I've already blogged about my mom before....check out the archives for more on that.
I want to also brag on my wonderful wife, who also will celebrate Mother's Day this coming weekend. I was at a wedding rehearsal tonight, helping one of our church families with their wedding this weekend. As I watched the events of the rehearsal unfold, I was reminded of my own wedding day.
It was almost 22 years ago when that day arrived. I remember well standing in front of the sanctuary at Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh, waiting for the organ to begin playing, and waiting for Felicia to walk down the aisle. I confess that when the doors were opened and I saw her, I cried. She joined me at the front, and we both began a journey in God's strength that continues to this day.
And now, almost 22 years later, we've seen God do some awesome things in our marriage and family. Felicia is a wonderful wife, and mother to our four children. She compliments me so well in both my school and church ministries. She sacrificed her own career when Megan was born to be a stay-at-home mom, and did this for 15 years or so. Then she gladly re-entered the work force when God called me to NRCA to teach, so we could help make ends meet. She is constantly filling the gap with whatever is needed at the time. Any success I have in ministry is a direct result of her support and encouragement of me.
My wife is a daily testimony to me and our family. And this blog entry is just one way to tell her how much I love her. To God be the glory for what He has done through her. But thank you, Lord, for giving her to me.
Pastor Randy
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Be an Encourager - The One Encouraged Might Just Be You
I find that God is regularly providing opportunities for me to be an encouragement to others. Sometimes I miss them or get distracted with my own issues. But when I'm paying attention to the prompting of the Spirit, and obeying His leadings, then people get encouraged.
One of the books I'm reading now (Spiritual Leadership, by Henry & Richard Blackaby) provided another dose of encouragement to me tonight about, well, encouragement. Blackaby says that spiritual leaders constantly look to recognize the success of others and give encouragement and support as well. To take this a step further, I believe it's also important to encourage others in their growing relationship with the Lord. We are to seek to glorify God in all that we are and all that we do. Giving encouragement to one another helps us succeed in this goal.
What typically happens is this - when you encourage someone else, it usually comes right back to you. It may be simply in the satisfaction of being an encourager to someone who needs it. The Lord may also measure it back to you through the encouragement of someone else. Either way, both parties win.
I received some nice, timely encouragement through an email tonight. God knew what I had been struggling with this week, and he used a specific person to give me the encouragement I needed tonight to keep the faith and keep fighting the fight. Man, God is good!
So, here's my encouragement to you. Pray and ask the Lord to give you a list of five (5) people you know that you can encourage in the next 48 hours. Then, pray about ways to give that encouragement - phone call, email, card, letter, visit, make a meal, etc. Finally, go and give the encouragement.
Do all this as unto the Lord. Fully pleasing Him, not to bring glory to yourself, not expecting anything in return. And watch what God can do, for the ones you encourage - and probably for yourself as well.
Pastor Randy
One of the books I'm reading now (Spiritual Leadership, by Henry & Richard Blackaby) provided another dose of encouragement to me tonight about, well, encouragement. Blackaby says that spiritual leaders constantly look to recognize the success of others and give encouragement and support as well. To take this a step further, I believe it's also important to encourage others in their growing relationship with the Lord. We are to seek to glorify God in all that we are and all that we do. Giving encouragement to one another helps us succeed in this goal.
What typically happens is this - when you encourage someone else, it usually comes right back to you. It may be simply in the satisfaction of being an encourager to someone who needs it. The Lord may also measure it back to you through the encouragement of someone else. Either way, both parties win.
I received some nice, timely encouragement through an email tonight. God knew what I had been struggling with this week, and he used a specific person to give me the encouragement I needed tonight to keep the faith and keep fighting the fight. Man, God is good!
So, here's my encouragement to you. Pray and ask the Lord to give you a list of five (5) people you know that you can encourage in the next 48 hours. Then, pray about ways to give that encouragement - phone call, email, card, letter, visit, make a meal, etc. Finally, go and give the encouragement.
Do all this as unto the Lord. Fully pleasing Him, not to bring glory to yourself, not expecting anything in return. And watch what God can do, for the ones you encourage - and probably for yourself as well.
Pastor Randy
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Ramblings of a Man on Spring Break - Part 2
More things I think......
Study Your Letters
Another question I asked my students today: "how many of you NEVER study for an Algebra test or quiz?". Not surprisingly, the majority of them raised their hands. Now, some of them are making A's in my class - but some are not. My next question: "when will you know that you need to study math?". My students' answer: "when I start failing". Way wrong answer! If you wait until you're failing to start studying, you'll already be way behind. And, more importantly, you really won't know how to study. Create the right habits now, not later. Don't make me come over there.....!
A Passage of Scripture that will Change Your Life
Read Mark 9:14-29. I mean really read it, meditate on it, pray on it, listen to what God says. Wrestle with verses 23-24: "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes....Lord, I believe; help my unbelief."
American Idol Finale
Remember - you heard it here first. The finale will be Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze. I think Lee is finally getting it. Look for Lee to win in a shocker.
Healthcare Reform....and Other Nonsense
I agree we need reform....but not Obamacare. But my bigger concern - our country is spending money it doesn't have. Trust me - when I spend money I don't have, God brings the hammer down on me. What if he brought the smack down on our country for doing the same? Just saying......
My Kindergarten Poem
Funny the things you never forget.....this was my poem I recited at my Kindergarten graduation ceremony. I don't really remember much else from then, but anyway.....
F is for fish that you catch in the lake. When mommy fries them, what a good meal they make.
Ok, stop laughing.....
Pastor Randy
Study Your Letters
Another question I asked my students today: "how many of you NEVER study for an Algebra test or quiz?". Not surprisingly, the majority of them raised their hands. Now, some of them are making A's in my class - but some are not. My next question: "when will you know that you need to study math?". My students' answer: "when I start failing". Way wrong answer! If you wait until you're failing to start studying, you'll already be way behind. And, more importantly, you really won't know how to study. Create the right habits now, not later. Don't make me come over there.....!
A Passage of Scripture that will Change Your Life
Read Mark 9:14-29. I mean really read it, meditate on it, pray on it, listen to what God says. Wrestle with verses 23-24: "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes....Lord, I believe; help my unbelief."
American Idol Finale
Remember - you heard it here first. The finale will be Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze. I think Lee is finally getting it. Look for Lee to win in a shocker.
Healthcare Reform....and Other Nonsense
I agree we need reform....but not Obamacare. But my bigger concern - our country is spending money it doesn't have. Trust me - when I spend money I don't have, God brings the hammer down on me. What if he brought the smack down on our country for doing the same? Just saying......
My Kindergarten Poem
Funny the things you never forget.....this was my poem I recited at my Kindergarten graduation ceremony. I don't really remember much else from then, but anyway.....
F is for fish that you catch in the lake. When mommy fries them, what a good meal they make.
Ok, stop laughing.....
Pastor Randy
Ramblings of a Man on Spring Break
Some things I think.............
Don't Blame the Clown
There was a news story this week that said people were protesting against McDonald's. Seems they think that Ronald McDonald is to blame for childhood obesity. I guess the idea is that Ronald makes those children obsess with hamburgers and fries. Well, here's a news flash - those children can't drive themselves to McDonald's, they don't have the money to buy the happy meals, and they are certainly only acting their age. What about you parents? Who's fault is it anyway when the kids eat too many burgers and fries? Just one more way that parents are not owning up to their responsibilities. Please, don't blame the clown.
Math Rules
I asked my math students today to answer this question: can you live in a world without math? As there are in every crowd, a few students wanted to argue with me and answer this question "yes". But with every argument, I think I proved that the world God made is influenced in some way by math. Some things are obvious, some take a little more thought. God made math - not entirely sure on what day (a little ministers joke, ha ha!). We can see it woven throughout all of creation. You rock, God!
Humbled for God's Glory
God continues to humble me under His mighty, powerful hand. Webster defines humble this way: not proud, not arrogant, reflecting a spirit of submission. Yep, that's what He's doing in me! In pretty much all of my life. Sometimes the weight seems hard to bear - but that's when I learn more about trusting His strength. Pour it on, Lord!
Powerful Worship Song
Just bought the new Passion CD, Awakening. Bought it mainly for new Chris Tomlin song, "Our God". Here's some of the text - I'd like to sing it in worship at WBC soon.
Water You turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind
There's no one like You, none like You
Into darkness You shine, out of the ashes we rise
There's no one like You, none like You
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God, You are higher than any other
Our God is healer, awesome in power
Our God, our God
Pastor Randy
Don't Blame the Clown
There was a news story this week that said people were protesting against McDonald's. Seems they think that Ronald McDonald is to blame for childhood obesity. I guess the idea is that Ronald makes those children obsess with hamburgers and fries. Well, here's a news flash - those children can't drive themselves to McDonald's, they don't have the money to buy the happy meals, and they are certainly only acting their age. What about you parents? Who's fault is it anyway when the kids eat too many burgers and fries? Just one more way that parents are not owning up to their responsibilities. Please, don't blame the clown.
Math Rules
I asked my math students today to answer this question: can you live in a world without math? As there are in every crowd, a few students wanted to argue with me and answer this question "yes". But with every argument, I think I proved that the world God made is influenced in some way by math. Some things are obvious, some take a little more thought. God made math - not entirely sure on what day (a little ministers joke, ha ha!). We can see it woven throughout all of creation. You rock, God!
Humbled for God's Glory
God continues to humble me under His mighty, powerful hand. Webster defines humble this way: not proud, not arrogant, reflecting a spirit of submission. Yep, that's what He's doing in me! In pretty much all of my life. Sometimes the weight seems hard to bear - but that's when I learn more about trusting His strength. Pour it on, Lord!
Powerful Worship Song
Just bought the new Passion CD, Awakening. Bought it mainly for new Chris Tomlin song, "Our God". Here's some of the text - I'd like to sing it in worship at WBC soon.
Water You turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind
There's no one like You, none like You
Into darkness You shine, out of the ashes we rise
There's no one like You, none like You
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God, You are higher than any other
Our God is healer, awesome in power
Our God, our God
Pastor Randy
Thursday, March 25, 2010
In You Alone
As a worship leader, I am always grateful for the text of the songs that God provides for corporate worship. Too often we get caught up in the tempo or style and miss some incredible text.
One of my all-time favorite Christian artists is Steve Green. When I first started singing in a church, I always chose to sing his music. Even though my music has now stretched into new areas as well, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Steve's music. One of his songs, titled "In You Alone", has some of the most incredible text I've ever encountered. The words of this song literally leap from the page and speak to me of God's amazing power and provision in even the most difficult circumstances.
To me, the most powerful part of the song occurs with the statement: "when I reach the end, You are just beginning". These words are a harsh reflection of me so many times. I think I have the answers to any situation that comes my way. Then, when I reach the end of where my strength, my ability, my intelligence, my everything can take me, God is just beginning. That's because He has been waiting all that time, waiting for me to surrender everything to Him.
Here are the words of the song. May they be a ministry to you as well. May we all trust in the Lord with all that we are. For His glory - and our good.
When I am weak, You carry every burden
When I'm alone, You're just a breath away
When I am restless, You're the one who stills me
And where I fail, You always stay the same
When I am lost, Your rescue me from danger
And when I fall, You pick me up again
When I resist, You love past my defenses
And though I stray, You're patient to the end
In You alone, I lifted up to heaven
In You alone, I soar on borrowed wings
When I reach the end, You are just beginning
In You alone, I find all that I need
Pastor Randy
One of my all-time favorite Christian artists is Steve Green. When I first started singing in a church, I always chose to sing his music. Even though my music has now stretched into new areas as well, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Steve's music. One of his songs, titled "In You Alone", has some of the most incredible text I've ever encountered. The words of this song literally leap from the page and speak to me of God's amazing power and provision in even the most difficult circumstances.
To me, the most powerful part of the song occurs with the statement: "when I reach the end, You are just beginning". These words are a harsh reflection of me so many times. I think I have the answers to any situation that comes my way. Then, when I reach the end of where my strength, my ability, my intelligence, my everything can take me, God is just beginning. That's because He has been waiting all that time, waiting for me to surrender everything to Him.
Here are the words of the song. May they be a ministry to you as well. May we all trust in the Lord with all that we are. For His glory - and our good.
When I am weak, You carry every burden
When I'm alone, You're just a breath away
When I am restless, You're the one who stills me
And where I fail, You always stay the same
When I am lost, Your rescue me from danger
And when I fall, You pick me up again
When I resist, You love past my defenses
And though I stray, You're patient to the end
In You alone, I lifted up to heaven
In You alone, I soar on borrowed wings
When I reach the end, You are just beginning
In You alone, I find all that I need
Pastor Randy
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Holiness is what I long for
There's a song that basically says holiness is what I long for, holiness is what I need, holiness is what You (God) want from me. The song is "Take My Life", by Scott Underwood. The writer goes on to also talk about faithfulness and righteousness, in the same terms as holiness. According to Underwood, to see this holiness take place, here's what is required:
Take my heart and form it,
Take my mind and transform it,
Take my will and conform it
To Yours, to Yours, oh Lord.
(Copyright 1995 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing. All rights reserved)
According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, holiness means to be set apart, to be spiritually pure, to be filled with the awesome power of God in the believer through the Holy Spirit. In fact, it says that "the idea of holy is important for an understanding of God, of worship, and of the people of God in the Bible". The Bible is very clear that God desires holiness in all believers (see 1 Peter 1:15-16).
As I reflect on Underwood's song, I realize several important things. God desires holiness from me. For me personally, as a believer in Jesus Christ, holiness is what I should long for, it's what I definitely need, and it's definitely what God wants from me. To get it requires God's work in my life. He must change or transform my heart, mind and will to His heart, mind and will. I'm reminded of how God commands this in Scripture (Romans 12:1-2). Here He calls us to "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God", calling this our "reasonable service", or like the NIV says, our "spiritual act of worship". We can only do this "by the mercies of God", not in our own strength. He goes on to say that we should "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind". Then we will be pleasing to Him.
I'm more convinced than ever that when we get a better understanding of worship, then holiness will begin to be more achieveable. True worship permeates all areas of our lives, and when we surrender everything to God and His will, we can start realizing true biblical holiness that is acceptable to Him.
Here is an article I encourage you to read from Between the Times. It also speaks on holiness and what we need to remember about it. I also encourage you to pray specifically today to the Lord about holiness. Ask Him to help you (as will I) to long for holiness and for Him to:
Take my heart and form it,
Take my mind and transform it,
Take my will and conform it
To Yours, to Yours, oh Lord.
http://betweenthetimes.com/2010/02/20/abraham-booth-on-holiness-and-perseverance/
Pastor Randy
Take my heart and form it,
Take my mind and transform it,
Take my will and conform it
To Yours, to Yours, oh Lord.
(Copyright 1995 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing. All rights reserved)
According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, holiness means to be set apart, to be spiritually pure, to be filled with the awesome power of God in the believer through the Holy Spirit. In fact, it says that "the idea of holy is important for an understanding of God, of worship, and of the people of God in the Bible". The Bible is very clear that God desires holiness in all believers (see 1 Peter 1:15-16).
As I reflect on Underwood's song, I realize several important things. God desires holiness from me. For me personally, as a believer in Jesus Christ, holiness is what I should long for, it's what I definitely need, and it's definitely what God wants from me. To get it requires God's work in my life. He must change or transform my heart, mind and will to His heart, mind and will. I'm reminded of how God commands this in Scripture (Romans 12:1-2). Here He calls us to "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God", calling this our "reasonable service", or like the NIV says, our "spiritual act of worship". We can only do this "by the mercies of God", not in our own strength. He goes on to say that we should "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind". Then we will be pleasing to Him.
I'm more convinced than ever that when we get a better understanding of worship, then holiness will begin to be more achieveable. True worship permeates all areas of our lives, and when we surrender everything to God and His will, we can start realizing true biblical holiness that is acceptable to Him.
Here is an article I encourage you to read from Between the Times. It also speaks on holiness and what we need to remember about it. I also encourage you to pray specifically today to the Lord about holiness. Ask Him to help you (as will I) to long for holiness and for Him to:
Take my heart and form it,
Take my mind and transform it,
Take my will and conform it
To Yours, to Yours, oh Lord.
http://betweenthetimes.com/2010/02/20/abraham-booth-on-holiness-and-perseverance/
Pastor Randy
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Get Over It Already
So, there's been a lot of controversy in the news for a couple of weeks about the Focus on the Family commercial featuring Tim Tebow that will air during the Super Bowl. Here is an article about this from Baptist Press.
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=32136
There have been a number of people and organizations that have lined up to protest this ad and to demand that CBS not air it. My response to these people: get over it already!
In most cases, no one in our pluralistic, tolerant, post-modern culture even bats an eye about the ridiculous things we often see on TV these days. There are too many worldly themes to count woven into our TV programs and commercials. These themes openly support such things as gay relationships/marriage, infidelity in marriage, murder, sex, sexually transmitted disease, open & applauded disobedience of the law & parents, abusive relationships & language, and a very negative view of churches & religion in general. Just to name a few things.
Now that someone wants to potentially stand up for something that a large number of Americans believe in (right to life), the wolves are coming out of the woods to complain and make ridiculous demands. I realize this is a characteristic of the culture we live in. But it's time for Christians to stand up for what is right.
I also recognize that this isn't very different from what I read in Acts 3-4. Peter & John heal a lame man, by God's power, and then they get arrested. They are arrested because everyone is seeing the obvious miracle that God has performed, and the name of Jesus Christ is being proclaimed. The net of the story is that when the Sanhedrin realize they can't really do anything about this, they threaten Peter & John. "So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus" (4:18). I like how they respond: "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (4:19-20).
I can't wait to see the ad on Sunday. I'll be at church leading a Bible study, but I'll be sure we set the recorder before we leave. My prayer is that it will be a testimony for Christ that impacts the lives of many Americans. And I also pray that I can respond daily like Peter & John.
Pastor Randy
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=32136
There have been a number of people and organizations that have lined up to protest this ad and to demand that CBS not air it. My response to these people: get over it already!
In most cases, no one in our pluralistic, tolerant, post-modern culture even bats an eye about the ridiculous things we often see on TV these days. There are too many worldly themes to count woven into our TV programs and commercials. These themes openly support such things as gay relationships/marriage, infidelity in marriage, murder, sex, sexually transmitted disease, open & applauded disobedience of the law & parents, abusive relationships & language, and a very negative view of churches & religion in general. Just to name a few things.
Now that someone wants to potentially stand up for something that a large number of Americans believe in (right to life), the wolves are coming out of the woods to complain and make ridiculous demands. I realize this is a characteristic of the culture we live in. But it's time for Christians to stand up for what is right.
I also recognize that this isn't very different from what I read in Acts 3-4. Peter & John heal a lame man, by God's power, and then they get arrested. They are arrested because everyone is seeing the obvious miracle that God has performed, and the name of Jesus Christ is being proclaimed. The net of the story is that when the Sanhedrin realize they can't really do anything about this, they threaten Peter & John. "So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus" (4:18). I like how they respond: "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (4:19-20).
I can't wait to see the ad on Sunday. I'll be at church leading a Bible study, but I'll be sure we set the recorder before we leave. My prayer is that it will be a testimony for Christ that impacts the lives of many Americans. And I also pray that I can respond daily like Peter & John.
Pastor Randy
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