http://www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com/
Hi all,
This couple is dear to me because Beth was on our teams to Nicaragua and El Salvador. Beth is a nurse/accountant and David was a truck driver/builder. They both came to Nicaragua last year Nov 06 and they both heard the call of God to go to Zambia. They have sold everything and are going to Zambia! They are almost there!!! This would be a great place to go on a short term mission project. Check out their Blog.
It is crazy how God works and who he chooses to use. Are you on the bench?? Are you ready to get in the game? LETS PLAY!
ET RAMBLINGS...
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Trust the Lord
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust...a big word. Can we really trust God with everything? As I look at the bible true story of Jesus' father Joseph, I could only imagine the call of his heart and the pain inside when Mary told him she was preganant.
God, this can't be true. How can she do this to me! the ultimate betrayal!! I loved her so much and she is coming to me with child! I was never with her! She goes away for a couple of days and this! She is a liar!
Trust...Have you ever been hurt that bad, someone dispace you trust. Do you find it hard to trust again? Matt 1:19 states that " Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly."
Listen to his heart... I love you, Mary! How could you do this? With who? What did that conversation sound like? What did his prayers sound like as he cried out to God?
The key is that Joseph was a "righteous man". I am sure it hurt alot but he knew how to handle the disapointment in his life as a righteous man because he probrbaly learned at a young age to trust God and lean not on his own understanding. The angel comes to Joseph and he obeys. "IF YOU LOVE ME...IF YOU TRUST ME...YOU WILL OBEY ME!!" EVEN WHEN IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE.
Are you in a position were something does not make sense? Does it hurt? Are you asking God some tough question?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Go to God and trust him.
ET Ramblings...
Trust...a big word. Can we really trust God with everything? As I look at the bible true story of Jesus' father Joseph, I could only imagine the call of his heart and the pain inside when Mary told him she was preganant.
God, this can't be true. How can she do this to me! the ultimate betrayal!! I loved her so much and she is coming to me with child! I was never with her! She goes away for a couple of days and this! She is a liar!
Trust...Have you ever been hurt that bad, someone dispace you trust. Do you find it hard to trust again? Matt 1:19 states that " Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly."
Listen to his heart... I love you, Mary! How could you do this? With who? What did that conversation sound like? What did his prayers sound like as he cried out to God?
The key is that Joseph was a "righteous man". I am sure it hurt alot but he knew how to handle the disapointment in his life as a righteous man because he probrbaly learned at a young age to trust God and lean not on his own understanding. The angel comes to Joseph and he obeys. "IF YOU LOVE ME...IF YOU TRUST ME...YOU WILL OBEY ME!!" EVEN WHEN IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE.
Are you in a position were something does not make sense? Does it hurt? Are you asking God some tough question?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Go to God and trust him.
ET Ramblings...
Friday, December 14, 2007
Truth matters!
Ravi Zacharias begins chapter one:
“Philosophically, you can believe anything, so long as you do not claim it to be true. Morally, you can practice anything, so long as you do not claim that it is a “better” way. Religiously, you can hold to anything, so long as you do not bring Jesus Christ into it.” “all religions, plainly and simply, can not be true. Some beliefs are false, and we know them to be false. So it does not good to put a halo on the notion of tolerance as if everything could be equally true. In the real life struggles between right and wrong, justice and injustice, life and death, we all realize that truth does matter.”
(Ravi Zacharias Jesus Among Other Gods p. 4)
“Philosophically, you can believe anything, so long as you do not claim it to be true. Morally, you can practice anything, so long as you do not claim that it is a “better” way. Religiously, you can hold to anything, so long as you do not bring Jesus Christ into it.” “all religions, plainly and simply, can not be true. Some beliefs are false, and we know them to be false. So it does not good to put a halo on the notion of tolerance as if everything could be equally true. In the real life struggles between right and wrong, justice and injustice, life and death, we all realize that truth does matter.”
(Ravi Zacharias Jesus Among Other Gods p. 4)
Peacemakers!
Fenelon said: "Peace is what God wants for us, no matter what is happening around us." Peace therefor involves harmony or being able to live with people of different cultures and backgrounds. In the church, peace should mean working together for unity...for a single cause, to connect with God and Others through JESUS.
When conflict enters what is our responsibility?
Matt 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers; for they will be called sons of God.
Wesley states: "The peace makers - They that out of love to God and man do all possible good to all men. Peace in the Scripture sense implies all blessings temporal and eternal. They shall be called the children of God - Shall be acknowledged such by God and man."
Thomas Merton writes: "Man is not at peace with his fellow man because he is not at peace with God.
Are you out of fellowship with someone? Have you made peace with everyone you have a conflict with?
I guess the first question should be... Are you out of fellowship with God? Are you at peace with Him? Know this...you cannot be at peace with God without being at peace with others.
THERE IS NO PEACE WITHOUT GOD! (Isa 48:22) START HERE!
ETRamblings...
When conflict enters what is our responsibility?
Matt 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers; for they will be called sons of God.
Wesley states: "The peace makers - They that out of love to God and man do all possible good to all men. Peace in the Scripture sense implies all blessings temporal and eternal. They shall be called the children of God - Shall be acknowledged such by God and man."
Thomas Merton writes: "Man is not at peace with his fellow man because he is not at peace with God.
Are you out of fellowship with someone? Have you made peace with everyone you have a conflict with?
I guess the first question should be... Are you out of fellowship with God? Are you at peace with Him? Know this...you cannot be at peace with God without being at peace with others.
THERE IS NO PEACE WITHOUT GOD! (Isa 48:22) START HERE!
ETRamblings...
Friday, December 07, 2007
FOLLOW THE SPEED LIMIT...YOUR NOT IN CONTROL ANYWAY!
Being a driven, compulsive, everything or bust person, it is easy to look at success and numbers and rejoice in God!
Yet, being a compulsive, everything or bust person, does the success take the place of God?
Does succeeding take a front seat to the actual relationship that is the core behind our success?
Does being saved mean more than the actual relationship with God through Jesus?
Are we worshiping the success?
Seeing people come to the Lord and Grow is our mandate. In Dan 12, it talks about those who lead others to righteousness, for they are like stars! Are we celebrating the hunt and training of others to become stars over our deep relationship with GOD? I know what God wants me to do...to share the Good News of Jesus! It is the best high you can ever have!
God has always had me on the freeway in serving Him. things moved forwards at a fast pace as we took ground for the Lord. It seems that I took a exit that led to a country road and everything slowed down. I miss the evangelistic speeches and trips to talk to people about Jesus. I feel like I am moving in slow motion in a community that is far from God.
Habakkuk 3:16-19 "I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights."
As a man who has worked all of his life at producing to succeed in business, I cannot tell you how hard this is to work and not see immediate fruit. Yet God in his sovereignty has a plan! Evil is prospering around me and the righteous suffer. The church is fighting itself and God is saying here I am worship me, I have a plan. Is this a season of internal growth to make sure the way for the future? I don't know...but I need to trust God and drive the speed limit until such a time that he tells me to open up the throttle.
While I miss the numbers and success of seeing large numbers of people accept and grow in Christ, I know God is building a foundation for the future. Hey, I'm not in control anyway! God is in control and He will do what is right. I can have confidence in that fact as I drive the speed limit.
ET RAMBLINGS...
Yet, being a compulsive, everything or bust person, does the success take the place of God?
Does succeeding take a front seat to the actual relationship that is the core behind our success?
Does being saved mean more than the actual relationship with God through Jesus?
Are we worshiping the success?
Seeing people come to the Lord and Grow is our mandate. In Dan 12, it talks about those who lead others to righteousness, for they are like stars! Are we celebrating the hunt and training of others to become stars over our deep relationship with GOD? I know what God wants me to do...to share the Good News of Jesus! It is the best high you can ever have!
God has always had me on the freeway in serving Him. things moved forwards at a fast pace as we took ground for the Lord. It seems that I took a exit that led to a country road and everything slowed down. I miss the evangelistic speeches and trips to talk to people about Jesus. I feel like I am moving in slow motion in a community that is far from God.
Habakkuk 3:16-19 "I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights."
As a man who has worked all of his life at producing to succeed in business, I cannot tell you how hard this is to work and not see immediate fruit. Yet God in his sovereignty has a plan! Evil is prospering around me and the righteous suffer. The church is fighting itself and God is saying here I am worship me, I have a plan. Is this a season of internal growth to make sure the way for the future? I don't know...but I need to trust God and drive the speed limit until such a time that he tells me to open up the throttle.
While I miss the numbers and success of seeing large numbers of people accept and grow in Christ, I know God is building a foundation for the future. Hey, I'm not in control anyway! God is in control and He will do what is right. I can have confidence in that fact as I drive the speed limit.
ET RAMBLINGS...
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Pass the test
Here is a lesson from John Piper...
**********
Revelation 2:10
When huge pain comes into your life—like divorce, or the loss of a precious family member, or the dream of wholeness shattered—it is good to have a few things settled with God ahead of time. The reason for this is not because it makes grieving easy, but because it gives focus and boundaries for the pain.
Being confident in God does not make the pain less deep, but less broad. If some things are settled with God, there are boundaries around the field of pain. In fact, by being focused and bounded, the pain of loss may go deeper—as a river with banks runs deeper than a flood plain. But with God in his firm and proper place, the pain need not spread out into the endless spaces of ultimate meaning. This is a great blessing, though at the time it may simply feel no more tender than a brick wall. But what a precious wall it is!
As a father, I want to help our twelve-year-old daughter Talitha settle some things with God now, so that when little or big losses come—and they will come—her pain will be bounded and will not carry her out, like a riptide, into the terrifying darkness of doubt about God. So as we read God’s word together twice a day, I point out the mysterious ways of God.
Two days ago, we read this from the lips of Jesus to the church at Smyrna in Revelation 2:10:
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
I asked Talitha, “Is Jesus stronger than the devil?” “Yes,” she said. Indeed, I added, ten million times stronger. It’s not even close. In fact, as Mark 1:27 says, “He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” So all Jesus has to do is say to the devil, “You shall not throw my loved ones into prison,” and the devil will not be able to do it. Right, Talitha? Right.
So, Talitha, why does Jesus let the devil do this? Why does he let the devil throw his precious followers in jail and even kill some of them? She shook her head. I said, well, let’s read it again slowly, and you tell me the reason that the Bible gives. Slowly, “Behold the devil is about to throw some of you into prison . . . that . . . you . . . may . . . be . . . tested.” So why does Jesus let this happen, Talitha? “That they may be tested.” That’s right.
And what is being tested? The answer is given in the way Jesus describes what passing the test looks like. He says, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Faithfulness to Jesus is being tested. Will his loved ones keep trusting him? Will they keep believing that he has their best interest at heart? That he is wise? That he is good? That he is stronger than all?
So, Talitha, there are a thousand things that God is doing every time something painful happens to you. Most of these you do not know or understand. Job, Joseph, and Esther did not know what God was doing in their losses. But there is always one thing you can know God is doing when pain comes into your life. This is something you can settle with God ahead of time. He is always testing you.
If the test leads to your death, as it did for some of the Christians in Smyrna, Jesus wants you to know something ahead of time. “You will receive the crown of life.” That means he will raise you from the dead and will crown you with the kind of everlasting joy in his presence that will make up for your loses ten-thousand-fold. “Crown” signifies majestic, royal restoration and exaltation.
James says the same thing:
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Passing the test means loving God to the end.
So settle it, Talitha. Loss and pain are coming into your life, but Jesus is infinitely stronger than the devil. So even if the devil is causing it, as he did in Smyrna, Jesus is letting it happen. And he always has his reasons—more than we can know. One of those reasons is always testing, namely, the testing of our faith and our love for him.
We cannot answer every why question. But there is always this answer: My faith is being tested. And our Lord never wastes his tests. Whether we believe this truth is, in fact, part of the test. In the mind of Jesus, the promise that he would give them the crown of life was enough to sustain the Christians in Smyrna. I pray that it will be enough for Talitha—and for you.
Trusting the wisdom and goodness of Jesus in loss,
Pastor John
****************************
ET RAMBLINGS....
**********
Revelation 2:10
When huge pain comes into your life—like divorce, or the loss of a precious family member, or the dream of wholeness shattered—it is good to have a few things settled with God ahead of time. The reason for this is not because it makes grieving easy, but because it gives focus and boundaries for the pain.
Being confident in God does not make the pain less deep, but less broad. If some things are settled with God, there are boundaries around the field of pain. In fact, by being focused and bounded, the pain of loss may go deeper—as a river with banks runs deeper than a flood plain. But with God in his firm and proper place, the pain need not spread out into the endless spaces of ultimate meaning. This is a great blessing, though at the time it may simply feel no more tender than a brick wall. But what a precious wall it is!
As a father, I want to help our twelve-year-old daughter Talitha settle some things with God now, so that when little or big losses come—and they will come—her pain will be bounded and will not carry her out, like a riptide, into the terrifying darkness of doubt about God. So as we read God’s word together twice a day, I point out the mysterious ways of God.
Two days ago, we read this from the lips of Jesus to the church at Smyrna in Revelation 2:10:
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
I asked Talitha, “Is Jesus stronger than the devil?” “Yes,” she said. Indeed, I added, ten million times stronger. It’s not even close. In fact, as Mark 1:27 says, “He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” So all Jesus has to do is say to the devil, “You shall not throw my loved ones into prison,” and the devil will not be able to do it. Right, Talitha? Right.
So, Talitha, why does Jesus let the devil do this? Why does he let the devil throw his precious followers in jail and even kill some of them? She shook her head. I said, well, let’s read it again slowly, and you tell me the reason that the Bible gives. Slowly, “Behold the devil is about to throw some of you into prison . . . that . . . you . . . may . . . be . . . tested.” So why does Jesus let this happen, Talitha? “That they may be tested.” That’s right.
And what is being tested? The answer is given in the way Jesus describes what passing the test looks like. He says, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Faithfulness to Jesus is being tested. Will his loved ones keep trusting him? Will they keep believing that he has their best interest at heart? That he is wise? That he is good? That he is stronger than all?
So, Talitha, there are a thousand things that God is doing every time something painful happens to you. Most of these you do not know or understand. Job, Joseph, and Esther did not know what God was doing in their losses. But there is always one thing you can know God is doing when pain comes into your life. This is something you can settle with God ahead of time. He is always testing you.
If the test leads to your death, as it did for some of the Christians in Smyrna, Jesus wants you to know something ahead of time. “You will receive the crown of life.” That means he will raise you from the dead and will crown you with the kind of everlasting joy in his presence that will make up for your loses ten-thousand-fold. “Crown” signifies majestic, royal restoration and exaltation.
James says the same thing:
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Passing the test means loving God to the end.
So settle it, Talitha. Loss and pain are coming into your life, but Jesus is infinitely stronger than the devil. So even if the devil is causing it, as he did in Smyrna, Jesus is letting it happen. And he always has his reasons—more than we can know. One of those reasons is always testing, namely, the testing of our faith and our love for him.
We cannot answer every why question. But there is always this answer: My faith is being tested. And our Lord never wastes his tests. Whether we believe this truth is, in fact, part of the test. In the mind of Jesus, the promise that he would give them the crown of life was enough to sustain the Christians in Smyrna. I pray that it will be enough for Talitha—and for you.
Trusting the wisdom and goodness of Jesus in loss,
Pastor John
****************************
ET RAMBLINGS....
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
BLOGGING TIME???
It has been quite a while since I blogged. I have to admit, I don't know how others can keep up with blogging on a daily basis. I find myself overwhelmed by the daily struggles between church, family and time alone with God. Will my time of blogging, interfere with any of the three that are currently competing for my time.
I guess I am going to have to choose to cheat on someone! (as Andy Stanley says)
I feel myself more and more responsible for ministries that call for a commitment from others. I want to share my intimacy with Christ with other adults (thank you Mick!) yet there are very little lining up! Busyness, dryness, lack of really wanting to know the God that holds our lives in HIS hand...Talk about a SCARY MOVIE!
Yet God says that upon this rock (Jesus) I will build my church. So as I struggle, I need to prioritize the top three in a way that will glorify God. Focus on the family put out a publication on "How to encourage your spirit, strengthen your family and energize your ministry."
THAT'S IT!!!!
1. GOD
2. FAMILY
3. MINISTRY
Just think ... if in fact you live your lives void of "freshness," you get into a rut and simply go through the motions. If there is not "newness," then you live on "leftovers and warm-ups." If there is no "revival," then you settle for "what is" and lose the desire for growth, both in your own spirit and your ministry. (Focus on the Family email encourager)
I knew about the right list before yet in a new church as the solo pilot you do everything and hear from everybody.
Hey, if I blog about God! Does it fall in number 1? or number 3?
I guess the question for the season your in is...
Who is number one?
and
Who are you going to choose to cheat on when everything is important! We are fighting for an eternal destiny in the lives of people that would otherwise awake "...to shame and everlasting contempt." (Dan 12:2)
That is indeed the struggle!!
"O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid; O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years made known; in wrath remember mercy" (Habakkuk 3:2 KJV).
Et Ramblings...
I guess I am going to have to choose to cheat on someone! (as Andy Stanley says)
I feel myself more and more responsible for ministries that call for a commitment from others. I want to share my intimacy with Christ with other adults (thank you Mick!) yet there are very little lining up! Busyness, dryness, lack of really wanting to know the God that holds our lives in HIS hand...Talk about a SCARY MOVIE!
Yet God says that upon this rock (Jesus) I will build my church. So as I struggle, I need to prioritize the top three in a way that will glorify God. Focus on the family put out a publication on "How to encourage your spirit, strengthen your family and energize your ministry."
THAT'S IT!!!!
1. GOD
2. FAMILY
3. MINISTRY
Just think ... if in fact you live your lives void of "freshness," you get into a rut and simply go through the motions. If there is not "newness," then you live on "leftovers and warm-ups." If there is no "revival," then you settle for "what is" and lose the desire for growth, both in your own spirit and your ministry. (Focus on the Family email encourager)
I knew about the right list before yet in a new church as the solo pilot you do everything and hear from everybody.
Hey, if I blog about God! Does it fall in number 1? or number 3?
I guess the question for the season your in is...
Who is number one?
and
Who are you going to choose to cheat on when everything is important! We are fighting for an eternal destiny in the lives of people that would otherwise awake "...to shame and everlasting contempt." (Dan 12:2)
That is indeed the struggle!!
"O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid; O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years made known; in wrath remember mercy" (Habakkuk 3:2 KJV).
Et Ramblings...
Monday, October 01, 2007
GO TAKE THE LAND!
Deut 1:8 God said..."See, I have given you this Land, GO AND TAKE IT!"
God wants our obedience not our opinion!
As for our house (Faith Chapel) we will serve the Lord. We had some doubts but God said take the Land! everyone got on the field and stood their ground and we saw God show up. What a victory celebration we had Sunday morning as we submitted to God, repented of sins and flooded to altar to pray. God broke my heart and we confessed our doubt/lack of faith as well as God's faithfulness. I have never seen a group of people 80-100 strong come together in three months to stand together for the sake of the community. What a great exhibit of what God has done IN OUR MIDST and what He will do in the future as we are Obedient to HIM! We are going to take back NJ for Christ.
The stand team and our church reached families for Christ! (go to http://www.myspace.com/etcooldad shut off the music in the red box and play the video of the stand team in our church)
We visited three schools and spoke to a total of 1,000 students and teachers (many came back to our church and accepted Christ).
We went on the radio 99.1 Star FM and thousands heard about the team, their love for Jesus Christ. (one family came from over 1 1/2 hours away and saw their three children accepted Christ for the First time.)
We saw pastors and people from churches in our area get excited for God and understand that we need each other to infiltrate our community for Christ
We had over 675 people attend our church in 5 days.
Over 200 people raised their hands to make a decision for Christ in five days!
105 people filled out commitment cards about their decision and we will follow up with them.
As God had not done enough, he has given us hope and increased our faith as a church to do anything short of sin to reach the families in our community and the world. We took in the Stand Strength team as missionaries to the world (www.standstrengthteam.org) !
Praise the Lord!
BTW...I was added to the team, ripped a phone book and was invited to break three bricks wit the team. What a feeling of the power of God and...YES it did hurt. BUT as I train God will give me the strength so that by next year I will be breaking some big walls. Oh how God is working. I praise His Holy name!!! JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! AND HE IS COMING BACK SOON! GO TAKE THE LAND!
ET RAMBLINGS....
God wants our obedience not our opinion!
As for our house (Faith Chapel) we will serve the Lord. We had some doubts but God said take the Land! everyone got on the field and stood their ground and we saw God show up. What a victory celebration we had Sunday morning as we submitted to God, repented of sins and flooded to altar to pray. God broke my heart and we confessed our doubt/lack of faith as well as God's faithfulness. I have never seen a group of people 80-100 strong come together in three months to stand together for the sake of the community. What a great exhibit of what God has done IN OUR MIDST and what He will do in the future as we are Obedient to HIM! We are going to take back NJ for Christ.
The stand team and our church reached families for Christ! (go to http://www.myspace.com/etcooldad shut off the music in the red box and play the video of the stand team in our church)
We visited three schools and spoke to a total of 1,000 students and teachers (many came back to our church and accepted Christ).
We went on the radio 99.1 Star FM and thousands heard about the team, their love for Jesus Christ. (one family came from over 1 1/2 hours away and saw their three children accepted Christ for the First time.)
We saw pastors and people from churches in our area get excited for God and understand that we need each other to infiltrate our community for Christ
We had over 675 people attend our church in 5 days.
Over 200 people raised their hands to make a decision for Christ in five days!
105 people filled out commitment cards about their decision and we will follow up with them.
As God had not done enough, he has given us hope and increased our faith as a church to do anything short of sin to reach the families in our community and the world. We took in the Stand Strength team as missionaries to the world (www.standstrengthteam.org) !
Praise the Lord!
BTW...I was added to the team, ripped a phone book and was invited to break three bricks wit the team. What a feeling of the power of God and...YES it did hurt. BUT as I train God will give me the strength so that by next year I will be breaking some big walls. Oh how God is working. I praise His Holy name!!! JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! AND HE IS COMING BACK SOON! GO TAKE THE LAND!
ET RAMBLINGS....
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
What's happenin'!
Well the summer is almost over and as we look back we had some great successes in two months...
PULSE OUR NEW YOUTH GROUP reports this
PULSE OUR NEW YOUTH GROUP reports this
- 11 attended Penn Jersey Youth camp
- 8 made commitments to holiness & TO BE DISCIPLED
- 7 gave their testimony on Sunday Morning
- We had 25 teens and 10 adult leaders in our dress for the mess event
- We had 27 at our wet and wild kickball event
- We already have a youth worship band (eventhough it is kinda heavy metal
- We kick off Pulse Explosion on Sept 6th (Thursday nights)
- This weekend we are traveling to Revelation Generation concert
- Stand Ministries is coming Sept 26-30th
In BIG BOY church..
- Redid the sound system
- Purchased & Installed 3 projectors (2 front and 1 rear)
- Purchased new computers
- Have ADULT discipleship classes/small groups starting in Oct on Wednesday Nights
- Children's JAM (Jesus and Me) starting (SS, Children's Church and Wednesday night)
- Stand Ministry outreach teams
- Committed to connect with God and connect with others
- New women's SS class -Beth Moore (Oct 07)
- Sunday/Monday Night football (men's event) coming with cable!!!
- Worship team is rocking!!!! with three teens playing instruments~
- We have seen over 30 people accept Christ as their personal Savior
- 5-7 men meet for prayer every thursday at 6:30AM
- I MEET WITH 8 PASTOR'S FROM THE COMMUNITY EVERY THURSDAY
- Concerts of prayer every Wednesday night in Sept for Stand outreach
- I am joining a mentoring group with our DS Dr. Wood
- We had 76 people at our home last Sunday for an ICE CREAM SOCIAL (3 hours)
- We had attendance over 100! (107 and 135 during the summer - Doubling our attendance)
- We have seen a 25% -30% increase in attendance on average for two months!
On the home front...
- We love our new home
- We still have issues with our home in Michigan
- Peter is in school already and hooking up with others for a band
- Brianna has been out of the house with other girls most of the time and is doing great
- Matt is 7 yrs old and content with video games
- Doreen is in the worship team singing and will co-lead a Beth Moore SS class in Oct (everyone wants to be in the pastor's wife's class...lol)
On a personal note...
- I don't know how church planters do this from scratch
- I am working twice as hard now and we have a established building and land.
- I guess God knew my family limitations.
- This has definitely felt like a church plant and I am not a detail oriented guy
- I am still looking for more men/women to come along side me to cover my weaknesses
- I am dreaming for God and it kinda scares me sometimes the things he is putting in my head
- For Stand outreach in Sept he gave me a number of 1,000. Our church only holds 175-225 on a very good day and we have 5 services (do the math)
- I will be faithful and let God be God.
- I praise God for the great examples of leaders he has put in my life.
- The great news is that I have a great Godly friend here in NJ who wants to see Faith Chapel Thrive for Jesus! PTL
- Take a good look at our building...it might be changing in a couple of years as we grow!
ET RAMBLINGS...
Monday, August 13, 2007
Heaven is singing!
Well today I did a funeral for a dear lady from our congregation, Jane Alpaugh. She was told two years ago that she had 6 months to live. Her Husband, Allen, died a couple of months ago unexpectedly.
Well Our church has over 150 people at the funeral service and I preached from 2 Corinthians 4:16 - 5:10, “Do not lose heart, though our outer man is decaying . . ." Fore some reason, God wanted me to give a bigtime salvation message. I told the story of how Dr. Tony Campolo challenged a pastor and thus the "It's friday, but sunday's a coming!" speech.
Well I told that story and then said ... Thurday morning 12:30 am, Jane's lungs are struggling to gasp for air, you see for her it was Friday. The family and I circled around her bed and prayed because to us it was Friday. We read from Rev 22 as Jane looked lifeless on her bed at home, It was Friday for us. Jane opened her eyes and took her last breath and it was immediately SUNDAY for her! Absent of the body is home with the Lord 2 Cor 5. She not only saw us around the bed but I believe she saw Jesus and her husband waiting for her.
We gave a salvation message and around twenty people raised their hand to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior!! PTL Then I asked if anyone else wanted to receive Christ and read Romans 10 and asked those who wanted Jesus in their lives to repeat the sinners prayer with me. Around a third of the people recited the prayer!!! At least over 40!!
God is working even in death as this area of New Jersey will be HIS. We prayed in amazement after cleaning the church and did not want to leave. I had been in the office since 7am, the service was at 11am and we were still at the church till around 4pm. Praise God.
Alot of the people said they were coming back to our church. Messy floors, messy walls , messy, lives and alot of Jesus!!! To Him be the Glory.
What''s next... Stand Ministry the last week of September for 5 days. We are looking for around 1,000 to accept Jesus as their Savior.
Ed in the Country of NJ...Well I have some cows to evangelize and they can talk to the farmers..
ET Ramblings...
Well Our church has over 150 people at the funeral service and I preached from 2 Corinthians 4:16 - 5:10, “Do not lose heart, though our outer man is decaying . . ." Fore some reason, God wanted me to give a bigtime salvation message. I told the story of how Dr. Tony Campolo challenged a pastor and thus the "It's friday, but sunday's a coming!" speech.
Well I told that story and then said ... Thurday morning 12:30 am, Jane's lungs are struggling to gasp for air, you see for her it was Friday. The family and I circled around her bed and prayed because to us it was Friday. We read from Rev 22 as Jane looked lifeless on her bed at home, It was Friday for us. Jane opened her eyes and took her last breath and it was immediately SUNDAY for her! Absent of the body is home with the Lord 2 Cor 5. She not only saw us around the bed but I believe she saw Jesus and her husband waiting for her.
We gave a salvation message and around twenty people raised their hand to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior!! PTL Then I asked if anyone else wanted to receive Christ and read Romans 10 and asked those who wanted Jesus in their lives to repeat the sinners prayer with me. Around a third of the people recited the prayer!!! At least over 40!!
God is working even in death as this area of New Jersey will be HIS. We prayed in amazement after cleaning the church and did not want to leave. I had been in the office since 7am, the service was at 11am and we were still at the church till around 4pm. Praise God.
Alot of the people said they were coming back to our church. Messy floors, messy walls , messy, lives and alot of Jesus!!! To Him be the Glory.
What''s next... Stand Ministry the last week of September for 5 days. We are looking for around 1,000 to accept Jesus as their Savior.
Ed in the Country of NJ...Well I have some cows to evangelize and they can talk to the farmers..
ET Ramblings...
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
The Job life...NOT YET!
Yesterday, Doreen was very emotional and was missing Michigan, friends and her workout buddies. Peter is missing his friends and letting us know how he feels which is sometimes good and sometimes hard to hear. I do miss the worship and playing with Larry and the group so much! I also miss the office talk with the pastors and office workers. I also do not look forward to calling the mortgage companies and looking at the future financial mess that will happen with our home in Michigan. The stress is mounting...
{breath}
Well...I sat in my office this morning and cried to God about His plans. In my daily quiet time with God, I was overcome with the lonelyness of the changes happening in our lives as a family, the emotions of my wife and kids and not to mention the changes that God has shown me for Faith Chapel in my prayer time. He has called us to reach families and to reach out to the lost in anyway possible (anything short of sin). Change is hard on all but change needs to happen because people are dying and going to an eternal punishment without Jesus Christ and we have the answer! I just feel in my spirit that sometimes we are just to involved in what we want and do not see the entire picture.
He has already put burdens on my soul for people in the area. I met a gentleman across the street from the church named Wayne and I hope to talk with him more. I also met my nieghbor, Ray, who did not seem very friendly and cut the grass along the property border to show me the boundries. I need to see them with God's eyes and continue to love them.
I also know that people within the congregation will resist change. My family and I are struggling with that now so why wouldn't the church also struggle. I know I did not come to NJ to argue about change (worship, outreach or color of walls) and I won't do that at all. There is so much to be done and I just want to talk about Jesus to anyone who needs Him dearly.
...And I look at the calander and see James 1:12:
{breath}
Well...I sat in my office this morning and cried to God about His plans. In my daily quiet time with God, I was overcome with the lonelyness of the changes happening in our lives as a family, the emotions of my wife and kids and not to mention the changes that God has shown me for Faith Chapel in my prayer time. He has called us to reach families and to reach out to the lost in anyway possible (anything short of sin). Change is hard on all but change needs to happen because people are dying and going to an eternal punishment without Jesus Christ and we have the answer! I just feel in my spirit that sometimes we are just to involved in what we want and do not see the entire picture.
He has already put burdens on my soul for people in the area. I met a gentleman across the street from the church named Wayne and I hope to talk with him more. I also met my nieghbor, Ray, who did not seem very friendly and cut the grass along the property border to show me the boundries. I need to see them with God's eyes and continue to love them.
I also know that people within the congregation will resist change. My family and I are struggling with that now so why wouldn't the church also struggle. I know I did not come to NJ to argue about change (worship, outreach or color of walls) and I won't do that at all. There is so much to be done and I just want to talk about Jesus to anyone who needs Him dearly.
...And I look at the calander and see James 1:12:
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial,
because when he has stood the test,
he will receive the crown of life."
Could it be we are starting to feel a little like Jesus did? He didn't say it would be easy and it isn't. Why should we be surprised. Peter of all people tells us not be surprised at the painful trials that we suffer in 1Peter 4:12-13, 18-19.
"Dear friends,do not be surprised
at the painful trials you are suffering,
as though something strange is happening to you.
But rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ,
That you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed...
...And, if it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and sinners?
So then, those who suffer according to God's will
should commit themselves to their faithful Creator
and continue to do Good."
The job life...not yet...not even close!
...For me and my house, we will serve the
Lord!!!!
ET Ramblings...
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
The World is MINE!!!
Today I opened up some boxes for my office and unpacked the globe that was given to me when I left Community Wesleyan Church. For the first time I read what the inscription said and was greatly moved. How God is moving in this world, using ordinary people.
I put together the GLOBE thinking of how God would have molded the earth in His hands, how marvelous! I was also thinking of all the godly people in Michigan who wrote their stories into my life and let me write into their lives. There is something about personal stories that are still being written and how God wants us to use our imagination to do life with other and love them into the Kingdom.
If we claim to be a Christian, we must be Christlike in "entering other people's world"...as Christ has entered our world. Incarnation!
As pastors we need to look like what we are preaching. It seems impossible...(with man). All things are possible with Christ!
ET Ramblings...
I put together the GLOBE thinking of how God would have molded the earth in His hands, how marvelous! I was also thinking of all the godly people in Michigan who wrote their stories into my life and let me write into their lives. There is something about personal stories that are still being written and how God wants us to use our imagination to do life with other and love them into the Kingdom.
If we claim to be a Christian, we must be Christlike in "entering other people's world"...as Christ has entered our world. Incarnation!
As pastors we need to look like what we are preaching. It seems impossible...(with man). All things are possible with Christ!
ET Ramblings...
Saturday, July 07, 2007
God moments!
It has been so cool these last three weeks in NJ. God knew what I needed and provided! This past Thursday, nine pastors from this area met at Faith Chapel for Prayer. We meet at 10:30 am every Thursday and they annointed me, the church, the sanctuary, future evangelic events, the services and the grounds. What an uplifting time of prayer as they poured out oil on my head and we knelt befor eGod and petitioned Him for this area! A good ole Holy Spirit time with Pastors from different denominations coming together for revival in this area.
On the Michigan front, my home has still not sold and I am leaving Sunday July 15th after service in NJ to fly to Michigan and pack up for our move on Wednesday July 18th...exactly 5 years to the date that we arrived in Michigan. So if anyone can help pack a truck on Wednesday Morning please be at my house. If anyone wants the house it is yours! Please pray.
ET Ramblings...
On the Michigan front, my home has still not sold and I am leaving Sunday July 15th after service in NJ to fly to Michigan and pack up for our move on Wednesday July 18th...exactly 5 years to the date that we arrived in Michigan. So if anyone can help pack a truck on Wednesday Morning please be at my house. If anyone wants the house it is yours! Please pray.
ET Ramblings...
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Time alone with God - Fill in the blanks!
I have found that in my communt of 1 hour each way to and from my Inlaws home in the Poconos and Faith Chapel that God had prepared me with a time frame in order for me to value that time alone with Him in a busy time of transition in my life. What a lesson! I have chaged a sermon and been ministered by God in my lonelyness without my wife, Doreen. He has also shown me the joy of that sinister smile of Matthew, especially when he comes to try and cut my throat with his hand. And of course the joy and wisdom of teenage humor (HAHA) that comes with Peter.
Have you had your Appointment with God
Why? - Quit Time with God. Try this and fill in the blanks.
a. Jesus set the example to spend ______________ in prayer (Mark 1:35)
b. To discover God’s ______ and receive _________. (Romans 12:2)
c. To receive _________________ and ____ from God. (John 6:63)
d. For the joy of Knowing the Savior better. (1 Peter :8-9)
e. What does that look like?
i. Bible reading
ii. Prayer
iii. Scripture application
Just spend time with him answer a - d and let the word of God speak!
Just Listen...
ET Ramblings...
Have you had your Appointment with God
Why? - Quit Time with God. Try this and fill in the blanks.
a. Jesus set the example to spend ______________ in prayer (Mark 1:35)
b. To discover God’s ______ and receive _________. (Romans 12:2)
c. To receive _________________ and ____ from God. (John 6:63)
d. For the joy of Knowing the Savior better. (1 Peter :8-9)
e. What does that look like?
i. Bible reading
ii. Prayer
iii. Scripture application
Just spend time with him answer a - d and let the word of God speak!
Just Listen...
ET Ramblings...
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
What a WEEK!
Boy...between CWC in Michigan and Faith Chapel in NJ, my family and I were emotionally drained.
The send off at CWC was nothing short of fantastic and the reception at NJ was the same. Peter and I drove to NJ on Tuesday and then I was at work on Monday going at it with Alan, the Vice chair of FC. We purchased a projector and mics, (added two more projectors on Monday), adjusted the sound system, rearranged the stage area and prepared for a county picnic.
THAT'S RIGHT I PLAYED COUNTRY MUSIC!! I still can hear the song in my head...
It was great! Around 20-25 teens showed up and we had a big water fight and a great game of football. We had baby goats which Matt loved and could not let go of. I thought they were our food! We had burgers instead! The teens here can rock musically. Peter connected with a guitar player named Ronnie (10th grade - like Steve McCoy) and I see God doing great things through them both.
I also am blessed with a great instrumental section...Chuck - is a great guitar player and picks up stuff fast as well as Ronnie and a horn section. Sunday we did How Great is our God and a young adult, Katie, added some flute...It was Beautiful!
Dr. Wood installed me on Father's day and it was a very emotional time for me. I praise God for this opportunity and pray that I will remain faithful. I already met our police department and did not get arrested!!! I offered my services as a Chaplain and am awaiting a meeting with the big guy there.
I do miss my fellow comrades in the office at CWC. It is kinda lonely in the office by myself and I can't wait for Doreen and the kids to come back. Keep praying for my home in Michigan to sell.
God bless
ET Ramblings...
The send off at CWC was nothing short of fantastic and the reception at NJ was the same. Peter and I drove to NJ on Tuesday and then I was at work on Monday going at it with Alan, the Vice chair of FC. We purchased a projector and mics, (added two more projectors on Monday), adjusted the sound system, rearranged the stage area and prepared for a county picnic.
THAT'S RIGHT I PLAYED COUNTRY MUSIC!! I still can hear the song in my head...
It was great! Around 20-25 teens showed up and we had a big water fight and a great game of football. We had baby goats which Matt loved and could not let go of. I thought they were our food! We had burgers instead! The teens here can rock musically. Peter connected with a guitar player named Ronnie (10th grade - like Steve McCoy) and I see God doing great things through them both.
I also am blessed with a great instrumental section...Chuck - is a great guitar player and picks up stuff fast as well as Ronnie and a horn section. Sunday we did How Great is our God and a young adult, Katie, added some flute...It was Beautiful!
Dr. Wood installed me on Father's day and it was a very emotional time for me. I praise God for this opportunity and pray that I will remain faithful. I already met our police department and did not get arrested!!! I offered my services as a Chaplain and am awaiting a meeting with the big guy there.
I do miss my fellow comrades in the office at CWC. It is kinda lonely in the office by myself and I can't wait for Doreen and the kids to come back. Keep praying for my home in Michigan to sell.
God bless
ET Ramblings...
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Me and My Shadow!
2 Tim 2:2 in action!
So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother good-by," he said, "and then I will come with you." "Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?" So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant. 1 Kings 19:19-21
Elisha means "my God is my salvation". This passage is a call to greatness as Elijah passes the torch to Elisha and Elisha leaves no way back to his old life. Elisha then goes and shadow's Elijah, the man of God.
As I shadow...
This last year, I have asked God for a double portion of the spirit He has blessed my former senior pastors/pastors/friends with:
So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother good-by," he said, "and then I will come with you." "Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?" So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant. 1 Kings 19:19-21
Elisha means "my God is my salvation". This passage is a call to greatness as Elijah passes the torch to Elisha and Elisha leaves no way back to his old life. Elisha then goes and shadow's Elijah, the man of God.
As I shadow...
This last year, I have asked God for a double portion of the spirit He has blessed my former senior pastors/pastors/friends with:
- Pastor Mike Saunders - former/current policeman, ever working and on the move. A great administrator and man of integrity and a stand up christian!
- Pastor Matt Mabey - a man of Grace and Truth with a creative (left-handed intelegence) and a hand grenade preacher. Blessed by God as a mentor and writer. The surface is calm but waters run deep and true! Preacher/teacher, grace giver.
- Pastor Mick Veach - Although I know him for a short time, he is a man of his word and lives for God. Truly a leader with a vision and a prayer warrior.
- Pastor Garry Beecher - although not a senior pastor, we worked together for five years and weathered the storm of transition with me for 6 months at CWC. He has the heart of God, sensitive and caregiving.
- Larry Whitcomb - although not a "senior" pastor nor a pastor, he has openned a door to the spirit with his calm voice to let something loose... SO COOL ... HOJAHSDPIUGHEOQH(there I wrote in toungues!) The spiritual connection, a true man of God in every sense and a great worship leader.
Each have given me a vital piece of wisdom and friendship which I know has been ordained by God. Each obedient to the task that God has given them for such a time and each I am proud to call my friend for life. For I would have truely taken a bullet for anyone of them...ALL MEN OF GOD!
Being shadowed...
Having Jason share in this is great.Here is what I wrote in 2004 to the LBA in regard to Jason...
- Called By God to lead this ministry
- He is a natural Shepard!
- A proven and dedicated leader with the adults and teens
- Ministerial student seeking ordination
- A valuable asset to God’s kingdom and CWC’s youth ministry
Being shadowed and passing the torch is cool. We have been doing it for five years and He is God's man for such a time as this! God had shown me this over three years ago and to see how God has worked this out is amazing! I cannot wait to see the greatness He has for the CWC youth group as well as what He has in store for Faith Chapel in NJ.
May God bless HIS church as we remain obedient!
ET Ramblings...
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tiger's Game
Here are some pictures of us at the Tigers Game. Obviously at the Big Boy Resturant in the Park.
Don't worry it's only a statue! (I think!) I wonder how many people tried to get a picture with this dude?
Don't worry it's only a statue! (I think!) I wonder how many people tried to get a picture with this dude?
When in Rome...wear a Tiger's cap...but only backwards. (Sorry METS!)
All in all there were 50 of us in attendance that day and we had a great time and only missed White Castles by three blocks (Thanks Jason, sorry Carl).
ET Ramblings...
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
(GAPP) Youth Room is Finished - Michigan
The youth room is finished thanks to the trustees and David Engle. We are ready to rock the gates of Heaven with worship tonight from 6pm to 8pm.
Here is David in the sound booth!
Here is David in the sound booth!
Come and hear us worship : Come and fill me up
You're worthy of my praises
More love more power
Holiness
The Message: Life in the Spirit - The Joy Filled Life (John 15)
The colors OF THE WALL are actually COOL: Maroon and Blue...
Et Ramblings
Monday, May 21, 2007
Michigan house needs to GO!!!!
One Month...Two Months?????
We have opened the pool and are ready for our last couple of weeks in Michigan, however, we need someone to buy our home. We have already lowered the price by $10,000 and would listen to any offer.
Shadow, our dog, is Lovin Summer!
Please pray that God would bring in a buyer or we will have to sell one of our kids to pay the mortgage in Michigan and live in NJ. I am leaving with Peter for NJ around June 12th. Doreen and the kids should meet me later in the week to be in church on Father's Day (Installation Sunday for us). Then Doreen, Peter and Matt will come back to Michigan until we have a place to live in NJ. Me and Brianna will be staying at Doreen's mom's house in PA. God has a plan...
ETRamblings...
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