THE ROAD

Hey Guys!!

2008-09-22T11:04:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Many of you have been asking about when we will start back up the weekly get together. I wanted to ask when is a good time for everyone???

Not sure how many of you are involved in a Community Group however, we could meet on Sunday evenings if that is OK for everyone. Let me know if that would be OK for everyone and we could meet up at the church building or another location. Let me know your thouhgts and we can go from there!!!

In-Him,
Steve

Back Again!!!!!

2008-07-31T21:54:00.002-05:00

Hey Guys!

I am so sorry I have not kept the blog up this summer. It seems as though time has just gotten away from me. The family and I have had a GREAT summer, as I hope all of you have. We had a fun-filled camping week in Colorado, followed by a quick business trip to Mass.

This was followed by a GREAT week of camp at Camp Evergreeen. I must tell you all I have taken a few months off to grow closer in my walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He has rekindled my spirit and has sent me out once again to journey the Road. Look for upcoming entries on the blog. I hope and pray that this will become a place of openess and "oneness" with all of you. Please share the blog with everyone you can and engage in conversations with us. Hope you all are having a great summer and look forward to seeing you all again soon!!!

In-Him,
Steve W

People Get Ready!!!!!

2008-05-01T15:07:00.003-05:00

Hello to all you fellow ROAD warriors. I wanted to take a few minutes and bring you up to speed on a few things.

Remember this coming Wed night, will be our first night back together at South Plains. We will meet in the 20 Something's class at 7:00pm. Bring your traveling shoes for we will be going on several journies.

I also wanted to share some exciting news with you about a new ministry called The Blitz. The Blitz will take place June 20-22nd. The Blitz is a community outreach service project where we will do home repair and maintainence on homes within the community of Lubbock. The weekend will wrap-up with a Sunday "Main Event" to be held in the north lot of South Plains. This Sunday event will start at 3:00pm and run until 8:00pm or whenever. The day will consist of horseshoes, volleyball/nukeum tournaments, jumpers for the smaller children. A chuck-wagon style dinner and outdoor concert. We already have two groups that will be performing beginning at 5:00pm. Our very own Sharlan Proper and her group will perform from 5:00pm-6:00pm. The LCU group Hard Travelers will perform from 7:00pm-8:00pm.

This is going to be an AWESOME time together, and will give us an opportunity to live REAL LIFE with the community. This event is open to EVERYONE so please spread the word and let's make this time of fun and fellowship something our Father will be proud of. Also, get your vollebally and nukeum teams together for the big tournament. I look forward to seeing all of you on Wed night (if the Lord wills).

In-Him,
Steve

PS: Am I the only one that writes in the blog???? Come on peopleHAHAHA.

There's NO PLACE like Home!

2008-04-16T12:29:00.002-05:00

Yes you read that correctly, and no I am not refering to a small Kansas town following a rather long adventure in a strange land but then again, maybe I am!!

Several years ago when I was 20 years old, I longed to leave the friendly surroundings of Lubbock Texas and see some other parts of the country. I knew that if I could just leave Lubbock in pursuit of my adventure, I would find true happiness away from what I had always known. Mac Davis had a hit song in the 70's called "Lubbock in My Rearview Mirror". Just as Mac thought happiness was far away from his roots, so too did I and thought the military would be the adventure I needed. I joined the US Navy and spent some time in San Diego, CA. Man it doesn't get any better than that does it? Ocean, sunshine, NO WIND what could be better!

After a number of months being in San Diego, I was eating in a restauraunt and was ready to place my order. When the waiter arrived I ordered my meal, and thought I would have a nice piece of cornbread with my meal (since I had not tasted cornbread since leaving Lubbock). Well the time of truth had arrived. I received my meal just as I had ordered, everything was fine EXCEPT for one thing. As I looked over my meal I noticed something out of place. Sitting right above my plate was a seperate plate with a biscuit on it. Well seeing that this could not be correct I motioned for the waiter to come over. As he arrived I told him there must be some kind of mistake for I have ordered cornbread with my meal. Without hesitation the waiter replied "There is no mistake, that's it on the seperate plate". I was shocked!!! It was through the receiving of a biscuit that I longed for Lubbock SO MUCH, that I knew I had left what I had been missing...MYSELF!!!

All the things that I had longed for ALL OF MY LIFE, I had left in a heap back on the windy plains of West Texas in a town called "Lubbock". It wasn't until I left and carried through with my adventure for freedom that I realized, home is where your heart is. I know that is an old saying but isn't it true? What do you feel like when you travel back to your hometown? Maybe it's a smell, maybe it's seeing that the old convenience store is still standing and you remember saving up your allowance and going to that store for candy or a softdrink. Whatever it is, NOTHING can take the place of those roots so I take you back to the title of this entry "There's NO PLACE like Home!"

There was another that came to this realazation. Even though it is was a parable (example) it still holds true. Remember the parable Jesus taught of the prodigal son? Here was a child that had everything a father could give. Warm bed, plenty of food, inheritance beyond what ANYONE could imagine however, for the child it wasn't enough. The son has to leave and spread his greedy wings to find that what he has always looked for, he already possessed. Upon the son realizing he had lost everything he decided the only place he could go was...back home. But could he? How would be be received?Surely his father would punish him for all of his greedy, selfish desires. And of course there would have to be the arms folded reception with the words "I told you so!" But as much as he dreaded to go through all of that, he knew that he had no choice and was truly sorry for the man he once was. But something happened upon his arrival, he was welcomed home with open arms. I can almost see the vision in my head. Don't you know that each day EVERYDAY the father looked out over the horizon, waiting for the day His son would return? Day after day goes by, and the son dosen't appear. Each day the father awakes he tells himself "Today is the day my son shall return home". What the father longed for was a joyous reunion with His son however, what the son dreaded was coming home with his tail between his legs wondering how much he would have to suffer for his actions.

What the son received was "Triumph" what he deserved was "Tragedy". How many of you can relate to this story? Not from a worldly sense but rather from the relationship sense you have with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Some of you reading this may not even have a relationship with Him for you believe there is NO PLACE for you in the Father's house. Your past or perhaps your current lifestyle/methods/actions prevent you from being saved. I want you to have this picture in your mind and NEVER forget it. Our Father is standing at the gate, looking out over the horizon looking not for just anybody, He is looking for YOU! Each day starts with Him saying "Today is the day my Son/Daughter will come home!" He stands with arms open wide, with the feast fit for a King. He is not angry with you, He is not standing at the gate with arms folded ready to say "Come crawling back to me will you?". He stands ready to embrace and welcome you home with the love only a Father can give. What each of us must do is evaluate/acknowledge/believe that there truly is "No Place Like Home!"

In-Him,
Steve

News and Notes!!

2008-04-15T09:36:00.003-05:00

Grace and Peace!

Let me first apologize for the delay in updating the blog. My schedule has been pretty full however, that is not an excuse just a nice attempt at an explanation HAHAHA. There are some new things getting ready to take place with The Road ministry and hope that you all will keep these changes in mind, and are able to join us.

First of all, we will be meeting in one of the classrooms at South Plains on Wed nights (we have made contact with the 20 something class to see if we could use their room on this evening). One of our ministry "team members" came up with the name of this class and it is called "Coffee with Jesus". The design of this class will be a very laid back, hands on approach to the study of God's Word and how He has a plan and a purpose for each one of our lives. There are several references and "visual" pictures of Jesus teaching while His disciples "reclined" around him. Have you ever thought what it would be like to "recline" with our Lord and discover the depth of His love and family type nature? "Coffee with Christ" will start meeting the first Wed nights in May. Check back with the blog for exact location.

In conjunction with "Coffee with Jesus". We will then do some type of activity or project on Thursday. This could be anything from Laser Tag to horseshoes. Each activity or project will go with the study we are engaged in and how we bring the Word of God to LIFE through action and obidience. I look forward to seeing all of you the beginning of May. Should you have questions before then, feel free to contact me at 790-8520.

In-Him,
Steve

Update

2008-03-04T13:48:00.002-06:00

Grace and Peace Everyone!

I wanted to remind you guys that I will not be with you on The Road this week in body, but will be with you in spirit. I am taking my lovely bride to Ruidoso and will be back on Saturday.

I also wanted to remind everyone that we will be meeting NEXT Thursday 3/13/08 at Main Event for a night of lazer tag. There is a great lesson in that game and I would like for all of us to experience it. Please invite all of your friends to join us. We will meet in the front entrance of the building at approx 6:45-7:00pm. I will send Linda a note and ask her to place the invitation in the bulletin. I will miss you guys Thursday. God Bless

In-Him,
Steve

The Road HITS the road!

2008-02-25T12:25:00.002-06:00

Hey Everyone!

We wanted to let you guys know that The Road ministry will no longer be meeting at the South Plains Annex. Instead we will be meeting this week at 7:00pm at The Ice Cream Parlor located at 2705 26th Street. This may be a long term meeting place, we will let you know.

Come and join us for a night of praise, worship, study and perhaps even a hot fudge sundae. The reason we are taking The Road on the road is because we want to be out among the people. I have searched long and hard in God's word for the passage that states, the disciples sat around in tents with a neon sign overhead that read "Gospel preached here, Come on in!" It dosen't exist because instructed them to take the message OUT. GO and make disciples in all the nations. This only happens as we take the message out We pray that you will be able to join us, and look forward to seeingf you on the road!

In-Him,
Steve

Happenings

2008-02-13T14:18:00.003-06:00

Hello All!

I wanted to give you guys a few updates about things that have been going on with The Road ministry. Based on the lack of people wanting to be involved with the play The Gift, I have made the decision for us not to proceed at this time.

I also wanted to let you guys know that since tomorrow is Valentines Day, our regular Thursday night meeting will not take place. We will start back next week at our regular time and place. I also wanted to remind those of you that may be reading this blog about the upcoming marriage retreat. If you are interested in attending the dates are March 6th-9th. If you would like additional information please contact Rory McCrady at 786-1613. That is all for now, I pray that you all are focused on the prize at hand and that you continue to look "Up"!!!

In-Him,
Steve

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-09T12:15:00.000-06:00

Can it really be that 2007 has come and gone? Well one look at the calander will tell you indeed 2008 has arrived. With the passing of one year, and arrival of a new one it got me to asking a few questions.

Perhaps the most important question I asked myself is, what will my New Year's resolution be for this year? To get in better shape, go on a diet and drop those pounds I tell myself I don't really carry or take that long awaited vacation I have been putting off. All of these sound well and good, and indeed they are, however what begins as a "resolve" for change in my life gives way to lack of interest or laziness. Does any of this sound familiar to you? Each of us make a regular resolutuion or "resolve", to allow God to work in our lives and we start out with great intentions. But once we have taken a few "blows" from the evil one, does our resolve turn into being tired of fighting the battle? When we become tired something is taking place that shouldn't. WE are fighting battle instead of allowing the spirit God's spirit fight in our stead!!!

Galatians 5 speaks of the flesh waging war against the spirit, however if we walk in the spirit we will not give into the fleshly lusts of the world, why? Glad you asked, because it is not you working but rather the sprit of God working in you!!

So if you have made the resolve to lead a more spiritual life, to be that piece of the puzzle you are called to be. YOU must get out of the way so that the HE can increase! Happy New Year and may this year bring you more spiritual peace than the last!

Abide in HIM,
Steve

REAL Men do dishes, laundry, cook..........

2007-12-19T12:48:00.000-06:00

For many years, I thought that my role in my marriage was to provide a stable, loving home for Charlene and our children. Although those things are true, it took me several years to realize that my duties as husband, friend, and partner didn't stop there.
It wasn't Charlene that helped me realize that there was more to my roles as husband and father.

I was perfectly content with patting myself on the back, because of the contributions I was making to our family. Charlene and the kids have a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs and a little "jingle" in their pockets to go to the movies or buy that special toy (Man, am I the greatest or what!). After a few years of going to the orthopedic doctor to help with the soreness in my arm from patting myself on the back so much, that Great Physician helped me to realize it had nothing to do with me, and had everything to do with Him! You see, what I had had interpreted as great selflessness was revealed to me to be the epitome of selfishness.

I was reminded of the great example Jesus displayed for His disciples in the gospels, before His death. Take a little journey with me and see if you can see yourself taking part in one of the greatest examples of extravagant love.

Jesus and His disciples just finished the last supper He would have with them, and He stood up and removed His garments. As He stands up, He takes a towel and pours water into a basin. At this time Jesus does something quite unexpected, at least from His disciples' standpoint, He begins to wash their feet. Think for a moment and perhaps you and I would have the same reaction as Peter. Here is the Messiah, the Lord, the Christ, and He stoops down to begin to wash Peter's feet. Peter says, "Are You washing my feet?" Our Lord, in true greatness replies, "Unless I wash you, you can have no part of Me." This example of servanthood is what I think of every single day!

Now back to The Road of discovery I was telling you about.

After the Lord revealed Himself through His Word, I realized my role as husband didn't stop where I previously thought. Those roles are where the Road begins. I must make sure my towel is always damp! If your towel is damp, it is an indication that Christ is living through you. The greatest among us is the least among us. If we want to be great in the kingdom, we must be a servant to all. Real men wash dishes, clothes, cook, clean etc. because it has nothing to do with me, and has everything to do with Him--Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

God Bless and Merry Christmas,
Steve W.

Schedule

2007-12-14T10:27:00.000-06:00

Hey Guys!

I was so glad that many of you came last night to watch the Peter Loth video. I believe it brought a new vision of how important it is for us to forgive others.

The Road will be meeting December 20th & December 27th as usual. I know some of you may be traveling, however if you are in town, bring some family and/or friends!

Please check the blog on a regular basis for updates and changes with regard to The Road.

God bless and I will see you all next week (if the Lord wills), and if not.. someone else will need to carry the torch!!!!!

In-Him,
Steve

A Few More Things

2007-12-10T13:08:00.000-06:00

I would like for us to start offering some snacks and drinks for after our time together each week. Sharlan has been GREAT in this service so far, however, if we could start some type of rotation for snacks that would be awesome!!!

It doesn't need to be anything grand, just maybe cookies or things like that. This will provide an opportunity to engage in conversation with those that are coming.

Also, we are looking for people to help with childcare. Currently, we do not have the need, but I would like to have things in place so we can offer it. This person(s) would come in each Thursday and wait until about 7:30 p.m., and if there aren't any kids, they can join us! Let me know how you would be willing to help in this regard (I know of one couple that would like to come on Thursday but is in need of childcare).

Thank you.

In-Him,
Steve

This Week

2007-12-10T12:52:00.000-06:00

Hello All!

I wanted to take just a few moments and remind everyone about this weeks "Healing Through Forgiveness" during The Road this Thursday evening. Our time (as usual) is scheduled to meet in the annex, however, in the event we have lots of people show up we have the auditorium on "hold" if we need to move in there. The reason for the start time of 6:30pm is to determine what room we need before we get started.

For those of you that may have missed last week, we discovered how many times our thoughts, motivations and overall purpose in life looks something like a life that is "Hanging by a Thread!"

I look forward to seeing all of you Thursday, please remember to share this time with someone. Remember to check here for any updates that relate to The Road ministry.

I also wanted to let you guys know that we have a few Shallowater High School students that are wanting to join us on Thursday's. We are looking at providing the church bus to go and pick-up these students and take them back again. Please continue in prayer that God would enlarge our territory to serve Him!!

God Bless,
Steve

Share the Antidote!!!!

2007-11-20T13:49:00.000-06:00

With many of us being around family and friends this week whom perhaps we have not seen in a long time, I thought what better opportunity to share the gift of forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Many of us may have a difficult time in knowing just how we are start up a conversation about Jesus, and the FREE gift He offers. With this in mind, I would like to share with you the "Antidote" annalogy. A great way of introducing Jesus and helping them see how His gift applies to my life is to start a conversation by asking the following questions...

"If you, being my family member or friend, were bitten by a poisionous snake and needed 'antidote' to save your life, how desperate would you be to receive that 'antidote'? Now, say after you had been bitten, you found out I had the 'antidote' all along, however I never gave it to you or shared it with you, how would that make you feel?" Another example is to ask a family member or friend this next question. "What if you or someone you loved was dying from a terminal illness (cancer, HIV, etc) and you found out I had knowledge of the cure for that terminal disease, would you want me to share that knowledge with you, or would you just like for me to keep it to myself and not share?"

Well in both of these cases I am pretty sure the response you will receive is, "YES!" This message should be shared. At this point, you can share with the person based on their response, that you would like to introduce them to the "Antidote" for their eternal salvation. It is important that people realize that all of us were bitten by the poisionous snake, satan (this is not a typo I REFUSE to capitalize that name), and that each of us were once terminally ill and sentenced to death. However, through the "Antidote" Jesus Christ, we are cured and have confidence in our salvation through His sacrifice! Be strengthened and be of good courage for He is with you!

In-Him,
Steve

REJOICE and be Thankful!

2007-11-19T11:04:00.000-06:00

I want to take just a few moments to provide some updates and schedule of "upcoming events" within The Road ministry:

We will not be meeting this coming Thursday (November 22nd) as that is Thanksgiving Evening. We will resume the following Thursday (November 29th).

I want to remind everyone about Thursday Night December 13th, as we will be watching a video testimony from Holocaust Survivor Peter Loth beginning at 6:30pm. Childcare is provided for our Thursday night worship time so come and join us.Please make every effort to come on this date if possible.

If you have not had an opportunity to join us on Thursday evenings, we invite you to join us for "hands on" biblical, applicable teaching that will help all of us to see our lives within the pages of God's Word. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at anytime 806-790-8520.

For those of you that were unable to join us this past Thursday night, we took a little stroll through Athens. However, I have a feeling that even though you may not have been with us physically, you most certainly take that stroll each and every day! Having said this let me ask you a question, Do your surroundings infulence your spiritual growth? Before you answer, let me paint a picture for you that we put into action this past Thursday night.
Imagine you are trying to grow/ develope a deeper relationship with God by reading His Word and meditating on what He says. However, during this time music is blarring in the background or perhaps the TV is on, or perhaps someone is trying to carry on a conversation with you that has absolutley nothing to do with the relationship you are trying to forge. Now imagine all of these going on at the same time and if you can, then you have a little insight about what it means to walk in Athens!!

A few years ago I planned a trip for Charlene and I for our 10th wedding anniversery. Charlene had never been to Las Vegas, so I thought I would take her there as a surprise. I made all of the arrangements; hotel,airline,activities the whole nine yards so off we went. Everything was fine with our flight no problems. We went to baggage claim and sure enough there were our bags no problem. We went out to the ground transportation location no problem, shuttle service pulled right up loaded our bags and off we went. However, once we were in route to our hotel Charlene and I were brought into a world we did not barrgin for. On most every billboard was an invitation to a bar, strip club, adult entertainment etc. Well as you can imagine, we were just a little surprised as this was not the trip we had purchased, we were brought into an inviornment we had not expected. Guess what, so did Paul on his journey to Athens!!!!

Paul has just been in Thesolinica and Berea with Timothy and Silas until, those who had become invious drove him out and he landed in Athens. Upon arrival in Athens Paul was placed in an inviornment that provoked the spirit within him. Let's look at the word provoked. His spirit was troubled, uneasy, uncomfortable within him and why was this? Because of his surroundings. Paul had entered into a world where anything goes, where Athenians had many different gods which they were worshiping (I guess they were trying to cover all their bases) however, it was the UNKNOWN GOD (Acts 17:23) that Paul was sent there to preach/witness and teach about.

I want to ask you, how many of us are walking in Athens today? How many of us walk in Athens and allow Athens to win? If we are honest with ourselves the truth is, we are all weak flesh and stumble on occasion on The Road. I want to ask you how many of us travel up the hill and speak to those around us about the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ? God will provide you with your very own Areopagus (platform) to be His mouth piece the question is, will you take the journey for Him?

This time of season reminds me that maybe my bank account isn't as plentiful as I might like, or maybe I didn't get that big promotion at work, or that perhaps I might be spending this Thanksgiving season without my spouse for the first time after God has called them home. But in whatever situation you find yourself this holiday season, remember that God is with you and even though sometimes He might allow us to walk through Athens, He has already provided direction for us that leads back to His gentle, loving forving arms. Amen

God Bless,
Steve Winters

PS: God is moving through The Road ministry and He has placed a special "Journey" on my heart over the last fews days. If you would like to travel this journey with us, join us Thursday Night November 29th to find out what it is. All I can tell you at this point is come prepared to "move" as opposed to "sitting". See ya Thursday!!!!!!

Healing Through Forgiveness

2007-11-11T13:25:00.000-06:00

Grace and Peace

Few things can we look back upon and realize that a particular event or situation changed the course of our life, or the direction in which we are headed. Such events as meeting that special someone that would become you spouse for life, or perhaps the birth of your child or the graduation day of school. There are many more examples I could list however, the most life changing event for me (and I trust for you as well) was the day I gave my life to the Lord and to realize that through His sacrifice on the cross He had turned my tragedy into eternal triumph.

Many tragic events or circumstances change our lives forever, some will impact us possitivley other negativley but in each case we are impacted, the choice is ours in which direction we go. Having said all of this I want to share with you that on Thursday Evening December 13th, we will watch a video testimony that I am sure will change your life forever and help us to see what is really important in life.

The video we will watch is of Holocaust survivor Peter Loth. This video is 2hours in length and is not suitable for small/young children. Through a series of unimaginable events Peter Loth found the Lord and is now His voice as he travels the world sharing what God has done in his life. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell everyone you know about Thursday evening December 13th starting at 6:30pm. I will be visiting many other congregations inviting them to join us on this evening. This is a true story that MUST be seen. God bless you and please help me in getting the word out about this night.

God Bless,
Steve Winters

A Trip To The Playground

2007-11-07T14:06:00.000-06:00

Oh how I use to love going to the playground! I think perhaps my favorite part about it was climbing on top of the monkey bars and looking down on everything and thinking to myself "How great is this, I can see things so clearly from high above and on top of that, I am on top of the WORLD!"

It is even that much more fun these days when I get the chance to share this experience with my children. It usually starts out early that morning when I announce to the family "What do you say we go to the park later this afternoon?" Well as you can imagine that idea makes me a huge hit instantly (and probably scores me a few points with the kids that I can cash in later HAHA) but the key factor in the invitation is that it will take place LATER in the day. Well after a few hours of asking "Is it time to go to the park yet?" Charlene and I agree that now is the time so we load up in the car and head for the park. Upon arrival it is shear pleasure, excitment and a sense of adventure as Charlene and I lead the way (both of us seeing who can get to the swings first HAHA). Sounds like alot of fun dosen't it? Well I must admit there was once a time when my kids DREADED going to the park and the reason why........ME! Let me explain

As much as I loved going to the park as a kid, and as much as I waited to share that experience with my children the first few times we took our kids to the park, I made it miserable for them and why you might ask? Because of the RULES I placed on them upon arrival. Here we were taking our kids to a fun/free/exciting/adventure filled place where they could run and enjoy just being in the presence of joy but instead they heard the following words from Me their Father; "Don't climb to high", "Don't run to fast", "Don't jump off of that" well you get the picture. Well finally a very wise woman (my wife Charlene) taught me that we had brought our children to the park to be free and just enjoy themselves. She assured me that indeed our children probably would skin up their knee or perhaps they might even bleed a little however, all of the pain and suffering for them would be worth it and if I didn't believe that I could just ask them. From that point forward I started to release the demands I ahd placed on them and just let them be children playing on the playground.

This got me to thinking about my spiritual walk with the Lord. 11years ago when I was 29 I gave into the lifetime pursuit that Christ had for me. Through those 29 years Jesus NEVER stopped pursuing me and the reason why, is because He knew that I belonged to Him and nothing was going to change that (Ephesians 1:4-6). When I gave myself to the Lord and repented and confessed Him as my Lord/Savior/Redeemer and was baptised into Him, it was at that time that I entered into the spiritual "park" God has wanted to take me to for all the previous 29years. We must realize that we have RECEIVED the FREE GIFT of salvation through what Christ Jesus has already done for us, and nothing you and I have done or will do can add to what the sacrifice of the cross has already done. When we are released into the "playground" of salvation through Jesus Christ it is suppose to be fun/exciting/adverture and most of all FREE. Remember the story I shared with you about placing rules on my kids once I released them into the playground, and how I had made what was intended to be freeing/fun/exciting, I had made miserable? Let's not do the same with ourselves or our brother and sisters by placing rules and regulations on their spiritual walk. Let us always remember to ask ourselves the question "Is this a salvational issue?" If we realize what we are saying or doing or placing upon someone is not, then let's run and play on the palyground that God paid a high price for us to enjoy and return to a Childlike Faith.

Sharing My Favorite Gift!

2007-10-23T13:39:00.000-05:00

I remember several years ago the Christmas of 1977 (I was 10 years old at the time). I had been hinting around for several months leading up to it, that I wanted a bike like my friends on the block. But not just any bike would do, it must be red/white and black for I was very specific on what I wanted (which to me was a NEED and not a want).

Well Christmas morning came and after we had finished opening all of the packages ( our living room looking like a scene right out of War of the Worlds) I thought there still must be one gift yet to be given. As I looked at my Mom and Dad with a look of "haven't you guys forgotten something" my Dad said "Well kids, I hope you enjoy all the gifts and we realize we didn't get everything you asked for, however we did the best we could" as you can imagine I was CRUSHED! How could they not have picked up on my hints about the red/white and black bike? I did everything short of take out a front page ad in the local newspaper! And on top of that, my Dad asked me if I would go out into the garage and get some bags so that we could clean up the mess we had made with all the wrapping paper.

As I opened the door to the garage my disappointment has turned into mass disbelief as standing right in front of me was the one gift I thought had eluded me the Red-White and Black bike!!!!!! At this point I totaly forgot what Dad had sent me into the garage for ( I came to find out later he didn't send me out there for trash bags afterall). I didn't take very long before I was going to all of my friends house to show off my new bike and to share my excitment with them. I loved the gift so much that I couldn't wait to share the gift with other's around me. It wasn't that I had to think if I should share it but rather, how many people can I share this special gift with in a short period of time??

My question for ALL of us today is, how excited are we to share the most precious gift, the most perfect gift and that being the gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Chrsit?

As children or as adults for that matter, we all enjoy receiving gifts. I will tell you that I love Christmas I am just a big kid when it comes to gifts. The kids and I always pick up the wrapped gifts and shake them and try and guess what is inside. The excitment of trying to guess what it is and even greater excitment of knowing it has MY name on it fills my heart with joy. So too does the gift of the cross of Jesus Christ have YOUR name on it, but not your's only but for all those "who would have an ear to hear". This blog is not intended to be an in-depth bible study but rather a study of your personnal relationship to Jesus Christ. How many of us on Christmas morning completley ignore the big box in the middle of the room, wrapped with a "RED" ribbon and bow, with a HUGE hand written note on it that say's To: You From:Dad? I would guess that none of us do for it is beautiful, hand addressed to me. So too is the gift of Jesus Christ.

Let us remember that the gift is for each of us, however as we saw in the example of the bike it is a gift that is meant to be sharred!!!!!!!! Find your strength in Him and Him alone and remember, it is His words that shall procede out of your mouth and not those of your own.

Grace and Peace
Steve

Is Your Calander Full??

2007-10-16T14:49:00.000-05:00

Each day I will do my best to update the blog with a new post and topic of discussion for us, having said this it got me to thinking "How do I make time for another activity on my calander?"

Each of us are so busy with activities, kids, appointments just with keeping schedules and it got me to thinking "What does my calander say about my walk with the Lord?" Is my calander so full of "stuff" that I simply do not have room to "pencil" in time with the Father? As hard as it is to admit, I have fallen pray to this and wonder if maybe I'm not alone?

We have a funny way of trying to "justify" our inability to spend time with the one that gave His life for us. We wrap it up in the fact that I attend service on Sunday or "I'm there everytime the doors are open on Wed night", but are we really WITH HIM in those times? I would like for all of us to ask ourselves the question "Father am I truly giving you my best?" let's all take some spiritual "inventory" and see what the Father would reveal to us. I look forward to hearing all of your comments and invite you to join us every Thursday Night at 7:00pm at the South Plains CoC Annex for a time of vibrant praise and worship.

God Bless,
Steve