Jonathan Slider

No Rapture? Now what?

2011-05-24T11:44:00.006-04:00

Love!! That is it. Plain and simple. I as a Christian can go on and jump on the bandwagon and disassociate myself with all the Harold Campings of the world, or I can do what the Bible tells me to do and love my fellow believers. We should be the first ones to be reaching out to all those that missed it. Not the first ones pointing the finger and laughing or kicking them while they are down.

"By this all will know that you are my disciples, that you love one another." John 13:35 (NKJV)

I liken it to a family member that does or says some things to embarrass the family name. I am not going disown them or say they aren't part of my family. I will acknowledge that they are wrong, but I will then go to them in love and let them know their error.

The worse thing that we can do as Christ followers is to have a "I told you so" mentality. It creates disunity and just reinforces to all those who don't follow Christ that we eat our own. I think that is one reason that people choose not to surrender their "lives" to God, because they see the way that we treat each other. I wouldn't want to be a part of a family where there is nothing but backstabbing, name calling, and blatant disrespect. There is too much of that in our earthly families.

The best thing we can do is show the love of Christ to the world through our love and acceptance of our own. This does not mean that we simply admit that they are just the "crazies" of the family, but rather reach out to them and show them that we care for them. There are probably thousands of people out there that are really hurting from this and the world is waiting to see how we treat our own. Do not write them off, but rather restore them.

"Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out." Galatians 6:1 (MSG)

So love the way Christ loves us. Because He still loves them despite their error. If every time you made a error in judgement (no matter how big or small) and you got pounded for it, I'm sure you would walk away. So be that forgiving hand. Be the hand of Jesus!!!

End of the world? Tomorrow? Really?

2011-05-20T15:20:00.004-04:00

(Journal entry that I felt led to share)

Today I've been kind of emotional (angry, sad, frustrated, amused) b/c of this whole "Rapture/Judgement Day" nonsense. According to Harold Camping, the end of the world begins tomorrow with the Rapture happening at 6:00pm each timezone. Matthew 24:36 is pretty straight forward about no one knowing when Christ will return.

"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in Heaven, but My Father only."

So it just makes me angry to see, hear, and read about the people claiming to be Christians and saying that tomorrow is THE DAY. Then there are the other people out there lumping all Christians together with this. How do I defend against this? Should I? I know what I believe. I know who Christ is to me and in me. I have just gotten overwhelmed with it all. I know that I need to just focus on Him and not get distracted by all those that lump us together. But what about those spreading this lie? What do I think about them? I truly feel that they are ones that love God, but are just misled and deceived. That is mainly what angers me.

Christians are definitely beginning to be taken less serious then ever before as well. This whole thing doesn't help. More and more we are being placed into a category that is one of holding onto a fairy tale or onto something that is not needed. But I know for sure that Christ is needed. I need Him!!! He Himself talks about His rejection in the Bible. People are rejecting Him all the time. I cannot take this personally. All I can do is.........

I must do my part to tell others of His message of hope and love. This leads to salvation. People need to have hope and experience love before they are willing or even able to receive salvation. Most people don't even think that they need to be saved from anything. When we say that we need to reach the lost, they don't even identify with that language. Because to them they "know" where they are and are perfectly fine with that. So how do you tell someone that is lost that they are? We can't. Jesus can. We need to stop beating people over the head with terms like judgement, salvation, and lost. We rather need to show love and acceptance. That is how Christ does it for us. Christ saves, not us!!!

So whether the Rapture happens tomorrow or not, I know who I owe my life to and I am going to live everyday as if my life depended on that person. Not out of fear, but out of confidence of who and what I am created for.

Thanks, but no thanks

2011-04-28T10:34:00.002-04:00

Matthew 8:34-"And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him they begged Him to depart from their region."

Have you had things happen to you that were definitely of God but in the end you wish that He wouldn't have done them? You would rather of had Him just leave you where you were, because you were comfortable. Sometimes God removes things in our lives because He is trying to do something in us that is for our own good.

In Matthew 8:28-34 Jesus arrives from the sea and notices two men who are demon possessed coming out of a tomb. The scripture says that they were so fierce that no one could pass that way. Jesus casts out the demons into some nearby swine that then proceeded to run into the sea and kill themselves. This had to be quite a sight. Jesus restores these two men back to their families, back to their way of life. So you would think that the town they are from would be happy. But we see the opposite. They are enraged that Jesus would be so irresponsible and send the demons into their pigs. Now they have no livelihood. All they have now are two guys that they had become comfortable with not being a part of the town.

We are a lot like these townspeople. We would rather deal with the small irritations of life than have a life altering event take place. God did not take away their knowledge of how to raise pigs, He took away something that they held higher than these two men. Jesus gave back to these people two men who had been lost to them. Brothers, fathers, sons. But He had to take away something that they essentially cared more about. God will not take something away from you without giving you something in return. Even if that something in return is valued less by you.

God wants to do more in you before He can do more through you. We must be willing to accept whatever that may be. So instead of saying "thanks, but no thanks", maybe we should be earnestly waiting for that moment to come where He gives to us that which we need the most.

Recognizing God

2011-04-22T12:50:00.004-04:00

I think for a lot of us its hard to recognize God in our lives. This can be for many reasons. It could be that we truly never had an experience with Him. It could be that it has been a while since we have spent time with Him, so essentially we have forgotten what He is like. Or we have just chosen not to recognize Him for one reason or another.

In Luke 1 we read where Elizabeth is pregnant with John the Baptist, and Mary becomes pregnant with Jesus. In verses 39-45 Mary visits her elderly cousin and upon announcing her arrival, "the babe (in Elizabeth's womb) leaped in her womb." It then goes onto say that it was because of Mary announcing herself that "the babe leaped in my womb for joy." John recognized the Jesus before he was even born. Then in John 1:29-34, which is approximately 30 years later. The scripture alludes to the fact that John and Jesus never met, but when Jesus comes near to John, John proclaims "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" John recognizes Jesus for who He is. He recognizes Jesus because he first encountered His presence over 30 years prior to their first meeting. Please get this; John was first in His presence and then he looked to Him.

I think that it is hard for us to recognize Jesus because for some of us, we aren't looking for Him. We find ourselves trying to figure out life on our own, rather than looking to Him. John knew God before he was born, and he then knew Him when he saw Him 30 years later. He was first in His presence (Luke 1:41) and then he was looking for Him (John 1:19-34).

We must begin by entering into a relationship with Him and then we need to continually look to Him. That is how we will be able to recognize Him in our lives. It will be as simple as a peace that will come over us when we pray to God or sing a worship song. It could be a breakthrough in our jobs, relationships, or struggles. It all starts with being in His presence and then looking towards Him expectantly.

So have forgotten what He looks like? Have you never truly known him? He knew you before you were even born, and He recognizes who you are now. Be with Him and look toward Him and you will have no problem recognizing Him.

To Invite or Not To Invite?

2011-04-01T14:46:00.005-04:00

For some reason God has really been burdening my heart on creating a culture of inviting at the church that I am a pastor at. It just seems that this has been a concept that has been lost recently. Not just from the attendees, but from the leadership as well. I personally have been challenged in my attempts to invite people to church. Don't get me wrong I have been doing my fair share of inviting, but more out of to hit a quota then out of a heart thing.

We should feel burdened by the fact that there are people out in the world that will die and go to hell if they don't call upon Jesus as their Saviour. But for a lot of Christians this isn't the case. Statistically only 21% of active church goers invite people to church, and shockingly only 2% of church MEMBERS invite people to church. So where is the disconnect? Why are we not actively pursuing people to come and experience the thing that gives us hope? Are we afraid that we might get turned down? Are we too selfish to share the great news of life? Or are we at a point in our walks that if we were to come up to someone who might challenge our faith they might sway us? If that last one is the case then there is more serious matters at hand then you not inviting people to church.

The fact is that that 82% of unchurched people would "somewhat likely" go if they were invited (Rainer, The Unchurched Next Door). 7 out of 10 unchurched people have never been invited to church in their entire lives. That is HUGE!!! In John 1:43-50, it tells about how one man encountered Christ and had to tell his friend. Even in spite of the man mocking and doubting him he continued to invite him. And through that invite the man encountered Christ and it changed his life.

Be that man/woman who sees the urgency and invite your friend, coworker, neighbor, family member, stranger to church. Let Christ do the saving.

Here are three questions you can ask someone when inviting them to church:

1. Do you go to church?

2. What is a reason you don't go?

3. Would you consider coming to my church?

Not everyone is going to give you a good response, but if you are available for God, He will move upon those who are ready to take the next step. So in the spirit of the Great Commission;

Matthew 28:19:20 MSG

"Go out and train (invite) everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."

Obedience. The Most Pleasant Discomfort

2011-03-30T15:47:00.003-04:00

Lately I have been in a place where I have been uncomfortable. It hasn't been because of the sleepless nights, the anxiety of a looming decision, or even the most recent sickness I have had. It is totally related to the obedience that God has called me to. Now this discomfort is perceived discomfort. It is my mind telling me that if I choose obedience to the Father, I will let down people, I will not be successful, I will fail.

These are all bold faced lies. But they are ones that are associated with stepping out in faith and being obedient to what God has for you. God knows that when He calls us up to the next level, that we will have an adverse reaction. The reason being is that we get comfortable in our lives. We get so used to living, thinking, feeling a certain way that when He wants us to change our world gets rocked.

The act of obedience is the most uncomfortable thing, but the result of obedience is the most pleasant thing. To be obedient to God is to "die to our flesh" daily. That means to not continue on the destructive path that we naturally want to go on, but in a supernatural way. When we naturally want to talk bad about someone, we choose not to. When we naturally want to look at someone lustfully, we choose not to. When we naturally want to cheat on our taxes, we choose not to. When we naturally want to choose the easy choice but God is telling us differently, we choose His choice.

Now its not easy, but through God's grace, love, and mercy we can and will do it. We must be willing to be uncomfortable. Because in that discomfort we experience growth. We experience God. And that is the most pleasant discomfort one could ever have.

Conversation with a homeless man

2011-03-12T19:55:00.001-05:00

Last Friday during my weekly trip to Norfolk to invite people to church I went to connect with David the homeless man that I have been reaching out to the past couple of weeks. We found him sitting at his usual spot outside the local indie theater. He seemed to be asleep. We approached him and called his name so that we wouldn’t startle him. He stirred for a bit and then finally came to. I asked him how he was and it seemed as if he had to think for a second who I was. He then remembered. I gave him a bag full of underwear that he had asked for and then asked him if I could take him to lunch. He was quite hesitant, and then I noticed a 40oz bottle of Steel Reserve. I immediately thought about the cash that I had given to him the week before. I began to beat myself up about it. But then I just thought, “I shouldn’t be upset about it. He is a grown man.” My heart still hurt, but I couldn’t hold onto whether it was my money that purchased the beverage. Then I got convicted. It wasn’t my money. I then proceeded to invite him to lunch. He declined. So I told him that I would return.

I went to the local grocery store and bought him some food and then took it to him about an hour later. His mood had changed and he received the food very willingly. I then talked to him for a few moments and told him that I would see him next week.

Nothing miraculous happened. He didn’t accept Christ into his heart. If anything, he distanced himself more. He made it more difficult to speak to him. I still fed him and prayed for him. I still reached out to him. That is all that I could do.

This week David was no where to be found. Not sure where he was at, hopefully he is okay. I will not give up trying to reach out to him. I just pray that God will continue to use me and grow me.

Conversation with a homeless man

2011-03-04T16:22:00.003-05:00

Last week I felt prompted to stop and buy lunch for one of the homeless men that I see every week when I go to Norfolk. Not out of a self righteous duty, but rather out of a spiritual nudge that I had received. I scoured the streets looking for one man in particular. David was his name. It always seems that God sends me to people whom I have things in common with. Being that my name is Jonathan and in the Bible David and Jonathan were best friends. My brother and father's name is David. There are just a lot of David's that I know.

Anyway, So I approached David and asked him if I could buy him lunch. He quickly obliged my request. After I bought him his lunch for him, instead of high tailing it out of there after I had done my good deed I just sat there with him and began to talk. I asked him questions about his life. I found out that he was raised in Virgina. His father was military. He played sports, his favorite being football. He was a receiver but was told that he was too small to play. I asked him how he became homeless. He told me that he couldn't work anymore because of an injury. An injury that he never thought could happen to him. I just patiently sat there as he slowly picked at his food.

Then religion came into the discussion. After I revealed to him that I was a pastor, he emphatically stated how he was "down with the Lord", "most of the time". That last part stuck out to me. I asked him why he felt that way. He then proceeded to open up and tell me how he feels that the way humanity treats itself is a direct reflection of God. He began to almost yell as if speaking to someone else about why they couldn't spare more than a dollar to help. My heart began to hurt. How many times was I that person that walked by not willing to spare some change or even say hi? How if I being a Christ follower could I just simply be okay with not helping in anyway? Was my un-involvement a direct reflection of the loving and giving God I serve? I hope not.

Jesus talks about this and how we are to respond in the face of poverty in Matthew 25:35-40-

“When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, ³⁶and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me." ³⁷Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, "When did we give you something to eat or drink? ³⁸When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear ³⁹or visit you while you were sick or in jail?" ⁴⁰The king will answer, "Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”

I told David that I wanted to meet him every week and buy him lunch and try to bless him anyway that I can. Of course he said yes. Probably with skepticism, but I really want to be there to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Through this I might be able to bring back one of Jesus' lost sheep. This isn't a project, but rather it is a prompting that I must obey.

I will continue to update you on my conversations with a homeless man. May it open your heart as it will mine.

The Apex

2011-02-18T14:56:00.004-05:00

Hitting road blocks in our relationship with Christ can be very overwhelming and frustrating at times. It can even lead to us turning our backs on the one that at one point set us free from ourselves. This got me thinking in regards to Spiritual maturity and how we can be at different "levels" in our walk with God.

It made me think of the word "apex". An apex is defined as- the uppermost point; the highest or culminating point. So when I thought more about this it made me think about how we all are living on one side or the other of this point. We are living a life where we claim to be a good person or even a good Christian but the fruit doesn't match. This is one side. The other side is where serving the Lord has become natural and if we aren't pursuing Him then something is wrong. To better explain this, picture an equilateral triangle (see picture above). On one side it represents our lives without Christ as the center. On the other side Christ is everything to you in every area of your life. What divides these sides is an apex or culminating point that clearly defines what side you are on. The thing with the Apex is that it isn't just a boundary marker, it is a definitive moment in one's life that a decision is made to quit playing "Christian" and rather get serious about God. What's difficult with this is that it is hard for people to identify which side they are on. Or they know what side they are on but don't want to climb over the apex. They haven't had an Apex Moment.

The Apex moment in one's life isn't normally instantaneous. It comes from multiple encounters with Jesus and finally wanting to "go all in". This is where after countless times we as believers would rather be all consumed with Christ all the time rather then when its convenient. Now you might be asking whether or not you had had an Apex Moment. If you have to ask that question, then you probably haven't. But regardless with what side you are on the only thing that matters is a constant pursuing of Jesus. Not everyone is ready to jump to the other side. But we should all be wanting to get there. If not then there is something greater that needs to be done.

So have you had the Apex Moment? If not do you want to? You should!!

2 Corinthians 5:17- "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

Hope for the Lost?

2011-02-12T08:29:00.005-05:00

I have been reading the Bible from beginning towards the end and during this time I stumbled upon a blog from an atheist who was doing the same thing. This gave me hope for the atheist, because surely the Scriptures would reveal the truth of who God is and what He wants for our lives. I firmly believe that the Bible is inspired Scripture from God. God-breathed as referenced in Timothy. The power in the Word was sure to show itself and this person was almost but guaranteed to have an experience with Jesus. How I was wrong.

I read this person's last post and it seemed as if they were even more close minded than when they started. Here is an excerpt from her last post:

"I do wonder why anyone would want to worship this God who uses humans as pawns in his celestial feud with Satan, condemning any who are deceived by Satan and only letting those into heaven who were already destined to go. Seems that if there was even a slim chance of his existence then I'd choose not to worship him."

This made me disheartened and made me question, "Is there hope for the lost?" Now I could have gone the other route and questioned my own faith, but I know that with in my very being I have experienced Christ in all His fullness. And to me that is where the difference lies.

You can read about bungee jumping, but until you take the plunge yourself it is just going to be something adrenalin junkies do to get their next thrill. I have taken the plunge and all I can do is convince others of how real and exhilarating being a Christ follower is. The Bible is the Word of God and I do believe it has power, but only to those who apply it to their lives. To only those who make a decision to let it direct them to Christ.

So is there hope for the lost? Most definitely there is. His name is Jesus and He is just as real today as He was 2000 years ago.

1 Peter 1:21- "Through Him (Jesus) you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, so your faith and hope are in God."

50 Touches

2011-02-04T17:08:00.007-05:00

It is said that it takes a non Christ follower an average of 50 encounters with someone who tells them about the Lord before they choose to make a decision for Christ. That is quite alarming and not easy to swallow. It is not like people are going around with a sign around their neck exclaiming that they are at the coveted high 40's. Oh how easy would that make my job!!!

This came up in discussion today as I was out on the streets inviting people to church. One of the guys with me got really discouraged when he got a cold response from a couple who really didn't want anything of which we had to offer. My buddy first got upset with me, because I prompted him to go and talk to the couple. Then he turned on himself and began to question whether he did the right thing. I immediately intervened and explained to him the Law of 50 Touches. It is not our fault if someone does not respond to the message of Christ. It is our fault if we pass idly by and not even bother sharing the message of love and hope.

Scripture says that it is the Lord that does the work (John 14:10). We are only to be obedient and available to share the Gospel with those people who do not know Him.

Later today I had the privilege of being some one's 50th encounter. Long story short, I made myself available to what the Lord WANTED to do. He used me and gave me a word for the man who needed to hear it. It was nothing that I did than respond to God's prompting and reach out to this man. The Lord knew he was ready. He did the work.

So don't be frustrated if you try to reach out to someone and they don't respond to you. You might be encounter #1, 13, 37, or 49. Just know that with every seed planted God is cultivating it for when it is the right time. Just be ready and available always!!!

Is it good enough to just be good?

2011-01-28T16:37:00.004-05:00

Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Rebuke the oppressor;
Defend the fatherless,
Plead for the widow.

Isaiah 1:17

These are the guidelines that God put out for all of humanity to uphold, yet He had to remind His chosen people about it because of their direct defiance. I personally can't remember the last time that I did all 5 out of 5. It is not because I didn't want to, or that it was asking of too much. It is because I came to a place of comfort in my life. It was a place where I had convinced myself that I had done enough so I must be a good person and in good standing with God.

The problem is we are not called to be good people. We are called to do the above. Now I am not saying that we are to make it our life's mission to master each of these areas, but rather if presented with the opportunity we do our best to achieve each of these instructions.

God loves each and everyone of us beyond what we can comprehend and He knows that because of sin, either self inflicted or inflicted upon us, that we would need others to love us. He wants us to understand that it is not a point system. That if we do enough good things in the world we can cruise through the rest of life. We are called to do good even when the world around us isn't good at all. Seek justice when justice isn't given to us. Rebuke the oppressor of others when we might be oppressed ourselves. Help the poor when we might not have anything to give.

So its not about being good and thats it. Its about constantly recognizing our purpose on this earth. That all stems out of our relationship with the One that upholds all of these things. He is good all the time because all the time He is good.

How big is your "but"?

2011-01-24T08:42:00.002-05:00

We all have those moments in life when we get fed up with living a mediocre life. Whether it is with our health, our relationships, or our spiritual life. We decide that we need to make changes. We will get gym memberships, end "unhealthy" relationships, start a Bible reading plan or some other form of spiritual development book. The problem is that there are big BUTS connected with these things.

We start to work out, BUT we don't change our eating habits. We stop hanging out with certain people, BUT look for new friends at the place where we met the old ones. We try to have a spiritual awakening, BUT we don't change any other parts of our lifestyle. Why is that?

In the Old Testament, there are 4 books written about the kings of Israel and Judah that show this theme of wanting to get right, BUT they don't go the whole way. To me it seems that they just do the bare minimum so that they appear right in the eyes of the people that they are leading. There is no real heart change, but rather an image that they want to uphold. Because they know they should do it. Not that they want to do it.

Are we guilty of this as well? I know that for me I have always had good intentions when it comes to making changes in my life. But there must be more. There must be such a great discontent that leads to a 100% life change. We should not be content with starting something for the sake of starting it. Rather we should be determined to complete whatever it is that we start. It should drive us to point that people take notice. People should see the change. That is where we have the most opportunity to convince people that we are serious.

Don't let your "BUTS" get in the way.

SORRY. Its not just a kids game

2011-01-21T14:23:00.012-05:00

Earlier this week I tweeted "Repentance is not saying you are sorry and then continuing forward. It is STOPPING what you are doing and then going the other way." I posted that after a God moment in which I felt that I was guilty of just saying sorry for my sin, but not really doing anything to change. Doing this in our lives is a lot like the playing the kids game Sorry. The point of the game is to get all your players around the board. If you happen to land on a Sorry slide, it is customary for you to say in a real sarcastic tone "SORRY" and then proceed forward taking out anyone in your path. The game is all about progress of moving forward. I can relate to that in my life when confessing sin to God. Sure I say sorry, but I have no intention of changing anything. I just want to move forward with my life.

The problem is that by just saying sorry, you are playing a game. You are not serious about who you are in Christ or what He wants for you. Sometimes saying sorry can be more harmful than good.

By truly repenting, you are making a decision to lay down what sin you have and turning from that and going in the complete opposite direction. It could be by setting up boundaries, limitations, or accountability. It is most times done with other people involved. In James 5:16 it say to "Confess your sins to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Repentance should be relational.

So if you are playing the game of "sorry", stop! Repent before the Lord so that you may know what it is to have freedom from your sin. Because if you don't then you will really be sorry.

An Epic Fail

2011-01-14T08:46:00.003-05:00

King Solomon was known to be the wisest man ever to live. Because of this wisdom he became the richest and most sought after man in the world. Even the Queen of Sheba sought him out. He wrote and contributed to several books of the Bible, but upon his death the split of his kingdom happened. His nation was in ruins. How could the kingdom of the wisest man alive disintegrate upon his death? If someone who is historically renowned for his wisdom and riches, how could in one foul swoop it all fall apart? Why did his kingdom experience an epic fail?

A transition of a dependence on God to one of a dependence on self. While God gave Solomon wisdom, Solomon slowly began to turn away from God because of this grand curiosity that caused him to need to know everything about everything. He began to entertain his selfish desires. He had 700 known wives and then 300 on the side for crying out loud. Who needs that many relationships, let alone romantic ones? All we need is one relationship and this is with God. Solomon forgot that and he passed that on to his descendants.

Don't let your epic failure be because you once knew the truth and then decided to be selfish and focus on yourself. God has greater things for you and wants you to discover that and return to Him with expectation that He will give you all you need.

At the end of his life, Solomon realized he screwed up and wrote about that here. It was too late for his legacy. Don't let it be for you.

Identity Resolution

2011-01-07T07:54:00.002-05:00

This past weekend my beautiful bride preached a sermon called Identity Resolution. Her main theme was that we need to find our identity in Christ and not in our circumstances or what we have been told growing up. I may be a little bias, but I think she did an amazing job.

I think for too many of us, we approach the New Year with this thought that we get a clean slate that gives us this special power to change our lifestyle from the previous year. We somehow think by changing some habits or starting new ones that we are going to be better than the year before. Oh how I wish this was true. Because in theory, if we all stayed true to our resolutions we would by the end of our lives be perfect. But unfortunately it is not true.

The only truth that we do have is Jesus Christ. He is the one that we should be changing for. He is the one that we should be trying to be like. We need to find our identity in Him. Not in whether we can quit smoking, lose so much weight, be a better spouse, or a better parent. Those things will come from a relationship with Christ.

So if you want to experience a new life in the new year, then seek out Jesus and all of His truth for your life. Because He chose us.

Ephesians 1:4,7 (AMP)-

4. Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.

7.In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor,

2010: A Year in Reflection

2010-12-29T08:12:00.003-05:00

Without writing a book, I will simply base this post on Proverbs 13:12 "Not getting what you want can make you feel sick, but a wish that comes true is a life-giving tree."

I look at this past year and thank God for all that He has given me and hasn't given me. I think that we can all be too quick to focus on what we didn't get or what didn't go right for us, but we rarely look at what did go right. I think that this is built into us.

I get to reflect and see how God helped launch the first multi-site campus of Vineyard Community Church and how He used me and my wife to do it. I see how my wife got to quit her job to stay home and be with our kids. I see all the meaningful relationships that have been created this year in my life and those around me. I see how I have started a Bible reading plan and I am 160 days into it with out missing a reading. There are so many more positive things that I can reflect on but it would take forever. I choose to focus on the good rather than on what could make me "sick".

God is good and He is that life-giving tree. I am so thankful that I serve a God who loves me and chooses to extend grace and mercy to me despite my shortcomings. So as I prepare for this new year and I make my resolutions, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual, I will reflect on what truly gives me life. And that is Jesus.

My Modern Day Proverbs

2010-12-23T07:29:00.003-05:00

Now I don't claim to be the wisest man in the world. That title belonged and will always belong to King Solomon (1 Kings 3:12). But while reading the Proverbs I was inspired to write a few myself. I hope that these words might speak to you as they did to me while I wrote them.

Let all that you do honor the Lord who has nothing but grace and mercy for you.

He has given you all you need when you need it where you need it.

The Lord might need to do more in you before He can do more through you. Not because you are a failure but rather you are a success in process.

Why question your existence? But rather question your purpose. Obviously you are alive, but for what reason.

Your hurt is not meant to keep you down, but instead it is meant for God to pick you up.

If you find yourself in a pattern of destruction, then you might want to redesign that pattern in your life. Patterns lead to paths, paths lead to an end. Which end do you want for yourself?

Faith is not living life blindly. Faith is knowing that you know that you know.

Death is the absence of life, darkness is the absence of light, evil is the absence of good, and a life not worth living is the absence of God.

Classical Music Radio Station commentary

2010-10-15T12:29:00.003-04:00

Why is it that some of the most beautiful music is commentated by the most boring people in the whole world? No matter where in the world you listen to it, the person that begins speaking at the end of each piece of music can put you to sleep in a matter of seconds. Is it that they are not passionate about it? Is it that the music doesn't excite them? Is it a quiet reserve that prevents them from doing one of those screaming rock voices? What can it be?

Are we like that as a majority with our Christian walks? Do you find yourself in love with the most beautiful thing in the entire world, but the only thing you have to show for it is a monotone lifestyle? I think that the majority of us are guilty of this. Not because we choose to be, but because we have been told as Christians that it is the way we represent Christ. We don't want to ruffle any feathers. So after the adagios and the crescendos of our walks that excite us or bring us peace we are relegated to a very dull "and that was the Apostle Paul with a performance of his Second Corinthians Chapter two Verse three." God is more exciting than that.

Let us be more like a Howard Stern (minus the filth) or a ManCow (minus the junk) and really let people know how Christ makes us feel. He is alive which should make you feel alive. No more of this Classical Music Radio Station commentary.

To obey or not to obey? That is the question

2010-10-08T07:31:00.002-04:00

As I continue to make my way through Deuteronomy I can't help but pick up on the theme "if you obey you will be blessed". Of course there is the opposite, "if you disobey you will be cursed". So if you obey God you will be prosperous, and if you live a life of disobedience you will experience frustration and failure. It sure seems that way sometimes. But why? How does our decision to obey or not obey affect how our life plays out? It is because the Lord has the best for us, and by choosing to obey Him it leads to the fulfillment of the promises He has made to us. When we choose not to obey we remove ourselves from the will of God and His provision. Now this is easier said than done. The reason for this is because we are human and no matter how much we know what we are to do our own wills get in the way. We think that we know better than God. The problem is we can't see the big picture. It is a matter of perspective. Place the palm of your hand directly up to your face no more than an inch a way. What do you see? A big flesh colored blur. Now pull it back about a foot or so or until it comes into perfect focus. What do you see now? Wrinkles, lines, and so much detail. God can see the big picture. He can see the details. We can't even though everything is right in front of us. This is where we need to trust God and what He tells us.

So obey His commands and we eventually will see the big picture.

God above all gods

2010-10-01T09:07:00.003-04:00

You may have had a conversation recently with a non christian and they may have challenged your belief and the existence of God. Hopefully your faith was not shaken but rather strengthened. I say that because the god you serve is not like any other "god" in existence today. I put god in quotations, because today there are too many "gods" people have made for themselves. I am not just talking about other religions' gods, but also things that we have put in place of God.

The thing that separates the one true God from all the others is His active involvement in our lives. He is not a passive god sitting in some celestial dimension on a throne caring less if we are suffering or not. Rather He reveals Himself to us daily. It is up to us if we are looking for Him or if we even see Him.

In Deuteronomy 4, Moses is reminding the Israelites how God came down from Mt. Sinai and revealed Himself to the people. He also tells them how no other "god" has ever done that. This is true of our Father.

The question is, are you looking to your God or looking to your "god"?

Nostalgia: Not A Bad Thing

2010-09-30T10:34:00.002-04:00

This morning, my wife found and broke out some old photos from our childhood, high school, and few years before we were married. Of course when we began looking at them a rush of memories flowed. We remembered old boyfriends/girlfriends, friends, and events in our lives that shaped us. Now there was a potential to get in emotional trouble. If we began comparing where we are with where we were and longing for those times again it could lead to discontent and dissatisfaction. It could lead to a spiral of wishing that we were somewhere else entirely. This then could lead to our questioning of God and His plans for us.

In Deuteronomy, it opens with Moses giving a speech. In this speech, he begins to give an account of what the children of Israel have been through while in the dessert. He does so in a way, that he points to God and how He has led them on their journey. He reminds the Israelites of when they were down how the Lord had delivered them. He reminds them of when they were disobedient how God corrected them. Most importantly he reminds them of where they were going. To the Promised Land.

So if you are currently in a place of nostalgia, be careful. It is okay to remember where you've been. Its not okay to dwell there and not move forward. You are where you are at for a reason and a purpose. Just remember that God has a plan for you. Ask Him and He will reveal it to you.

Hillsong, Flogging Molly, NOFX, and You

2010-09-20T15:15:00.003-04:00

I am currently on a fast from secular music. Not because when I listen to it, does it make me do bad things. I take complete responsibility for my actions. I am doing this rather as a way to maintain my focus on God and not on the things of this world. While I said that listening to secular music does not "make" me do bad things, it does lend itself to unwholesome thoughts and a distraction from God. We are a very distracted society. Everything from music to television to billboards on the highway create daily distractions with the hope of tricking us in to buying whatever they are "selling". We are to stay focused on the Lord at all times, not just on Sundays or in our quiet time. In your conversations with friends, to driving to the store, always fix your eyes on Jesus.

The reason that I titled my blog the way I did, was for a few reasons. One, while running this morning, I listened to Hillsong. One song in particular, Tear Down the Walls. It is one of my favorite Hillsong songs. It evokes emotion every time I listen to it and breaks my spirit for the Lord. While running I was reminded of my children lifting up their voices while singing the lyrics and it just made me overjoyed that they could connect even at such a young age.

The second thing is that of Flogging Molly and NOFX. Great bands in their own right, but while listening to them, I was distracted with thoughts of the past and that of just plain nothing. The songs that I listened to didn't have explicit lyrics, but it was just the emotion and thoughts that accompanied them. Not God focused.

Now I am not saying that you shouldn't listen to these bands or other secular ones, or that I am never going to listen to them again. Rather that each individual is responsible for your relationship with God, no matter how strong or even existent it is. Don't let something as petty as music distract you from what God has for you. Don't let anything distract you from God. You will miss out on the best thing that you could ever have.

Break the Law: Pursue Christ

2010-06-08T08:03:00.002-04:00

Is the Word of God a book by which you live your life, or something that points you towards Christ? Is it something that becomes like a law to you, or acts as a compass that leads you to a relationship with our Lord and Savior? For many of us we are like the early church in where we look more to Scripture as a "how to" rather than a "where to". What I mean by this is that we take the Word that God gave us and live by it alone. But we are missing a very simple part of the equation, JESUS!! The word of God is meant to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Our "walk", pardon the pun, doesn't stop with the Bible, but rather it begins there.
In Timothy, Paul wrote to this young leader because there was false teaching going on among the leaders of the Church in Ephesus. They were teaching that the only way you could be saved was through the law. They only got it half right. The law was/is something that is given to man from God but then written, interpreted, and enforced by man. MAN!! Not God. Whenever God is not part of the equation we will fall short 100% of the time. In chapter one of 1 Timothy Paul says, "We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers–and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine" (vs. 8-10). It acts as a beacon to the lost. It is revealing and open. It opens our eyes to our sin and shows us who can restore us.

Paul says in vs. 5 that only through love with a pure heart, clear conscience, and a sincere faith can we know God. Then in vs. 14 he speaks to the fact that the grace that saves us was poured out "abundantly" with the faith and love that is in Christ. So there is the Word of God pointing to Christ. It commands us to do something and reveals to us what we should do, but it goes further and shows Christ who lives how we ought to.

So don't let it end with your reading of the Word, but rather dwell on it, meditate on it, and seek to where it is leading. Which is Christ. Once you have your sights focused on God then you will experience what the Word is saying in its fullness.

Just a thought

2010-02-16T10:18:00.002-05:00

In I Corinthians 15 Paul is talking to the church about the end and what it all entails. A verse that stood out to me more than all the others was verse 31 where he says "I day every day- I mean that,..." That really hit me. Do I "die" every day for my Jesus? Do I continually press in regardless of my current situation? Whether I am in a season of joy and peace, or whether I am in a season of pain, sorrow, depression, addiction, whatever? This really challenged me in the fact that I cannot live for tomorrow. At least as my main motivation. I must live for today and the opportunities that Christ gives me to grow spiritually and through that growth, the furthering of His Kingdom and not mine.
I am guilty of the fact that I am not proactively pursuing Him every minute of every day. I want to. I want to be able to live like my life doesn't matter except for how I can live it for Him and His will. He is God. I am not. He is my Father, my friend.
Instead of beginning all my prayers with all that He has done for me, I should begin them with how awesome and grand He is. Praying continual reminders that He is my Healer, my Provider, my Comfort, my Salvation, my Everything. Now that might sound like I would be speaking of all that He has done for me, but I disagree. I feel that it is prioritizing Him as the first, as the one and only. He does all of those things. All I do is receive. It is like the dynamic of His grace and righteousness for us. WE CAN DO NOTHING TO EARN IT!!!! It is all through Him and from Him.
So I pray that I may begin to die daily for Him and those He has called me to serve. I don't want to live a life that from a distance looks good but rather closely examined it is a life of fulfillment and completeness.

It's Been a Long Time, I shouldn't have left you.....

2010-02-05T12:48:00.003-05:00

"Without a dope beat to step to. Step to. Step to" Sorry. I couldn't resist repping my girl Aliyah. Anyway.....

Well it has been a while since I have written and thought that I would take some time to catch up. Especially all of you who have waited with baited breath. All 2 of you. Ha ha ha. But seriously.

The Lord has been doing a lot in me the past couple months. Some of it welcomed, most of it received reluctantly. Most recently it has been dealing with the multi site or the Norfolk Campus as I am calling it now. I have reserved the fact that the only way it is going to launch "smoothly" is by God and only God. That doesn't mean that I am to sit on my hind quarters and kick up my feet, but rather let God do His thing through me. WHEN we launch and WHEN it is successful, He will receive all of the glory. I will redirect EVERYTHING towards Him. It is not of my own power but rather by His. He is too big and I am too small. The box that I have kept Him in needs to be ripped open, cut up, and thrown into a fiery furnace. I then need to stop ordering those boxes and storing them for the next big thing. Time and time again God has proven Himself faithful.

I am reminded of Elijah and of the time after God had done miraculous things through him. He finds himself being threatened and running from Jezebel. He is in fear for his life and just runs. God takes him to a place where he calms him down and teaches him some powerful things. One is that he needs to rest. The other is that he needs to stop listening to lies and hear the truth. Next is to listen to the whisper of God's voice. I struggle with this one so much because of the chaos I create by "doing the work of God". I cause so much "noise" that I can't hear God's soft soothing voice. SLOW DOWN AND SHUT UP!!! Finally, after all is said and done I need to get back doing what I am called to do.

I think that we can all relate to Elijah. I know that I can. A lot of what happens is alluded to in my blog title. "Its been a long time, I shouldn't have left you." We get so focused, or distracted, that we lose sight of what God wants. Then before we know it, it feels like an eternity has gone by since we have had a real good God time. So we need to routinely recalibrate.

1. REST

2. TRUTH

3. QUIET

4. DO

May God bless you and keep you. Until next time.

Just a Face in the Crowd

2009-12-04T11:39:00.005-05:00

This morning I went to Norfolk for my Friday morning coffee in Ghent. It was the first time in a little over a month. If you are not familiar with my visits to Norfolk. It is just to establish a base there for when we launch the Norfolk campus in 2010. So anyway....it has been a while. I have a tab going which to my discovery only had .48 cents left on it. So I paid my $1.95 for my medium coffee, and proceeded to find a territory that I could claim as my own. I would stake my position and set up shop. Maybe listen to a sermon, observe the locals, or just surf the Internet. Well as I was on my way to grab a seat I recognized a familiar face. Now this face wasn't familiar because I have been going to Elliot's Fairgrounds Coffee Shop in Ghent, but rather it was familiar because I had spent time with this person while stationed on the mighty USS Cape St. George the Navy's finest Cruiser. Just to be sure it was him, I asked his name and sure enough it was SK2 James Gould. Now James wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, even though owning a MA in business. Also he was kind of an idiot savant when it came to life. He was the butt of many jokes, and sad to say on the receiving end of some of mine. He was a likable guy though. Well past his prime, but serving the country nonetheless. So long story short, to stumble upon him after 5 years of not seeing him had to be a God thing.

We got to talking about life and where each of us is at. He is in the process of getting out of the Navy and moving back home to be near his mother who has been diagnosed with cancer. Also he suffers with an anxiety disorder, and if you met him you would understand why. I don't say that to disrespect him.

While talking I asked him how he remembered me. This of course was after I revealed to him of me being a Pastor. What I would hear next would sadden me but not surprise me. He went onto say that I was not one that he saw as a troublemaker or knew of as getting into trouble. He saw me as a guy who would go to the bars, have a drink, and then go on with my business while in port. He saw me as just a "face in the crowd". Now this to me was all an accurate statement. The thing that saddened me was that I was known more for what I wouldn't do than what I was about. While in the Navy I claimed to be a Christian, but I didn't live it. I told people that I was going to be a Pastor, but I didn't witness to them. I did everything to be just a "face in the crowd". This challenged me!!! But I know that reconnecting with him was no coincidence.

I have a picture of him and I in a bar in Turkey. I would often look at that picture and wish that I had been nicer to him, or that I would have stood up for him. But how could I have? I was just a face in the crowd. I had at one point wrote off that time of my life. But the kind of God we serve didn't. He kept it tucked hidden away until the moment that I would best be ready for it. Until today.

James and I talked for 2-3 hours about life. About everything from religion, politics, the economy. About each other. I was able to be that person that was able to share my love for the Lord. I was able to look at him and be accepting of him despite his eccentricities. I was able to shower him with love and compassion. I now have that part of my life back. I am more complete because of that encounter today. That is the kind of God we serve. He takes those "face in the crowd" parts of our life and transforms them into God moments. Only He can do that. Only He can restore us to where we want to be.

So if you are living in those "face in the crowd" seasons of life, have faith and know that God can bring everything full circle when He is ready. Just give it to Him and He will do it. Sometimes He needs to do more in us before He can do more through us.

Give Me Faith....

2009-10-09T10:47:00.003-04:00

My title is the title of a sermon series from Steven Furtick at Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. It is a series that addresses what I feel every Christian struggles with. Is my faith strong enough? Is my faith real? Is my faith something that can withstand the fire? For me lately, I have been in a lull where I am just going day to day and have not really had the umph that I would like in my walk. Of course it is self induced, but more importantly I have chosen to bow to the idols in my life that is brought on by the "music" surrounding me. In Daniel 3:13-30 it is the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The king, I'll call him King Neb, has issued a decree that when the music is heard all will bow and worship the 90ft idol that he has constructed. As the story goes on we see that the three men do not bow down and that the consequence of this is to be thrown into a firey furnace. This was a direct result of their "disobedience" to this earthly king, authority, decree, accepted way of life. And because of this their faith was tested. The scripture goes onto say with their response they stated three things: 1. They did not recognize the enemy by name. They did not give respect to the force behind this issue. 2. They did not have to defend their faith. This was not their job to put time and energy into doing so. Thier actions spoke for themselves. 3. They had an attitude about their faith that stated that even if the Lord didn't deliever them they would not bow because they had their convictions of only serving the one true God. I know for me recently that the trials of my faith have been a refining fire. I, unlike the three guys, have a little smoky flavor. But I know that I have not been consumed. This is for me to grow and for my faith to go to the next level. We need to know that EVERY trial is an opportunity for us to be refined. And just as they were delivered from the flames so too will we be, because Christ is with us in those times. "Look!! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth, looks like a son of the gods." God is always with us. We just need to know that the trials in our life aren't meant to burn us but rather refine us.

Relax (Don't Do It)

2009-09-24T10:18:00.003-04:00

Frankie Goes to Hollywood said it best, but if you are anything like me you are just too busy. Work 9-5, Monday through Friday. You have something planned every night of the week. Whether it is business or pleasure and then when it is time to sit and relax something comes up and you have to do it. This is just the society that we live. A 24/7 mindset. 3-6-5 lifestyle. Why are we that way? Is it beneficial to us in our relationships, our own personal time, our physical health, or how about our spiritual health?
I think that the enemy has done a great job of creating distractions in our everyday lives that take away from all of this. Some would not be so bad, but once again our mindset is to have everything now and in our hands. This would explain midnight showings of the hottest new movies or if you are a video game nerd like me, the midnight releases of a new video game (I will be there at the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2; just saying). It is not just this. It is with releases of iPhones, Black Friday, Green Tuesday and whatever other color day that has a massive sale. My point is we need to not be so eager with what the world says we should have or what we should do. This is seen not just in getting stuff. It is also seen in the mindset of workaholics. As a workaholic we have to be working on the something all the time. Whether it is for a deadline, overtime, or cleaning the house. We have to always be doing something.
But the Bible says something contradictory. It is one of the ten commandments. Honor the Sabbath and keep it holy. Rest. Relax. Take a break. I like this quote from Rob Bell. It was actually from one of his tweets. He said: "On the Sabbath we live as if all of our work is done-even if it isn't." That is some great stuff. Even if there is a huge pile of laundry or if there is one last addition to that project we need to rest. What it says by taking rest is that you are more important than the work or the busyness. The truth is that you are. God knows this and thinks this. This also brings scripture true in your life. In 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Paul is talking about sexual immorality and to abstain from it, but in the scripture he says that "Everything is permissible by me, but not everything is beneficial" This can apply in the area of work. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. The end of that passage goes on to say "you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." We need to honor the Lord with our bodies and our time.
Take a break once a week. It will be hard at first, but if you make it a priority you won't be disappointed.
Exodus 20:10-"Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Work six days and do everything you need to do. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to God, your God. Don't do any work—not you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your servant, nor your maid, nor your animals, not even the foreign guest visiting in your town. For in six days God made Heaven, Earth, and sea, and everything in them; he rested on the seventh day. Therefore God blessed the Sabbath day; he set it apart as a holy day."

Our Ministry: Is it like Christ's?

2009-08-29T09:05:00.003-04:00

I think about the way that I and the majority of Christians witness to people directly or indirectly, and it has brought me to a conclusion. I am 27 years old and have been witnessed TO a handful of times, maybe 4-5. Now modern day statistics say that there are approximately 224,000,000 Christians in the United States, and I have been witnessed to 4-5 times. Now I am not saying that I am doing any better. As a Pastor I get to witness through my work, but what am I doing in my plain clothes away from the church. What are all of us doing as believers?

I feel that it is because we have not accepted the new covenant that the Lord paid the ultimate price for. The more I think about it, it feels as if the majority of Christians are wandering through life like the children of Israel did. What I mean by that is there is a promise given to us (eternal life), and we are just doing everything we can just to get that promise. While instead the new covenant which fulfills the old covenant should require us to live how Jesus lived rather then how a bunch of nomadic people lived. We too many times are waiting for God to give us the next opportunity rather than make our own with God's direction. Jesus ate at sinners' homes. He hung out with hurt and sick people. Maybe we take the scripture in Romans 12:2 TOO literal and we separate ourselves from anything and everything that could possibly lead us astray. Maybe I want more for my walk. Maybe I want people to look at me and see Jesus rather than see someone that is weak and is leaving it all to God. God gives us the power to do all these things. Through Christ this power is given.

I guess what I am saying is that we need to have lives that reflect Jesus rather then a life that is aimless in wandering with a "pillar of smoke" leading us to the "promise land." I want to be a Joshua and a Caleb, who had the spirit of the Lord in them when they said that they could take the land. I don't want to be the other ten that were punished with death. Because in the end if we lived our life like that there will be a yearning or desire to have wanted to do more, and that will feel like death.

So may we look to Christ and how He DID ministry, with boldness and courage!! Let us not be fearful of man. Let us take the land the Lord has given us. Let us know that it is Him that gives us the strength to do these things and it is not of ourselves. Let our ministries be like Christ's!!

Step Into The Light

2009-08-13T09:53:00.006-04:00

In John 3, Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night or in the darkness and proceeds to tip toe around the fact that he believes in who Jesus says He is; the Son of God. Nic then goes on to ask questions of Jesus, not to trip Him up, but rather to get to the bottom of it. He basically states that He must be who he says He is by the miracles He performs, but how can he be sure that He is? Jesus then talks about being "born again" and that no one can enter heaven unless they are. "This is of water and Spirit." This is with an encounter or experience with the character and person of Christ. You can see all the miracles in the world, but unless you encounter Him you just won't know Him. So many Christians are not living as they born again because for some they have either not had that encounter with Christ, or they have reverted back into the darkness and they just cant feel it anymore. Christ also goes into other difficulties that people let get in the way. Jesus says that if He speaks to people of earthly things and they don’t believe how will they believe in heavenly things. So many people get hung up on the earthly things i.e. age of the earth, creationism vs evolution, big bang, etc; They let this consume them and prevent them from seeing the spiritual side of it all. They aren't just willing to believe which leads into the most well known scripture in the Bible: John 3:16. But I like the verses to follow; how He talks about condemnation. The way to be free from it is to just believe. But I think that "to believe" in anything is simple, it is knowing that it is true that is the difficult part. I can believe that my football team is going to win a game, but knowing that it is true is difficult for me to hold on to. This is different from believing in Christ. We can know what He says is true by the evidences in our life, IF, we are obedient to His word. IF we are in the light.

Verse 19 goes onto say that Light came into the world but men loved darkness instead of light because of their evil ways. There is almost security in the darkness. You can't really see what is going on and in turn other people can't see what you are doing. People are afraid to come into the light because of fear that their ways will be exposed.

Maybe this is why Nicodemus came at night and in the dark. Maybe he didn’t want people to see what he was doing. Getting closer to the light, having an encounter with Christ. But Jesus is so smart in the fact that Nic was where he was at. You see, Christ knows where we are all at, and as He concludes with Nic He simply says that "whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." This is a positive twist on exposing us gently to show people God's love and grace. He isn't like one of my children who tattle on the other with hopes of disgracing us, but rather as a loving parent that shows us our faults and that He loves us in spite of them. This is an encounter or experience with Him. This is the safety and comfort of the light.

So I urge you to step out of the darkness and into His light. You are able to see a lot better there.

How are you praying?

2009-07-20T09:49:00.003-04:00

So God gave us prayer for many reasons. To thank Him, to ask of Him, but mainly just to talk to Him. He wants to know our hearts. He wants to know what's going on. Can He simply read our minds and be done with us? Sure He can, but He wants us to talk to Him. If I could read my wife's thoughts, it might be kind of cool for a little while, but I will lose the interaction that forms an important part of our relationship. If I am just sitting there absorbing her thoughts it is just a one-way form of communication. She gets nothing in return. This is how it is with God. He wants to interact with us, and in that interaction miracles happen. That is where we know that we are not alone. That is where we know Christ is alive. That is where we know that we are not living by blind faith. This ultimately is the confirmation of our faith.

But maybe you pray all the time and you feel like you don't get a response. Maybe you are praying with selfish motives. Maybe it is all about you. What if someone you loved was always asking you for things and not once asking how you are doing or what they could do for you? That is what is called a high maintenance friend. Well that is true of a lot of Christ followers. They are high maintenance Christians. God wants to be your friend where the relationship is a two way street. He wants you to come to Him for things, but He also wants to come to you for things. He wants to know that you are willing to follow where He leads. When asking for things, it needs to be in line with His Kingdom and His will.

So next time that you offer up a prayer to God, think about how you are asking it and how would you feel if you were on the receiving end. This is not to say that you can't just cry out to Him when you need Him. Like any good friend He will be there for you to listen and care. He loves you and wants you to know that. I think that He just wants to have a relationship with you like any other person. He is not as distant as we make Him. He is as close as we let Him. So I guess it is kind of like the Golden Rule: Treat God like you would want to be treated. Talk to Him and he will talk to you!!!

Is the Law your God?

2009-07-14T07:39:00.003-04:00

In 1 Timothy 1, Paul is writing to Timothy in Ephesus. The Ephesian church was becoming a place where people were getting too hung up on false doctrine and following the law to the tee rather then lifting each other up in love. Paul addresses this especially in regards to the "fantasy stories" and "fanciful family trees that digress into silliness". This of course is referring to the church getting caught up in the twisting of the Word and the useless genealogies that caused more division than unity. The letter then transitions to what needs to be focused on, taught, and lived. And that is love. So if you take a step back here, there is a battle between the doctrine, or law, of the Ephesian church and the loving nature of Christ.

I never really thought about it before, but sometimes I get too worried about following the "law" so perfectly that I always fall short. Instead of getting hung up on this I need to have love be the purpose. God is love, a message that the apostle John used as a theme in all of his writings. Now I am not saying that the law needs to be ignored but rather used as a guideline for those already seeking the Lord. Paul goes onto say that it is designed for those that are not yet living for Christ. For us that claim to follow Christ, we need to be more concerned with our personal relationships with Him than making sure that we stay with in the lines. It is the personal versus the impersonal. Jesus wants to know us because of how much we love Him, not because how well we keep the rules. I was listening to a sermon recently on this and how impossible it is to keep the law. There is no way on earth that we as humans can keep all the rules set before us. That is why we ALWAYS fall short, and for some people this is what keeps them down. They are looking more to the law then they are to the Lord. The law was given to us to help us not rule us. The law, in a sense, is more like road signs pointing us in the right direction. Once we have arrived it is on us to maintain the relationship so that we stay there, but if we get "lost" again we need to use the road signs to get us back there.

So instead of worshipping the thing that points us to the Lord, we need to worship Lord and us utilize the law to help us get there and remain there. So when it comes down to it, who or what is your God? If it is the law are you a happy Christ follower or a miserable failure? I would guess the latter. Take a step back and adjust what leads you. May it be the Lord in heaven who loves you and cares for you. May He be your God.

Bearded Compliments

2009-06-29T15:58:00.006-04:00

Recently I have been the recipient of several compliments. All having to do with my appearance. More specifically, all having to do with my facial hair. At first I was getting great compliments about the way that it looked. But I should have suspected something when all of them came from youth, more specifically from male youth between the ages of 15-18. If you have been following me on Twitter or are one of my friends on Facebook you might have seen that I have been growing out what I like to call a "man-beard". A man beard is simply facial hair that is grown out with little to no grooming with the hopes of being mistaken for a lumberjack. But on Father's day it would all change. Upon completion of my Father's day meal I took a pic and posted it on Twitpic, and much to my horror the beard looked grotesque and unsightly. This sparked me to shave it. Which in turn led to more "compliments", one as recent as today. Normally I would accept them with open arms basking in the radiance of people showering me with greatness. But these compliments in particular have been somewhat......how do I say it......RUDE!!!! The first one was on Saturday night while at church. This one, might I add, is more forgivable because it came from an 11 year old boy. While in conversation with the boy's father he decided to compliment me on my recent shave. "I see you shaved," said the boy. "It looks like you shaved thirty years off of your life." I didn't know how to respond to that. Did he just give me a reverse compliment? The other one was so graciously bestowed upon me by the check-in worker at the YMCA. You know the place where people go to exercise and feel better about themselves? Well before I could even begin to think better about myself the trend of "compliments" continued. As I handed my key chain for her to scan she looked at me oddly for a second and then her eyes became bright and she asked me if I had a beard the previous week. I told her that I did but that it was uncomfortable because of the heat. A lie of course. Then she said it. She said the most unexpected form of a compliment that I have ever received. Instead of saying, "You look good", or "What an amazing jaw line". She said, "Well......keep shaving." Keep shaving!?! What was that supposed to mean? Was that even meant to be nice. I had nothing to say in response. I was in shock. So I looked like a freak with my beard and now I look like Brad Pitt to you lady? What the heck!?!

From there I went. On with my day. On with my life trying to comprehend what has been going on with these people. I have come to two conclusions from this whole experience. One is that no one I know knows how to give a genuine compliment, and two I need to stop looking for compliments. I am only going to let myself down. I need to find value from God, not from others around me. If I look for it from others I will be hugely disappointed as you all have seen from this blog entry. Only God has the real view of you and it is one of love, respect, loyalty, honesty, and I could go on and on. So look to Him and you will be fine.

Be Mentioned

2009-06-28T18:20:00.003-04:00

For sixteen verses in Romans 16, Paul gives his TRL style shout-outs to his peeps. From Pheobe, to Priscilla and Aquilla, to Adronicus to Plegon. Those last two sound like they are from the planet Zorkon of the Nebulal Quadrant (seriously they do). And while mentioning their names, he gives reasons, indirectly, why. While I never noticed this before, there are some pretty amazing people recognized. Some are known for their hospitality, their love of God, being the first follower of Christ in Asia (dang, that is sweet), two are known for sharing a jail cell while also being believers longer than Paul. The list goes on and on. But they are mentioned by name. He then goes on to mention those that are up to no good. The thing is that he doesn't waste ink on their names. He just says to avoid them and what they do. They are out for selfish reasons and to lead others astray.
I don't want to be the ones mentioned for the negativity they were known for. Their names are not even acknowledged, but I rather be named. I want to live a life that is worthy of God. I say so in the most humble of means. I want to be known for sticking my neck out there (vs 4), laboring much for the kingdom (vs. 6,12), being a fellow worker in Christ (vs. 3, 9), and being a beloved in the Lord (vs. 8). All the things mentioned were done so not for how great they made Paul feel or how great it made him look, but rather how they were living for Christ. The latter were warned against, almost black-listed. Paul wanted people to know what others were doing in the name of Christ.
I have often joked about wanting to be listed in the Bible if it were to be continually added to, but in some seriousness I do. I want to be known for a life that has been lived for God. I know that I have a long way to go, but with the Lord's help I can become what He wants me to become.

"Lord bring me to a place where I am known for loving You, loving others, and serving the world. Let it be the the light that you are shining through me. May I be an agent for the Kingdom rather than a destroyer of it. If anyone were to mention my name, let it be you." Let this be your prayer. Let this be something that defines you. Let this be why you are mentioned.

Encouraging Evangelism

2009-06-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

Romans 15:21 says: "Those who were never told of him—they’ll see him! Those who’ve never heard of him— they’ll get the message!"

I don't think that this scripture only refers to those that have never heard the name "Jesus", but rather those who have never heard or encountered His character, His peace, His love, His grace, etc. People can know the Bible and know the name Jesus, but never trully know. There are a lot of Christians that know Him but don't trully KNOW Him. This is where they have never had a true encounter with Him. They are just going through the motions. So many people will say that they are Christians, but their lack of relationship with Jesus will play out in their actions and deeds. What is their fruit? What is my fruit? This is where we must continually be pressing into God so that we might KNOW Him. He will then use us so that others might have an encounter with Jesus. It is like when Christ calls Phillip to follow Him. He first ran and told his friend Nathaniel. At first Nathan was skeptical of Jesus, because he had not yet encountered Him. He even questioned if anything good came out of Nazareth. He did this because he just heard of the things that come from there. He had not trully investigated for himself. But when Christ revealed Himself to Nathan, an encounter happened and Nathan was transformed.

So like Phillip we must go and tell our friends, family, and coworkers about Christ and not become discouraged by the backlash but rather have them have an encounter with Christ. Then they will see and they will understand.

The Teachings of a Two Year Old

2009-06-23T20:40:00.001-04:00

Lately it has seemed that our son's case of the terrible twos has errupted into a scene from the Exorcist movies. Not cool. But through it all God has been able to show my wife and I a lot. We have had our patience tried through a lot of bad behavior. Talking back, straight-out defiance, and a destructive spirit. Bekah and I were at our wits end at what to do or even how to parent. It came to a breaking point last night and this morning. Nathan woke up several times and wouldn't go to sleep. That was just the beginning. When we finally woke up Bekah got his breakfast, some cereal and grape juice. I was still lying in bed when she said that Nathan had thrown his cereal on the floor. This was not the climax. He then proceeded to throw his juice onto the floor. He then had the nerve to tell Bekah to clean it up. Needless to say a barage of emotions were expressed amongst the mess and exhaustion from the previous night's lack of sleep. After the dust cloud had settled and the morning turned into the afternoon God decided to used this mornings events and the past couple of weeks to speak to me.

"That is how you have been acting and treating Me." Ouch. "You have made the mess and have demanded that I clean it up." Oh my. Is this true? Is this how I have been treating my Father? Through my sins and my arrogance I have been acting like a two year old with no remorse. But God has a way of getting a hold of us. I was listening to a podcast this morning while I was running and the pastor referenced the scripture in Revelation where God will vomit us out of His mouth if we are luke-warm. As the speaker mentioned didn't say that He wants us to be 100% "on fire" for Him or the complete opposite and be cold and useless, but rather be refreshing as a ice cold drink on a hot summer's day or a hot cup of cocoa on a frigid winter's night. The point is that to be luke-warm is to be useless. The way that I have been in my spiritual walk lately has been that comfortable, complacent, content Christian.......USELESS.

God used my two year old son to show me that. Through my lacking and disregard for who God really is, He used my flesh and blood to teach me what I should know at 27 years of age. Thank you Father for my son and through humbling me and teaching me that you want me in 100% not in the middle. Make me a ice cold refreshment that is utterly consumed by flames of refinement and grace.

Get out of the way!!!

2009-06-12T11:09:00.000-04:00

Something that struck me powerfully this morning is where I was reading in Romans 9. It first speaks of Paul's sorrow because of his people not accepting the fact that Jesus was who he said he was. It then goes into addressing the spiritual aspect of the lineage of Abraham. I never caught it before, but there has always been a "one or the other" situation with this. In verse 7 he states that the Jews will be defined with Isaac, he then goes on to talk about Jacob and Esau and how "the older will serve the younger". So here there is a clear line of who God has chosen, but it is not based on the works performed by either Isaac or Jacob but by God who called them.

So why did this stick out to me do you ask? Simply for the fact that in both these situations there are God moments and then there are man moments. With Abraham, he took it on his own to have a son with Hagar in which Ishmael is born and the Palestinians are descended. The other is the plot to have Jacob receive the birthright from Isaac. In which he did receive so deceitfully. In both these situations, man got in the way. This is much like all of us in every way. We choose to do it our way or God's way. Nine time out of ten it is our way.

In Galatians 4:21-31 Paul addresses the slave woman versus the free woman and how we are either born to the slave woman or born to the free woman. This in a sense is a warning to us that we can either choose to live in bondage because we do it our way, or we can choose to live in freedom because we do it God's way. Initially we are all in bondage to sin, but because of what Christ did for us we are now free.

So why remain in bondage? I know that there are many reasons why one would, but maybe knowing that if we do things God's way it will bring us freedom then we will choose this more often.

I would like to start living with the moniker, "It's either God's way or the highway", rather then the other well too practiced one. May God bless you and may you not get in the way so much.

Falling down and getting up.

2009-05-26T10:36:00.000-04:00

Why does falling down hurt so much? Why does trying to get up seem so impossible? In the walk of a Christ follower the weight and burden from stumbling and trying to get back up from it seems so heavy. In all reality it is a mental/spiritual thing that the enemy has perfected. He knows that we are a people that are more critical of ourselves then anyone else could ever be. In doing so this a self inflicted prison that we keep ourselves in. It is almost a prison with no cell doors, but we just can't seem to believe that we can get free. But the Word says "he who lives in me is free indeed." Easier said than done. Or is it? The simple act of reading the Word, putting on the "armour", giving your day to Christ seems like an impossible mission. Once again, the lie of the enemy.
We have strength in Christ- 1 Timothy 1:12-
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service."
We must think about this daily. Place scriptures throughout your home. Read the Word. Talk to people about Christ. Be available to God. Just DO what you know to do. In James 4 it says if a man knows what he must do and does not do it then he sins. Let that ring out!!!
Be encouraged that God is sovereign and that He will not give you more than you can handle (1 Cor 10:13). Through your testing He will give you strength. He will also give you a way out. You just need to take it. And if you fall, He will be there to pick you up and dust you off with a look of love and compassion rather than disgust and disappointment.
Psalm 22:8-"He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him." Let this be true of you, because it is true of Him.

I am back!!!

2009-05-14T18:21:00.001-04:00

After taking a sabbatical from writing, I have returned. A lot has gone on since I last wrote. Where to begin? Well, I began working out again. Nothing too serious, unless you consider working out five times a week serious. I just got fed up with not looking model-esque anymore. Not that I ever did. I just do weights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with cardio (running) all five days. My goal is to get to my fighting weight, whatever that is. I have decided to step it up though. I am going to lift weights five time a week. Low weight with high reps. I need to tone it up. I have my TEN year reunion this year. I need to go back and show them how unscrawny I am now.

Besides the workout plan, I have started up school again. Vinyeard Leadership Institute to be more exact. I am about to take my midterm for The Writings (Psalm, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon) and for Vision and Planning. Great stuff. I do feel that I have become a demi-scholar. After this semester I will be a second year student and have only three semesters left. If feels good to be getting this done. I know though that I am not done with education after this. I would like to get my bachelors still. Plus with the new policy that the Navy came out with, I get free tuition up to any state level university. God is good!!!

Oh yeah, the most important thing is that I was introduced as the new multi site campus pastor officially. We will be launching a Vineyard Community Church campus in Norfolk. I am stoked. It is going to be a great opportunity.

Well, now that I am caught up I can relax. I know that there are readers out there. I hope. If you are, then just hit me up with a comment. If not, then continue to enjoy your anonymity.

Slider out!!!

Dental Work

2009-04-17T10:16:00.000-04:00

So yesterday I had my six month cleaning. In a weird and twisted way I enjoy going to the dentist. Some people are deathly afraid of it, but not me. So anyway, I had done my pre-visit ritual of brushing, flossing, and gargling mouthwash. Bekah pointed out to me, based on my lack of flossing, that when it comes to me and flossing I am like most non church goers: I only floss two times a year like most people only go to church for Easter and Christmas. The funny thing about it is that I haven't had a cavity since I was a little kid. She flosses everyday and she just had a cavity or two in the last couple months. Irony sure is funny.
Anyway.....back to my dental visit. So I was looking forward to it because of my success record in not having cavities. I arrive at the dentist office and wait in the waiting room, obviously. They have this cool fish tank that has a fish in it that seems to be too big for it. It is like a shark/goldfish hybrid. Very cool. They finally call my name. Now this is only the second time that I have been to a civilian dentist since I got out of the Navy so it is still a different world. Everyone is happy and glad that I am there. Quite a difference from the Navy. My dental hygienist is this perky little girl named Megan. I had her last time and wasn't fearful at all.
Things were normal as usual, but Megan was extra talkative this time. Not in an annoying way, but in a way that she required responses while my jaw was wide open. I don't know if they teach the hygienists how to understand complete incoherency in dental hygienist school, but that is all she was getting from me. A lot of uncomfortable half laughs and several unintelligible gag-like tones resonating from the back of my throat. She seemed to understand, so I didn't question it. She told me about her daughter and I tried to tell her about Abigail and Nathan as best and clearly as I could.
After the initial cleaning she got the horrid floss out and began to cut through the soft tissue that hold my teeth in my mouth. Needless to say as I rinsed and spit, flowing red liquid protruded from my mouth. A sign that I should probably floss more. After everything was said and done I was released with my free gifts of floss, travel toothpaste, and a brand new toothbrush with the dentist office's name on it. Oh joy!!! I had hit the mother load. Oh yeah, my gums were throbbing. I guess to remind me that not flossing can result in abuse at your dental cleaning.
So kids, brush your teeth daily and always remember to floss!!!

Slider Out!!!!

Peeps Death

2009-04-12T15:48:00.000-04:00

So on Easter, Peeps are a childhood favorite. I personally never enjoyed them. So this year Bekah had bought some for Abigail and Nathan. With the ones that were not eaten, Allison Virtue Drew, decided to introduce "Peep-fighting". Now I don't know if it is a felony to do this, so I claim no responsibility in the outcome of said fights. The object of "Peep-fighting" is to mercilessly poke each peep with a toothpick and then face them together (see first photo), you then proceed to stick them into the microwave facing one another. If it weren't wrong enough to empale them with toothpicks you then get enjoyment by nuking them with the intention of them "fighting" one another. As you see by the end picture there is nothing left but death and carnage. So I ask you Peep lovers of the world to unite and stop the senseless killing of the innocent marshmallow treats the children around the enjoy to............eat? Wait a minute what is the difference? Fry those suckers. Nuke em!!! Kill them Peeps!!!!

Slider Out!

Easter

2009-04-12T15:38:00.000-04:00

Today is Easter and I am sitting at home with my family, both immediate and extended, and I am reflecting on what Easter really means. I had the privilege of leading the family tradition of the bitter herbs and the Lord's Supper. It was quite an honor and very moving for me. I never really thought about the Old Law and the New Covenant. To see what God had done with His people and then to send His son to fulfill what He had done with His people. But not only did He do it for His chosen people but for all of creation. I love my Father so much and to put Easter into perspective is now something that I have done and it makes me more appreciative of the sacrifice made for me. If you have read the "Father's Love" entry then that, to me, is what I feel it is like for us. Once again the mystery of God's love.

Slider Out!!!

Love of a Father

2009-04-10T05:25:00.000-04:00

The love of a father is something that not everyone trully experiences in their life. I for instance grew up never knowing my biological dad. But this doesn't mean that I could never really know what it means to have the love of a father. I grew up a Christian and was always told about the love of God the Father, but I could never relate. It was just too hard for me. It was not until the birth of my first child Abigail that I could somewhat relate to the love the Lord has for us, but I was still missing the love towards me. In regards to the love that I have for my daughter, I was able to have a little glimpse of how it must be for God towards us. Also I had this thought that I didn't know if I wanted another child because I didn't think that I could love another child like I loved Abigail, but then Nathan came along and was amazingly surprised. It was a different type of love. Not any less or any more than Abigail. Just different. I never really thought anymore about it.

Recently I have been reading the Shack and have come to understand what the Love of the Father looks and feels like. I brought up my children and earlier for the fact that it is similar for how the Lord loves us. He doesn't love any of us more than the other. It is different and unique for each person. For me it takes the pressure off. For me it makes it more valuable. For me it makes it more special. I am not saying that I am completely at a place where I understand or even feel it all of the time, but I know it is there and I know that He loves me. The love of a father is so important, and He wants us to know that He does love us. But don't take my word for it. You must seek and find for yourself!!!

Slider Out!!!

How many blogs does it take to get to the center of a toostie roll pop?

2009-03-31T19:48:00.000-04:00

I find that getting people to read my blog is something next to impossible. I don't know if it is because the lack of promotion or the sheer boredom created by them. I am not starting a pity party, but am making an observation as to why I always stop writing blogs. Maybe this time is different. Maybe if I approach it at a different angle and not use it as a way to get my own personal glory, but rather as an outlet of expression. It is quite therapeutic to get my thoughts out there. I just need to stay dedicated to writing and doing it more. That has always been the reason that I stopped was that I did not make a habit of it. So here is to the future of my blog. May it have a long and prosperous life!!!

Slider Out!!!

Beautiful Day!!!

2009-03-29T19:16:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful day today. I actually got to relax with the family and not do ANYTHING!!! We went over to Bekah's parents house for lunch and ate the largest pork chops known to man. I swear they were the size of one of my children. Very delicious (Thank you Loring)!! We then came home and tried to put the children to bed. We had success with one of them (Abigail), but lost the battle with the other one (Nathan). "You may have won the battle, but we will win the war." But after getting the babysitter, a.k.a. the television set, to get Nathan's attention we sat down and enjoyed three episodes of Heroes: Season 3 (See favorite TV shows). After the headache inducing mindless entertainment, we actually decided to enjoy the glorious day. So we packed the kids up into the jogger and hit the neighborhood. I really enjoyed looking at all of the houses and getting ideas to landscape our yard. We have more of a "dirt" than a yard, but with time and love we will transform it. Anyway....when we got back the kids wanted to play in the front "dirt", so we pulled out their bikes and they played while we sat out front and enjoyed a NICE glass of red wine. "Red, red wine goes to my head......"

As the sun set and the night air cooled, I was thankful for what God had given me at that moment; a beautiful family, home, and life. Those are the moments that really remind me of how wonderful it is to be in God's will. Sure it gets rough sometimes, but when you just slow down and enjoy the days God gives you He will always show Himself through it all.

Slider Out!!!!

The problem with technology.....

2009-03-27T16:12:00.001-04:00

The problem with technology is technology itself. It can never be as easy as "free wifi" or "plug and play". There is always some kind of communication error when trying to connect to anything. Whether it is a new software update, or even as simple as connecting to a wifi hotspot. If your system is not communicating correctly then you will have a problem.

This is true with any type of relationship. If the communication is not there, then you are going to have a connection problem. If you try to implement a new "software update" but do not communicate correctly to all the interfacing users than you are going to have a problem. Now this isn't to say that there is never "user error", but if the "user" is not properly informed of how the "system" is to work then you are most definitely going to have a crashed system.

Now this was an uber geeky way of expressing that people need to have communication in their relationships. Open, free-flowing, never-ending lines of communication. There are all too many "error messages" that pop up because the "systems" are not communicating properly. So to finish with where I began, the problem with relationships are the relationships themselves. Non Christlike relationships are destined to crash and unless godly communication is there than the users can only expect to have connectivity issues. I believe that if you devote yourselves to one another with God being your IT guy then you should rarely experience "program failure". I hope this made sense.

Slider Out!!!!!

Slider Out!!!

2009-03-26T13:11:00.000-04:00

So I was approached about two weeks ago by one of the youth at the church and was told that every time that I ever leave a place that I should exclaim "Slider Out!!" At first it took me back to the time in my life where I was always doing something to announce my arrival or departure. Of course this was to feed the deep down necessity of being the center of attention, but as I have gotten older I no longer have that battling within side of me. Yeah right!!!!

I haven't really thought about it much since then. Until yesterday when I ended my blog with it. So now I am left with a small desire to begin doing this silly ritual. Whether it was to let the present company become aware of the soon to be emptiness that they were about to experience (most likely not), or for it just to be something that the younger crowd would think would be "cool", I now have this longing to do it. I think that I will first keep it simple and low key, and limit it to each blog post. But soon it may become something that takes the world by storm. I cannot help that I have been blessed with an amazing last name. Not like "Smith","Doe", or even "Jinglehiemerschmidt". Jon Slider just has a ring to it, so with that I shall leave you.

Slider Out!!!!

So it begins.....

2009-03-25T21:21:00.001-04:00

The first of maybe a couple blog posts. I never thought of myself as much of a "blogger", so we shall see how long this lasts. This post may be like a first date from a hot and fiery place, or it may be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

My first experience with blogs would be with those of my sister in law in which she used her amazing talent of writing (in which she pretty much got a degree in) to express with intricacy the matters of simplicity. None of which I would like to divulge in this blog. I could not do her justice and most likely go on to embarass myself. (Does this even have spellcheck?) But if you are interested check it out for yourself, here. Since then I have read some blogs here and some blogs there, but none that have inspired me to do one for myself. That was until yesterday, when I gazed upon the blog created by my good friend John Chappell (see blog here). Now I am "inspired" to pour out some kind of thoughts from my head into cyber space. Do people even call it that anymore?

So from here till I blog again, we shall see if anyone decides to even take a gander at this compilation of words. Maybe I can continue to expand my horizons and possibly start a vlog, but I doubt it. It is all about baby steps.

Well until next time.......Slider out!!!!