Last night, Jeremiah fell and chipped one of his front teeth. Stephenie and I were a little frantic.
This morning, Jeremiah was able to get in and see his dentists around 10:15. (Side note - the receptionist at our dentist is a wonderful lady!) They took an x-ray of his tooth, found that the root was still protected and therefore our dentist was able to put a filling on his tooth. (Weren't able to "replace" the chip.) When all was said and done, Jeremiah had his wonderful smile back and you couldn't tell that it had been chipped.
We immediately jumped in our van and got on the road headed for Virginia (Colonial Heights area) for Stephenie's grandmother's funeral. (The actual funeral is going to be on Friday.) We made it to the funeral home just in time for a private, family viewing. (We stopped and changed our clothes in a nasty Burger King.) All of Stephenie's family was there. We had a great time of fellowship as we all shared different memories that we had of Grandma Henry (and Grandpa Henry).
Thank you to everyone for their prayers and words of encouragement.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Power & Pull of Music
This past Sunday night I had the opportunity to preach a message on the topic of music. You can listen to that message at http://www.southcharlottebaptist.org/.
In her book, Music and Morals, author Kimberly Smith states,, "...There is no such thing as 'Christian' music. There are only two choices for music: moral and immoral."
The "world" very clearly understands that music is very powerful. Just ask Muzak, a business that makes its living because of that power. Just ask any secular artist. Immoral music has a power that easily influences its listeners towards sensuality and rebellion, and influences them away from God.
That is where the pull of music comes in. 2 Timothy 3:1, 13-17 document well the pull of the world which can be seen in its immoral music.
Allow me to illustrate to you the "slide" that has taken place in so called "Christian" music.
Step 1. CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) - Artists such as Amy Grant and others began to popularize CCM which took the sound of the world and coupled it with "Christian" lyrics falsely believing that music (the sound) was amoral or morally neutral. CCM's belief was and still is that any music can be joined with Christian lyrics to make it acceptable and pleasing to God. (This is a Biblically incorrect belief.)
Step 2. CCM (Christ, Community, and Music) - This step began as "Christian" artists began to "crossover" into the world's pop music. In fact, these artists began to be referred to as "artists of faith." This meant that a musician, who gave any type of 'Christian' testimony, could perform Christian music and could also perform secular music. Many would place Taylor Swift, who gives a Christian testimony yet performs secular music, in this category.
Step 3. The slide hasn't stopped with simply taking the world's music and coupling it with Christian lyrics. Now it is a full acceptance, by Christians, of secular, worldly music - lyrics and all. I have on my desk right now a teen, "Christian" magazine with an article entitled, "Music to get you in the Christmas spirit." In this article it not only lists contemporary Christian musicians, but also artists of faith, as well as out-right secular musicians such as Harry Connick Jr. and Kelly Clarkson, former winner of the American Idol.
This same magazine, in tackling the subject of evangelism says, "Honestly, people want 'proof' of the difference Jesus makes. Your life is the proof." How can we prove that Christ has made a difference in our life when they "hear" no difference in our music and even see us accepting their music.?
"Come out from among them and be ye seperate..." (2 Corinthians 6:17)
In her book, Music and Morals, author Kimberly Smith states,, "...There is no such thing as 'Christian' music. There are only two choices for music: moral and immoral."
The "world" very clearly understands that music is very powerful. Just ask Muzak, a business that makes its living because of that power. Just ask any secular artist. Immoral music has a power that easily influences its listeners towards sensuality and rebellion, and influences them away from God.
That is where the pull of music comes in. 2 Timothy 3:1, 13-17 document well the pull of the world which can be seen in its immoral music.
Allow me to illustrate to you the "slide" that has taken place in so called "Christian" music.
Step 1. CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) - Artists such as Amy Grant and others began to popularize CCM which took the sound of the world and coupled it with "Christian" lyrics falsely believing that music (the sound) was amoral or morally neutral. CCM's belief was and still is that any music can be joined with Christian lyrics to make it acceptable and pleasing to God. (This is a Biblically incorrect belief.)
Step 2. CCM (Christ, Community, and Music) - This step began as "Christian" artists began to "crossover" into the world's pop music. In fact, these artists began to be referred to as "artists of faith." This meant that a musician, who gave any type of 'Christian' testimony, could perform Christian music and could also perform secular music. Many would place Taylor Swift, who gives a Christian testimony yet performs secular music, in this category.
Step 3. The slide hasn't stopped with simply taking the world's music and coupling it with Christian lyrics. Now it is a full acceptance, by Christians, of secular, worldly music - lyrics and all. I have on my desk right now a teen, "Christian" magazine with an article entitled, "Music to get you in the Christmas spirit." In this article it not only lists contemporary Christian musicians, but also artists of faith, as well as out-right secular musicians such as Harry Connick Jr. and Kelly Clarkson, former winner of the American Idol.
This same magazine, in tackling the subject of evangelism says, "Honestly, people want 'proof' of the difference Jesus makes. Your life is the proof." How can we prove that Christ has made a difference in our life when they "hear" no difference in our music and even see us accepting their music.?
"Come out from among them and be ye seperate..." (2 Corinthians 6:17)
Friday, November 12, 2010
Permission Slips
Below you will find PDF's of the permission slips of tonight & tomorrow's youth activities.
Click on the appropriate permission slip to open/view/then print.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
What Are the Signs of Rebellion?
Tonight, in Bro. Rand's message, he gave us the 7 signs of rebellion. He then went on to preach a wonderful message on being "A Rebel - But No One Knows It."
1. Little or now communications
2. Loss of interest in spiritual things
3. Lousy friends
4. Lack of enthusiasm
5. Letting go of strong moral standards
6. Lack of gratitude or thankfulness
7. Little or no respect for authority
1. Little or now communications
2. Loss of interest in spiritual things
3. Lousy friends
4. Lack of enthusiasm
5. Letting go of strong moral standards
6. Lack of gratitude or thankfulness
7. Little or no respect for authority
Monday, August 2, 2010
Monday @ The Wilds
We arrived safely this afternoon after an almost 5 hour drive from Charlotte to The Wilds! We'll update more tomorrow!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Teens & Technology
I have written to parents in the past about teens and technology. However, I was recently reminded about the subject and thought it important enough to address again.
Technology is everywhere. Every aspect of our lives is touched in some way by technology. Whether it be cell phones, Ipads, ATM machines, portable DVD players (and the list could go on), we can't seem to get away from it!
Unfortunately, parents many times "assume" that teenagers know how to use this technology. Now, while teenagers know how to use technology they really don't know how to use it! Hopefully the following thoughts will help you understand what I mean.
1. As a parent, take the time to acquaint yourself with all the technology that your children and teenagers use. (I understand that this can be an intimidating task but it is important!)
2. As a parent, teach your children how to use technology. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether therfore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Teenagers need to be taught to use technology in the right way - a way which glorifies the Lord!
3. As a parent, you must "inspect what you expect." Now, although this will take effort on your part as a parent and although it may not be pleasantly received by your children and teenagers, it is a very necessary step. If you've taken the time to understand the technology yourself, and you've taken the time to teach them how to use the technology, then take the time to make sure they are using the technology in the proper way. Proverbs 29:15b says, "...a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."
4. If, after following these first 3 points you find that your children/teenagers are not using technology properly, please don't have a "knee-jerk" reaction and simply take the technology away. Go back to steps 1-3 and ask yourself, "Do I understand how this technology works and what it has the ability to do?" "Have I instructed them in the proper use of this technology?" "Have I been holding them accountable for how they've been using this technology?" It may be necessary for you to have your children take a break from the technology for awhile but be sure that it includes plenty of Biblical instruction.
"All Scripture is given is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is wrong), for correction (how to get right), for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right): that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Computers began to become household items when I was a young teenager. My father bought our first computer when I was 12. I was intrigued with computers and began to teach myself how to use them. I learned that I could hook a telephone line up to a modem, type in a phone number, and visit "bulletin boards." (Remember, this was in the days before the internet and "unlimited" calling plans.) The online shopping mall that I visited was in California. While I did not get in trouble because of what I was viewing online, the phone call itself cost a lot of money. My parents hit the roof when the $800 phone bill arrived in the mail. Not that I'm blaming my parents, but had they taken the time to find out what that computer could do, then instruct me on how to correctly use that new technology, and then check up on me, they could have saved me a lot of "weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth" and saved themselves some money!
Technology is everywhere. Every aspect of our lives is touched in some way by technology. Whether it be cell phones, Ipads, ATM machines, portable DVD players (and the list could go on), we can't seem to get away from it!
Unfortunately, parents many times "assume" that teenagers know how to use this technology. Now, while teenagers know how to use technology they really don't know how to use it! Hopefully the following thoughts will help you understand what I mean.
1. As a parent, take the time to acquaint yourself with all the technology that your children and teenagers use. (I understand that this can be an intimidating task but it is important!)
2. As a parent, teach your children how to use technology. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether therfore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Teenagers need to be taught to use technology in the right way - a way which glorifies the Lord!
3. As a parent, you must "inspect what you expect." Now, although this will take effort on your part as a parent and although it may not be pleasantly received by your children and teenagers, it is a very necessary step. If you've taken the time to understand the technology yourself, and you've taken the time to teach them how to use the technology, then take the time to make sure they are using the technology in the proper way. Proverbs 29:15b says, "...a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."
4. If, after following these first 3 points you find that your children/teenagers are not using technology properly, please don't have a "knee-jerk" reaction and simply take the technology away. Go back to steps 1-3 and ask yourself, "Do I understand how this technology works and what it has the ability to do?" "Have I instructed them in the proper use of this technology?" "Have I been holding them accountable for how they've been using this technology?" It may be necessary for you to have your children take a break from the technology for awhile but be sure that it includes plenty of Biblical instruction.
"All Scripture is given is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is wrong), for correction (how to get right), for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right): that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Computers began to become household items when I was a young teenager. My father bought our first computer when I was 12. I was intrigued with computers and began to teach myself how to use them. I learned that I could hook a telephone line up to a modem, type in a phone number, and visit "bulletin boards." (Remember, this was in the days before the internet and "unlimited" calling plans.) The online shopping mall that I visited was in California. While I did not get in trouble because of what I was viewing online, the phone call itself cost a lot of money. My parents hit the roof when the $800 phone bill arrived in the mail. Not that I'm blaming my parents, but had they taken the time to find out what that computer could do, then instruct me on how to correctly use that new technology, and then check up on me, they could have saved me a lot of "weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth" and saved themselves some money!
Monday, July 19, 2010
"But make me thereof a little cake first..."
This story in 1 Kings 17 about Elijah being provided for by a widow woman many times is used to illustrate the principle of putting God first. However, I believe it has an even more practical application for us that we many times overlook. Put the man of God - your pastor - first! Allow me to illustrate.
My son, Jeremiah, started cutting grass this summer in order to earn money for camp, etc. Because of his age, though, I have had to drive him, and the equipment, to each house and provide some supervision.
Because of being out of town, one of the yards that he takes care of needed to be cut today! Because of the forecast - They called for rain in the afternoon - I had planned to go home at lunch and take him to get it done.
However, just as I had changed and was getting ready to leave, our senior pastor called. One of the senior couples in our church needed a ride home from the doctor's office. Pastor had planned to ask me to pick them up but when he realized what my plans were, he told me that he would take care of it and for me not to worry about it but to get the yard cut.
The Spirit of God prompted me, though, to press my senior pastor to allow me to minister to this couple (and to be a help to him). I told him that I could take care of it and then help my son get the yard cut. He finally agreed to allow me to do it stating that he had some matters that he needed to attend to in the afternoon as well. He thanked me and we ended our conversation.
I quickly drove to the doctor's office, picked the couple up and took them home. I hurried home, picked up my son (and daughter who is my son's "employee"), and headed to the particular home that needed to be tended to. As we arrived, the storm clouds began to gather. In my mind I told myself that if it began to rain, we'd just have to accomplish it another day.
As we were cutting the grass, the clouds continued to gather and I knew it was merely a matter of time before the rain started.
As my son was nearing the end, sure enough, the skies opened up and it begain to sprinkle. We quickly finished, loaded everything up, and then headed home. As we were driving home it began to rain a little heavier.
I began to think of this passage in 1 Kings 17:13 where Elijah instructed the widow woman that if she would provide for his needs first, that the Lord would miraculously provide for her needs. I believe that most of us know the rest of the story. As I said earlier, we so often use that story to illustrate the priciple of putting God first. However, let me encourage you to do the following. If you have a pastor, find some way in which you can put him first and be an encouragement to him. Maybe you could cut his grass. Or volunteer to watch his children so that he can take his wife on a date. Or make him his favorite dessert. Think creatively. The Lord will bless your efforts to honor your pastor!
My son, Jeremiah, started cutting grass this summer in order to earn money for camp, etc. Because of his age, though, I have had to drive him, and the equipment, to each house and provide some supervision.
Because of being out of town, one of the yards that he takes care of needed to be cut today! Because of the forecast - They called for rain in the afternoon - I had planned to go home at lunch and take him to get it done.
However, just as I had changed and was getting ready to leave, our senior pastor called. One of the senior couples in our church needed a ride home from the doctor's office. Pastor had planned to ask me to pick them up but when he realized what my plans were, he told me that he would take care of it and for me not to worry about it but to get the yard cut.
The Spirit of God prompted me, though, to press my senior pastor to allow me to minister to this couple (and to be a help to him). I told him that I could take care of it and then help my son get the yard cut. He finally agreed to allow me to do it stating that he had some matters that he needed to attend to in the afternoon as well. He thanked me and we ended our conversation.
I quickly drove to the doctor's office, picked the couple up and took them home. I hurried home, picked up my son (and daughter who is my son's "employee"), and headed to the particular home that needed to be tended to. As we arrived, the storm clouds began to gather. In my mind I told myself that if it began to rain, we'd just have to accomplish it another day.
As we were cutting the grass, the clouds continued to gather and I knew it was merely a matter of time before the rain started.
As my son was nearing the end, sure enough, the skies opened up and it begain to sprinkle. We quickly finished, loaded everything up, and then headed home. As we were driving home it began to rain a little heavier.
I began to think of this passage in 1 Kings 17:13 where Elijah instructed the widow woman that if she would provide for his needs first, that the Lord would miraculously provide for her needs. I believe that most of us know the rest of the story. As I said earlier, we so often use that story to illustrate the priciple of putting God first. However, let me encourage you to do the following. If you have a pastor, find some way in which you can put him first and be an encouragement to him. Maybe you could cut his grass. Or volunteer to watch his children so that he can take his wife on a date. Or make him his favorite dessert. Think creatively. The Lord will bless your efforts to honor your pastor!
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