It's 5:45am on a Thursday morning, and I'm up earlier than usual at my computer. You may say that's not really that early to be up on a Thursday, but remember, I'm on summer vacation. Somehow I think I'm violating some unwritten teacher rule about being up before sunrise during the summer.
I couldn't sleep well last night for a variety of reasons. Megan had to avoid a potential accident on Capital Blvd on her way home from rehearsal last night. Some crazy guy driving south in a north-bound lane. God was protecting her and helped her avoid what could have been a bad accident. There are some other things on my mind right now, and I guess all that stress led me to talk in my sleep last night. I dreamed that someone was trying to press in the walls of our bedroom, and I had to do something about it. If you want to hear more stories about my talking (and the ocassional walking) in my sleep, see Felicia for more details.
As I sit here early this morning and reflect on all this, I realized (not for the first time) that our family is in the midst of a year of transitions. All six of us are either in the middle of a transition or about to go through one in the next month or so. For our family, 2013 will always be remembered for the transitions we endured. I pray it will also be known for the work of God in our lives. Here are some of the transitions I'm talking about:
Felicia - she started a new job in a new division in state gov't in January. While she's getting integrated well after seven months, she's still learning and getting up to speed. She's also experiencing a transition with a new writing project that was published just recently.
Megan - she graduated from NC State in May and is looking for full-time employment. Megan has to make a tough transition - she's no longer a student for the first time in her life. Being an adult takes on a lot of new meaning when you leave college.
Kelsey - she starts her sophomore year in college this Fall, but at a new school. She has transferred to the College at Southeastern, leaving UNC-CH behind. I'd say that's a pretty big transition, going from Carolina to Southeastern. But God is able.
Daniel - he starts high school this Fall at NRCA. I see God doing so much in his life. This will be a big year for Daniel, a lot different than middle school.
Matt - he starts middle school this Fall at NRCA. One of the biggest transitions a student makes is going from elementary to middle school. Matt has his work cut out for him this year.
And then there's me, too. So many transitions for me this year. It started with a move out of a church ministry position, and I continue to wait on the Lord for that. I also will be moving to teach Algebra I in 8th grade at NRCA, while also transitioning to some new roles on the middle school team. Our entire family is also transitioning to a new church, which brings additional things to think about and decisions to make.
Wow! That's a lot of transitions. And how funny that all of us are going through our own individually and a few more as a family. But as I reflect on all this again this morning, I'm also reminded how big my God is. Scripture is filled with encouragement that God is not surprised by our circumstances. It tells us that nothing is too difficult for God. He is able and already working in today's circumstances, with a perfect view of what tomorrow will bring. The Bible tells us that God always keeps His promises. What an awesome comfort that is!
I may not know what tomorrow holds. I may not understand why God allows things to happen the way He does. I may not know how today's circumstances will work out. But I trust in a God who knows me better than I know myself. He is able. The words of the song by that name always comfort and assure me:
He is able, more than able, to accomplish what concerns me today
He is able, more than able, to handle anything that comes my way
He is able, more than able, to do much more than I could ever dream
He is able, more than able, to make me what He wants me to be
When I reflect on those lyrics, I'm also reminded of the passage from Ephesians 3:20-21:
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Pastor Randy
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Ministry Update
Thanks to all of you who have been praying for my family and me. We appreciate you and your prayers more than I can say. It's been a while since my last post, so I thought I'd give a brief update on where we are right now. I continue to desire your prayers as I seek to know God's plan for us.
As you may know, we left Wakefield Baptist Church at the end of February. We continue to miss seeing and worshipping with our Wakefield family. Shortly after leaving Wakefield, the Lord brought several ministry opportunities to me for consideration. I began discussions and some interviews with a few churches in the area for ministries with music and students. All of these ministries were bi-vocational, similar to the ones I have been serving in for about 15 years. As I prayed and considered each opportunity, God drew me closer to Himself through the process. But in His wisdom, none of the opportunities were the right place of service for me. I am thankful for His work in me through this process. I continue to wait on Him to lead in placing me in the ministry He desires.
At the same time, God has been working in other ways that are exciting. My commitment to North Raleigh Christian Academy is unchanged. I continue to see God working there, and He has blessed me richly in this ministry. God has opened up some new opportunities for me at NRCA this fall. I will be teaching Algebra I in 8th grade this year. While I'm sad to be leaving the 7th grade team, I'm also looking forward to moving into a new challenge. And I get to teach the same students again as last year. This is a great chance to continue to reinforce God's truth to them and develop even closer relationships with them. In addition, I will be serving as the math department head and 8th grade-level lead this fall. I accepted these roles with great humility, knowing that I will be relying on the teams I work closely with for our mutual success for God's glory. I praise God for allowing me to step into these new roles. I pray I lead in them for Him alone.
While we wait to see how God works in church ministry, our family has been visiting The Summit Church. We have been visiting often since we left Wakefield. We love it there and are seriously considering joining the church soon. God has used this time to refresh us and give us great instruction from His Word. Plus, we have been able to attend Summit as a family, especially while the girls are home for the summer.
In addition, our family continues to grow in the Lord and in the changes He's bringing our way. Not only with ministry for me. Felicia is enjoying her job at DHHS and just returned recently from the writer's conference. She is excited about how God is using her writing. Megan has graduated from NC State and is enjoying her new jobs. Kelsey also has two jobs this summer to earn college money, which will be spent at the College at Southeastern this fall. Daniel is about to enter high school, which he is very excited about. Matt is entering middle school this year, and he gets an extra year before getting me as his math teacher. I am blessed beyond imagination by my family. God is working in great ways.
I am both blessed and challenged as I look to the future. Blessed by the many ways God is working and providing for me and my family. Blessed by the new opportunities He is bringing my way. Challenged as I wait to see what His plan is in ministry. But God is good in all things. I know His way is always best. Thanks again for your continued prayers for our family.
Pastor Randy
As you may know, we left Wakefield Baptist Church at the end of February. We continue to miss seeing and worshipping with our Wakefield family. Shortly after leaving Wakefield, the Lord brought several ministry opportunities to me for consideration. I began discussions and some interviews with a few churches in the area for ministries with music and students. All of these ministries were bi-vocational, similar to the ones I have been serving in for about 15 years. As I prayed and considered each opportunity, God drew me closer to Himself through the process. But in His wisdom, none of the opportunities were the right place of service for me. I am thankful for His work in me through this process. I continue to wait on Him to lead in placing me in the ministry He desires.
At the same time, God has been working in other ways that are exciting. My commitment to North Raleigh Christian Academy is unchanged. I continue to see God working there, and He has blessed me richly in this ministry. God has opened up some new opportunities for me at NRCA this fall. I will be teaching Algebra I in 8th grade this year. While I'm sad to be leaving the 7th grade team, I'm also looking forward to moving into a new challenge. And I get to teach the same students again as last year. This is a great chance to continue to reinforce God's truth to them and develop even closer relationships with them. In addition, I will be serving as the math department head and 8th grade-level lead this fall. I accepted these roles with great humility, knowing that I will be relying on the teams I work closely with for our mutual success for God's glory. I praise God for allowing me to step into these new roles. I pray I lead in them for Him alone.
While we wait to see how God works in church ministry, our family has been visiting The Summit Church. We have been visiting often since we left Wakefield. We love it there and are seriously considering joining the church soon. God has used this time to refresh us and give us great instruction from His Word. Plus, we have been able to attend Summit as a family, especially while the girls are home for the summer.
In addition, our family continues to grow in the Lord and in the changes He's bringing our way. Not only with ministry for me. Felicia is enjoying her job at DHHS and just returned recently from the writer's conference. She is excited about how God is using her writing. Megan has graduated from NC State and is enjoying her new jobs. Kelsey also has two jobs this summer to earn college money, which will be spent at the College at Southeastern this fall. Daniel is about to enter high school, which he is very excited about. Matt is entering middle school this year, and he gets an extra year before getting me as his math teacher. I am blessed beyond imagination by my family. God is working in great ways.
I am both blessed and challenged as I look to the future. Blessed by the many ways God is working and providing for me and my family. Blessed by the new opportunities He is bringing my way. Challenged as I wait to see what His plan is in ministry. But God is good in all things. I know His way is always best. Thanks again for your continued prayers for our family.
Pastor Randy
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Real or Fake?
I love the fact that I get to serve at a Christian school. Not only do I get to teach math, but more importantly I get to weave Scripture into everything I do in class. This past week was no exception.
I read part of Ephesians 4 in class, specifically highlighting vv. 11-15. In the context, Paul reminds us that we are taught the Word of God for several reasons: the equipping of the saints, the work of the ministry, the edifying of the body of Christ, the unity of the faith, the knowledge of Jesus, the growth to a perfect man in the fullness of Christ, and more. I focused on v. 14, which tells us we grow in the Word so we will not remain as children, tossed about by false doctrine and the tricks of men. Rather, because of the Word, we are able to speak the truth in love and grow up in all things in Christ.
I shared with my students that the only way they can trust what they are hearing is to filter it through the Bible. I gave several examples of this, including the movie "Catch Me If You Can". The story is about Frank Abignale, Jr., a true story about a man who made counterfeit checks and stole money from several companies. He was eventually arrested and served time in prison. However when he had served his time, he was hired by the FBI to help with identifying conterfeit checks. In fact, he was so good at his job that someone asked him about it, wondering how he got so good at spotting fake checks. Frank's response was that he had studied real checks so much that it was easy to spot the fake ones.
My message to my students was simple: you'll only know truth if you've studied the only truth so well that you can easily spot something that's fake. There are too many things in this world that sound almost like biblical truth, but they fall short in some way. Some fall short in a big way, usually in terms of their view of Jesus Christ. The only way you can know for sure is to line it up against God's Word. If it fails the comparison test, then it's a fake.
I saw this revealed again this morning. I've been able occasionally to watch some preaching on TV on Sunday mornings before church. Today, I watched two TV preachers. One was Dr. David Jeremiah, and I can tell you I trust his teaching. He did an awesome job today with Philippians 2. Then I watched another TV preacher, who's name I will not use, but he is a very popular preacher of a very large church. The second preacher largely encouraged his congregation in the complete opposite direction of what I believe the Bible teaches about serving one another and relationships. The first guy preached on how Jesus was the ultimate example of a servant, coming to earth as the God man. The second guy preached on how we should cut off those people who drain us and we should focus on our own destiny, using no Scripture to back up his words.
God does not want us to be confused. That's one reason we have the Bible. It's our textbook for life. But more than that, it is truth. I encourage you to apply Frank Abignale, Jr.'s idea to the Christian realm. Know the Word of God so well that you can easily spot what is fake. Let the Holy Spirit affirm it in your heart and give you the power to live it in your life.
Pastor Randy
I read part of Ephesians 4 in class, specifically highlighting vv. 11-15. In the context, Paul reminds us that we are taught the Word of God for several reasons: the equipping of the saints, the work of the ministry, the edifying of the body of Christ, the unity of the faith, the knowledge of Jesus, the growth to a perfect man in the fullness of Christ, and more. I focused on v. 14, which tells us we grow in the Word so we will not remain as children, tossed about by false doctrine and the tricks of men. Rather, because of the Word, we are able to speak the truth in love and grow up in all things in Christ.
I shared with my students that the only way they can trust what they are hearing is to filter it through the Bible. I gave several examples of this, including the movie "Catch Me If You Can". The story is about Frank Abignale, Jr., a true story about a man who made counterfeit checks and stole money from several companies. He was eventually arrested and served time in prison. However when he had served his time, he was hired by the FBI to help with identifying conterfeit checks. In fact, he was so good at his job that someone asked him about it, wondering how he got so good at spotting fake checks. Frank's response was that he had studied real checks so much that it was easy to spot the fake ones.
My message to my students was simple: you'll only know truth if you've studied the only truth so well that you can easily spot something that's fake. There are too many things in this world that sound almost like biblical truth, but they fall short in some way. Some fall short in a big way, usually in terms of their view of Jesus Christ. The only way you can know for sure is to line it up against God's Word. If it fails the comparison test, then it's a fake.
I saw this revealed again this morning. I've been able occasionally to watch some preaching on TV on Sunday mornings before church. Today, I watched two TV preachers. One was Dr. David Jeremiah, and I can tell you I trust his teaching. He did an awesome job today with Philippians 2. Then I watched another TV preacher, who's name I will not use, but he is a very popular preacher of a very large church. The second preacher largely encouraged his congregation in the complete opposite direction of what I believe the Bible teaches about serving one another and relationships. The first guy preached on how Jesus was the ultimate example of a servant, coming to earth as the God man. The second guy preached on how we should cut off those people who drain us and we should focus on our own destiny, using no Scripture to back up his words.
God does not want us to be confused. That's one reason we have the Bible. It's our textbook for life. But more than that, it is truth. I encourage you to apply Frank Abignale, Jr.'s idea to the Christian realm. Know the Word of God so well that you can easily spot what is fake. Let the Holy Spirit affirm it in your heart and give you the power to live it in your life.
Pastor Randy
Monday, March 11, 2013
ACC Basketball Tourney Picks
Ok, here you go. My ACC Tournament picks for this year. Enjoy.
Thursday's Games:
GA Tech over Boston College
NCSU over VA Tech
Wake Forest over Maryland
Florida State over Clemson (sorry Mrs. Lilly)
Friday's Games (assumes my picks win on Thursday):
Miami over GA Tech
NCSU over Virginia
Duke over Wake Forest
UNC over Florida State
Saturday's Games (assumes my picks win on Friday):
NCSU over Miami
UNC over Duke
Sunday's Game (assumes my picks win on Saturday):
NCSU over UNC
Yes, I know I'm an NC State fan. If I set that aside for a moment, my second choice would be UNC. Not because I like them that much, but if it turns out to be Duke vs. UNC on Saturday, I think UNC wins the game. They have a lot to make up for after the last game between these two teams.
Just my opinion. That and a dollar will buy you a Snickers bar at the grocery store.
Thursday's Games:
GA Tech over Boston College
NCSU over VA Tech
Wake Forest over Maryland
Florida State over Clemson (sorry Mrs. Lilly)
Friday's Games (assumes my picks win on Thursday):
Miami over GA Tech
NCSU over Virginia
Duke over Wake Forest
UNC over Florida State
Saturday's Games (assumes my picks win on Friday):
NCSU over Miami
UNC over Duke
Sunday's Game (assumes my picks win on Saturday):
NCSU over UNC
Yes, I know I'm an NC State fan. If I set that aside for a moment, my second choice would be UNC. Not because I like them that much, but if it turns out to be Duke vs. UNC on Saturday, I think UNC wins the game. They have a lot to make up for after the last game between these two teams.
Just my opinion. That and a dollar will buy you a Snickers bar at the grocery store.
Friday, February 1, 2013
God is Sovereign
Sovereign in the mountain air
Sovereign on the ocean floor
With me in the calm
With me in the storm
Sovereign in my greatest joy
Sovereign in my deepest cry
With me in the dark
With me at the dawn
Sovereign on the ocean floor
With me in the calm
With me in the storm
Sovereign in my greatest joy
Sovereign in my deepest cry
With me in the dark
With me at the dawn
In Your everlasting arms
All the pieces of my life
From beginning to the end I can trust You
In Your never-failing love
You work everything for good
God whatever comes my way I will trust You
All the pieces of my life
From beginning to the end I can trust You
In Your never-failing love
You work everything for good
God whatever comes my way I will trust You
All my hopes all I need
Held in Your hands
All my life all of me
Held in Your hands
All my fears all my dreams
Held in Your hands
Held in Your hands
All my life all of me
Held in Your hands
All my fears all my dreams
Held in Your hands
Chris Tomlin | Jason Ingram | Jonas
Myrin | Martin Chalk | Matt Redman
©
2012 Said And Done Music A Thousand Generations Publishing sixsteps Music Sixsteps
Songs worshiptogether.com songs Worship Together Music Thankyou Music Sony/ATV
Timber Publishing Open Hands Music SHOUT! Music Publishing Martin Chalk
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Whom Shall I Fear
You hear me when I
call
You are my morning
song
Though darkness fills
the night
It cannot hide the
light
Whom shall I fear
You crush the enemy
underneath my feet
You are my sword and
shield
Though troubles
linger still
Whom shall I fear
I know Who goes
before me
I know Who stands
behind
The God of angel
armies is always by my side
The One who reigns
forever
He is a friend of
mine
The God of angel
armies is always by my side
My strength is in
Your name
For You alone can
save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
And nothing formed
against me shall stand
You hold the whole
world in Your hands
I'm holding on to
Your promises
You are faithful
You are faithful
Chris
Tomlin | Ed Cash | Scott Cash
©
2012 Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Sixsteps
Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
A
Thousand Generations Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Alletrop
Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Monday, December 31, 2012
New Year's Roadmap
For those who know me as a worship pastor, the word "roadmap" is an important one for me. I use a roadmap each week that I lead worship. It's not original with me - I got the idea from the man who mentored me in music ministry and worship leadership, Eric Bruton.
The idea is to try to write down all the elements of the weekly corporate worship service, including the parts of each song we're singing, transitions, notes for myself, important directions for our tech team, and much more. It serves as the roadmap for the service each week. However an important thing to remember is that it is only a guide. It represents my best efforts to prepare to lead our worship services well under the prayerful leadership of the Holy Spirit. That means if God decides to do something different, I still need to be ready and able to make any needed transitions to ensure we are faithful to follow Him. He, of course, is our worship leader, not me.
As I've been thinking over the last few days about New Year's Day, I think looking at 2013 also requires a roadmap. Many people make resolutions they rarely keep past the first week. A roadmap, at least as I've defined it, makes more sense to me. It represents a guide for my life in 2013, based entirely on what God is already doing in my life and where He's leading me to go. But it is also flexible, so if and when God speaks and moves me in a different direction, I am ready to go.
God has been working on me for some time now, particularly in the last six months. He's called me to make some difficult choices. He's challenged me to think about some things differently. He's reminded me of what's most important in my life. I'm getting a clearer picture of what He desires. I pray I keep listening and watching for what He desires for me.
So, here's my 2013 roadmap. I'll spare you all of the details and just hit the highlights. God is still filling in some of the blanks for me in terms of specific ways to measure my results.
1. Grow in a relationship with the Lord daily through Bible study, prayer & obedience.
2. Be a better pastor with my family - make this my top priority in ministry.
3. Select a few people who are willing to invest their lives into mine.
4. Continue investing my life into several young people who desire to serve in ministry.
5. Develop better personal habits to improve my testimony for the Lord.
6. Improve my efforts to be a life-long learner - in Bible study, music, ministry & teaching
7. Focus more on the ministry moments God provides in each day.
8. Be a pastor and teacher that makes a positive impact in the lives of others for God's glory.
9. Know when to say "no" in order to focus on God's best for me & those I serve.
10. Find new ways to get better organized to achieve all God desires for me.
Yes, I know that's a lot. But remember - it's not in my strength anyway. May it happen as God desires, and totally and only for His glory. Happy New Year!
Pastor Randy
The idea is to try to write down all the elements of the weekly corporate worship service, including the parts of each song we're singing, transitions, notes for myself, important directions for our tech team, and much more. It serves as the roadmap for the service each week. However an important thing to remember is that it is only a guide. It represents my best efforts to prepare to lead our worship services well under the prayerful leadership of the Holy Spirit. That means if God decides to do something different, I still need to be ready and able to make any needed transitions to ensure we are faithful to follow Him. He, of course, is our worship leader, not me.
As I've been thinking over the last few days about New Year's Day, I think looking at 2013 also requires a roadmap. Many people make resolutions they rarely keep past the first week. A roadmap, at least as I've defined it, makes more sense to me. It represents a guide for my life in 2013, based entirely on what God is already doing in my life and where He's leading me to go. But it is also flexible, so if and when God speaks and moves me in a different direction, I am ready to go.
God has been working on me for some time now, particularly in the last six months. He's called me to make some difficult choices. He's challenged me to think about some things differently. He's reminded me of what's most important in my life. I'm getting a clearer picture of what He desires. I pray I keep listening and watching for what He desires for me.
So, here's my 2013 roadmap. I'll spare you all of the details and just hit the highlights. God is still filling in some of the blanks for me in terms of specific ways to measure my results.
1. Grow in a relationship with the Lord daily through Bible study, prayer & obedience.
2. Be a better pastor with my family - make this my top priority in ministry.
3. Select a few people who are willing to invest their lives into mine.
4. Continue investing my life into several young people who desire to serve in ministry.
5. Develop better personal habits to improve my testimony for the Lord.
6. Improve my efforts to be a life-long learner - in Bible study, music, ministry & teaching
7. Focus more on the ministry moments God provides in each day.
8. Be a pastor and teacher that makes a positive impact in the lives of others for God's glory.
9. Know when to say "no" in order to focus on God's best for me & those I serve.
10. Find new ways to get better organized to achieve all God desires for me.
Yes, I know that's a lot. But remember - it's not in my strength anyway. May it happen as God desires, and totally and only for His glory. Happy New Year!
Pastor Randy
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