In Nashville, Tennessee, during the first week of January, 1996, more than 4,000 baseball coaches descended upon the Opryland Hotel for the 52nd annual American Baseball Coaches Association Clinic. These conventions still continue, but in 1996 one coach made a presentation in the room that impacted thousands.
The author said, “While I waited in line to register with the hotel staff, I heard other more veteran coaches rumbling about the lineup of speakers scheduled to present during the weekend. One name, in particular, kept resurfacing, always with the same sentiment – “John Scolinos is here? Oh man, worth every penny of my airfare.” Not sure who this speaker, coach was…this guy was just glad to be there.
He goes on to say, “I arrived in the room early! I was surrounded by empty chairs in a room as large as a football field. Eventually, I was joined by other, slightly less eager, coaches until the room was filled to capacity. By the time Augie Garrido was introduced to deliver the traditional first presentation from the previous season’s College World Series winner, there wasn’t an empty chair in the room.
Of course as the day went on, attendance in those clinics tend to drop off. Especially after lunch and in the evening. Been there, done that. This coach figured the same day would repeat itself…”But when I returned to the convention hall thirty minutes before the lunch break ended, not only was my seat not available, barely any seats were available! I managed to find one between two high school coaches, both proudly adorned in their respective team caps and jackets. Disappointed in myself for losing my seat up front, I wondered what had pried all these coaches from their barstools. I found the clinic schedule in my bag: “1 PM John Scolinos, Cal Poly Pamona.” It was the man whose name I had heard buzzing around the lobby two days earlier. Could he be the reason that all 4,000 coaches had returned, early, to the convention hall? Wow, I thought, this guy must really be good.
I had no idea.
In 1996, Coach Scolinos was 78 years old and five years retired from a college coaching career that began in 1948. He shuffled to the stage to an impressive standing ovation, wearing dark polyester pants, a light blue shirt, and a string around his neck from which home plate hung – a full-sized, stark-white home plate.
After speaking for twenty-five minutes, not once mentioning the prop hanging around his neck, Coach Scolinos appeared to notice the snickering among some of the coaches. Even those who knew Coach Scolinos had to wonder exactly where he was going with this, or if he had simply forgotten about home plate since he’d gotten on stage.
Then, finally he said, “You’re probably all wondering why I’m wearing home plate around my neck. Or maybe you think I escaped from Camarillo State Hospital,” he said. I laughed along with the others, acknowledging the possibility. “No,” he continued, “I may be old, but I’m not crazy. The reason I stand before you today is to share with you baseball people what I’ve learned in my life, what I’ve learned about home plate in my 78 years.”
Several hands went up when Scolinos asked how many Little League coaches were in the room. “Do you know how wide home plate is in Little League?” After a pause, someone offered, “Seventeen inches,” more question than answer.
“That’s right,” he said. “How about in Babe Ruth? Any Babe Ruth coaches in the house?”
Another long pause. “Seventeen inches?”came a guess from another reluctant coach.
“That’s right,” said Scolinos. “Now, how many high school coaches do we have in the room?” Hundreds of hands shot up, as the pattern began to appear. “How wide is home plate in high school baseball?” “Seventeen inches,” they said, sounding more confident.
“You’re right!” Scolinos barked. “And you college coaches, how wide is home plate in college?”
“Seventeen inches!” we said, in unison.
“Any Minor League coaches here? How wide is home plate in pro ball?” “Seventeen inches!”
“RIGHT! And in the Major Leagues, how wide home plate is in the Major Leagues?” “Seventeen inches!”
“SEV-EN-TEEN INCHES!” he confirmed, his voice bellowing off the walls. “And what do they do with a Big League pitcher who can’t throw the ball over seventeen inches?” Pause. “They get rid of him!”
“What they don’t do is this: they don’t say, ‘Ah, that’s okay, Jimmy. You can’t hit a seventeen-inch target? We’ll make it eighteen inches, or nineteen inches. We’ll make it twenty inches so you have a better chance of hitting it. If you can’t hit that, let us know so we can make it wider still, say twenty-five inches.'”
There was a Pause.
“Coaches …” Pause …what do we do when our best player shows up late to practice? When our team rules forbid facial hair and a guy shows up unshaven? What if he gets caught drinking? Do we hold him accountable? Or do we change the rules to fit him, do we widen home plate?
The chuckles gradually faded as four thousand coaches grew quiet, the fog lifting as the old coach’s message began to unfold. He turned the plate toward himself and, using a Sharpie, began to draw something. When he turned it toward the crowd, point up, a house was revealed, complete with a freshly drawn door and two windows. “This is the problem in our homes today. With our marriages, with the way we parent our kids. With our discipline. We don’t teach accountability to our kids, and there is no consequence for failing to meet standards. We widen the plate!”
Pause. Then, to the point at the top of the house he added a small American flag.
“This is the problem in our schools today. The quality of our education is going downhill fast and teachers have been stripped of the tools they need to be successful, and to educate and discipline our young people. We are allowing others to widen home plate! Where is that getting us?”
Silence. He replaced the flag with a Cross. “And this is the problem in the Church..”
“If I am lucky,” Coach Scolinos concluded, “you will remember one thing from this old coach today. It is this: if we fail to hold ourselves to a higher standard, a standard of what we know to be right; if we fail to hold our spouses and our children to the same standard, if we are unwilling or unable to provide a consequence when they do not meet the standard; and if our schools and churches and our government fail to hold themselves accountable to those they serve, there is but one thing to look forward to …” With that, he held home plate in front of his chest, turned it around, and revealed its dark black backside. “… dark days ahead.”
His message was clear: “Coaches, keep your players – no matter how good they are – your own children, and most of all, keep yourself at seventeen inches.”
Church, God’s Word is like home plate. It doesn’t change. Just because we struggle to live by it, doesn’t mean that we have the ability or the right to change it. The saved person, the one who calls upon the name of God must live a Spirit driven life. Our minds must be like that of Jesus Christ. The only way to have the mind of Jesus Christ is to immerse ourselves in the Words of God.
The Bible – this holds us accountable to daily living. You can’t change it…it changes you!
If we choose not to adhere to it. If we choose not to listen to it. If we choose not to read it…we have dark days ahead of us.
I hope this story is an encouragement to all of us to live a Holy life pleasing to God, empowered by His Spirit! This Sunday is Father’s Day, and we look forward to having a few laughs and prayerfully encouraging the men of True North to step up!
See you Sunday….
17 Inches
This is a rather long message…but I felt compelled to share it with you from last Sunday. (Originally shared by Chis Sperry)
Pastor Rex
Following God’s Spirit…Guardrails and Seeds
Hey church, you all know that if you miss a Sunday message you can listen to the podcast or read this email and possibly get a recap of the message. Right?
Last Sunday I wanted to simply present this message from Romans 8:3-4; God’s laws are like guardrails or boundaries that help us stay on track, on a path for following Jesus Christ. His laws don’t save us, as we all know that not one of us has the ability to keep His laws. We are imperfect. Only by the amazing grace of God are we able to find salvation. Being saved, we are now able to follow, to walk, to daily live in a way that honors God. Paul said we no longer follow our sinful nature, but instead follow the Spirit.
Church, we are not bound to a losing battle against sin. We find freedom from sin, thanks to our new relationship with God! Now, we walk on a path of holy living thanks to the leading and empowerment of God’s Holy Spirit.
Today I want to remind you of a few things as you strive to live a holy and pleasing life for God. First, call upon God for His Spirit to actively work in your life.
Now apply the law of displacement. If you want to break a bad habit, you have to build a good one. It’s the law of displacement. To break a sin habit, you establish a prayer habit.
Next, remember the law of sowing and reaping. Farmers don’t plant beans in a field and return surprised that corn didn’t come up through the soil. The farmer knows what is planted, and what he plants is what he reaps. So ask yourself, are you planting love or hate? Joy or ingratitude. Respect or disrespect towards authority? Self-control or self-indulgence? You cannot break the law of sowing and reaping. In can only break you, if you are planting the wrong seeds.
After sowing what is right and holy into your life, water it! This spring I planted some grass seed in an area that I would love to have more yard. What I know to be true is that for it to grow, I must water it every day. In the same way, sin is a seed. If I plant it, and water it, it will grow. If I don’t water it, it will die. Just as this works with sin, we know the same is true of holiness. The more you water, the greater it grows. The less you water, the sooner it dies.
Finally, don’t give up. Living for Jesus is now part of your spiritual DNA and we must strive to live in a manner that pleases our Holy God today, tomorrow, and every day after that. Galatians 6:9 – So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
We must realize that God can’t do something new in us, if we keep doing the same old thing. As a child of God, saved by grace, we walk differently! We follow, we walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit!
This is obviously a brief outline to what was preached and what you can read in the Bible, but hopefully it is an encouragement and reminder to live a holy life for our Lord!
This Sunday, as we continue through Romans 8, I’m pumped to share with you how Paul walks a focused life!
See you Sunday….
Last Sunday I wanted to simply present this message from Romans 8:3-4; God’s laws are like guardrails or boundaries that help us stay on track, on a path for following Jesus Christ. His laws don’t save us, as we all know that not one of us has the ability to keep His laws. We are imperfect. Only by the amazing grace of God are we able to find salvation. Being saved, we are now able to follow, to walk, to daily live in a way that honors God. Paul said we no longer follow our sinful nature, but instead follow the Spirit.
Church, we are not bound to a losing battle against sin. We find freedom from sin, thanks to our new relationship with God! Now, we walk on a path of holy living thanks to the leading and empowerment of God’s Holy Spirit.
Today I want to remind you of a few things as you strive to live a holy and pleasing life for God. First, call upon God for His Spirit to actively work in your life.
Now apply the law of displacement. If you want to break a bad habit, you have to build a good one. It’s the law of displacement. To break a sin habit, you establish a prayer habit.
Next, remember the law of sowing and reaping. Farmers don’t plant beans in a field and return surprised that corn didn’t come up through the soil. The farmer knows what is planted, and what he plants is what he reaps. So ask yourself, are you planting love or hate? Joy or ingratitude. Respect or disrespect towards authority? Self-control or self-indulgence? You cannot break the law of sowing and reaping. In can only break you, if you are planting the wrong seeds.
After sowing what is right and holy into your life, water it! This spring I planted some grass seed in an area that I would love to have more yard. What I know to be true is that for it to grow, I must water it every day. In the same way, sin is a seed. If I plant it, and water it, it will grow. If I don’t water it, it will die. Just as this works with sin, we know the same is true of holiness. The more you water, the greater it grows. The less you water, the sooner it dies.
Finally, don’t give up. Living for Jesus is now part of your spiritual DNA and we must strive to live in a manner that pleases our Holy God today, tomorrow, and every day after that. Galatians 6:9 – So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
We must realize that God can’t do something new in us, if we keep doing the same old thing. As a child of God, saved by grace, we walk differently! We follow, we walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit!
This is obviously a brief outline to what was preached and what you can read in the Bible, but hopefully it is an encouragement and reminder to live a holy life for our Lord!
This Sunday, as we continue through Romans 8, I’m pumped to share with you how Paul walks a focused life!
See you Sunday….
Pastor Rex
No or Yes?
Trying to say “No” to unhealthy things and saying “Yes” to healthy things in my life can be a constant battle. When I say “unhealthy,” I’m referring to physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual things. What are the things in my life that could possibly hurt my body, my mind, or my soul? I need to avoid those things, right?
It’s not just saying “no” to the bad stuff – I must also say “yes” to that which is healthy. What would be good for me physically? Emotionally? Intellectually? Spiritually?
There are thousands of resources at the tips of our fingers to guide us in the right direction. We have self-help books, classes, blogs and posts, opinions and studies, and the list goes on. Yet armed with all these resources, saying “no” or “yes” to what is healthy, or unhealthy seems incredibly difficult.
Using our own strength and will power, we may fast, boycott, or experiment with methods that help us say “no” or “yes.” And still we struggle! So what do we do?
There is an answer! If you believe in Jesus Christ, you carry that answer with you…and within you!
This Sunday, as we continue through Romans 8, I’m pumped to share with you how Paul handled this struggle!
See you Sunday….
It’s not just saying “no” to the bad stuff – I must also say “yes” to that which is healthy. What would be good for me physically? Emotionally? Intellectually? Spiritually?
There are thousands of resources at the tips of our fingers to guide us in the right direction. We have self-help books, classes, blogs and posts, opinions and studies, and the list goes on. Yet armed with all these resources, saying “no” or “yes” to what is healthy, or unhealthy seems incredibly difficult.
Using our own strength and will power, we may fast, boycott, or experiment with methods that help us say “no” or “yes.” And still we struggle! So what do we do?
There is an answer! If you believe in Jesus Christ, you carry that answer with you…and within you!
This Sunday, as we continue through Romans 8, I’m pumped to share with you how Paul handled this struggle!
See you Sunday….
Pastor Rex
Leading… and Following!
I heard a story the other day of a man who was driving in the middle of a downpour. The rain came down in sheets and visibility was just terrible. The man was unsure if he should stop or keep going.
Suddenly he spotted a set of taillights ahead of him and decided he’d simply follow them. They seemed to be going in the right direction, and it was a big comfort to know there was another person on the same journey.
Well, he followed those taillights for what seemed like miles, until they suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. The man sat there, his windshield wipers pushing water aside furiously, wondering if the car had encountered a problem or hit an animal. Then, instead of moving again, the car’s taillights disappeared.
Frustrated, the man began cursing to himself about the idiot in front of him who obviously didn’t care about those behind. About that time, someone knocked on the man’s car window.
He rolled the window down in the pouring rain to encounter a woman.
“What’s your problem?” the man asked.
“I was going to ask you the same thing,” she said.
“Well, I’m not the idiot who stopped in the middle of the road and turned off her lights,” the man snapped back.
“No,” the woman replied, “but you are the idiot who’s parked in my driveway.”
I thought that story was very humorous…and contained a great life lesson! What lesson is that? It’s the lesson of leading and following. Sometimes in order to be a great leader, you must be even a greater follower. Choosing the right person to follow, to mentor, and direct you life is of great value. If you choose to follow the wrong leader, you may end up in a place you didn’t want to be.
As a Pastor, Director, Coach, and father, I know that everything I do will be judged and held to high standards. As I lead, I MUST lead in a way that honors God, because I know there are others who depend on me doing the right thing and going the right direction. Therefore, who I follow matters!
We can also learn from this story that no one likes to journey alone in life. I’ll admit on a foggy morning or heavy rain I like seeing those taillights in front of me. Together we will hopefully end up at our destination safely.
This Father’s Day is going to be different for me…some of you have already traveled this stage of your journey. It’s going to be new for my brothers, sister, and me. Our mentor, my Dad is no longer in front of me leading the way. There have been days when I’ve wanted to call Dad and ask for his advice, or at least listen to me yak. He is not here anymore. So what do I do?
I read an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Well, my Dad isn’t hear and I’m tempted to go alone and get things done quickly. I’m learning that my Heavenly Father is asking me to slow down and allow Him to lead me, guide me, and journey with Him.
I’m thankful for other godly men in my life who are willing to listen, pray for me, and give me godly advice when needed. Just had coffee with one of those men this week…
I pray that you will do as I’m trying to do – seek God first as my Heavenly Father who loves me, journeys with me, and directs me in a way that honors Him. After all, I have three young men who may be following my taillights!
I hope and pray that you have a blessed week! God bless you as you faithfully and prayerfully serve Him.
Suddenly he spotted a set of taillights ahead of him and decided he’d simply follow them. They seemed to be going in the right direction, and it was a big comfort to know there was another person on the same journey.
Well, he followed those taillights for what seemed like miles, until they suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. The man sat there, his windshield wipers pushing water aside furiously, wondering if the car had encountered a problem or hit an animal. Then, instead of moving again, the car’s taillights disappeared.
Frustrated, the man began cursing to himself about the idiot in front of him who obviously didn’t care about those behind. About that time, someone knocked on the man’s car window.
He rolled the window down in the pouring rain to encounter a woman.
“What’s your problem?” the man asked.
“I was going to ask you the same thing,” she said.
“Well, I’m not the idiot who stopped in the middle of the road and turned off her lights,” the man snapped back.
“No,” the woman replied, “but you are the idiot who’s parked in my driveway.”
I thought that story was very humorous…and contained a great life lesson! What lesson is that? It’s the lesson of leading and following. Sometimes in order to be a great leader, you must be even a greater follower. Choosing the right person to follow, to mentor, and direct you life is of great value. If you choose to follow the wrong leader, you may end up in a place you didn’t want to be.
As a Pastor, Director, Coach, and father, I know that everything I do will be judged and held to high standards. As I lead, I MUST lead in a way that honors God, because I know there are others who depend on me doing the right thing and going the right direction. Therefore, who I follow matters!
We can also learn from this story that no one likes to journey alone in life. I’ll admit on a foggy morning or heavy rain I like seeing those taillights in front of me. Together we will hopefully end up at our destination safely.
This Father’s Day is going to be different for me…some of you have already traveled this stage of your journey. It’s going to be new for my brothers, sister, and me. Our mentor, my Dad is no longer in front of me leading the way. There have been days when I’ve wanted to call Dad and ask for his advice, or at least listen to me yak. He is not here anymore. So what do I do?
I read an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Well, my Dad isn’t hear and I’m tempted to go alone and get things done quickly. I’m learning that my Heavenly Father is asking me to slow down and allow Him to lead me, guide me, and journey with Him.
I’m thankful for other godly men in my life who are willing to listen, pray for me, and give me godly advice when needed. Just had coffee with one of those men this week…
I pray that you will do as I’m trying to do – seek God first as my Heavenly Father who loves me, journeys with me, and directs me in a way that honors Him. After all, I have three young men who may be following my taillights!
I hope and pray that you have a blessed week! God bless you as you faithfully and prayerfully serve Him.
Pastor Rex
Encouraging One Another
How do you encourage one another? How do you inspire, motivate, or cheer on your family, friends, and co-workers?
I recently read a post by Jon Gordon called “Brown Bags and White Boards.” For years Jon Gordon has been trying to encourage his children with the help of lunch bags and white message boards.
Here is what he said; “When I first started doing this I wasn’t sure if they were even reading them. Like most teenagers, they don’t always want to hear Dad’s advice, regardless of what I do for a living. They’ll often say, “I know Dad. I know,” which really means please stop talking. : ) But I knew I was on to something when my daughter asked me if I was going to write another message before traveling to a speaking engagement. Four years later I’m still writing on white boards and finding creative ways to communicate positive messages to my children.“
He went on to say, “For good or for bad we are all sharing and reinforcing beliefs and messages that become part of how our children think and what they believe. Each day we are giving them the curse of pessimism, cynicism, and negativity or the gift of encouragement, optimism, and belief. The words we share and the mindset they develop create the pathway to their future accomplishments, victories and triumphs.”
How are you doing with encouraging one another? How are we doing with helping others grow in their faith, when life is challenging? It’s important that we find creative ways to share positive messages, encouragement, and God’s Word with one another. You may not write on a white board or brown bag but you can choose a creative way to share a positive message that makes a difference.
I hope and pray that you have a blessed week! God bless you as you faithfully and prayerfully serve Him.
I recently read a post by Jon Gordon called “Brown Bags and White Boards.” For years Jon Gordon has been trying to encourage his children with the help of lunch bags and white message boards.
Here is what he said; “When I first started doing this I wasn’t sure if they were even reading them. Like most teenagers, they don’t always want to hear Dad’s advice, regardless of what I do for a living. They’ll often say, “I know Dad. I know,” which really means please stop talking. : ) But I knew I was on to something when my daughter asked me if I was going to write another message before traveling to a speaking engagement. Four years later I’m still writing on white boards and finding creative ways to communicate positive messages to my children.“
He went on to say, “For good or for bad we are all sharing and reinforcing beliefs and messages that become part of how our children think and what they believe. Each day we are giving them the curse of pessimism, cynicism, and negativity or the gift of encouragement, optimism, and belief. The words we share and the mindset they develop create the pathway to their future accomplishments, victories and triumphs.”
How are you doing with encouraging one another? How are we doing with helping others grow in their faith, when life is challenging? It’s important that we find creative ways to share positive messages, encouragement, and God’s Word with one another. You may not write on a white board or brown bag but you can choose a creative way to share a positive message that makes a difference.
I hope and pray that you have a blessed week! God bless you as you faithfully and prayerfully serve Him.
Pastor Rex
Great Leaders…Work Together
We have started a new sermon series on Sunday called the “Battle of the Sexes.” No, it is not about how men and women are different! We already know that to be true!
This series is a look at how men and women can learn to lead, serve, and live in a way that honors God. It’s no surprise to see people changing their gender identity believing that they were miscreated or wrongly fashioned. God created us man and woman, with purpose and reason. So each week we will look into the book of Esther and discover how God created men and women to lead where they are, regardless of one’s gender, title, race, or social and economical position.
Last Sunday we began studying Esther chapter one. There are hopefully a few things we all learned, but I’d like to remind you of just one nugget of truth. God gives us clear pictures and commands for how we should live. When we choose to live differently than He commands, we will end up in a place or situation we may regret.
God shows us in Deuteronomy 17:14-20 how a king or leader should behave. Although that passage was written for kings, we see the very same commands and principals throughout the rest of the Bible. These truths are for all believers in Jesus Christ! In case you weren’t there or forgot – double check the list and read the scripture. Then ask yourself – “How am I doing in following these commands from God?” Room for improvement?
This series is a look at how men and women can learn to lead, serve, and live in a way that honors God. It’s no surprise to see people changing their gender identity believing that they were miscreated or wrongly fashioned. God created us man and woman, with purpose and reason. So each week we will look into the book of Esther and discover how God created men and women to lead where they are, regardless of one’s gender, title, race, or social and economical position.
Last Sunday we began studying Esther chapter one. There are hopefully a few things we all learned, but I’d like to remind you of just one nugget of truth. God gives us clear pictures and commands for how we should live. When we choose to live differently than He commands, we will end up in a place or situation we may regret.
God shows us in Deuteronomy 17:14-20 how a king or leader should behave. Although that passage was written for kings, we see the very same commands and principals throughout the rest of the Bible. These truths are for all believers in Jesus Christ! In case you weren’t there or forgot – double check the list and read the scripture. Then ask yourself – “How am I doing in following these commands from God?” Room for improvement?
- One wife/husband
- Stay away from past sins and temptations (Don’t return to Egypt)
- Focus should not be on wealth, but God
- Your own copy of God’s Word, which you daily read
- Humble attitude
There is a way in which we should live and honor God. But if we sit on the throne of our lives and demand for our own good, our own pleasure, and selfishly seek our way, we will hurt those we love. Be careful of pride, be careful of power or things that could cause us to make ungodly decisions.
God bless you as you faithfully and prayerfully serve Him.
Pastor Rex
Great Leaders… Serve
Theologian Albert Schweitzer said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.
Paul said, “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Two great leaders…both agree that if you want to be a great leader and find blessings in life, you must learn to serve. However, we looked at our Savior last Sunday and discovered four ways to work on serving others:
1. Put other ahead of your own agenda.
Leaders serve people, looking at their needs first. They have loving concerns for others greater than personal concerns. We are trained to finish first in front of the pack. But Jesus says, that’s not the way it works in my Kingdom. A leader never finishes the finish line alone.
Jim Whittaker (experienced mountain climber) said that of all his accomplishments, what gave him the most fulfillment; “I’ve taken more climbers to Mt. Everest than any other mountain peak.” He took others to a level they could not reach on their own.
Romans 12:9, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” Put others ahead of your own agenda. Don’t look for or need recognition or a pat on the back. You whole job is to add value to others.
2. Put yourself in a position of being stretched!
You have to get out of your comfort zone – grow, learn. Stretch to serve others. Many years ago I was on a mission trip to a Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina. One of my areas of serving involved two days working in a nursing home. I’ll admit that I’m very uncomfortable in nursing homes. But my time with a 90 year old woman who was chewing tobacco ended up being okay. That was a stretch for me and yet also a blessing.
In John 13, Jesus washed the feet of others. He’s a teacher, a Savior, a miracle worker, not a foot washing servant. My dad would share stories of growing up on the farm with 7 siblings. The one story that I never got over was how his sister and him would have to stand in the fields early in the morning to watch the cattle. I’m not sure if the fencing was down or what, but they would stand out there for a long period of time and their feet would get cold. They were barefoot. So they stood in piles of fresh cow manure to warm up their feet. That’s gross! Praise God for shoes and socks. Remember, in Biblical times people walked the streets in sandals or barefoot. The same streets that cows, donkeys, horses, and sheep walked. It was like walking the 4H barns 24/7. Your feet are going to be nasty. Jesus washed those feet! He had the title, power…but he stretched himself to a position of serving.
Philippians 2:6-8 says, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.”
3. Contrast truth and ask “who do I really want to represent?”
We wear jerseys, shirts, etc. showing our allegiance to a team. Your actions shows your allegiance to the God of this universe or his opponent Satan. You can serve or be served. With Jesus, God’s Son, you represent Him by Servanthood. With Satan you represent him by selfishness.
We read about Satan in Isaiah 14:12-14, “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.” Satan sought the glory and it led to defeat and destruction.
We read about Jesus in Philippians 2:9-11, “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” For Jesus, servanthood led to glory!
Your allegiance is demonstrated by action. Which leads to my final point…
4. Initiate service to others. “DO as I have done”
What is the best exercise program? P90X, Crossfit training, etc.? There are just as many great exercise programs as there are opinions. Truly the best exercise for strengthening the heart is reaching down and lifting up people.
It’s not about your position or title. Starter, captain, 1St Team, Valedictorian, CEO, Lead Pastor, State Director. Those are nice, and congratulations. But when you become position conscious, you lose sight of others.
John 13:15-17 “Jesus said, I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.”
The challenge in being a leader is to learn to serve. We can do it! Go be the church – go serve.
God bless you as you faithfully and prayerfully serve Him.
Paul said, “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Two great leaders…both agree that if you want to be a great leader and find blessings in life, you must learn to serve. However, we looked at our Savior last Sunday and discovered four ways to work on serving others:
1. Put other ahead of your own agenda.
Leaders serve people, looking at their needs first. They have loving concerns for others greater than personal concerns. We are trained to finish first in front of the pack. But Jesus says, that’s not the way it works in my Kingdom. A leader never finishes the finish line alone.
Jim Whittaker (experienced mountain climber) said that of all his accomplishments, what gave him the most fulfillment; “I’ve taken more climbers to Mt. Everest than any other mountain peak.” He took others to a level they could not reach on their own.
Romans 12:9, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” Put others ahead of your own agenda. Don’t look for or need recognition or a pat on the back. You whole job is to add value to others.
2. Put yourself in a position of being stretched!
You have to get out of your comfort zone – grow, learn. Stretch to serve others. Many years ago I was on a mission trip to a Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina. One of my areas of serving involved two days working in a nursing home. I’ll admit that I’m very uncomfortable in nursing homes. But my time with a 90 year old woman who was chewing tobacco ended up being okay. That was a stretch for me and yet also a blessing.
In John 13, Jesus washed the feet of others. He’s a teacher, a Savior, a miracle worker, not a foot washing servant. My dad would share stories of growing up on the farm with 7 siblings. The one story that I never got over was how his sister and him would have to stand in the fields early in the morning to watch the cattle. I’m not sure if the fencing was down or what, but they would stand out there for a long period of time and their feet would get cold. They were barefoot. So they stood in piles of fresh cow manure to warm up their feet. That’s gross! Praise God for shoes and socks. Remember, in Biblical times people walked the streets in sandals or barefoot. The same streets that cows, donkeys, horses, and sheep walked. It was like walking the 4H barns 24/7. Your feet are going to be nasty. Jesus washed those feet! He had the title, power…but he stretched himself to a position of serving.
Philippians 2:6-8 says, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.”
3. Contrast truth and ask “who do I really want to represent?”
We wear jerseys, shirts, etc. showing our allegiance to a team. Your actions shows your allegiance to the God of this universe or his opponent Satan. You can serve or be served. With Jesus, God’s Son, you represent Him by Servanthood. With Satan you represent him by selfishness.
We read about Satan in Isaiah 14:12-14, “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.” Satan sought the glory and it led to defeat and destruction.
We read about Jesus in Philippians 2:9-11, “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” For Jesus, servanthood led to glory!
Your allegiance is demonstrated by action. Which leads to my final point…
4. Initiate service to others. “DO as I have done”
What is the best exercise program? P90X, Crossfit training, etc.? There are just as many great exercise programs as there are opinions. Truly the best exercise for strengthening the heart is reaching down and lifting up people.
It’s not about your position or title. Starter, captain, 1St Team, Valedictorian, CEO, Lead Pastor, State Director. Those are nice, and congratulations. But when you become position conscious, you lose sight of others.
John 13:15-17 “Jesus said, I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.”
The challenge in being a leader is to learn to serve. We can do it! Go be the church – go serve.
God bless you as you faithfully and prayerfully serve Him.
Pastor Rex
Waves Of Change
So I sat in church recently and listened to a song for a baby dedication…a similar song played at a graduation service…and I started to get choked up!
Can you relate to that quote? I’ve been told to cherish time with my children because they grow up quick! I would agree, but not take it to heart. For 15 years as a youth pastor I would attend hundreds of open houses, shake graduates hands, and not really consider what was taking place. Now I get it. Now I’m the one listening to that song and getting choked up. Now I’m the one saying, “cherish time with your children…they grow up so quick.”
Change is just around the corner. Well, actually change is already here. My oldest is graduating. I think all this year I heard these words, “this is the last time I’ll…” And so it is. Do I hang my head and have a pity party? Do I long for those days of childhood and innocence? Can we lock him up in the basement and keep him around until we are emotionally ready for all this? No…no…and definitely not.
We are proud of our son. We are proud of all the graduates. They have worked hard, they have experienced a great deal, and they have been prepared for what is next in their life journey. Now it’s time to spread the wings and fly, right?!
We can’t be overwhelmed or filled with anxiety for our children’s future. We can’t walk around daily asking, “what if.” We must trust my Heavenly Father, that we have been faithful in raising our children to seek, trust, and obey God. We must trust God that our children will choose to journey with God during the next few critical years of their life.
Graduation isn’t the only thing that causes us to look “change” square in the eyes. It may be a job change, a death, a birth, a rule, a procedure, and even a new relationship. Change occurs around us daily. So I offer this encouragement to all of us facing change – make sure your foundation is strong!
In Matthew 7:24, Jesus taught this: “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
I see change in life, like storms. They come knowingly and unexpectedly. They bring refreshment for dry ground, but they also bring potential for damage. In this teaching, Jesus refers to listening and obeying His Words as essential for building a strong foundation. So that when the storms of life come upon us, we won’t collapse. Our challenge is to make sure we are building strong and firm foundations in Jesus Christ.
This is why programs like Children’s Church, GPS, Tupos, and TNKRTS is so important. This is why we are challenged to grow, so that we can impart what we learn onto our children.
It’s not too late to work on your spiritual foundation. It’s not too late to work on the spiritual foundation of our children. Start today…begin now. Open up God’s Word on a daily basis, seek His wisdom. Make it a habit to journey through God’s Word, praying, and walking with confidence as His Holy Spirit walks with us.
Can you relate to that quote? I’ve been told to cherish time with my children because they grow up quick! I would agree, but not take it to heart. For 15 years as a youth pastor I would attend hundreds of open houses, shake graduates hands, and not really consider what was taking place. Now I get it. Now I’m the one listening to that song and getting choked up. Now I’m the one saying, “cherish time with your children…they grow up so quick.”
Change is just around the corner. Well, actually change is already here. My oldest is graduating. I think all this year I heard these words, “this is the last time I’ll…” And so it is. Do I hang my head and have a pity party? Do I long for those days of childhood and innocence? Can we lock him up in the basement and keep him around until we are emotionally ready for all this? No…no…and definitely not.
We are proud of our son. We are proud of all the graduates. They have worked hard, they have experienced a great deal, and they have been prepared for what is next in their life journey. Now it’s time to spread the wings and fly, right?!
We can’t be overwhelmed or filled with anxiety for our children’s future. We can’t walk around daily asking, “what if.” We must trust my Heavenly Father, that we have been faithful in raising our children to seek, trust, and obey God. We must trust God that our children will choose to journey with God during the next few critical years of their life.
Graduation isn’t the only thing that causes us to look “change” square in the eyes. It may be a job change, a death, a birth, a rule, a procedure, and even a new relationship. Change occurs around us daily. So I offer this encouragement to all of us facing change – make sure your foundation is strong!
In Matthew 7:24, Jesus taught this: “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
I see change in life, like storms. They come knowingly and unexpectedly. They bring refreshment for dry ground, but they also bring potential for damage. In this teaching, Jesus refers to listening and obeying His Words as essential for building a strong foundation. So that when the storms of life come upon us, we won’t collapse. Our challenge is to make sure we are building strong and firm foundations in Jesus Christ.
This is why programs like Children’s Church, GPS, Tupos, and TNKRTS is so important. This is why we are challenged to grow, so that we can impart what we learn onto our children.
It’s not too late to work on your spiritual foundation. It’s not too late to work on the spiritual foundation of our children. Start today…begin now. Open up God’s Word on a daily basis, seek His wisdom. Make it a habit to journey through God’s Word, praying, and walking with confidence as His Holy Spirit walks with us.
Psalm 111:10, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!“
Proverbs 10:25, “When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.“
God bless you as you faithfully and prayerfully follow Him.
Pastor Rex
A Quick Word of Prayer!?
Today I want to share something that a friend of mine (Dan Britton) wrote and shared in a devotional challenge. I couldn’t have said it better…so I decided to just share his words with you. This is worth reading, especially as we are a growing church, a church moving into a new home location, a church striving to raise funds, a church striving to reach souls for Jesus Christ, a church that cannot be content with being average! Three of us men have seen our fathers pass away in just three months. Many have battled physical and emotional challenges. Pray for our church, pray for one another, pray for those whom we will share the love of Jesus Christ! And when you pray…take your time.
————————————–
We say it all the time. It has become part of our lingo, and we don’t realize we are saying it. Most church meetings begin with these words: Let’s have a quick word of prayer. I believe these seven words grieve God’s heart, because He desires a lasting conversation-not lip service.
The underlying message is, “Before we get to the important stuff, let’s rush through the God stuff.” It becomes a rote habit that bypasses our heart. It helps us look spiritual, but lacks power. Connecting with God can’t be rushed. God must think, “There they go again! I wish they wouldn’t think of Me as a ritual or a rabbit’s foot that they can rub for good luck before they start their meeting.”
Prayer isn’t something to rush through to get to the work. Prayer is the work!
It happens everywhere. We have a quick word of prayer in the locker room, church, and home. It has permeated our entire Christian culture, especially the world of sports. I am still waiting for the pastor to get up on a Sunday morning and say, “We have so many needs, concerns, and opportunities that we need God to intercede. So let’s have a long word of prayer.”
Martin Luther was once asked what his plans for the following day were, and he answered: “Work, work, from early until late. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” The busier he got, the more he prayed. In today’s world, that is counter-intuitive. When we get busy, we reduce or eliminate our time with the Lord. Maybe that is why we are okay with a quick word of prayer. We have short prayers privately, so it becomes publicly acceptable. But prayer was never intended to be confined to a pre-game blessing or to start a meeting. It’s an all-day deal.
“We are to ‘keep the receiver off the hook’ and be in touch with God so that our praying is part of a long conversation that is not broken.” – Warren Wiersbe
Prayer needs to be the driving force in our lives. It’s our greatest weapon. We need to move from mini prayers to mighty prayers, short prayers to long prayers, occasional prayers to often prayers and shallow prayers to deep prayers.
Prayer makes us.
Prayer molds us.
Prayer matures us.
Continuous, Non-Stop Prayer. In 2 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul encourages us to pray without ceasing. He tells us to keep the lines of communication with the Father open at all times in every circumstance. Paul’s encouragement is for us to have a life of prayer. Jesus frequently got away to pray; He told us to stay connected to the vine where we get every nutrient for life.
Our lives should be one continuous prayer. Remember, we shouldn’t just pray for the work. Prayer is the work. Great prayer matures a leader, and a great leader matures in prayer. Be quick to pray…not pray quickly. Let’s have a long word of prayer!
(Author Dan Britton)
————————————–
————————————–
We say it all the time. It has become part of our lingo, and we don’t realize we are saying it. Most church meetings begin with these words: Let’s have a quick word of prayer. I believe these seven words grieve God’s heart, because He desires a lasting conversation-not lip service.
The underlying message is, “Before we get to the important stuff, let’s rush through the God stuff.” It becomes a rote habit that bypasses our heart. It helps us look spiritual, but lacks power. Connecting with God can’t be rushed. God must think, “There they go again! I wish they wouldn’t think of Me as a ritual or a rabbit’s foot that they can rub for good luck before they start their meeting.”
Prayer isn’t something to rush through to get to the work. Prayer is the work!
It happens everywhere. We have a quick word of prayer in the locker room, church, and home. It has permeated our entire Christian culture, especially the world of sports. I am still waiting for the pastor to get up on a Sunday morning and say, “We have so many needs, concerns, and opportunities that we need God to intercede. So let’s have a long word of prayer.”
Martin Luther was once asked what his plans for the following day were, and he answered: “Work, work, from early until late. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” The busier he got, the more he prayed. In today’s world, that is counter-intuitive. When we get busy, we reduce or eliminate our time with the Lord. Maybe that is why we are okay with a quick word of prayer. We have short prayers privately, so it becomes publicly acceptable. But prayer was never intended to be confined to a pre-game blessing or to start a meeting. It’s an all-day deal.
“We are to ‘keep the receiver off the hook’ and be in touch with God so that our praying is part of a long conversation that is not broken.” – Warren Wiersbe
Prayer needs to be the driving force in our lives. It’s our greatest weapon. We need to move from mini prayers to mighty prayers, short prayers to long prayers, occasional prayers to often prayers and shallow prayers to deep prayers.
Prayer makes us.
Prayer molds us.
Prayer matures us.
Continuous, Non-Stop Prayer. In 2 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul encourages us to pray without ceasing. He tells us to keep the lines of communication with the Father open at all times in every circumstance. Paul’s encouragement is for us to have a life of prayer. Jesus frequently got away to pray; He told us to stay connected to the vine where we get every nutrient for life.
Our lives should be one continuous prayer. Remember, we shouldn’t just pray for the work. Prayer is the work. Great prayer matures a leader, and a great leader matures in prayer. Be quick to pray…not pray quickly. Let’s have a long word of prayer!
(Author Dan Britton)
————————————–
Well said Dan. All God’s people said, “Amen.” Let’s go it!
God bless you as you faithfully and prayerfully follow Him.
God bless you as you faithfully and prayerfully follow Him.
Pastor Rex
Blessed Is The Woman Who Trusts In The Lord
Thank you Ladies – Keep Growing!
“A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” Tenneva Jordan
I want to take a moment and applaud the women of my life…
First, there is mom. The very first woman I knew. She raised me, cared for me, guided me, helped me in numerous ways.
Jenny, my wife. The woman I fell in love with, my friend, my partner, the one who loves me in spite of all my mistakes and flaws.
My sister, whom I didn’t know completely growing up thanks to our age difference. But today she is my big sister who loves Jesus and cares deeply about me.
My many teachers who were women. I could tell some funny stories about these crazy ladies…but the bottom line is they were awesome in teaching me skills needed for today.
My Sunday School teachers and Children’s church volunteers. Wow, it wasn’t just knowing the Bible – it was the fact that they served!
Those I know today that serve in the church, in ministry, and sacrificially give back.
Thank you ladies. You are a blessing.
God created each of you with purpose and value. Trust God. Trust what He has given to you. Find your hope, security, and strength in God alone.
“A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” Tenneva Jordan
I want to take a moment and applaud the women of my life…
First, there is mom. The very first woman I knew. She raised me, cared for me, guided me, helped me in numerous ways.
Jenny, my wife. The woman I fell in love with, my friend, my partner, the one who loves me in spite of all my mistakes and flaws.
My sister, whom I didn’t know completely growing up thanks to our age difference. But today she is my big sister who loves Jesus and cares deeply about me.
My many teachers who were women. I could tell some funny stories about these crazy ladies…but the bottom line is they were awesome in teaching me skills needed for today.
My Sunday School teachers and Children’s church volunteers. Wow, it wasn’t just knowing the Bible – it was the fact that they served!
Those I know today that serve in the church, in ministry, and sacrificially give back.
Thank you ladies. You are a blessing.
God created each of you with purpose and value. Trust God. Trust what He has given to you. Find your hope, security, and strength in God alone.
A godly woman isn’t perfect, rather she’s learning to open up and trust in her Savior. The measuring stick of godliness isn’t based on a comparison to others, but on your personal commitment to Jesus Christ. I encourage you to grow spiritually, and as you do you will:
Demonstrate an intimate familiarity with God’s Word – “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
You reveal godliness in you when your thoughts, words, and advice are based on the Bible and not your opinion. You’re not throwing out scriptures to show how knowledgeable and spiritual you are, but rather your key instinct is balancing faith and actions on the word of God.
Resonate a calm and quietness of spirit – “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:4)
You don’t frantically wring your hands in the valleys of the unexpected. Instead, you have the inner peace of the Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and teach you when everything seems out of control. You learn to lay your concerns at the foot of the cross and leave them there.
Be grounded in courage and strength – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
As our culture tumbles down the slippery slope of worldliness and immorality, you are confident in your Sovereign God to make all things work together for good. You will refuse to let fear invade your thoughts or feelings by constantly reminding yourself of God’s promise to never leave you.
Be relentless in prayer and intercession – “Pray continually.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
We need to fervently grab hold of Jesus just like the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28 and refuse to let circumstances dictate the final outcome over faith. Never give up praying for the hardest hearts, the deepest needs, or the highest mountain tops.
Be generous in resources – “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…” (2 Corinthians 9:11)
As a godly person, you will give time, energy, gifts, and finances in days of feasting or famine. You learn to resist the fear of holding back because of your strong confidence in God to meet your needs according to His riches in glory and to grant all your desires according to His will.
I found these five challenges on a website for godly women. BUT, these five spiritual growth marks can be applied to us men as well…
Thank you, and God bless you as you faithfully follow Him.
Pastor Rex