So I played Stevie. He was the Falcons, and I was the Colts. The entire gave he ran his mouth about how good he was, and how I was going to lose. I was down by 3 touch downs in the 3rd quarter. It looked like Stevie was right. He had destroyed me....oh, but then came the 4th quarter. I managed to tie the game up throwing Stevie off with a combination of some running plays and some play action passes. Needless to say, he was getting a little nervous. Andrew was cheering me on. He was on the edge of his seat hoping for the demise of his own flesh and blood...that's my boy Andrew...that's my boy. With under a minute to play I stepped up my defense and forced Stevie to punt for his life. I had the ball with just 34 secs remaining and only one time out...I must admit the defense was strong and I quickly burned my timeout and had to go no huddle. With one second left Stevie made one final mistake...he jumped offsides. This gave me the opportunity to pick one last play and make one last heave to the in zone. The ball was hiked, then the ball was thrown, then the ball was caught, and then the touchdown was scored. Andrew and I jumped with excitement as Stevie sat astonished by the huge upset....it was utterly priceless. I had to capture the score, just to make sure no untruths could be spread...oh yeah, did I mention this was my first time ever playing Madden 07.

Ready to be UNLEASHED

I am pumped about Perry Noble's conference UNLEASH hosted by New Spring Church tomorrow. I am headed up to South Carolina today to hang out with my friend Josh, and then we are going to the conference on Thursday. I can't wait! I have been looking forward to this, and I am very excited about the things I am going to learn! Woo...Hoo...!!

Friday, March 09, 2007

Sitting in a Rental Car

While John Mayer was "Waiting on the World to Change" about 400 times on the radio yesterday I was "Sitting in a Rental Car" bored out of my mind for about 7 hours. We were in Wake Forrest at Southereastern Baptist Theological Seminary yesterday and we opted not to fly back to Atlanta to save some money. My partner in the mentor program drove the entire way. Why? I am not completely sure, regardless it left me in the passenger seat staring out the window for several hours trying to find good songs on the radio. Anyway, I am glad that experience is over and I got home to my wife and baby boy Noah (who was asleep) safely. Hopefully next time I can fly or at least drive some...probably would have slept some if I would have had less Starbucks, but then again how can you pass up Starbucks.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

"I WON..."

Well, no, not really...but someone did. The lottery that is. I heard this morning on the radio that in New York they were selling a million tickets an hour...now if education is to be benefiting from lottery sells...those folks in New York ought to have the best stinking schools in the country after yesterday. I heard that someone in Dalton, GA...that is not far from me...bought the winning ticket. There might be 3 winners from what I understand of the 370 million dollars that was up for grabs, and for sure 2 winners...one in Dalton, Ga and the other in New Jersey. 370 million dollars!!! Can you imagine going to bed last night with modest gain, then waking up the next morning only to find that you are a millionaire. What a change in lifestyles that would be. As I was driving down the road I was thinking what I might do in those initial moments of finding out that I had won. Having lots of money seems to give you some power that you lack when you don't have it. There are certain decisions that you could clearly make if money was a non-issue. Why is that? Why do we let money become our decision maker? Why does money decide for us what we are going to do with our lives? Why does money decide where we go, what we do, and how well we do it? I was reading this morning of a man who had a demon possessed son. He went to Jesus and said, "IF you can do anything...help us." Jesus responded to the man saying, "'If you can?' Everything is possible to the one who believes." Why do we not believe Jesus? Why don't we trust Him, that if He wants us to go somewhere or do something money really is already a non-issue, whether you possess it in abundance or not. Sometimes I find myself relating to the man in the story...as I had, "had I won...this is what I would do..." thoughts this morning I began thinking of the risks I would take...which really would not be risks I guess if I had the money...I thought about the things I would try and accomplish, the adventures I might take, the things I would do for the kingdom, for others, etc...only if I had the power of money. IF...well for me there is no IF...I have a power greater than money...Jesus. Why do I not believe if God wants me to accomplish it He not only can, but He will? I guess I really have won...if only I would believe.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Rainy Night in Georgia... and Alabama

Drove down to the panhandle of FL this weekend for a Men's Conference that Pastor was doing. A small town called Chippley. We stayed in Graceville, FL near the Baptist College of Florida in one of the College's guest homes. On the way down we drove through nothing but rain until we got out of Alabama. This was not just sprinkling rain...it was extra heavy rain...there were times when I was just hoping that I was still on the road. There were heavy winds and thunder and lightening...this was the same day the bad tornado had gone through Enterprise, AL. At one point on our trip as we were changing highways we saw a lot of police cars riding around with their lights flashing...at that point the rain was extremely heavy and wind was really blowing. We wondered why the police were everywhere...and we think we figured it out on the way back. When we came back through that area on the way home there were trees down everywhere, and we saw a hotel missing part of its top floor. We saw houses with no roofs and apartment buildings with severe damage. It was crazy. There must have been a twister that came through there, and our guess is that we missed it by about 30 minutes or so. We felt very fortunate because by the look of the damage we saw it had to have crossed the highway right were we entered on...praise the Lord we missed it. Just for the record driving in the rain pretty much stinks.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

We Have Come to the End of the Road


Many Years ago a band known as Boys II Men had a song, that back in the day, I really loved...it was called..."We've Come to the End of the Road"....it was a great song...and who didn't love Boys II Men...East Coast baby represent...Anyway, on a recent trip I had the opportunity to flesh out the title of this song...you see while we were driving we suddenly discovered that we had come to the end of the road. We were driving around trying to find a hotel for the night at about 3:30 in the morning...there was not a soul in sight as Garth Brooks might say (Thunder Rolls)...and all the hotels were sold out. We ended up on this road that all of the sudden just ended...had we proceeded any farther we would have ended up in the inter coastal water way. When we approached the end we were instructed by this sign you see in the picture above that we had come, as Boys II Men would say, to the end of the road. We really needed that sign because had it not been there we would have most assuredly kept right on going leaping the curb, driving through the cement wall directly in front of us, and right into the water. Praise the Lord for that sign...who knows what would have become of us.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Senior Moment

No I did not have a "Senior moment"...a phrase used by senior citizens meaning they can't remember something...but I had a moment with the Senior Adults of my church today that truly marked me. I was asked, on short notice, to speak at a weekly Senior Adult Prayer and Bible Study held here at our church. The Bible Study was today, and I was asked if I could speak yesterday afternoon. I guess us preachers gotta be ready any moment to bring it....anyway...before going to speak the Senior Adult Director called my office and said that there was one man that would be there that really knows his Scripture and may interrupt and want to call me on stuff if he didn't agree...just the words you want to hear right before you go speak...well it went good and I did not get any interruption. As a matter of fact after speaking they asked me to stay and all of the Senior Adults gathered around me as I knelt and they laid hands on me and prayed for me, my family, and my ministry. The first one to gather around me, and the first one to pray, was the gentlemen who I was warned about. It was a sweet moment. I love the Senior Adults. One sweet lady with tears in her eyes through her arms around me and said to me, "God is going to use you...oh He is going to use you to reach this young generation...oh bless you..." That was worth the trip to the Senior Adult Bible Study. I thank God that He allowed me to be there today. Thank God for those Senior Adults who love Jesus, and encouraged this young preacher...what a moment...a God moment...a Senior moment!

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel


As I was leaving Hollywood, FL on Saturday we passed by the infamous Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. This has been made extremely famous in recent days because, in case you have just awaken from a long slumber, it is where Anna Nicole Smith died of an apparent overdose of drugs. It was crazy to drive by and see with my eyes what has been such a media spectacle for the past several weeks. As I drove by I could not help but think of how Anna Nicole died right there just a few weeks ago. A woman who possessed every material possession this world could ever offer, had gained such fame (even if it was for taking off her clothes), and had more money than she could spend in a thousand lifetimes and yet was so miserable that she had to escape reality through numerous sordid relationships and drugs. It seems as though she searched and searched for something to satisfy her and only came up short...and thus did her life. Still fairly young, and probably plenty more she could offer in life if she had only known what life really was. In Mark 1 there is a compelling story of a man with a serious skin disease who comes to Jesus and says, "If you are willing, You can make me clean." The Scriptures say that Jesus was moved with compassion and said, "I am willing, be made clean." As I drove by the Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel, just a few miles from the church we had been at for the weekend, I thought about that Scripture. If only Anna had known she could come to Jesus, for He was more than willing to make her clean.

Monday, February 26, 2007

Two Men and A Harley


When you think of Harley Davidson Motorcycles you think, loud, rough, mean biker dudes...well at least I do. While making our journey to Hollywood, FL the other day we came upon a Harley Davidson and these two men sharing it. Not really the rough manly picture you expect when you think Harley Davidson is it? I could not help but snap a quick shot with my camera phone and share it with others. Roll on Fellas....

Friday, February 23, 2007

Beulah Land Part Dos

In other hymns I sing I found the same…even ones I really love and enjoy. The other day in church we were singing “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name.” Now this a familiar hymn, and one I really like…by the way I like hymns. I like to read them, and sing them…with more modern instruments that is…particularly guitars and drums and the like…Passion Band has a hymn album that rocks it came out several years ago…anyway in the hymn “All hail the Power of Jesus Name” it says these words… "O that, with yonder sacred throng, we at His feet may fall.” Now lets be honest…WHAT? Remember my degree? If I being a Seminary student, and have a Bible degree have a hard time understanding these songs, how can I worship? Furthermore, how about people in my generation and younger who do not have Bible degrees, or even a church background understand and worship? Those in favor of the “traditional” would say “we need to get back to the hymns because they are rich in theology.” They discount praise choruses and the like in favor more of the traditional hymn. But some of these hymns, as theological as they are, contain language that is foreign to our generation and disconnects us from worshipping and relating to the truth. Here is another line from “All Hail”: “Let highborn seraphs tune the lyre, and as they tune it, fall.” Again I say, WHAT? I am not dissing hymns, like I said I love them, but I am only stating the truth of the matter. I am more connected when I sing a song like one of my favorite praise songs as of recent by Hillsong United that says, “I know Your alive; You came to fix my broken life; I will sing to glorify Your holy Name; Jesus Christ.” When I sing this song I am connected. I relate. I worship.

Beulah Land Part Uno

I was in a service recently and the congregational singing was an old hymn entitled “Beulah Land.” I must confess it was the first time I had ever heard this hymn. I noticed older men and women in the service raising their hands as they worshipped. As I found myself reading the words off the jumbo tron, I was utterly confused about what I was singing. Beulah Land? Who is Beulah, and why do I want to go to her land? Where is Beulah’s Land? After doing a little research I have discovered that “Beulah Land” refers to heaven. As a matter a fact, the writer of this hymn, Edgar P. Stites, wrote this hymn in parts because he said it moved him so much that he would write a few lines and then fall on his face in praise and weep before God. That means that this song meant a great deal to the generation in which it was written and to which it connected. Now I felt a little intimidated the night we were singing it. I mean after all I hold a B.A. degree in Biblical and Theological Studies (impressive huh?) I should know about “Beulah Land.” Am I not read well enough? Am I theologically illiterate? How did I miss that? I have found that none of this is true, but rather it is a generational and cultural disconnect.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Road Rageous

That's right...had an encounter with a road rager from hades last night. It was truly unbelievable. While we were on the way to Loganville, GA with Pastor to a conference he was preaching at a crazy old white headed dude flew up beside pastor's SUV screaming profanities and waving a gun...yes the man had a gun! Funny thing is we don't even know what we did to set the guy off. We did not cut anyone off in traffic or anything. Whatever it was we did, it must of been the last straw for this guy because he was mad. He was screaming profanities so loud that we could hear him yelling before he ever made it to the side of the car. Admittedly, it was a scary moment there briefly. But he turned off and went his own way. It is amazing how some grown men will act towards something so meaningless as traffic. I bet we are the first of pastor's mentees to have a gun drawn us. What an experience...

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Southern Gospel Music, Giant Organs, and Old Fashion Hymn Books

I recently attended FBC Jax annual pastor's conference. I was a newcomer to the conference and was pretty excited about attending. If you have never been to FBC in Jax it is an experience all its own. The church owns 11 city blocks downtown. It really is amazing. They have 3 existing and fully functional auditoriums, their main sanctuary being the largest topping out at almost 10,000 seats. Its not the largest church in the US, and probably not even on the top 10, but it is big by all standards of being big. The neat thing about FBC Jax is that they paid cash for everything they own. That is pretty awesome.

Jax also had very large organs in all their auditoriums. As beautiful as some people think organs are, I hate them. Nothing makes me cringe more than the sound of organ pipes blaring so loud it hurts your ears. When Jax built their auditoriums organs were cool...I guess...but they are not very cool any more...I mean when is the last time you turned on the radio for the sole purpose of listening to organ music? Southern gospel music was the music of choice for the conference. I like music. I like lots of varieties of music. Southern gospel is not one of those varieties. But to each his own. Hymn books? I thought those things went out with the invention of projection screens...not in Jax. I could not believe it when the Music Minister instructed us to, "turn in our hymn books." I could not remember the last time I heard those words. The funny thing is they had some of the best projectors I had ever seen. They were HD!! All their camera's were HD!! Why do I need to turn in a hymn book? Oh well...I had fun at the conference. I met lots of awesome people, and heard some great speakers...just not as enthused with the music as most were, but I guess it is just a matter of preference...I just don't understand why some prefer that, but I am sure the feeling is mutual with some of the music I enjoy.

Big church, lots of money, lots of nice things, lots of great people...lots of Southern Gospel Music, Giant Organs, and Old Fashion Hymn Books.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Under the Weather

I am not sure how or why being sick started being referred to as "under the weather" but it makes for a better blog title than "being sick" so I'll use it. On Tuesday of last week I started feeling the sickness come on through minor throat irritation and a subtle cough, by Wednesday, Valentines Day, I was full blown sick. I came down with the flu or some other torturous illness. Great way to spend Valentines Day, especially when my wife had prepared dinner and sent the baby away so we could enjoy it together alone...oh well She really got to display her love to me by taking care of me "through sickness..."

What an awesome wife I have to be able to take care of her sick husband and a newborn baby...I prayed over and over again that she would not get sick. I knew if she did it was over for both me and Noah...so far so good. It lasted far longer than I anticipated. It is crazy how your body will halt you suddenly. It can be rather frustrating when you want to do so much, but your body really will not let you. I am glad its over for now, and I hope it will not soon return...I have never been real big on the flu shot, but I might be right behind the old folks next year getting my fix.

Friday, December 22, 2006

As I Survey the Wondrous Bank

Wondrous...Well maybe not so much wondrous, but it makes for a pretty good title of a blog that I suppose will be a reflection of the past 10 months of my life as a bank teller at Wachovia Bank Corporation. Ronald Mark Ayers (yes my first name is Ronald...ha, ha, ha...well before you go laughing all the way I am named after my father, so it serves as a significant part of who I am and where I came from...an no my dad is not Ronald McDonald), Bank Teller, Wachovia Bank. That was me and my title for the past year. It is not the most prestigious job in the world, and it was definitely not the best paying job in the world, but it did make ends meet. The Bank Teller is a mostly female dominated occupation, and proved to be the case at the branch in which I worked. I was the minority...as a matter a fact I was the only male teller. That fact in and of itself made for an interesting year. You learn a lot of things about women when all you work with is women (they were all awesome though, so thoughtful and kind to my wife and I...I will always remember them!). That's another blog...probably never to be written...at least by me. You can learn a whole lot of other things being a bank teller as well, particularly about people. People are diverse. Some are rich, some are poor, some are just somewhere in the middle. Some think they are rich and like to remind you how much money that they have in the bank when you do something they don't like, little do they know we really do know how much money they have in the bank and it really dosen't matter to us or the bank and most of the people who say it don't really have that much...You also learn that some people lack the ability to really think about what they are doing or saying...they live their lives oblivious to what is really going on around them. Some people live their lives expecting others to do everything for them and to ask them to do it for themselves is just ridiculous...I mean after all the world owes them something. Some people just can't quite figure out why in the world they can't write a check to someone for an amount they do not have and the bank will not pay for it. Some people like to come to the bank everyday of their lives, sometimes more than once. Maybe they just need somewhere to go...or maybe they just haven't figured out they can get enough money out for the whole week in one day and not have to come everyday. Mexicans cash extremely large checks, people hate showing you their i.d. (even in a day where fraud is so prevalant), people like to fill out their deposit slips while in the drive-thru line while cars by the multitudes line up behind them, people think: that online banking is of the devil, the ATM never runs out of money, the bank has a money making machine in the vault, the bank should never close, there should never be a line, they can write checks with money they don't have and the bank should not penalize them for it, overdrafts are always the banks fault, and the list goes on and on...but what I have really learned about people from sitting behind the teller window is that some people can be kind, some can be rude, some are just out right nasty, some smell funny, some smell pretty, some smell way to pretty, some are annoying, some are funny, some think they are, some are always in a hurry, and some never seem to be (you know those people...you like me always get behind them in line), some smile, some never will, some speak, others never utter a peep, while some others never shut-up, some are happy, others sad, some ticked off, others glad, some dress expensively, others not so much, some are just doing bussiness, others not at all, some are patient, some the opposite, some understanding, others just can't accept it, some have nice cars, others not so nice, some even have extremely loud ones...but they all have several things in common: money, time, and existence...and while some will choose to do much with theirs and some nothing at all, they still possess it and have the opportunity to do something great with it...me well I was just passing through the bank for a brief time in my life's journey of pursuing my dreams, and while I desire to make much of what has been given to me...I will never forget the things I learned to do and not to do while at the bank, and I will never forget the things I have learned about people...that they all have individual lives and agendas that are as important to them as are mine. And even though sometimes they just aggrevated me to no end, they to want to be loved and appreciated and need to hear the good news that God loves them and has a purpose for their lives...oh the wondrous bank.

Friday, December 01, 2006

Sharper Image

Image is everything right? Well, I don't think so. Things just are not always as they first appear. Here is what happen to me...So remember my previous blog when I talked about being in the doctor's office with my wife, well this happened the same day at the doctor's office. The doctor was throughly impressed with my inquisitiveness and asked me what I did...he was inquiring about my occupation. Well, I told him I was a preacher. He was a little shocked, but not because of my inquisitiveness, he actually said that explains my inquisitiveness (that is good I guess), but what shocked him was my appearence. I had longer hair, not like a girl long but long, and a beard. He asked me what denomination and I said Baptist. The next question was what type of Baptist. I could tell by that question that he had been mildly schooled in religion, particualry that of the Christian one. I responded by telling him I was a Southern Baptist. The next question to leave his mouth was, "They let you have long hair and a beard!?" I laughed a little and responded, "they do for now." I guess that the reason he was so surprised is because based on my appearance, I do not fit the mold of what a Southern Baptist preacher should look like. As I pondered most of the Southern Baptist preachers I know, I supposed he was right. I don't look like the sterotypical Southern Baptist preacher. Most of them do not have long hair...probably more like no hair...and I must admit I am headed that direction myself, no hair that is (praise the Lord for male-pattern baldness). There was also probably a time not to long ago when any Southern Baptist male having long hair was just taboo. The beard...well what's the beef with that? I guess a preacher should be clean shaved and clean cut with a nice pressed suit made to fit, a much "sharper image" I suppose is what I am to possess as a Southern Baptist preacher. Maybe I should get a hair cut and shave my beard. Maybe I should rush out to Sears and by me a good looking cost effective suit. Or maybe I will be one of those who seeks to escape the stereotype instead of one that embraces it. Maybe I can be a part of another generation of Southern Baptist preachers who breaks the image of what a preacher looks like and sounds like, or maybe I can just be myself...a guy who happens to be a man called to reach the world with the gospel of Christ, who happens to be Southern Baptist, and who just so happens to look like me.