Bible Reading Day 1 - 12-31-09

OK... So I am starting one day early on my reading plan. In the chronological plan we launch into our origins and creation by reading Genesis 1-3.

There is so much to learn in these passages! But the one verse that messes me up everytime is when God says, "LET US MAKE MAN IN OUR IMAGE!" In these 7 words, we find hope, purpose, and meaning.

The "US" indicates that God is not alone in the creation of man! There is someone else in the picture. In John 1:1-2... the Bible says, "In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with God and the WORD was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness..." Jesus was involved in the creation of man! Jesus was involved in my creation. Jesus was involved in YOUR creation!

"YOU and I were created to be in a relationship with God!"
He created us to know us and for us to know Him. WOW!!! The God of Creation wants to KNOW me! Read Ps. 139 to get a supernatural ultrasound of how we are created! What meaning!!!

We are created for eternity!
Jesus said He is the Alpha and the Omega...the Beginning and the End. He is the First and the Last. He is eternal and He has created us for eternity. What hope!!!

We are created for community with each other!
We are not all God's children, but we are all His creation. Only those who have been adopted into the Kingdom can be called "children of God". And those who have been adopted as sons and daughters of God are now brothers and sisters in faith. We are now a part of God's family; and in that family there is community. This community is enjoyed by all believers as we Love God and Love People. What purpose!!!

SPIRITUAL GROWTH CHALLENGE! Read the Bible Through in a Year! Great Website to Find Plan!

The best site I have found that can help you find the best plan for you to accomplish reading the Bible through is www.youversion.com. It has 20+ plans you can choose from. And, if you have an iPhone, Android, Blackberry, or MobileWeb, there are apps for YouVersion so you won't have any excuses if you forget your Bible on a trip!

Since I recently completed reading the Bible through, now I want to read the Bible through in chronological order. However, I don't understand why it's not chronological order! I guess I will ask God that question when I get to heaven. By then however, who cares? I will be with Jesus!

I have selected the Blue Letter Bible “Chronological” plan. It is compiled according to recent historical research, taking into account the order in which the recorded events actually occurred. This is a fantastic plan to follow if you wish to add historical context to your reading of the Bible.

WILL YOU READ THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR?

Come Home - POWERFUL VIDEO

Check out his powerful video on the Parable of the Lost Son!


Christmas Opener: Just Come Home from NewSpring Production on Vimeo.

Jesse Fisher is the gentleman who provided the lyrical talent!  For more information on Jesse Fisher or to get a copy of this video visit www.kadence.tv.

Looking forward to the Journey of a New Year and New ministry

I am excited about 2010 as Lisa and I start our ministry with River Hills Church. If there is one word 2009 could be characterized by it would be "JOURNEY".  It has been a journey of patience, faith, believing and prayer that has led us to the place we are today. I have a peace that passes all understanding because God is faithful! He will provide! I am taking to heart the words of the classic band, Journey: "Don't Stop Believing!"

Sometimes... many times... faith decisions do not make sense economically. In Kingdom work the first thing to consider is not money! Although "counting the cost" financially is a Biblical mandate before engaging in a war or constructing an edifice, "counting the cost" spiritually -- in light of advancing the Kingdom of God - is the priority. There is no monetary value you can place on a soul!

I am looking forward to preaching at River Hills this weekend on The Journey! Here are the three main ideas I will be talking about this weekend:

• My Spiritual Journey
• Our family's Journey to River Hills Church
• The Journey Forward

Worship begins at 10:45AM at the Winder YMCA. Thank you all for your prayer support and words of encouragement!

Have a Happy New Year & "Don't Stop Believing"!

Merry Christmas and Prayer Requests for our Family

From the Breedlove's, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

At the beginning of the year, I will start a new ministry with River Hills Church as the Executive Pastor. No... I won't be a pastor to "Executives" (ROTFLOL... someone really thought that's what that meant). My role will be to handle day-to-day operations, coordinate small groups, develop/train people, manage staff, and assimilate people in ministry and missions from our community to the ends of the earth.

Lisa and I are very excited about the move to River Hills and we look forward to fruitful ministry in partnership with Lead Pastor, Chip Wheeler, and his wife Sarah Beth. River Hills Church is a church plant located in Winder that started in 2007 with the support of many churches including First Baptist Church Winder. Currently, we meet at the Winder YMCA for worship at 10:45AM on Sunday mornings

Here are some prayer requests from our family:
1. Pray for our children, Tyler, Jared and Elisabeth as they make a transition to a new church. Pray they will connect with new friends easily.
2. Pray for Kingdom Growth! Jesus said to "seek first the Kingdom of God"!
3. Pray for wisdom.
4. Pray for provision.
5. Pray for Lisa as she works for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. She and the agents she works for are revising her compensation to increase accountability and production. The agents she works for are very supportive of her commitment to being off work when the kids get out of school, and they are very supportive of the work we are involved in at River Hills. Thanks John and Nick for having Lisa on your team! You are not only supporting a person, you are supporting Kingdom advancement!
6. Pray for me...that I would demonstrate humility, justice, mercy, and compassion to all (Zech. 7:9).

God's Unfailing Love

I went for a 1.5 mile walk this morning just as the sun was rising. I set my iPod to Chris Tomlin's new Christmas album, Glory in the Highest, and worshiped while I walked! (If you don't have Tomlin's CD, you need to get it! Some of the best Christmas music I've ever heard!) It was a beautiful morning... one of those mornings that just speaks of God's unfailing love. It was a great reminder that His mercies are new every morning! He really is Emmanuel... God With Us!

Upon returning from my walk, I sat down for prayer and Bible reading and the following verse was in my reading:

 Psalm 143:8

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
       for I have put my trust in you.
       Show me the way I should go,
       for to you I lift up my soul.

On Christmas morning, God's unfailing love was demonstrated from the stage of a manger! On Good Friday, God demonstrated to us the full extent of His love by executing His only Son on a cross. And on the morning of Easter Sunday, the glory of God's love was proclaimed from the pulpit of a tomb! He is NOT here! He is risen!

From the first morning of creation to today, God's unfailing love has been proclaimed with each sunrise. He is faithful and true. He is trustworthy.

Christmas Eve Service @ River Hills Church

Celebrate Christmas With River Hills Church!! Christmas Eve Service @ 5 p.m. At the Winder YMCA - Unique Candle Light Service - No Childcare Provided - 45 minutes Long - Relevant Teaching - Contemporary Music Join Our Mailing List!

Congrats to Capt. Dennis Dorsey for completing the 11-week FBI Academy Course

Congratulations Capt. Dorsey!

Capt. Dennis Dorsey is the first Winder Police Department employee to attend and graduate from the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Va. Read the full article here http://www.barrowcountynews.com/news/article/5385/

Book Review - Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity

Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity is a creatively woven message on the Great Commandment. In his new book, Mark Batterson invites you to rethink what it means to love God and demonstrate that love through giving, worship, discipleship, and service. It is an invitation to be a part of the next reformation...not of creeds but of deeds. Primal is a clear call to return to that place where loving God is all that matters!

To purchase book directly from the Random House click here.

God of Second Chances! Awesome Video! Must See!

This video is from @loswhit and the guys at Buckhead Church in Atlanta. Apparently they were shooting a music video for a Sunday service and a homeless man came into the frame and started singing to Jesus out of the blue—wow.

Final Words...Flawless Words

Last message to students at FBCW – 12-20-09 

Today, as I speak to you for the last time as your student minister, I have some final words regarding flawless words! Change happens.

Some change is good…

• An oil-change adds life to my car.
• Spare-change in my console allows me to buy a cup of Starbucks coffee or Chickfila Sweet Tea when I’m on the road.
• “Change-for-a-dollar” allow my children to get candy from the bubblegum machine.

While some change is not so good… 

• A change in flight schedules can ruin a trip
• A change in health can be deadly
• A change in income due to a loss of a job is difficult to recover from
• A change in family dynamics b/c of divorce or abuse lasts a lifetime

Life is volatile! You have up’s and down’s. You have good times and bad times. You have times of joy and times of sorrow (see Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Things change! But we have a sure foundation in volatile times. God DOES NOT change (Mal. 3:6 and James 1:17) and His words are FLAWLESS. Proverbs 30:5 says, “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”

God’s Word is a Perfect Ten
At the age of 14, Romanian gymnast, Nadia Comăneci, became one of the stars of the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. She scored a perfect 10.0 on her routine on the uneven bars. It was the first time in modern Olympic gymnastics history that a 10.0 had ever been awarded…Over the course of the Olympics, Comăneci would earn six additional 10s…(from Wikipedia). Comăneci was FLAWLESS in her routines. She made NO MISTAKES.

God’s Word is FLAWLESS! It’s PERFECT. It makes NO MISTAKES! Ps. 19:7 says it this way: “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” “The Bible is the place where God bares His soul (Batterson)!” What’s interesting about God’s Word is how it is constructed:

The Bible was written over a span of fifteen hundred years by more than forty writers. God inspired kings and poets and prophets and shepherds. They wrote out of very different personalities in very different circumstances. Some wrote in the plush setting of a palace, while others etched their words during an island exile. Some wrote out of the agony of personal tragedy, while others wrote in the ecstasy of an epiphany. Written in three different languages on three different continents, there is no other book like the Bible. Despite the fact that it touches on thousands of complex subjects and controversial topics, it possesses a supernatural harmony from beginning to end. And it is omnirelevant to every person on the planet. (Batterson, Primal, pg. 71)

In other words, it is ALL-RELEVANT to ALL PEOPLE in ALL PLACES for ALL TIME! But God’s Word will not be FLAWLESS in your life unless you take what you know and then live it out!

I took Lisa and the kids to see a Christmas Carol 3D. 3D movies never get old…it’s a really cool way to watch a movie! It brings things to LIFE!

God wants His Word to be lived out in 3D. But a 3D life necessitates that you know the Word and Live it Out! You can’t just KNOW it, you have to DO it! Just knowing God's Word is one-dimensional – it’s superficial! Living it is three-dimensional – it’s supernatural!

Not only is God’s Word Perfect… God HIMSELF is a shield and a refuge! Shields are used to defend against swords, lances and arrows. A refuge is a place of protection from danger or trouble. Remember what I said earlier? LIFE IS VOLATILE! Jesus said the enemy comes to STEAL to KILL and to DESTROY your life (Jn. 10:10) and he will use whatever weapon he can to accomplish his plan. However, your faith in God is a SHIELD (Eph. 6:16) that defends you from the enemy’s attack and God is a place you can run to and find shelter (Ps. 46:1; 91:2)!

When we trust in His flawless Word, lift high our Shield of Faith and find refuge in His unfailing love, our lives transform from one-dimensional knowing to 3D living.

Bible Reading for Today!

Bible Reading for Today!

Nahum 1:1-3:19, Rev 8:1-13, Ps 136:1-26, Pr 30:7-9

Bible Reading for Today!

Today's Bible Reading - Micah 5:1-7:20, Rev 7:1-17, Ps 135:1-21, Pr 30:5-6

Ps. 135 is an awesome chapter that focuses our hearts on the true object of our worship! Take some time to Praise the Lord and shout "Hallelujah" for the great things God has done!

Me B Gone - This is a hilarious video!

This video was performed at Two Rivers Church where Ed Stetzer is interim.

ME BE GONE from Two Rivers on Vimeo.

Taking a Step of Faith vs. Trying to Figure out the Will of God

Many of you are aware that God has led Lisa and me to trust Him and join Him in the work He is doing at River Hills Church - a church plant in Winder, GA.  For months (since February 2009), we have been praying about this opportunity. At the risk of being vulnerable... I confess that I have personally struggled through this decision because I like the comfort and consistency of an "established" church.

If you have ever listened to the stories of church planters...the words "comfort" and "consistency" do not exist in their vocabulary. I can tell you one word that does exist in a church planter's vocabulary... "miracle". These guys have seen God perform some incredible miracles through transformation, provision and faithfulness!

In my process of obeying the will of God, I would try to outhink God. What a joke! I would try to outplan God. Are you kidding me? I would try to outwit God as if I were playing a game of Survivor. The result was frustration. It wasn't until Lisa and I had a heart-to-heart in one of my "wavering moments" and she said to me: "Spencer, we are not going back!" I love my wife! I am so grateful for her faith and steadfast spirit through this decision. Her faith has spurred me to not over-analyze the movement of God in our lives!

Over-analysis can lead to spiritual paralysis. Mark Batterson said, "If you try to logically figure out the will of God, you'll never take a step of faith...the will of God is NOT logical. It's theological. It ADDS God into the equation, and that's why it doesn't always add up on our human calculators (Primal - pg. 140)."

The feelings I have now are feelings of anticipation and excitement. There is also fear of the unknown, but God's Word says, "there is no fear in love." This step of faith is a step of love...A love for God and a love for people! And there is no LAW against LOVE!

Is God leading you to read THROUGH the Bible? & Bible Reading for today!

Last year (2008), I made a commitment to do something I had never done before... read THROUGH the Bible in a year. While it took me 21 months to complete it (I'm a slow reader), it has revolutionized my life!

As I was finishing my reading plan, this thought came to my mind: "OK... so what next?" My faith had grown deeper; my love for God was stronger; my appetite for God's Word was greater. Here's what I discovered: my desire for understanding had grown because I realized how much I really didn't understand!

There is so much more God wants to teach me and accomplish in my life. I want to love Him more deeply, but I am so far away from truly understanding what it means to be a God-follower. Therefore, I must get on His frequency of communication! Mark Batterson said, "...the Spirit of God is always broadcasting...the Holy Spirit has multiple channels of communication...His creation...still, small voice...sanctified desires...open doors...Spirit-prompted friends...But His primary channel of communication is Scripture (from Primal)."

Is God leading you to read through the Bible? WHO will join me in the transformational experience of reading through the Bible?

You don't have to wait until the first of the year to start... You can start today!

Today we start in the book of Micah, and continue in Revelation, Psalms and Proverbs. Micah 1:1-4:13, Rev 6:1-17, Ps 134:1-3, Pr 30:1-4

Bible Reading for today!

Today's Bible Reading is Jonah 1:1-4:11, Rev 5:1-14, Ps 133:1-3, Pr 29:26-27

Take some time today to read God's Word! As you read the book of Jonah, meditate on the grace of God in your life! It truly is Amazing Grace!

Grateful for the Reception and Comments from our Students and Youth Leaders

Lisa and I would like to express our sincere appreciation to our students and youth leaders for the kind words, letters, cards, hugs and tears. We were so encouraged by your kindness and love that was expressed in various forms. As I mentioned today, the word that best sums up how we feel is "grateful". We are grateful for so many people and the experiences we have shared together. From World Changers to IMPACT; From DiscipleNOW weekends to Ski Trips; from Friday Night Lights at WBHS to visiting local schools we are grateful for the ministry we have shared with all of you!

If I made a list of everyone whom we are grateful for, one, we don't have space to mention everyone and two, we would certainly fail to mention someone. Therefore, please take this for what it's worth: THANK YOU! From the depth of our hearts, THANK YOU!

In the words of the Apostle Paul, 
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God." - Phil. 1:3-11

Bible Reading for today!

Today's reading is Obadiah 1-21, Rev 4:1-11, Ps 132:1-18, Pr 29:24-25

Take some time today to read God's inspired Word and become a "do-er" of His Word!

TOMS Shoes - One for One - Great Story on Giving!

I don't know if you are looking to get shoes for someone this Christmas, but you may want to consider TOMSshoes. Check out this video.

Letters from Home (Part 2)

I hope you enjoyed that first letter. Now for the second! This second letter was written in January 1993. I had been practicing kicking footballs in my backyard and was planning to walk-on the football team at the University of Georgia. I was struggling with what God was calling me to do. To put it simply... I was SELF-ABSORBED! Life was all about ME! I had a facade that made me look spiritual, but I was pious, Pharisaical and lacked grace! Oh yeah...and I thought I was going to be the next place-kicker for the University of Georgia (that's a whole "nother" story for a "nother" day - yes, "nother" is a word in the South).
My dad saw right through that self-absorption and challenged me to think less about ME and more about OTHERS - something he has modeled for a long time! He wrote:

SPENCER,
It is 4:00AM and I have you on my mind. Life has it's up's and down's. The only thing constant in the fact that Jesus Loves Us. As you go through life you will find that close friends will let you down; you will also find that girlfriends, your wife, your brother and other family members and friends will let you down. They DON'T always meet the expectation you have set for them.

I guess the bottom-line of what I am trying to say is DON'T BE TOO CONCERNED ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE...don't expect too much from them for they/we are human and will let you down. Only Jesus will consistently meet your expectations.

I am sure that if you will get on your knees and pray for joy and happiness in spite of what's going on in your life, God will answer that prayer. We all (young and old) go through periods when we feel lonely, concerned about our future direction, and whether or not we are in the center of God's will for our lives.

In Psalm 3: "Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head." 

Lift up your head and be strong in the Lord. Spencer, you should read some of the first chapters of Psalms. David was praying about human feelings that he was having. Man, since the beginning of time, has had to deal with the same feelings you are dealing with now.

I would suggest that you find a way to serve the Lord by helping others. Extend a helping hand to those in need; do something for somebody. I find, when I am dealing with some of the feelings you currently have, the best way to get my joy and happiness back is to go out of my way to help somebody.
I love you and pray for you everyday that the Lord will keep you safe and that you always will have peace in your heart and joy and happiness.

Love, Dad
Jan - 5 - 1993

Thanks for allowing me to share a glimpse of my history and spiritual growth with you.

Great Quote and Your Bible Reading for today!

"Meditating on it (Scripture) turns one-dimensional knowledge into two-dimensional understanding. Living it out turns two-dimensional understanding into three-dimensional obedience." -Mark Batterson from Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity


Your Bible Reading for Today:
Amos 7:1-9:15, Rev 3:7-22, Ps 131:1-3, Pr 29:23


Be a 3D Believer!

Letters from Home (Part 1)

I recently found a couple of letters my dad wrote to me at critical times in my life. The first was written in December 1990. The second in January 1993, just as I was about to walk-on as a place kicker for the Georgia Bulldogs. I will share this second letter tomorrow.

At the time of the first letter, I had just finished my first quarter at West Georgia College; I was recovering from a broken heart; and I was obviously off track spiritually! My life, at the time, did not honor my parents nor God and a spanking wasn't going to correct my wayward self.

My dad took his role as the spiritual leader seriously so he wrote me a letter to admonish me to change or there would be change. He wrote...

December 21, 1990
Spencer,
We are taught in God's Word that sin separates MAN from GOD. If we are saved, this does not mean we become lost again. But it means that fellowship and communication with God is is broken until the sin is confessed to God and the relationship is restored. This same thing can happen to an earthly father and son. 
I believe you have disobeyed me, and therefore, our fellowship has been broken. Now, I ask you, does God come to the son asking for forgiveness, or does he instruct him in the ways of obedience, wisdom, good doctrine, and understanding?
I have been chosen "by God" to he the father in our relationship; I have been charged "by God" with bringing you up in accordance with the teaching in the Holy Bible; and with God as my witness, I have tried.
I believe that you are at a very important stage in your spiritual growth, and it is up to you which way you go. I pray you agree to the role of being an obedient son. If you don't then I will deal with that situation.
The Bible is filled with instructions relating to how a son should behave - READ PROVERBS. The Bible also tells the father not to provoke the child to wrath. I am writing this note to promise you that I am not trying to provoke you; but to also let you know that I am very disappointed in you.
I love you very much and will do anything for you except stand for your current behavior.

Ouch!!! This letter once stung. Now...it is a source of life and wisdom to this father of three! I thank God for my dad and the role he has played and continues to play in my life!

And, if you are a father, I hope you find great wisdom in this letter to a disobedient son!

Bible Reading - Dec. 10 & 11

Bible Reading for Dec. 10 - Amos 1:1-3:15, Rev 2:1-17, Ps 129:1-8, Pr 29:19-20

Bible Reading for Dec. 11 - Amos 4:1-6:14, Rev 2:18-3:6, Ps 130:1-8, Pr 29:21-22

Study to show yourself "approved"! - 2 Tim. 2:15

Update on Primal review and Suggested Reading

I have completed 4 chapters of Mark Batterson's book, "Primal: A Quest
for the Lost Soul of Christianity". It is a book based on the Great
Commandment to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Many of us have heard from preachers that we are to love God with all
that we are. What does that mean? What does that look like? What
changes in our lives?

These and many other questions are answered in his book. If you are
looking for a book to help you grow in your understanding of what it
means to love God, you may want to consider Primal.

Another book I would recommend on loving God is Francis Chan's book,
"Crazy Love". This book will help you detox from religious thinking
and renew your heart for the things God loves!

Keep Growing!

Bible reading for today

Joel 1:1- 3:21; Rev 1:1-20; Ps 128; Prov 29:18

Chris Tomlin's Christmas CD

If you have not heard Tomlin's new Christmas CD - "Glory in the
Highest" -you're missing out. Check it out on iTunes.

His song, My Soul Magnifies the Lord, is fantastic!

Barrow Benevolence Out of Money for December - Help Needed!

Barrow County Benevolence Ministries helps people who are in emergency situations financially:

• they have received disconnection notices - can you imagine not having a heated home because your power was turned off?
• they are without food - can you imagine trying to care for small children when there is no food in the pantry or refrigerator?

The churches in Barrow Co. participate cooperatively in the Church of the Month. However, because needs are very great in our community, money tends to run out very quickly! Today is December 8, and the money allotted for December is already distributed. People in our community need your help!

• Can you make a donation? 
• Can you take food to the food pantry? 
  

For anyone who would like to make monetary donations, they can send checks to BCCBM, P. O. Box 1553, Winder, 30680.  Please indicate in a note that you would like your monetary donation to be used during the month of December!

Food donations may be made at the Food Pantry, 41 E. Candler St., Winder  Mon-Fri 4:30-5:00 pm or Saturday 9:30-10:00 am.

The Manhattan Declaration

Yesterday I posted an article written by Dr. Al Mohler entitled, Why I signed the Manhattan Declaration. Today, I would like to share with you Dr. David Platt's letter to the church he pastors - The Church at Brook Hills - regarding the Manhattan Declaration. I highly respect David as a friend, a man, and a servant of the Gospel. David is one of the original signatories of this document that was written primarily by Chuck Colson, Timothy George and Robert George.

David's letter resonates with how I personally feel about this document and the position that it takes in regards to life, marriage and religious liberty, and also the different positions other traditions take in regards to the Gospel.

Click Here for David's letter
Click Here for the Manhattan Declaration

Bible Reading for today!

Here is today's Bible reading: Hosea 10:1-14:9, Jude 1-25, Ps 126:1-6, Pr 29:12-14

Hide God's Word in your HEART!

Have Fun, Breathe, Love what you do!

While I was placing my order at Starbucks this morning, I noticed on a dry-eraser board behind the counter the following quote: "Have fun, breathe, love what you do!" I really like the spirit of this quote because I believe God is glorified when we enjoy life, when we breathe, and when we love what we do! God the Father is pleased when His children enjoy life to the fullest. Just like a new daddy watching his newborn son breathe as he sleeps peacefully, God is happy when His creation lives life to the fullest!

In the book of Acts (chapter 17), we find Paul preaching the Gospel in Athens. But before he preaches, it's obvious that he had observed how religious the people were because of all the idols they worshiped... and in case they missed one, they even had an altar with the inscription, "TO AN UNKNOWN GOD."

Paul then proceeds to make KNOWN who was UNKNOWN. He states:
"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:24-28a).'"

In GOD... we LIVE!
In GOD... we MOVE!
In GOD... we BREATHE!

Jesus said that He came so that we could have LIFE and have it to the fullest (Jn 10:10)! Therefore, it is our great privilege and opportunity to be adopted into the family of God and experience real life as God has designed it to be.

Why I Signed The Manhattan Declaration

The Manhattan Declaration is a statement of urgent concern and common conscience on these three issues -- the sanctity of human life, the integrity of marriage, and the defense of religious liberty. Many respected theologians and church leaders have signed this declaration. It is not a declaration on doctrinal issues. Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, issued a statement on his website sharing why he signed this statement. I thought it was very well written. Click on the following link to read his post:

Why I Signed The Manhattan Declaration

Pictures of Gifts for Foster Care Children

It was so good to meet Tasha with the Barrow County DFACS office. We certainly appreciated her attendance at tonight's Youth Christmas Party. Here are some photos of Christmas gifts that each small group gave to foster care children they sponsored for Christmas!

In the photo above are some of our students after all the gifts were bagged and tagged!

**Photos taken by Emily Pendergrass**

 

 

 

Foster Care, Youth Christmas Party and the National Guard Christmas Party

There are millions of orphans in the world today! I won't give an exact number because any number will be an estimate and any two numbers will be very different.  However, there is one word that keeps recurring: millions.

The orphan crisis is worldwide. From our own little town of Winder to the remotest village in an African country there have been children who have been orphaned due to AIDS, death, incarceration, abuse, drugs, and the list goes on.

The Bible says "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27)." What's interesting about this verse is one key verse just before it. It says in verse 25, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." So...over the last two weeks, our students' small groups have been preparing to bring gifts to tonight's Youth Christmas party! Not gifts for each other, but gifts for children in our community who are in foster care. Way to go small groups for caring for orphans and doing what the Bible says!



ALSO...

The National Guard Christmas Party was held at the Barrow Co. Leisure Services Bldg today. Thanks to all of you who volunteered and represented FBC Winder by providing food for this event. Sharon Betzhold, coordinator of the event, was very grateful for your donations.

Bible Reading for today!

If you do not have a regular Bible reading plan, take a look at The Daily Audio Bible for help!

Here is today's reading: dHosea 4:1-5:15, 2John 1-13 , Ps 125:1-5, Pr 29:9-11

Bible Reading for today!

Today's Bible reading: Hosea 1:1-3:5, 1John 5:1-21, Ps 124:1-8, Pr 29:5-8

Take some time today to read God's Word! 

Just received Mark Batterson's book, Primal, for the Blog Tour

Today, I received Mark Batterson's new book, Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity. Mark is the pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. He is the author of Wild Goose Chase and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. If you have never read those two books, it would be well worth your time and money to read them.

Recently, my blog was selected (I am sure among many) to post a review of Primal. I am very honored to review Mark's new book. I should have my review posted somewhere between December 15 to 22.

I bought Lisa's gift today!

I bought Lisa's gift today! No... I am not going to tell you what I purchased.

Fifteen years ago, when I asked her to marry me, I told her... "I love you in BIG ways, I love you in small ways, I love you this minute and I will love you always." (I actually cut out a heart from a poster board and wrote those words in cursive trying to make it look like a Hallmark card.)

I've been shopping for the right gift to give to Lisa this Christmas. She does so much for our family! She takes care of herself physically (works out three times/week), she works hard, she is a great mom, a great cook, a great wife, a great partner in ministry, she never complains or whines, she is financially frugal, she is very wise and discerning. She is my best friend and I love her deeply!

Well...I found her gift today! I knew it was what I was looking for because it represents my timeless love and appreciation for her and the beautiful woman that she is and always will be! It's wrapped and under the tree, so all will have to wait and see!

Facebook and Twitter status updates taken to a new level

The following video is funny...at least the pastor handled it very well. I may update my status on Facebook and Twitter regularly, but I don't know if I would take it this far. I would at least wait until after the consummation of the marriage!



Now before some of your Pharisaical thoughts come pouring out about how sacrilegious this was...lighten up. Laugh a little! The truth is, you are going to see more of this in the future!

Lessons Learned in Discipleship from David Putman

I spent my morning in Conyers, GA, learning from David Putman who is one of the pastors at Mountain Lake Church in Cumming, GA. David has authored and co-authored several books, notably, Breaking the Missional Code, with Dr. Ed Stetzer.

Before I share some lessons learned:
I have sensed, observed, known, (whatever you want to call it), that the church today doesn't quite understand discipleship and how to do it. Many churches today have organized discipleship into what many call a"cafeteria plan"...offering course after course for various age groups...like going down a buffet line to pick and choose what we would like to learn and slapping it on our spiritual plate to whet our spiritual appetites only to go back for seconds and never EXERCISE our spiritual faith. Since when did the church become Picadilly? Don't get me wrong, the Beth Moore Bible studies have their place and have encouraged thousands of people. The book studies by John Eldridge, James Dobson, Kevin Leman, Rick Warren, Dave Ramsey, and others can certainly spur us along in our spiritual journey.

The point I am making is this: True DISCIPLESHIP results in churches that MULTIPLY! True DISCIPLESHIP results in people becoming disciples and then making disciples and... people becoming disciples and then making disciples and... people becoming disciples and then making disciples and... (you catch my drift). True discipleship does not result in offering more programed Bible study classes....it results in making more disciple-makers.

Lessons Learned Today:

1. We all have the same MISSION! (Matt. 28:18-20)
2. We have to be a DISCIPLE to make DISCIPLES! "Discipleship begins in the mirror!"
3. You will reproduce what you are! (God help me to be like Jesus!)
4. A DISCIPLE will live like Jesus, love like Jesus and leave what Jesus left behind - that is people that lived like Him and loved like Him.

Today was one of those days where what I believe was validated by another. I am grateful for David and his ministry and I look forward to reading his new book, DETOX for the Overly Religious. Thanks for the gift David!

Redneck Christmas Decoration

Although this photo has nothing to do with living life to the fullest... you have to admit, it's pretty funny. Nothing like redneck Christmas decorations!!!

By the way... this is not one of those pics that has been edited and circulated by email. This is an actual picture taken by my assistant's in-laws - this is the decoration outside their home.

VIDEO MESSAGE from Dr. David Platt - "Global Gospel"

David Platt, Pastor of The Church at Brookhills, in Birmingham, AL, is an incredible communicator of God's Word! Every time I hear the man preach, I am convicted and challenged to go deeper in my walk with God! Today, I listened to his most recent podcast entitled: "One Life with a Global Gospel". He talked about the 5 Components to Give Ourselves To. This message is very powerful! All I can say is "watch out"... your life may be changed! To listen to his message, you will need to download it from iTunes. Click here to download his message.

Here are my notes from his message:

"Global Gospel: 5 Components to Give Ourselves To"
A Radical Experiment
1. Pray for the ENTIRE world!

• 6.8 billion people in the world
• 4.5 billion without Christ
• 1.5 billion have never heard the Gospel
• BOOK - "Operation World"

2. Read through the ENTIRE Word!

• Our greatest need is to know God!
• Read as individuals
• Read as families
• Read as a faith family (or church)

3. To Sacrifice our money for a specific purpose!

• Minimize our luxuries (SET A CAP on our lifestyle) for the sake of urgent, spiritual and physical needs around the world. Go to www.radicalexperiment.org for help here.

4. To Spend our TIME in another context!

• If we only SEND or SPEND our MONEY we will MISS the point of global missions.

5. Commit our lives to a MULTIPLYING community!

• Commit to a local church
• Commit to a small group

A Continual Prayer...
God...help us to DIE to the ways of the world so that we might LIVE for Your glory throughout the world!

Spencer and Lisa's timeline for transitioning to River Hills Church

Several of you have asked about when my last day will be at First Baptist Winder. First of all, allow me to say one more time how much we appreciate and love the First Family! You are a joy to our lives!

In regards to our transition, here is a schedule:

• Wednesday, December 16, 2009 - Last day in the office
• Sunday, December 20, 2009 - Last Sunday with the First Family
• December 17-31, 2009 - I will be taking some personal and vacation days to spend time with my family and Lisa's family at Christmas.
• January 1, 2010 - My ministry at River Hills Church begins.
  

You can still help with the National Guard Christmas Party this Sunday

If you would like to help with the National Guard Christmas Party this Sunday, December 6, at the Barrow County Leisure Services building, here are some instructions for you:

1. Prepare your dish (be it sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, etc...) in a disposable, aluminum tray. DO NOT USE YOUR OWN COOKWARE.
2. Prepare your dish to serve between 10-20 people
3. Please deliver your dish to the Barrow Co. Leisure Services Building (175 2nd St. in Winder) between 9AM and 1PM. Click on link for directions.
   
4. If you plan to help serve, set up, and/or clean up, please be at the BCLS Building by 1PM. The event starts at 2PM and will conclude by 4PM.
5. Desserts are OK to prepare in lieu of or in addition to your dish.
6. NOTE: Food that is not served will be delivered to local shelters.
7. The contact person you will need to see is Sharon Betzhold. If you need to contact her the day of the event, her cell is (404) 429-1212.