Beyond Our Boundaries - Ephesians 3:20-21

Merry Christmas

2007-12-21T10:51:00.000-05:00

Wow! I can't believe that it is Christmas already. I love the season and what it brings out in just about everyone. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas as the birth of Christ I can guarantee that you are thinking about him. And it never ceases to amaze that just the thoughts of Jesus can make such changes in even the hardest of people. Enjoy the season and make every effort to share Christ with someone.
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Some big news! Next Sunday, December 30th, the Cross Lanes Church of Christ is going live. Well not really live, but there will be a tape delay of our service on television. It seems like a bold step for us but nonetheless exciting. We will be airing on Network West Virginia via local cable station on Suddenlink channel 2. We will be on from 9:00 - 9:30 every Sunday morning for the next year. We have the potential to reach 97,000 homes and 238,00 people in our local area. Our prayer is that this is an outreach for Christ and that he is the one who gets credit for anything that is accomplished. We just want to introduce Jesus and tell about him.

Please pray for our efforts that God will use us to strengthen his Kingdom.
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Merry Christmas everyone!

My Life is Better for Knowing Him/Her!

2007-09-27T12:42:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I wasn't back like I said I was. I try but something always seems to take the time needed for this. I will try to do better. (That is for the one person who reads this blog).
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Update on the Cross Lanes Church. We are in an exciting place right now. It is easy to see God working through the whole church. While we are not without difficulties, we are pressing on and seeing God's hand.

Our outreach efforts are paying off and we are seeing new people visit. Our task now is to figure out how to keep them coming back. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I have never been more excited about the future of a church than I am right now. And the best part is that we know God is working. Sometimes in spite of us. Pray for God's will to be done.
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Now to the title of this blog -- My Life is Better for Knowing Him/Her! What is it that would cause a person to say this about someone? I think there are many reasons for this to be said and I can honestly name several people who would fit that for me. Dean Miller -- taught me that it is ok to agree to disagree and still love and share together. Papaw Fuller -- taught me that you need to have strong convictions about what you believe, but still humble enough to change if needed. Phil Judd, my father-in-law -- taught me the beauty of tolerance and patience. Kerry Ross, my wife -- taught me that love is definitely blind because she still loves me to this day. And says more than she ever has.

I could go on and on. Take some time to reflect in your life those who have made our life better for knowing them. And then make an effort to improve someone elses life.

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Quote for the Day:

"It is often easier to fight for principles than to live up to them."

Adlai Stevenson

I' m Back!!

2007-08-08T12:58:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been just over 4 months since I blogged. I have really missed taking the time to just write stuff. Hopefully, I will be blogging on a more regular basis.

Wow! Four months! So many things to write about, but I will write about only one. This for me is the greatest of all the news from the past 4 months. My 13 year old daughter was baptized. There is nothing to describe the feeling that a parent has when their child submits to Christ in batpism. Then you add to it that I actually baptized her and it just gets even better.

I am so excited about that and her journey in Christ that most other things pale in comparison.

Have a great day!

Quote for the day:

To have the right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it.

Odds and Ends and a little information

2007-04-04T12:50:00.000-05:00

What a kick in the pants. John Beilein is leaving the Mountaineers to coach at Michigan. I can't say that I blame for moving on. Not that there is anything wrong with the job at WVU, but the dollars that are dedicated to the program at Michigan are so much more than at WVU. I have enjoyed Mountaineer basketball more in the past 5 years than I have in a long time. I wish Coach Beilein luck and hope to see the Wolverines win the NCAA championship.
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Why does it always seem to get cold and rainy just in time for Easter? We get all dressed up in our new, spring clothes and the weather just doesn't cooperate. Kids have to hunt eggs inside or in the cold rain and the parents have to be there to watch. Even if the weather doesn't cooperate, the celebration of Jesus coming from the grave makes any day a bright, sunny day.
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Have you ever just sat at the mall or in a park and just watched people? God definitely has a sense of humor. I am always amazed at the unending number of differences I see in people -- height, weight, noses, hands, arms, muscles, no muscles, foot size, eyes, mouths, teeth, hair, sense of style or no sense of style, eyebrows, finger nails, ears, shoulder width, balance, the graceful walk, the clumsy walk, the athletic walk, the lazy walk, the "too much caffeine" walk, etc. The list could go on and on forever. Yes, God has a sense of humor, but he is also a master creator unequalled by anything that was, is, or is yet to come.
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Question -- Does anyone have a vendor they would recommend for the purchase and installation of an LCD projector, screen and necessary hardware?
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How many churches have "Gospel Meetings" and actually preach the Gospel?
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Any good "church billboard" signs you have seen lately -- please send them my way.
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Quote for the day:

It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.

Roots and Wings

2007-03-28T13:31:00.000-05:00

Do you have roots and wings?

Roots -- that run so deep in Christ that you are like the one described in Psalm 1. "He is like a tree planted by streams of water." So deep that you are "unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." Roots so deep that "even though there is a drought, it always bears fruit."

Wings -- that are so developed that you are able to "go into a country that I will show you." Wings that force you to say "I only do what the Father tells me." Wings so wide that you are able to be "content in whatever state I am in."

This has been on my mind lately. I want to have roots and wings. I think I have pretty good roots, but I am not sure about the wings. I am just beginning this personal study and it has proven to be very challenging. Almost like a kick in pants.

So, do you have roots and wings?
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Quote for the day:

"Most people know what they hate, few what they love."

Charles Colton

Things you regret

2007-01-30T14:36:00.000-05:00

The big story in West Virginia right now, at least in sports, is the OJ Mayo saga. Mayo is a gifted athlete with incredible basketball ability. He is the real thing. Up until now, he has also been, from all accounts, a good person. Generous with the media, staying out of trouble, "keeping his nose clean." And then comes the Huntington vs Capital game. Some taunting, some fouls, two technicals and a referee incident later, he is suspended for two games. Or is he?

Today an injunction was filed to allow him and the other five players who were suspended to play in tonight's game against Artesia, CA ranked number 11 in the national polls. The injunction is good until Feb. 9 when a judge will hear the case. I don't really know how I feel about the outcome today. Is it fair? Is it right? We will just have to let time tell.

But I do know this. From reading his comments and those of his coaches, he regrets the incident that got him into the situation.

Are there things you have done that you regret? Words spoken (yelled, screamed, etc.). Looks given. Blows exchanged (physically or emotionally). I know I have. Case and point. I have worked very hard to keep myself under control at athletic contests. I am a very competitive person and sometimes get too much into the game and it is not good. I scream and yell. I say things that I shouldn't. I get angry and take it out on my kids. It is really not a good situation.

Now, I have been very good for about two years. Calm, cool, collected, and in control. It is just a game. But I slipped up. The other night I had a case of "out of control parent" syndrome. I have regretted it ever since. I have even apologized to those sitting around me for my behavior. But that doesn't make it right and I still regret it.

I am over it now and I am committed to not doing it again. But I know that the possibility is there to "lose it" again. So I am convinced that "I can do all things through Jesus, he is my strength." Thank God. I really need it.
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Quote for the day:

"It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do for which we are accountable."
-Moliere

Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

2006-12-18T13:06:00.000-05:00

Take some time and answer these questions about yourself and see if it matches where you are in life.

Who am I, really?
What is it that I really want to do?
When do I really live?
Where do I want to be today? Am I there?
Why do I do what I do?
How can I be what I am really meant to be?

Just a little self inventory for the holidays and new year that is coming.
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Quote for today:

"The most important things in life aren't things."

Question for the day!

2006-11-15T11:38:00.000-05:00

Is it possible to have 100% (24/7/365) communion with God?

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Quote of the Day:

"If you don't scale the mountain, you can't view the plain."

Chinese Proverb

The Tidy Church

2006-11-01T10:55:00.000-05:00

Some ramblings today about something that seems to keep creeping back into my head.

I have been reading about missional churches, outreach efforts, mission work, etc. And I think all of that stuff is great. Sometimes I am so concerned that we just hide inside our "churches" so we don't have to deal with the real world. We hide behind religious activity, spiritual feasts, small groups, youth groups, corporate worship, etc. Now don't get me wrong. All of those things are essential to our developing maturity in Christ, but sometimes they become our maturity in Christ.

I struggle with where to draw the line in "reaching out." I have these pre-set limits in me that are part of my religious heritage. These are what have been called lines of fellowship. "Don't be unequally yoked with unbelievers." "Avoid the very appearance of evil." So we take this and hide in the 'church'. At the same time we need to pay attention to these words, because we are to live by the spirit and not by the flesh. A delicate balance.

But the life of Jesus is one of contrast to the way we have been doing church. He "ate with sinners", he hung around with prostitutes, he went to the tombs with demoniacs, he broke social barriers by talking to a divorced women who was a samaritan, his closest friends were fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, and a lover of money. Jesus was "dirty."

I think it is time for the church to get dirty. We need to get out of the comfort zone of safe, Americanized Christianity and begin thinking like Jesus. We need to get down and dirty with the world and "become all things to all men that we might just save some."

Jesus never prayed that we be taken out of the world. His prayer is that we stay in the world armed with the power of the Holy Spirit. How dirty is your church?

Cycle of Life

2006-10-19T14:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I sat at the hospital while a dear friend of mine passed away. Vernon Casebolt is an elder at the Nitro Church of Christ where Kerry and I served for 15 years as the volunteer youth ministers. We lived across the street from Vernon and Mildred for 15 years. We even bought our first house from them. They were like parents to Kerry and me and Mamaw and Papaw to our kids. Max, our 8 year old, is having a very difficult time. He was Papaw's helper. He would spend hours working in the woodworking shop with Vernon and come home with bird houses, signs, mail boxes, etc. He has been begging us for the past two months to go work with Papaw, but time and schedules didn't allow it. What a shame on us. Max said today that now he won't get to work with Papaw. Please pray for Vernon's wife Mildred; his children Steve, Debbie, and David and their spouses; his grandchildren and their spouses; his church family; and for those of us who were "adopted" family. We lost a good friend yesterday, but now he is home and safe.
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I read today that Jim Gardner's sister finally had her twins. The wonder of childbirth and the beauty of becoming parents cannot be described. God is definitely at work and it is the height of his creation. Congratulations to Jim and his family on two new additions from God.
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This cycle of life from birth to death is God at work. As much as we try to understand what God is doing and why, most of the time we just need to sit back and watch the master at work. Death, life and everything in between is all about him. The sooner we accept that, the better off we will be.
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Quote for the day:

"We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails."

Benjamin Franklin

Fall Festival

2006-10-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

I am amazed at how God works in things. The Fall Festival (which doubled as an internal growth and external outreach) was so successful. God came through in such a big way. We had around 115 - 120 people in and out throughout the day. The largest crowd at any one point, that we were able to count, was 77. It was just an awesome day. Our best guess is that around 40 people were there who had no connection to the Cross Lanes Church at all. What an opportunity!

There were so many people who helped that I won't even begin to name them. I just want to say thank you.
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Quote for the day:

"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts." John Wooden
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My 8 year old son Max is having a MRI tomorrow. In addition to recovering from a broken leg (the cast is now off), he has endured two x-rays, an ultrasound, and several trips to the doctor to give blood and be "checked out." He has has a fist-sized lump under his left arm that the doctors just can't figure out. Hopefully after the MRI we will give us a better idea.

Please pray for him today and tomorrow.

Being Quoted

2006-10-05T10:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I don't know what it means, but the Cross Lanes Church was mentioned in the Christian Chronicle. In the section where they highlight happenings across the nation, Cross Lanes was recognized. I had written in this blog a few weeks back about the Sunday when we had 17 first time visitors. I don't know who shared it with the Chronicle or how they may have come across this blog, but thanks for recognizing us.

I always shudder when someone says I saw your quote. My mind immediately begins to race and wonder what I may have said and why it merited being quoted. I'm sure that is a reasonable fear.

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Let me encourage you to read Patrick Mead's blog (www.tentpegs.blogspot.com) this week. He has two great posts that are worth reading. Be sure to click on "Patrick's other blog" to read the second one.

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Last, but not least, the Cross Lanes Church is having a "Fall Festival" on Saturday, October 14. It will last from 10 am til 2 pm. This is a community day to re-introduce ourselves to the surrounding community. We want people to have fun and to be introduced to Jesus. There will be games, activities, puppet shows, food, horse/pony rides, and fun. Please feel free to come and support our outreach.

Have a great week!

Do we get it or not?

2006-09-27T09:52:00.000-05:00

I am constantly struggling with the distinction between religion and discipleship. I know that the two are related but at the same time they are separate. Which makes my struggle even more difficult.

I am more convinced each day that we don't quite get it. Jesus called us to such a radical lifestyle that is counter to the world, that we don't want it or we just don't get it. Most churches and church people are religious without being disciples. Now, I know that is a generalization, but I get caught up in the religious practice instead of disciple practice myself so I am indicting myself. I don't feel guilty, I just know that I am covered by the grace of God and strive to understand the lifestyle that Jesus called me to. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No. Just a constant battle with myself to be aligned with the mission of Jesus.

Where are you in this? Do you struggle? Am I in this alone? If you are reading this blog, let me know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

The Right Idea

2006-09-20T06:44:00.000-05:00

I have been taking the WVSSAC coaching certification class. And I have to say that I am suprised. With all of the focus on winning or be fired from the middle school level to the college level, the focus of ASEP (American Sports Education Program) is still "Athletes first, winning second." ASEP is the national organization for certification of coaches for all levels of amateur competition. I have been very impressed with the idea of developing the athlete for life and not just the sport you are coaching. The statistics say that less that 1% of high school athletes will compete after high school. So the idea of developing the kids for life is right on.

With all of that being said, I wish that we would really use that philosophy. Too often coaches put kids in an unfair situation when putting their own ambition ahead of developing their athletes into responsible, confident adults.
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Thought for the day:

Security is not the meaning of life;
Great opportunity is worth the risk.

Shirley Hufstedler

One of those Days!

2006-09-12T11:16:00.000-05:00

Do you ever just get up in a bad mood? And no matter what you do to change it, it just doesn't seem to make any difference. Today I am in a "funk" or something. I just can't seem to shake the mood. I have tried praying, singing, meditating, reading, etc. and nothing seems to work.

I know I have no excuse. But today is just "one of those days."

It's now lunch and I thought reading some e-mail and blogs might brighten my day. But nothing worked until I came across the following e-mail forward. I think you will enjoy it. It really made my day better.

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee. When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself, adds no quality to the coffee in most cases, just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... and then began eyeing each other's cups. Now consider this: Life is the coffee, and the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."

God brews the coffee, not the cups..........enjoy your coffee.

Have a great week. And if there is anyone who reads this blog, please give me your thoughts on "Community in Christ."

Community in Christ

2006-09-05T10:49:00.000-05:00

I am currently preaching a series of sermons called "Community in Christ." I would like for anyone who reads this blog to please send me a response.

I would like to know what "Community in Christ" means to you. How do we implement it in churches and communities? What does it look like?

I look forward to your response.

Remember this from Larry James in Dallas, TX. "Reflecting earlier this week on what it would be like to wake up as Mayor of Dallas, Texas got me to thinking about the importance of looking at life as a people through the lense of 'us' or 'we'. 'I' or 'me' or 'my' or 'mine' just doesn't get it. I hope we wake up soon to the truth that when all are cared for more adequately, all of us do better."

Catching Up!

2006-09-02T08:17:00.000-05:00

It has been over a month since I wrote here. I have really missed it. But it seems like everytime I start to write, something more urgent comes to my plate. So today is a hodgepodge of things over the past 6 weeks.

My sister-in-law is in great shape. Her surgery was very successful and she is able to get back to some semblance of normal life -- whatever that is. She was even able to go on vacation with us the last week of July. Praise God for watching over her so well.

Vacation was fantastic. We spent the last part of July and first part of August at Myrtle Beach. For the first time in a long time I didn't do anything on vacation. I was just there with Kerry and the kids to have a relaxing time. We swam in the pool, rode the lazy river, sat at the beach, ate, ate, ate, and ate. It was the best vacation in a while.

In August the final hill climb to school starts. Sports are in full swing, school shopping begins and the days at the pool become less and less. I am helping coach the Nitro High soccer team, so it feels a little like I am back to school.

My son Max, 8 years old, fell off the trampoline and broke his tibia straight across the top. He is in a full leg cast up to his hip until September 21. What a way to start school. In all of that, he walks around on his crutches with a big smile. He has a great attitude about the whole thing. Thank you, God, for Max.

August 20-22 Jim Gardner was in Cross Lanes and Hurricane. That was the best meeting I have ever attended. Jim was able to speak to the exact things we talked about and built the perfect transition for our plans in the next year. He was so good, we had him come back to our Thursday Bible study. It was especially great for me to talk with Jim and get his perspective on ministry and other things. If you haven't had Jim Gardner for a time of study, I highly recommend it.

Now we are into school full time. It is nice to get back into a routine and know the daily schedules. But that also means homework, 4 soccer games per week, early rising, and cold weather on the way.

I also want to share the wonderful progress of the Cross Lanes Church. Internally we are growing so much. We are really focusing on God's will and how to live as Kingdom minded disciples. We had 17 visitors last Sunday. That is 17 first time visitors to our worship. Now some of that was family of regulars, but at the same time 17 first timers. In case you can't tell, I am extremely excited about that. A comment from Thursday night Bible study, "this Church is going to grow, I just know it."

In all of this I am reminded of my favorite passage of scripture.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (NIV) Proverbs 3:5-6

Praise the Lord

2006-07-15T08:12:00.000-05:00

Teresa's surgery was successful. No cancer was found and she in recovering nicely at the hospital. The removal of the large tumor and some additional things will make for a tough recovery, but all things are wonderful and she is doing great.

Thanks for any prayer you offered on her behalf. Great ending to an otherwise stressful day.

Prayer

2006-07-14T07:22:00.000-05:00

I am asking you today to pray for my sister-in-law Teresa Judd. She is having surgery to remove a large tumor in her abdomen. It has not been determined if the mass is malignant or benign. So please pray for her and for the doctors that perform the surgery.

Thank you.

Tri-County Work Camp

2006-06-23T14:29:00.001-05:00

To anyone who reads this. I messed up.

The name of the work camp is "Tri-County Work Camp." Maybe it can become a tri-state event. We'll see.

Tri-state Work Camp

2006-06-23T09:26:00.000-05:00

Awesome! Amazing! Fun! Spiritual! Fulfilling!.....You list a positive adjective and it would fit. The first annual Tri-state Work Camp was extremely successful. My personal thanks to Toney Stowers for putting everything together. All the planning, preparing, buying of materials, arranging work sites, food, and housing, and general leadership was provided by him. I can't begin to express my appreciation for his work. I love you, man.

We worked at individuals homes, the Faith Mission in Hurricane and the St. Albans Twin City Mission. Four work teams spent a full two days of work mowing, weeding gardens, weed eating, cleaning, painting, folding clothes, visiting, etc. I can't even list everything that was done.

We worshipped together in the morning, at lunch, and at night. What a unique experience for everyone involved. There were 51 teenagers from three congregations -- Hurricane, Kanawha City, and Cross Lanes. Maybe next year there will be more.

Most of all we began to see ourselves as one big youth group instead of three distinct groups. I only hope we can keep it that way. The "Jesus Effect" is that we are all one in him.

I can't wait until next year.

Simplicity!

2006-06-06T09:24:00.000-05:00

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day

according to the Scriptures.”

I Corinthians 15:3-4

From Max Lucado…

The computer age has given rise to a new breed of geniuses -- techies. The problem is, they don’t always know how to tell us what they do. They spout terms like megabytes, software, and hard drive. Our response is, “Huh?”
Long before computers had techies, the church had theologians. Again the problem is, they don’t always know how to tell us what they do. They spout terms like predestination, sanctification, and propitiation. Our response? We tilt our heads and say, “What?”

Don’t you wish we understood the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus? Paul in I Corinthians gives us the “skinny” on the Gospel. It is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. When we understand that, then we will be able to connect with the world about the need for a Savior.

What if we all decided to simply share Jesus with those around us? Not the church, the L0rd’s supper, our stand on women, instruments, orphan homes, etc. Just Jesus.

Would it change the way people see us, the church, the Lord’s Supper, orphan homes, instruments, etc.? I believe it would. This week try to share only Jesus and his Gospel and see what happens. It may even change you. I know it changed me.

My Dream Job

2006-05-04T15:23:00.000-05:00

Wow! Sometimes God just allows me to do something I really love. Actually, he lets me do it every Sunday morning. I love to speak to a group about the Bible and God's love. This past weekend, though, God gave me a taste of what I believe is my dream job. I spoke at a youth rally on Friday night and three times Saturday. I returned home to do my regular preaching at the Cross Lanes Church and then was amazed at the opportunity to speak at the youth night at the Hurricane Church.

If I had my way, and I don't, I would do that for a living. I know that I got more out of the weekend than those who had to listen to me. At the same time, I feel God blessed me with each opportunity.

As I said in my last post, God is a god of dreams and visions. Sometimes he let's me see and experience a piece of the dream and it carries me for weeks at a time. What a great God we serve!

Have a great weekend.

Pursuing a Dream

2006-04-14T10:14:00.000-05:00

I am not sure if anyone reads this blog, but in my last entry I asked a question about Soulforce. If you do happen to read through it, please respond to this question. I am conducting a small, informal survey.

The Question: Would you invite Soulforce to your church?

Now to the dream. Kerry and I are in the process of pursuing a lifelong dream. I can't share details yet, but when I can I will drop them in this blog. This dream is something that has been in process for about 15-16 years. Finally we have reached a point where we can pursue it.

Please pray for us as we follow what we believe is God's plan for us. I can let you know that it does not involve leaving this area or making a major career change. We are so excited that we can hardly wait to get it going.

I am reminded of the verse in Ephesians 3:20 -- "God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, according to his power within us." Fortunately, he is a God of dreams.

Being Christ to Others

2006-03-30T13:14:00.000-05:00

"Part of our calling as Christian educators is to prepare our students to think through a wide variety of issues they will face while in college and after graduation. This visit showed students that there are real people dealing with the issues we hear about in the national press – and that these issues are complex and require deep, critical thinking to understand and to respond to as Christians." Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, provost, ACU.

This is a quote by Dr. VanRheenen after Soulforce visited the campus of ACU. Soulforce is a group dedicated to "freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance." Although the group from Soulforce and the folks at ACU disagreed about most things, it is imperative to note that they were treated with a Christ-like spirit of love.

What a great witness to those who visited ACU. This is a lesson we all can learn from. What would our churches be like if we made an effort to treat all people with dignity, respect, and most importantly the love of Christ? Even when we had disagreements about their actions, lifestyle, language, doctrine, etc. We don't have to approve of the behavior, but we can love them.

Way to go ACU for leading in the way of Christ. Would you let Soulforce visit your church?

It never changes!

2006-03-19T16:07:00.000-05:00

I have been paying close attention to how I read scripture lately. Knowing I read it with a biased to my upbringing and heritage, I have been trying to read it fresh and new. This is sparked by the entries on Mike Cope's blog about the Bible over the past few days. I have been reading every version I can get my hands on. It is very interesting to lay them side by side and see how others are biased in their approach too.

I have been leafing through a big "table Bible" that belonged to Kerry's grandmother. She passed away about two years ago. Our house is now full of wonderful things from her house that are a constant reminder of how much we all loved her. She was a woman of God. This Bible was printed in 1948. In the introduction there is a page called "Facts about the Bible." Below is a portion of it:

This Book Contains:

The mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, doom of sinners, and happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be open at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, reward the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.

I believe that God has used this as a way for the legacy of Grandmother to be carried to the next generation. I know one of her greatest wishes was that those in her family respect and follow God's word. The statements above are as true today as they were in 1948. God's word never changes.

Speaking where the Bible speaks

2006-03-08T21:22:00.000-05:00

All I can say is...I don't really know what to say. I was one of those who spent childhood memorizing scripture. Very glad now that I did that. It's amazing how much I remember. However, it wasn't until later in life (after college) that I really started to understand what it was that I had memorized. Through a number of friendships with those much wiser in scripture than me and tons of reading and studying, I am still learning to understand what was memorized.

Then I go and read two posts by Mike Cope called The BIBLE. What great insight into how we read the Bible. I have read each post at least twice and each time I have seen something fresh that I missed the first time. I am now going back to read them again. Hopefully I see something new, not only in his post, but also in my Bible.

Jim Gardner from Marble Falls, TX sent me (and alot of others) a series of sermons on Galatians. Now I am able to read Galatians somewhat from Jim's perspective. It brings me a greater appreciation for the fact that I read the Bible through a "biased lense." And that is a not bad thing, it is just reality. But seeing it from someone else's "bias" is extremely helpful. Thanks Jim.

I can only hope that I continue to grow in my knowledge and understanding of God's word. A good friend, Steve Fox, said that the Bible is the only book ever written that the more you read the more you realize there is so much that you do not know.

Thank you, God, for your word. Help me to use it as you would have me to.

Home Alone

2006-02-17T10:48:00.000-05:00

Well, not actually home alone. I do have six children with me. Kerry and Alex are at the state High School Swimming Championships in Morgantown. They have been there since Wednesday. Congratulations to Alex, he finished 5th overall in the 50 yard freestyle. He was the only Freshman to qualify. He also finished 8th overall in the 100 yard freestyle. There were only 4 freshman to qualify overall for the the finals on Thursday. The other three are year round swimmers. I am really proud of Alex for his work ethic and desire to succeed.

Now to the home alone part. It is amazing all of the things Kerry does that I do not see on a daily basis. She is an amazing mother and wife. There is no way that I could these things anywhere close to how great she does them. I kind of feel sorry for the kids who are left with me. I know they miss their mommy.

I am also home alone in that I have to sleep by myself. I have to admit that I cannot sleep without Kerry curled up right beside me. There is a sense of wonder and contentment at the same time. There is a sense of peace, security and refreshment when I know I can reach over and touch her during the night. I have really missed my best friend for the last two days and nights. I can't wait for her to get home.

Scripture tells husband to love their wives in the same way that Christ loved the church. That is one thing I believe I am closest to doing right in my life. I love my wife more that anything else in this world. Thank you, God, for Kerry.

I get to see her tonight. I cant wait.

Three things I believe

2006-01-31T09:44:00.000-05:00

I just read something on Mike Cope's blog that I wish I had more courage to say. They are things that I believe and want to share. At the same time I know that most people I consider "family of faith" would judge me to be a heretic. A catch 22, between a rock and a hard place, a true crisis of faith and belief. Here it is:

1. There is a wider communion of saints than the Churches of Christ;
2. Women are called and should be encouraged to use their full talent in serving God;
3. Acappella music is a wonderful gift and my preference, but not necessarily "God's way."

Growing up in the Church of Christ was a wonderful experience. Having Godly parents that cared enough to give me the foundation of faith I now have is something I cherish. I wouldn't change much about my spiritual upbringing. I believe I have grown and matured because of my early exposure to scripture, older men and women of faith, and the daily reminders to be a Christian.

However, I was taught a very legalistic, judgemental, and graceless view of those outside our fellowship. That bothers me to this day. There are times when I still fight being that way. It is something that is ingrained in me. But I believe that I am less legalistic, less judgemental, and offering more grace than ever before. Still need some growth, but much better.

What do you think? Where are you in this paradigm? Am I a heretic? Or am I allowing God to change me through his word and will?

I hate to forget

2006-01-14T09:37:00.000-05:00

Do you ever forget things? It is one of my biggest concerns. Today is my wife's birthday. I didn't forget it, per say, but I didn't acknowledge it before she left the house. Not to make excuses, but my oldest son, Alex, has a swim meet today; my daughter, Emily, has a cheerleading competition; my youngest son, Max, has a basketball league end of season party and trophy presentation. Getting caught up in the busyness of her getting ready to leave with the oldest two, while I sat with our baby (Olivia 2 yrs) keeping her quiet so she wouldn't wake up the other four, I didn't wish her a happy birthday before she left. I feel like a heel. She deserves so much more than that. I called her and apologized, but it wasn't good enough. For once, I would like to give her more than she deserves. I really am sorry. I know she will forgive me, but I still screwed up royally.

Better days are ahead. I will try to make it up to her today when I see her.

Don't go forgetting things. It is no fun.

Do you ever wonder?

2005-12-16T15:53:00.000-05:00

I have spent a considerable amount of time this Christmas season wondering about lots of stuff. These are some of my random thoughts. Mind you, it's not anything new, but important in my life.

Is this Americanized Christmas season going over the deep end in a hurry? It all seems so out of control. When kids have a christmas list that is 4 typed pages long single spaced, I think we have gone over the edge.
Do we forgot about those who are really in need? I know that we have secret santas, angel trees, etc. to help with Christmas, but that is all superficial. Are we really wanting to help or are we just putting on a band-ade till after the Christmas season is over and it all opens up again. The loneliness returns, the bills go unpaid, the depression kicks in, reality hits hard and where are all of those well-meaning people and programs, including myself.
Do we really need the stuff to have Christmas? Can't we just get together as family and friends to celebrate Jesus, life, and relationships? Would it still be Christmas if there were no gifts?
What does it all mean anyway? Is it all really worth it? What if we tried to celebrate Christmas everyday? Would it change anything? Provide secret santa, angel tree, etc and other programs all year long to provide things that are really needed -- food, clothing, utilities, safe, decent, and affordable housing, transportation, friendship, love, peace. These are the things that make life livable. Providing it everyday would totally shock your life.
I am not being a scrooge. I truly love the spirit of the season. I just feel that we have missed the spirit for the stuff. I feel so compelled to buy things and get things, that the spirit of giving is lost in trying to keep up with gift givers, the neighbors, and everyone else that we don't really enjoy it -- it is a burden every year.

What is the meaning of Christmas for me? I think it is real simple.

Jesus came to save me from myself;
I love my wife more than anything else -- she gives more than anyone I know;
I cherish my children -- even my older ones. My favorite thing is watching them;
Spending time with extended family -- always a great time;
Sharing life with my church family -- they are a hoot;
Knowing when people think about Jesus, it changes them -- even if only for a short time -- and that means there is hope.

I hope that everyone sees new meaning in the birth of Christ and has the best Christmas ever.

2005-11-14T19:58:00.000-05:00

Our Biggest Fears
What are you really afraid of?

Most people are afraid of something. There are, however, those who will tell you they are afraid of nothing. Here are some of the most common fears of people in general:

Public Speaking;
Heights;
Snakes;
Spiders;
Needles;
Flying;
Enclosed Space;
Darkness;
Failure.

From the above list, I believe I am afraid of at least four of them. Snake make me extremely weak in the knees, except when I am running from them. Heights make me squeamish in the stomach. Enclosed space makes me want to go ballistic. And failure just makes me feel useless.

The thing about fears is that they cause physical and emotional symptoms. Fears can make your stomach, head, back, legs, etc. hurt. It can also paralyze you emotionally so you can’t think, feel, or respond. What are you afraid of?

I often wonder what we are afraid of spiritually. Are we afraid of how big God really is? Are we afraid of how different we might become if we really let Jesus into our hearts? Are we afraid that we might actually have to do something if God is in control? Are we afraid of the intimacy in relationships that are part of the communal faith? Are we afraid of the unknown of allowing only God’s will to be done?

Paul tells us in II Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind.” God wants us to be bold in our approach to him, to life, and to sharing the Gospel. If God is for us, who can be against us? We have to secret to rid ourselves of fear. That secret is really no secret at all. It is simply a relationship with God through his son Jesus.

My prayer is that we all ask for boldness in our lives for Christ. We need it today more than ever. Ask God to help you.

All things for Christ,

Michael W. Ross

What do we do with this?

2005-11-03T15:15:00.000-05:00

I heard some statistics about Charleston, WV and the surrounding area this week that really bothered me. I am not sure what to do with them.

> There are 22 active gangs in and around the Charleston, WV area;
> Last year, Sissonville, WV was the 3rd largest meth producing community in terms of total volume (not related to per capita);
>Every day there is a student victim of a random, intentional act of violence;
>There are 3 schools that operate under “lockdown”.

I believe the soundest advice for raising children is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. This was given to the people of Israel as a way to be obedient to God for the long haul.

“Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them upon your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

What if we did this today? Would the world be any different? Would parents parent differently? Would children behave and obey differently? Would there be less violence, gangs, and substance abuse among our children?

I am reminded of a poem that always hung on the wall of my house while I was growing up. I try to remember it as I am raising my own children.

Children Learn What They Live

By Dorothy Law Nolte

If children live with criticism,

They learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility,

They learn to fight.

If children live with ridicule,

They learn to be shy.

If children live with shame,

They learn to feel guilty.

If children live with encouragement,

They learn confidence.

If children live with tolerance,

They learn to be patient.

If children live with praise,

They learn to appreciate.

If children live with acceptance,

They learn to love.

If children live with approval,

They learn to like themselves.

If children live with honesty,

They learn truthfulness.

If children live with security,

They learn to have faith in themselves and others.

If children live with friendliness,

They learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Will we ever know?

2005-10-30T00:58:00.000-05:00

Will we ever really know Jesus? Or are we so addicted to ourselves, our pasttimes, our cars, our jobs, and even our religion that we just always seem to miss him. I have a hunch that we will find him if we genuinely look for him. My fear is that we don't really want to.

Why is it?

2005-10-26T13:30:00.000-05:00

Why is it that we box everything in? Whether it is our talents, skills, relationships, weaknesses, failures, etc. We need to allow all of these things to stretch us, to expand us, to create newness in us. Ultimately, we box in God and refuse his expansion plans for us. Don't be afraid to be stretched beyond your boundaries.