Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Crazy Days
It occurs to me that whenever a person sets themselves out to serve Christ in whatever capacity possible...they will endure crazy days. There's this odd combination of what becomes normal, like scheduled events, and what invades your life, like opportunities to serve Christ. You wind up talking to the girl at the register a little longer than expected and someone calls who has no groceries and you already had a Bible Study scheduled and people are counting on you and you're leaving for the airport at 5:30 AM and there's paperwork to be done and who hugged your kids today? Academically speaking, one should not use that many ands in a sentence. I think Paul-or at least the translation of Paul in the NIV seems to do that but that does not make it good writing, academically. Then again, his run on sentences, as translated into English are the word of God, are really good writing, and prove to be the exception to the rule. So, I used way too many ands... It is a fairly realistic picture of certain days. This would explain why I blog not enough. Anyway, I believe that this is life and life more abundantly. Did I really only live one day since I put these socks on this morning? Can that much stuff get crammed in one day? This is my excuse for why I often do not know the day of the week as readily as I should. Though, I find that this phenomenon happens to many folks. (The forgetting the day thing) So, then, now it's late. I was going to get cleaned up before I get nestled in. And even though the day has seemed so long, i just looked at the clock and was genuinely amazed that it is not much later than it is. Very interesting isn't it... God loves me and that really is all that matters. Stink for God-2 Cor 2:14-21; I like this motto, but Amalya thinks it has issues. God Bless and Good night-stinker... Pastor Daniel Stevenson www. newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Two Hour delays
Two hour delays have become all the rage in our school district for teacher in-service. For me, it throws my whole day out of whack. I wonder if that's true for every parent around. Some probably have to restructure their entire day. I suppose that used to the be the case for whole days off too. Maybe it's better. IDK
Here's a thought-we don't like delays in general. I hate waiting. I know God wants me to wait on Him. I'm just glad that His version of waiting isn't sitting around doing nothing. I get to be busy in the war effort while I wait for Him to reveal Himself completely.
Listen to me....As if God were playing some cosmic game of hide and seek! Nope. He's right here, waiting on us to take notice of His plans and join Him in them. I remember when I was a kid-the guy who wanted to be it would dance around the guy who was it trying to get him to tag him. That wasn't funny.
Then, when he was tagged he would run off after whoever it was that he was trying to punish. In some cases however, the guy who was it didn't want to tag whoever really wanted to be tagged. It made the scene comical as the guy who wanted to be it followed around the guy who was it waiting for him to get tired and finally give in and tag him. Now that's a picture of God and his persistence with people who really don't want to recognize His availability. He's right there waiting for them to get tired of doing it all by themselves and they are refusing to let Him in. Silly.
Your it right now (at least you are trying in some sense to convince yourself that you're it.) God wants to be It. Stop trying to lead your effort and let God do it. Say, Okay God, Tag your It. Let Him lead your effort. Let Him lead everything. He paid the price for it. He's dancing around trying to get your attention. Tag Him. Go ahead. I dare ya...
Pastor Dan Stevenson
http://www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org/
Here's a thought-we don't like delays in general. I hate waiting. I know God wants me to wait on Him. I'm just glad that His version of waiting isn't sitting around doing nothing. I get to be busy in the war effort while I wait for Him to reveal Himself completely.
Listen to me....As if God were playing some cosmic game of hide and seek! Nope. He's right here, waiting on us to take notice of His plans and join Him in them. I remember when I was a kid-the guy who wanted to be it would dance around the guy who was it trying to get him to tag him. That wasn't funny.
Then, when he was tagged he would run off after whoever it was that he was trying to punish. In some cases however, the guy who was it didn't want to tag whoever really wanted to be tagged. It made the scene comical as the guy who wanted to be it followed around the guy who was it waiting for him to get tired and finally give in and tag him. Now that's a picture of God and his persistence with people who really don't want to recognize His availability. He's right there waiting for them to get tired of doing it all by themselves and they are refusing to let Him in. Silly.
Your it right now (at least you are trying in some sense to convince yourself that you're it.) God wants to be It. Stop trying to lead your effort and let God do it. Say, Okay God, Tag your It. Let Him lead your effort. Let Him lead everything. He paid the price for it. He's dancing around trying to get your attention. Tag Him. Go ahead. I dare ya...
Pastor Dan Stevenson
http://www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org/
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Flyers
My boys are growing up with a different image of serving Jesus. In their minds a person who loves God (and follows His commands) knocks on doors. They wait to see if someone comes and if no one does they leave a flyer.
Other than myself, my son Aaron has left more flyers than anyone I know. Even full grown men who love Christ and work for Him when the opportunity arise can't compete. I know that this is no contest. Aaron does not think along these lines. Usually, I do not either (but let a father be proud.)
Why wouldn't a person want to spread the word about the most important thing in the universe? Some people still do not understand the mystery of Christ. God chooses through His great mercy and grace to spread that knowledge by proclamation. So be it-let us proclaim.
New Heights set a goal of a 100,000 touches by April 17th, 2011. It looks like, we are on track to reach more like 200,000 touches. A touch is as Stan would say (Stan's the guy who runs the Anime shop in our focus area-you probably don't know him and he's not the most authoritative source to quote but when you're right you're right) Anyway, Stan says a "Premeditated act of decency makes the world go round." So get decent-Proclaim the gospel.
What about those who don't want to here it? Well, I say whisper when they are around. If they are on their way to hell and they don't want to hear the alternative-or believe in hell at all-then why ruin what little bit of enjoyment they have left by preaching and annoying gospel to them? However, we must speak even when people don't want to hear-but no necessarily to those who don't want to hear. Talk to someone who knows enough to listen.
By the way, there are those who are supposedly listening but really they are just trying to drain the strength of your resolve. Probably best to let them go as well... Look for people who are genuinely interested in something better. They are ripe. How do you find them? Tell everyone and the one's who are genuinely interested will float to the top...
So, we flyer. We put the word out. We knock on doors and talk to anyone who will listen. Sometimes some of us do it instead of say...eating. How important is it? I can not adequately express!
The harvest is ripe-I pray the Lord of the harvest send more workers. I pray He continues to send us.
God Bless your labors for Him.
Pastor Daniel Stevenson
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
BTW Community movie night 02/25/11 7 PM different movies for adults/children/youth.
Fore more information get our number from the link above and give us a call or show up.
Other than myself, my son Aaron has left more flyers than anyone I know. Even full grown men who love Christ and work for Him when the opportunity arise can't compete. I know that this is no contest. Aaron does not think along these lines. Usually, I do not either (but let a father be proud.)
Why wouldn't a person want to spread the word about the most important thing in the universe? Some people still do not understand the mystery of Christ. God chooses through His great mercy and grace to spread that knowledge by proclamation. So be it-let us proclaim.
New Heights set a goal of a 100,000 touches by April 17th, 2011. It looks like, we are on track to reach more like 200,000 touches. A touch is as Stan would say (Stan's the guy who runs the Anime shop in our focus area-you probably don't know him and he's not the most authoritative source to quote but when you're right you're right) Anyway, Stan says a "Premeditated act of decency makes the world go round." So get decent-Proclaim the gospel.
What about those who don't want to here it? Well, I say whisper when they are around. If they are on their way to hell and they don't want to hear the alternative-or believe in hell at all-then why ruin what little bit of enjoyment they have left by preaching and annoying gospel to them? However, we must speak even when people don't want to hear-but no necessarily to those who don't want to hear. Talk to someone who knows enough to listen.
By the way, there are those who are supposedly listening but really they are just trying to drain the strength of your resolve. Probably best to let them go as well... Look for people who are genuinely interested in something better. They are ripe. How do you find them? Tell everyone and the one's who are genuinely interested will float to the top...
So, we flyer. We put the word out. We knock on doors and talk to anyone who will listen. Sometimes some of us do it instead of say...eating. How important is it? I can not adequately express!
The harvest is ripe-I pray the Lord of the harvest send more workers. I pray He continues to send us.
God Bless your labors for Him.
Pastor Daniel Stevenson
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
BTW Community movie night 02/25/11 7 PM different movies for adults/children/youth.
Fore more information get our number from the link above and give us a call or show up.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Time keeps on Slipping away
It's late. In fact, it's tomorrow. Tomorrow will be lost in recovery. Today, got out of hand. I have a wonderful family and we always block out time to be together and it's important. However, try as I might I did not get my papers written the way I would have liked...
Isn't it interesting how when you look back you can't believe how fast the time has gone but when you consider what you are trying to cram into a day you think about how little time there is. We get time perceptions all screwed up that's for sure.
Anyway, so here I am too tired to find my way to my tooth brush and pillow in that order and I'm writing this to whoever you are...
Let God do something amazing in your life. He wants to redeem your days. Then at the end of a long day, whether it's filled with shouting or hugging you will be able to say this day was valuabel for the Lord.
I will cram more into each day than is humanly possible. I believe that there is more to life than meets the eye-even the trained eye-even the faith-powered eye. God alone can see certain things!
So, write papers and do your job and love your kids and hug your wife and wash teh dishes on borrowed time cause there simply is no other way. Let God redeem the day. Don't waste these precious moments which He paid such a high price for...
The bus comes early. Where's my tooth brush. If I don't get some consistent rest I won't need bags for my next vacation cause I'll store my cothes in the bags under my eyes...
Not funny? Well, maybe tomorrow then...
Pastor Dan Stevenson
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
Isn't it interesting how when you look back you can't believe how fast the time has gone but when you consider what you are trying to cram into a day you think about how little time there is. We get time perceptions all screwed up that's for sure.
Anyway, so here I am too tired to find my way to my tooth brush and pillow in that order and I'm writing this to whoever you are...
Let God do something amazing in your life. He wants to redeem your days. Then at the end of a long day, whether it's filled with shouting or hugging you will be able to say this day was valuabel for the Lord.
I will cram more into each day than is humanly possible. I believe that there is more to life than meets the eye-even the trained eye-even the faith-powered eye. God alone can see certain things!
So, write papers and do your job and love your kids and hug your wife and wash teh dishes on borrowed time cause there simply is no other way. Let God redeem the day. Don't waste these precious moments which He paid such a high price for...
The bus comes early. Where's my tooth brush. If I don't get some consistent rest I won't need bags for my next vacation cause I'll store my cothes in the bags under my eyes...
Not funny? Well, maybe tomorrow then...
Pastor Dan Stevenson
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Integrity in the Underdog Church-wake Up!
Underdog
Why does the church keep acting like the underdog? I'm wondering why since we have God on our side we don't just go for it? Old, established churches, gather (and sometimes don't) and they are completely sold on hearing what the pastor has to say (and sometimes they aren't.) They take it with them but sometimes seem to reach a point where it isn't relevant (the teaching) through out the rest of the week. How can this be?
Compartmenalization:
Segmenting your life is dangerous. It seems almost necessary in this day. We want to believe that much of what we do does not change who we are. We don't know who we are in many cases and we are deathly afraid of finding out. Non-Christians probably should be. In some way who you are will reflect where you are headed and when Hell is the destination, the reflection isn't pretty.
Doubt equals fearing your reflection
Maybe Christians have the same problem. Christians are going to heaven. That was settled at Calvary. However, all it takes it doubt (and there seems to be plenty of that) and we could start fearing the reflection.
Cat:
I used to have a cat that would bat the cat in the mirror. It was cute. Not so much so in humans who are afraid of the reflection and try to preemptive strike it by not looking. Take a long look at who you are. It is who God made you to be-or at least it is how far you have come...
Self-exmination:
Anyway, all this seems to lead people to avoid self-examination. Probably because they are afraid of what they will find. Avoiding self-examination naturally leads to segmenting your life. See, I was getting back to it all the while...
We segment our life because we don't want to admit that that crap we are taking in is affecting us. We watch criminals perpetrate horrid crimes (fictitious or real) on TV and think-that is not real and its not me so I am fine...But what you watch is you. Not that you are criminal or even "like them." However, you have chosen to put that stuff in your head.
Recycling Bin:
On the computer, whatever you put in the "recycling bin" remains on your computer. The idea is that some people make mistakes and then want to un-delete something that they have sent to the recycling bin. It works. I have done it. In the mean time your hard drive is still partially filled with the junk that you have plans to be rid of. It still affects your hard drive-say if it has viruses in it.
The only way to stop this is to quarantine any infected files. I am not a computer person per se. I do not need any more details than what I have on how this works. However, the point is, that what's still there is still there.
The only way to get rid of it is to delete it-"actual and whole."
The same is true with our lives. When we put junk in our heads which it's really easy to do...Then the only way to be rid of the evil influence of it is to delete it "actual and whole." Problem-This is not within our ability. We can delete the source-we stop watching. However, forgetting is only questionably under our control.
Born again:
God can, However. He can help you erase the junk you've put in. So, repent. Turn from the junk that you are putting in and pray to God that you know you need healing from it. Stop watching evil and pretending that it doesn't effect you. Stop trying to compartmentalize it. This same principle applies to the mundane. Mundane is not inherently evil but is essentially uselessness compared to usefulness and so can be evil to those who are supposed to be useful.
God initiated an invasion and we are supposed to be part of it. The scheming enemy is focused in purpose to keep us from our potential. He wants to distract even divide. He seems to be succeeding since the church is acting like the underdog.
Wake up!
But we are not the underdog. You can actually do whatever you choose to do for God! You can change the wold for the better or for the worse now that you have Christ. You do not have to allow age, sex, race, nationality, economic status, or anything else to get in the way. Do not be divided against yourself. Decide now that nothing and no one will stand in your way from passionately living a life of purpose and love for the God who loved you that much to give his self for you-"actual and whole."
Integrity:
Integrity is being actual and whole. While division within yourself may seem useful now to allow you to dabble in things you should not-It is ultimately draining and weakening to the point of uselessness and the enemy knows this. So, stop. Be one person, know yourself, and your destination. Let that be the purpose of your life. Reaching new Heights in Christ!
You are not the underdog here! You have already triumphed (in Christ) over everyone of these distractions and hardships. They will one day all be permanently deleted. How can you do for Christ what you have never done before? Are you old and tired? Giving, working, and especially loving are energizing! Get alive and then live alive until it's time to go home...
God Bless you as you pursue Christ.
Pastor Dan Stevenson
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
Why does the church keep acting like the underdog? I'm wondering why since we have God on our side we don't just go for it? Old, established churches, gather (and sometimes don't) and they are completely sold on hearing what the pastor has to say (and sometimes they aren't.) They take it with them but sometimes seem to reach a point where it isn't relevant (the teaching) through out the rest of the week. How can this be?
Compartmenalization:
Segmenting your life is dangerous. It seems almost necessary in this day. We want to believe that much of what we do does not change who we are. We don't know who we are in many cases and we are deathly afraid of finding out. Non-Christians probably should be. In some way who you are will reflect where you are headed and when Hell is the destination, the reflection isn't pretty.
Doubt equals fearing your reflection
Maybe Christians have the same problem. Christians are going to heaven. That was settled at Calvary. However, all it takes it doubt (and there seems to be plenty of that) and we could start fearing the reflection.
Cat:
I used to have a cat that would bat the cat in the mirror. It was cute. Not so much so in humans who are afraid of the reflection and try to preemptive strike it by not looking. Take a long look at who you are. It is who God made you to be-or at least it is how far you have come...
Self-exmination:
Anyway, all this seems to lead people to avoid self-examination. Probably because they are afraid of what they will find. Avoiding self-examination naturally leads to segmenting your life. See, I was getting back to it all the while...
We segment our life because we don't want to admit that that crap we are taking in is affecting us. We watch criminals perpetrate horrid crimes (fictitious or real) on TV and think-that is not real and its not me so I am fine...But what you watch is you. Not that you are criminal or even "like them." However, you have chosen to put that stuff in your head.
Recycling Bin:
On the computer, whatever you put in the "recycling bin" remains on your computer. The idea is that some people make mistakes and then want to un-delete something that they have sent to the recycling bin. It works. I have done it. In the mean time your hard drive is still partially filled with the junk that you have plans to be rid of. It still affects your hard drive-say if it has viruses in it.
The only way to stop this is to quarantine any infected files. I am not a computer person per se. I do not need any more details than what I have on how this works. However, the point is, that what's still there is still there.
The only way to get rid of it is to delete it-"actual and whole."
The same is true with our lives. When we put junk in our heads which it's really easy to do...Then the only way to be rid of the evil influence of it is to delete it "actual and whole." Problem-This is not within our ability. We can delete the source-we stop watching. However, forgetting is only questionably under our control.
Born again:
God can, However. He can help you erase the junk you've put in. So, repent. Turn from the junk that you are putting in and pray to God that you know you need healing from it. Stop watching evil and pretending that it doesn't effect you. Stop trying to compartmentalize it. This same principle applies to the mundane. Mundane is not inherently evil but is essentially uselessness compared to usefulness and so can be evil to those who are supposed to be useful.
God initiated an invasion and we are supposed to be part of it. The scheming enemy is focused in purpose to keep us from our potential. He wants to distract even divide. He seems to be succeeding since the church is acting like the underdog.
Wake up!
But we are not the underdog. You can actually do whatever you choose to do for God! You can change the wold for the better or for the worse now that you have Christ. You do not have to allow age, sex, race, nationality, economic status, or anything else to get in the way. Do not be divided against yourself. Decide now that nothing and no one will stand in your way from passionately living a life of purpose and love for the God who loved you that much to give his self for you-"actual and whole."
Integrity:
Integrity is being actual and whole. While division within yourself may seem useful now to allow you to dabble in things you should not-It is ultimately draining and weakening to the point of uselessness and the enemy knows this. So, stop. Be one person, know yourself, and your destination. Let that be the purpose of your life. Reaching new Heights in Christ!
You are not the underdog here! You have already triumphed (in Christ) over everyone of these distractions and hardships. They will one day all be permanently deleted. How can you do for Christ what you have never done before? Are you old and tired? Giving, working, and especially loving are energizing! Get alive and then live alive until it's time to go home...
God Bless you as you pursue Christ.
Pastor Dan Stevenson
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
Friday, February 4, 2011
Little things
There's an epidemic in our midst. It seems that people regularly bring up concerns or tell someone something that they just think they should know without thinking about the ramifications. These are little things that make no difference in the grand scheme of things but here's how they drain the strength out of everyone involved.
But first, a quick plug for being the church...Why doesn't the church stop playing like we are the underdog and start playing like we are the favorite to win it. If I had to put money (and I think gambling is a sin when a person does it hoping for gain) I would bet on the power packed, children of God over the earthy lost folks of this world every day. In fact the way I see it-Only one horse will even finish the race. So, if you're a believer, rock the pillars! Let's get moving and live out that which we know to be true-We are God's awesome agent of power in this lifetime!
We will we will rock the house! Unless of course you think that the God of the world paid such a steep price to set us up to lose. Nope, I don't think so either.
Where was I? Oh, yeah. I was illustrating the epidemic. So, someone says something that perhaps should not have been said or should have been said differently. They meant no harm 9as far as anyone knows.) Then someone spends some time thinking about it and decides something simply must be done-This is the start of the fatigue-they are tired now and even saddened by the necessity of confronting the person and trying to figure out how to do it in a loving way. Maybe they do or maybe they don't. Anyway, after whatever time of preparation they go to the person- that is if they don't harbor ill feelings (very tiring) or spend some time gossiping to someone else about the whole thing (Tiring for the person and the audience.)
So, they go to the person who unintentionally misspoke and they confront them. The mis-speaker does not see it coming because they (allegedly) meant no harm. They are caught off guard but perhaps apologize (tiring) or defend themselves (tiring) or promise to think it over (tiring.) The bottom line is that all this effort went forth from one comment that was made in a somewhat carefree manner (notice I did not say careless.)
What stinks about the whole thing is that at some point everyone gets tired-hard feelings develop-and in the mean time no one has been doing what they were made to do. Relating to God and enjoying the reassuring nature of his presence-Read evangelism and discipleship.
Evangelism is when someone tells someone else the good news about Jesus and asks them to believe and live the same. Discipleship is done by Jesus and occur rs when a person who is plugged into Christ lives for Christ a little more every day. If teaching someone how to say something or that they have misspoken in some small way is part of helping someone to be more like Jesus then we are missing the big picture.
The power of God is set aside for those who are spreading the Gospel. Jesus sat down at the right hand of the power of God and lo He is with us even unto the end of the age---If we are spreading the good news-Matthew 28:18-
So stop fretting the little stuff and get busing telling people the big thing. Really, do we have time for all this nitpicking if we are busy doing the right thing? It sounds like persecution to me...
Pastor Dan
www.Newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
But first, a quick plug for being the church...Why doesn't the church stop playing like we are the underdog and start playing like we are the favorite to win it. If I had to put money (and I think gambling is a sin when a person does it hoping for gain) I would bet on the power packed, children of God over the earthy lost folks of this world every day. In fact the way I see it-Only one horse will even finish the race. So, if you're a believer, rock the pillars! Let's get moving and live out that which we know to be true-We are God's awesome agent of power in this lifetime!
We will we will rock the house! Unless of course you think that the God of the world paid such a steep price to set us up to lose. Nope, I don't think so either.
Where was I? Oh, yeah. I was illustrating the epidemic. So, someone says something that perhaps should not have been said or should have been said differently. They meant no harm 9as far as anyone knows.) Then someone spends some time thinking about it and decides something simply must be done-This is the start of the fatigue-they are tired now and even saddened by the necessity of confronting the person and trying to figure out how to do it in a loving way. Maybe they do or maybe they don't. Anyway, after whatever time of preparation they go to the person- that is if they don't harbor ill feelings (very tiring) or spend some time gossiping to someone else about the whole thing (Tiring for the person and the audience.)
So, they go to the person who unintentionally misspoke and they confront them. The mis-speaker does not see it coming because they (allegedly) meant no harm. They are caught off guard but perhaps apologize (tiring) or defend themselves (tiring) or promise to think it over (tiring.) The bottom line is that all this effort went forth from one comment that was made in a somewhat carefree manner (notice I did not say careless.)
What stinks about the whole thing is that at some point everyone gets tired-hard feelings develop-and in the mean time no one has been doing what they were made to do. Relating to God and enjoying the reassuring nature of his presence-Read evangelism and discipleship.
Evangelism is when someone tells someone else the good news about Jesus and asks them to believe and live the same. Discipleship is done by Jesus and occur rs when a person who is plugged into Christ lives for Christ a little more every day. If teaching someone how to say something or that they have misspoken in some small way is part of helping someone to be more like Jesus then we are missing the big picture.
The power of God is set aside for those who are spreading the Gospel. Jesus sat down at the right hand of the power of God and lo He is with us even unto the end of the age---If we are spreading the good news-Matthew 28:18-
So stop fretting the little stuff and get busing telling people the big thing. Really, do we have time for all this nitpicking if we are busy doing the right thing? It sounds like persecution to me...
Pastor Dan
www.Newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Marching Band, Extracurriculars, and Learning to Live
Marching Band
My daughter is a flautist (I just love that word-It sounds like your beating someone up with something like a garden hose.) It actually means you play the flute.
Anyway, my daughter is a flautist in the local high school band. The band has gone through some changes in the past couple of years. They have an ambitious leader and some policies have been changed. For example, pretty much every student that is part of the band is now required to be in the marching band.
I'm not sure about requiring it but I think it's generally a good idea.
I think that extra-curriculars are about service. I know. Our nation has trended toward the worldly thought that leadership is not about humility. If our society remembered that leadership is about service then it would see extracurriculars as training for leadership. A person is a better person because he serves others. He is a better person because he wants to serve others.
Service forgotten
However, our current social condition as a country seems to forget the service aspect. This is probably because schools have now become a baby-sitting service for over-employed parents or otherwise occupied anyway. Academics as well as extracurriculars which should be geared toward making a productive member of society (and in our school system as far as I can see they are.) But, this is not the entire battle. People need to be trained for charitable service. True charitable service is grueling. When you are through, you fall on your bed exhausted.
Students mostly need not practice their extracurricular on their own. They should but they don't because to them it is not about being the best you can be or serving others with a true servants heart. Factually, even Christian students who should be doing their work as if they were doing it for God rarely go the extra mile. This is probably because things in their life vie for their time and actively pursuing skill in representing your school in service in a certain area does not outweigh the cultural barrage.
Was there a day when students were encouraged by their parents and teachers to serve their fellow students with untiring effort? Did students regularly practice their instruments, their cheers, and whatever other extra-curricular abilities? Not sure actually...
However, I know that if it existed under a public school system like the one we have now it was somewhere between the need for twelve year olds to drop out and get employed and the need for eighteen year olds to stay in and grow up.
If we encouraged our children to make their extracurriculars about serving others would we look freakishly odd? Maybe the student body doesn't want to be served. Maybe in today's world it is assumed that persons who participate are doing it because they like to do it-because they were wired to do it. How does being uniquely equipped to do something disqualify you from using your gift for others' benefit?
The world has been turned upside down from what the King (God) would want. I suppose that's why people have to be BORN AGAIN (Fresh Start in Christ) because they have been raised in a world of different values from the Kingdom values. I suppose that's why parents of Christian families always have to wonder whether their children would be better off in a private school.
Here's my cry to educators. Stop and examine why you do what you do. Tomorrow is at stake.
Bible removed from Schools
When today was at stake we outlawed teaching the original text book (The Bible.) We lost sight of unique values that genuinely make a world better even when the person is not sold out for Christ. Most self help books are somehow based in things one could learn from the Bible. The strength to aggressively follow what the Bible says comes from the Holy Spirit but every person could get value out of a life style of service and doing unto others what they would have done to them.
So, cut the sovereignty of God and the fear of judgment if you must. Cut the TRUTH but at least lets get back the self-improvement texts can't we?
Oh, I guess it's even worse than that. In the pursuit of knowledge (Which puffs up by the way) we have even written off most of the old sayings. I remember my teachers teaching me 'a stitch in time saves nine' and 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' and so on. What happened to that?
Is it possible that somewhere along the way education became about knowledge and not wisdom? Did someone figure out that wisdom can not be taught?
If so, I disagree!
Our younger generation is dying in many senses. In a society that uses their kids as an excuse but watches TV instead of spending time with their kids, parents who have forgotten more wisdom than their children will ever be taught in school depend heartily on a governmental education system to keep their kids out of their hair and to produce mature, effective citizens.
Parents in Education
It's not gonna work. It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children and the more that we stray away from that the more the next generation is doomed to suffer the same fate only multiplied.
So, what's the solution?
1-It's time extracurriculars became about service again.
2-Someone needs to tell kids and parents that a full school education will not by itself equip them to be successful in life. It's admitting weakness on the part of the administration but it should be maybe the first lesson and repeated over and over more than- say- how to spell your name.
3-Return wisdom to the curriculum. Teach the truths of the Bible. Even if the TRUTH (Jesus) is not taught then teach the wisdom of the Bible and let children, teens, and eventually young adults ask the questions how can this be and what do I do now? Education can not only minister to the mind and if that's all it does then why does the school day last so long?
4-Teach students and parents that education is about the next question not about the last answer. Runners running at high speed lean forward. Students learning at high speed should be leaning forward in their mental posture. [Don't get me started on the whole grades thing.] Teaching minds to reach is challenging but not teaching them to reach is the same as locking them in a cage.
My disclaimer. I am not a teacher. I do not lead a marching band (no rhythm.) I am not a superintendent of schools. My degree is not in education although it is an education degree. I dropped out of college twice before I was a Christian and didn't learn much (including motivation) about being a good student until I was near to finishing my undergraduate degree.
Still, even in a school system as good as my home town's we've got real problems. I'm not saying I see them clearly. the list above is not all-inclusive. But our education system needs to be born again (a fresh start) in certain areas if we are going to survive and prosper for as much time as we have left.
Pastor Dan Stevenson
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
My daughter is a flautist (I just love that word-It sounds like your beating someone up with something like a garden hose.) It actually means you play the flute.
Anyway, my daughter is a flautist in the local high school band. The band has gone through some changes in the past couple of years. They have an ambitious leader and some policies have been changed. For example, pretty much every student that is part of the band is now required to be in the marching band.
I'm not sure about requiring it but I think it's generally a good idea.
Service in extracurriculars
Anyway, I have a few thoughts about band and extra-curriculars in general (I could almost hear my daughter groan when I wrote that...) If only I had a blog or something to share my thoughts...Well, would you look at that. Well, hear goes.
I think that extra-curriculars are about service. I know. Our nation has trended toward the worldly thought that leadership is not about humility. If our society remembered that leadership is about service then it would see extracurriculars as training for leadership. A person is a better person because he serves others. He is a better person because he wants to serve others.
Service forgotten
However, our current social condition as a country seems to forget the service aspect. This is probably because schools have now become a baby-sitting service for over-employed parents or otherwise occupied anyway. Academics as well as extracurriculars which should be geared toward making a productive member of society (and in our school system as far as I can see they are.) But, this is not the entire battle. People need to be trained for charitable service. True charitable service is grueling. When you are through, you fall on your bed exhausted.
Students mostly need not practice their extracurricular on their own. They should but they don't because to them it is not about being the best you can be or serving others with a true servants heart. Factually, even Christian students who should be doing their work as if they were doing it for God rarely go the extra mile. This is probably because things in their life vie for their time and actively pursuing skill in representing your school in service in a certain area does not outweigh the cultural barrage.
Was there a day when students were encouraged by their parents and teachers to serve their fellow students with untiring effort? Did students regularly practice their instruments, their cheers, and whatever other extra-curricular abilities? Not sure actually...
However, I know that if it existed under a public school system like the one we have now it was somewhere between the need for twelve year olds to drop out and get employed and the need for eighteen year olds to stay in and grow up.
If we encouraged our children to make their extracurriculars about serving others would we look freakishly odd? Maybe the student body doesn't want to be served. Maybe in today's world it is assumed that persons who participate are doing it because they like to do it-because they were wired to do it. How does being uniquely equipped to do something disqualify you from using your gift for others' benefit?
The world has been turned upside down from what the King (God) would want. I suppose that's why people have to be BORN AGAIN (Fresh Start in Christ) because they have been raised in a world of different values from the Kingdom values. I suppose that's why parents of Christian families always have to wonder whether their children would be better off in a private school.
Here's my cry to educators. Stop and examine why you do what you do. Tomorrow is at stake.
Bible removed from Schools
When today was at stake we outlawed teaching the original text book (The Bible.) We lost sight of unique values that genuinely make a world better even when the person is not sold out for Christ. Most self help books are somehow based in things one could learn from the Bible. The strength to aggressively follow what the Bible says comes from the Holy Spirit but every person could get value out of a life style of service and doing unto others what they would have done to them.
So, cut the sovereignty of God and the fear of judgment if you must. Cut the TRUTH but at least lets get back the self-improvement texts can't we?
Oh, I guess it's even worse than that. In the pursuit of knowledge (Which puffs up by the way) we have even written off most of the old sayings. I remember my teachers teaching me 'a stitch in time saves nine' and 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' and so on. What happened to that?
Is it possible that somewhere along the way education became about knowledge and not wisdom? Did someone figure out that wisdom can not be taught?
If so, I disagree!
Our younger generation is dying in many senses. In a society that uses their kids as an excuse but watches TV instead of spending time with their kids, parents who have forgotten more wisdom than their children will ever be taught in school depend heartily on a governmental education system to keep their kids out of their hair and to produce mature, effective citizens.
Parents in Education
It's not gonna work. It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children and the more that we stray away from that the more the next generation is doomed to suffer the same fate only multiplied.
So, what's the solution?
1-It's time extracurriculars became about service again.
2-Someone needs to tell kids and parents that a full school education will not by itself equip them to be successful in life. It's admitting weakness on the part of the administration but it should be maybe the first lesson and repeated over and over more than- say- how to spell your name.
3-Return wisdom to the curriculum. Teach the truths of the Bible. Even if the TRUTH (Jesus) is not taught then teach the wisdom of the Bible and let children, teens, and eventually young adults ask the questions how can this be and what do I do now? Education can not only minister to the mind and if that's all it does then why does the school day last so long?
4-Teach students and parents that education is about the next question not about the last answer. Runners running at high speed lean forward. Students learning at high speed should be leaning forward in their mental posture. [Don't get me started on the whole grades thing.] Teaching minds to reach is challenging but not teaching them to reach is the same as locking them in a cage.
My disclaimer. I am not a teacher. I do not lead a marching band (no rhythm.) I am not a superintendent of schools. My degree is not in education although it is an education degree. I dropped out of college twice before I was a Christian and didn't learn much (including motivation) about being a good student until I was near to finishing my undergraduate degree.
Still, even in a school system as good as my home town's we've got real problems. I'm not saying I see them clearly. the list above is not all-inclusive. But our education system needs to be born again (a fresh start) in certain areas if we are going to survive and prosper for as much time as we have left.
Pastor Dan Stevenson
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
Friday, January 21, 2011
TV commercials
If we put a TV commercial on and it goes out to X thousand people-Can we count that as that many touches?
Backing up that truck (as a friend of mine used to say.) Our church is in the middle of trying to get 100,000 touches by April 17th. A touch is an act of Kindness. While it might seem like a little thing to hold a door for someone or to smile or to say hi (people even look at me funny sometimes) it is what God meant for us to do. Our people are actively making the world a better place. That being said, April 17th is not that far away and we are only in the 30,000s. We have extensively plans to band together and make a difference in Toledo but 65000 touches in a short time even with all the touches people have forgotten to record, seems like a lot.
However, i have produced a commercial that encourages people to consider God based on Psalm 46:10. It;s a feel good kinda thing. It would surely count as a touch. However, does it count if we put it on the TV and lots of people watch it and should we slightly discount the number of touches since ratings are just estimates? What do you think?
Is anyone there?
Well, I think it should and in the end, I'm the one doing the counting. So, unless someone persuades me otherwise you just might get touched in this way sometime soon. Either way I'm going forward cause the most important thing in all of this is to make the world a better place and of course the only lasting way to do that is through the gospel of Jesus Christ. He's a personal friend and I want to tell everyone I can about Him. You should really meet Him. Or maybe you already have...
Weigh in on this issue by leaving a comment. I'll axe anything vulgar or inappropriate but everyone else is welcome.
For the Love of Christ, Tell someone!
Pastor Dan
www.newheightsfellowhipchurch.org
Backing up that truck (as a friend of mine used to say.) Our church is in the middle of trying to get 100,000 touches by April 17th. A touch is an act of Kindness. While it might seem like a little thing to hold a door for someone or to smile or to say hi (people even look at me funny sometimes) it is what God meant for us to do. Our people are actively making the world a better place. That being said, April 17th is not that far away and we are only in the 30,000s. We have extensively plans to band together and make a difference in Toledo but 65000 touches in a short time even with all the touches people have forgotten to record, seems like a lot.
However, i have produced a commercial that encourages people to consider God based on Psalm 46:10. It;s a feel good kinda thing. It would surely count as a touch. However, does it count if we put it on the TV and lots of people watch it and should we slightly discount the number of touches since ratings are just estimates? What do you think?
Is anyone there?
Well, I think it should and in the end, I'm the one doing the counting. So, unless someone persuades me otherwise you just might get touched in this way sometime soon. Either way I'm going forward cause the most important thing in all of this is to make the world a better place and of course the only lasting way to do that is through the gospel of Jesus Christ. He's a personal friend and I want to tell everyone I can about Him. You should really meet Him. Or maybe you already have...
Weigh in on this issue by leaving a comment. I'll axe anything vulgar or inappropriate but everyone else is welcome.
For the Love of Christ, Tell someone!
Pastor Dan
www.newheightsfellowhipchurch.org
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Atheism, Agnosticism and other simple notions
Atheism
The Atheist position is completely untenable. That means that it makes no sense and has no real arguments founded in logic. The main argument is that we know that there is no God. That argument only works if a person or people can claim to know everything in every place at every time. Nope, no one can do that except say, God.
Agnosticism
Thus the argument for agnosticism makes a little sense. It says that we can not know that there is a God. That means then that a person knows what can be known in this time, this place. That might actually work for some. However, it occurs to me that a being that knows everything there is to know (in order to know what can not be known) on a given topic is still claiming a rather extravagant extent to their knowledge. Unless of course this limited knowledge position is actually arguing that we can not know because our knowledge is limited which leads us to to beg the question. If you can not know then how is that you have concluded that you can not know.
God
In my opinion it makes logical sense that: 1-There must be an intelligent designer who we call God. 2-There must be a logically morally superior being 3-Those who claim that they have experienced God are more likely to be correct about what they have experienced than those that claim that one can not experience God (A person is more likely to believe that something (or someone can be experienced when they have experienced it/Him themselves and of course less likely to believe when they have not experienced it/Him.)
Narnia (TM)
By the way, it occurs to me that the popular Narnia(TM) series (based on Children's books by C.S. Lewis show an interesting alternative reality that is more likely than Atheists and Agnostic argue. These persons which are obviously quite intelligent in my opinion arguing for adult ideas to be swayed by logic that is not as sound as that found in Children's books.
I have heard the C.S. Lewis in his lifetime swore that the books were not based in great theological meaning. Anyway, neither is this blog...
Where was I? Oh yes, It appears to me that Atheists and Agnostics are not arguing so much against God as for a reality without the Christian God (or any God recognized by many.) In fact, they are arguing for themselves to be the God of choice. I am willing to accept that whatever being would be most extremely right in the universe and in the life of the person in question would be their god.
In other words, if an atheist succeeds in arguing against the possibility of knowing the real God then they have successfully argued for their own supremacy. Get it? If I win the argument against God then I get to be God or at least reduce Him to be like me. So, there you have it then. Same old game. "non-believer' believe in themselves or system or money or whatever. So, they seek to make that God.
In a nut shell, my position is that someone or something must be on top. failing to recognize that God has this rightful place or that Satan has claimed His place under many guises leads one to argue against God.
Not the God I might have created...
Even if the God of the Atheist and agnostic is on the surface, reason (This is what they often argue) then they have a God of sorts and will be servant to It. Let's just say I have met someone I would much rather serve than any construct empowered by man. I serve God. It isn't always fun. He isn't always exactly what I want Him to be. However, He is God and so where we clash I realize I must adjust.
The only thing in the universe that doesn't belong to God and therefore can actually be sacrificed to Him is a person's free will. For those who have not done so, no amount of testimony by those who have will explain the experience. But, He still seeking worshippers in Spirit and Truth and He is patient that all men might come to repentance.
Pastor Dan
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
The Atheist position is completely untenable. That means that it makes no sense and has no real arguments founded in logic. The main argument is that we know that there is no God. That argument only works if a person or people can claim to know everything in every place at every time. Nope, no one can do that except say, God.
Agnosticism
Thus the argument for agnosticism makes a little sense. It says that we can not know that there is a God. That means then that a person knows what can be known in this time, this place. That might actually work for some. However, it occurs to me that a being that knows everything there is to know (in order to know what can not be known) on a given topic is still claiming a rather extravagant extent to their knowledge. Unless of course this limited knowledge position is actually arguing that we can not know because our knowledge is limited which leads us to to beg the question. If you can not know then how is that you have concluded that you can not know.
God
In my opinion it makes logical sense that: 1-There must be an intelligent designer who we call God. 2-There must be a logically morally superior being 3-Those who claim that they have experienced God are more likely to be correct about what they have experienced than those that claim that one can not experience God (A person is more likely to believe that something (or someone can be experienced when they have experienced it/Him themselves and of course less likely to believe when they have not experienced it/Him.)
Narnia (TM)
By the way, it occurs to me that the popular Narnia(TM) series (based on Children's books by C.S. Lewis show an interesting alternative reality that is more likely than Atheists and Agnostic argue. These persons which are obviously quite intelligent in my opinion arguing for adult ideas to be swayed by logic that is not as sound as that found in Children's books.
I have heard the C.S. Lewis in his lifetime swore that the books were not based in great theological meaning. Anyway, neither is this blog...
Where was I? Oh yes, It appears to me that Atheists and Agnostics are not arguing so much against God as for a reality without the Christian God (or any God recognized by many.) In fact, they are arguing for themselves to be the God of choice. I am willing to accept that whatever being would be most extremely right in the universe and in the life of the person in question would be their god.
In other words, if an atheist succeeds in arguing against the possibility of knowing the real God then they have successfully argued for their own supremacy. Get it? If I win the argument against God then I get to be God or at least reduce Him to be like me. So, there you have it then. Same old game. "non-believer' believe in themselves or system or money or whatever. So, they seek to make that God.
In a nut shell, my position is that someone or something must be on top. failing to recognize that God has this rightful place or that Satan has claimed His place under many guises leads one to argue against God.
Not the God I might have created...
Even if the God of the Atheist and agnostic is on the surface, reason (This is what they often argue) then they have a God of sorts and will be servant to It. Let's just say I have met someone I would much rather serve than any construct empowered by man. I serve God. It isn't always fun. He isn't always exactly what I want Him to be. However, He is God and so where we clash I realize I must adjust.
The only thing in the universe that doesn't belong to God and therefore can actually be sacrificed to Him is a person's free will. For those who have not done so, no amount of testimony by those who have will explain the experience. But, He still seeking worshippers in Spirit and Truth and He is patient that all men might come to repentance.
Pastor Dan
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
Alabama Governor's comments
So he gets elected and speaks in a local church building on the same day. He urges the crowd to come to Christ warning that those present who do not know Christ are not actually his brothers and sisters. This is factual based on the Bible.
The debate rages right now on MSN(TM) about whether what the man says makes it unlikely that he can care equally for all of his constituents. Except, the debate isn't about that really. It is about what every crazy keyboarding atheist and wannabe Internet evangelist wants to argue-the authenticity of Christian faith and the reality of God.
I know I'm not the impartial speaker that would be required for someone to put an end to that debate...I believe God inspired the Bible and that there are no private interpretations. I believe that in order for a person to be educated they must have a working knowledge of it contrary to those who would argue that education makes it irrelevant.
The Bible is the single best attested historical collection of texts we have. Nothing in history has survived the test of time the way God's word has. Unlike some would argue the texts of the Bible have not been altered over time. There are subtle linguistic differences sure, but when you compare the writing found in the Dead Sea Scrolls with their counterparts in the modern Bible it is clearly evident that the text had remained essentially the same for hundreds of years.
Great pains were taken to ensure that it was so. Modern Bibles have been produced using modern vernacular and some can not understand how they can come from the same source. Clearly languages have different words for the same thing. The Bible does not contradict itself and has stood the test of time-something single-lifetime atheist will not do.
I believe there is only one way to God. I am sorry for all those who believe otherwise and contrary to how this fact may make them feel about me, I love them. They often say mean and sometimes hateful things to get me to shut up. As you can see, it hasn't worked yet.
While I do not begrudge them their right to free speech, I think that there are limitless even Christians who call unbelieving advocates idiots or worse should realize that they have crossed over a line. Unfortunately, the persons who are in the best position to argue the reality of God and the strengths of Christianity often have figured out that there is little profit in it.
I am secure in what I believe. I know in whom I have believed and that he is able to keep until that day that which I have entrusted to Him. He is not the Easter Bunny, He is not the Teddy Bear God some would make him out to be, and there is a terrible reckoning coming. I'm sorry for them that will not prepare by embracing the teachings and love of Jesus on every level-really I am.
But, a word of caution to my Christian brothers and sisters be careful how adamantly you argue. Don't cross a line with vindictive or adversarial speech. Remember, that ours is not to make this life time less enjoyable for those who will not hear-after all, it's all they have...
God Bless every missionary and evangelist who has dedicated his or her life to spreading the gospel among unbelievers who in return hate them the world over-including in America.
Can you imagine, some have taken up the mantle to argue against faith. Faith of any kind...God forgive them for they know no what they do...
Pastor Dan
http://www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org/
The debate rages right now on MSN(TM) about whether what the man says makes it unlikely that he can care equally for all of his constituents. Except, the debate isn't about that really. It is about what every crazy keyboarding atheist and wannabe Internet evangelist wants to argue-the authenticity of Christian faith and the reality of God.
I know I'm not the impartial speaker that would be required for someone to put an end to that debate...I believe God inspired the Bible and that there are no private interpretations. I believe that in order for a person to be educated they must have a working knowledge of it contrary to those who would argue that education makes it irrelevant.
The Bible is the single best attested historical collection of texts we have. Nothing in history has survived the test of time the way God's word has. Unlike some would argue the texts of the Bible have not been altered over time. There are subtle linguistic differences sure, but when you compare the writing found in the Dead Sea Scrolls with their counterparts in the modern Bible it is clearly evident that the text had remained essentially the same for hundreds of years.
Great pains were taken to ensure that it was so. Modern Bibles have been produced using modern vernacular and some can not understand how they can come from the same source. Clearly languages have different words for the same thing. The Bible does not contradict itself and has stood the test of time-something single-lifetime atheist will not do.
I believe there is only one way to God. I am sorry for all those who believe otherwise and contrary to how this fact may make them feel about me, I love them. They often say mean and sometimes hateful things to get me to shut up. As you can see, it hasn't worked yet.
While I do not begrudge them their right to free speech, I think that there are limitless even Christians who call unbelieving advocates idiots or worse should realize that they have crossed over a line. Unfortunately, the persons who are in the best position to argue the reality of God and the strengths of Christianity often have figured out that there is little profit in it.
I am secure in what I believe. I know in whom I have believed and that he is able to keep until that day that which I have entrusted to Him. He is not the Easter Bunny, He is not the Teddy Bear God some would make him out to be, and there is a terrible reckoning coming. I'm sorry for them that will not prepare by embracing the teachings and love of Jesus on every level-really I am.
But, a word of caution to my Christian brothers and sisters be careful how adamantly you argue. Don't cross a line with vindictive or adversarial speech. Remember, that ours is not to make this life time less enjoyable for those who will not hear-after all, it's all they have...
God Bless every missionary and evangelist who has dedicated his or her life to spreading the gospel among unbelievers who in return hate them the world over-including in America.
Can you imagine, some have taken up the mantle to argue against faith. Faith of any kind...God forgive them for they know no what they do...
Pastor Dan
http://www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org/
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Christmas Story
If you want to have your very own Christmas story you are going to have to decide who are you in the story.
Are you like Mary, like Joseph, or like Jesus?
(For the record, Jesus probably didn't get any gifts when he was born.)
He gave the greatest gift of all time however, Himself.
That's what we want to be like eventually.
However, we have a better shot of being more like Joseph and Mary...
1) Give yourself to God's purposes for your life.
2) Suffer reproach for Jesus (They had him in a stables. God did this because Mary ahd Jesus in her. If you have Jesus in her things will not go perfectly-You MUST suffer reproach with Jesus (Hebrews 13)
3) Make do with the hand that God deals you...(Hebrews 13) We know that this life is only for a while. We are headed for a better place (Home if we know Jesus.) So, make do...
4) Love your brother(s) and don't forget to entertain strangers. (Hebrews 13:1-2) They were entertaining in the stables stinky shepherds very shortly after Jesus' birth.
You can have a Christmas story like theirs. Decide to today.
Pastor Dan
newheightsfellowshipschurch.org
Are you like Mary, like Joseph, or like Jesus?
(For the record, Jesus probably didn't get any gifts when he was born.)
He gave the greatest gift of all time however, Himself.
That's what we want to be like eventually.
However, we have a better shot of being more like Joseph and Mary...
1) Give yourself to God's purposes for your life.
2) Suffer reproach for Jesus (They had him in a stables. God did this because Mary ahd Jesus in her. If you have Jesus in her things will not go perfectly-You MUST suffer reproach with Jesus (Hebrews 13)
3) Make do with the hand that God deals you...(Hebrews 13) We know that this life is only for a while. We are headed for a better place (Home if we know Jesus.) So, make do...
4) Love your brother(s) and don't forget to entertain strangers. (Hebrews 13:1-2) They were entertaining in the stables stinky shepherds very shortly after Jesus' birth.
You can have a Christmas story like theirs. Decide to today.
Pastor Dan
newheightsfellowshipschurch.org
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Cheerleading flying vs. lifting
Contrary to popular opinion, I think it is actually more prone to injury to be a lifter than to be a flier. This is because lifters are in the way when fliers start to fall and the good ones do what they can to cushion the blow. When people you are supporting start to fall they can take you down with them and the more committed you are to protecting them the more likely you are to get hurt. Also, the less you are paying attention the more likely both are to get hurt.
Wait for it...Wait for it...
Life is just like that (There it is.) People should be lifting each other up. We should be dependant on one another. When one starts to fall it should be a dangerous moment for all involved. You should care enough to lift and you should know that you are taking a chance in doing so.
This is love that a man lay down his life for his friend.
Fliers can't fly without lifters and lifters wouldn't be what they are without someone to lift. They are interdependent. Now some people develop unhealthy relationships with people because the other person can not stand on their own and they want to feel good about having to help that person on the time. This is called codependency and this is not what I am talking about. We should lift each other up because it is the right thing to do. Considering the concerns of others more than our own....
However, it is somewhat assumed that fliers can stand up on their own and that lifters who lift them would be foolish to hold them high in the air if their abilities did not warrant it. It's better for some folks to keep their feet on the ground. These folks should lift as often as they can.
What's that you say? What if a person isn't a cheerleader? What if they didn't enlist to be a lifter or a flier.
Well, sorry. You were born into the human race and that means you are (or at least you should be) a cheerleader for someone. if you are not, you had better start developing some relationships before you waist too many days. There is no place for selfishness.
Moral of the story: Lift someone today. Don't hold them higher than they want to go. Lift them correctly. Be alert. Be caring. Be ready. If someone you are lifting starts to "fall" be aware you might get hurt.
Understand, that's the way it's supposed to be.
Pastor Dan
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
Wait for it...Wait for it...
Life is just like that (There it is.) People should be lifting each other up. We should be dependant on one another. When one starts to fall it should be a dangerous moment for all involved. You should care enough to lift and you should know that you are taking a chance in doing so.
This is love that a man lay down his life for his friend.
Fliers can't fly without lifters and lifters wouldn't be what they are without someone to lift. They are interdependent. Now some people develop unhealthy relationships with people because the other person can not stand on their own and they want to feel good about having to help that person on the time. This is called codependency and this is not what I am talking about. We should lift each other up because it is the right thing to do. Considering the concerns of others more than our own....
However, it is somewhat assumed that fliers can stand up on their own and that lifters who lift them would be foolish to hold them high in the air if their abilities did not warrant it. It's better for some folks to keep their feet on the ground. These folks should lift as often as they can.
What's that you say? What if a person isn't a cheerleader? What if they didn't enlist to be a lifter or a flier.
Well, sorry. You were born into the human race and that means you are (or at least you should be) a cheerleader for someone. if you are not, you had better start developing some relationships before you waist too many days. There is no place for selfishness.
Moral of the story: Lift someone today. Don't hold them higher than they want to go. Lift them correctly. Be alert. Be caring. Be ready. If someone you are lifting starts to "fall" be aware you might get hurt.
Understand, that's the way it's supposed to be.
Pastor Dan
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
Monday, December 13, 2010
UN climate guys want ban H2O
Now, I wouldn't call them kooks and the fact is I can't verify the accuracy of this but it is clearly a warning against letting your fear of that which you do not understand get a hold of you and make you do something stupid. Get aware of what you are doing-he who desires wisdom should pray and God will give it to Him. For the record, I have no idea whether man kind is causing global warming or not. But I do know that this planet has a life span after which God will make a new heaven and a new earth (I'm going there!) Watch and learn.
UN climate kooks want to cripple US economy and ban H2O
UN climate kooks want to cripple US economy and ban H2O
Games-Role Playing and Otherwise
Games
I play games. I play all kinds of games. I don't play many video games but I play card games, board games, role playing games, war games and more. And I play them cause I want to not only cause I have three kids in the home.
Evil
Games are not evil. That statement will come as a surprise to some of you for one reason or another. Some will say, why would you even have to say that since games are of course not evil. Others will say, well some games are evil. Hear me now, Games are not evil.
Evil
Gambling is not evil. Drinking is not evil. Drugs are not evil. I know, I'm probably offending your sensibilities and some who have recovered from strong addictions would want to say that drugs are evil. However, it just isn't so. People are evil and the things they do are sometimes evil actions. However, the things they use to do the actions are not inherently evil.
Evil spirits
The dagger that the evil priest uses for his sacrifices is not inherently evil. Now, be aware that evil can cling to objects and evil spirits are often attracted by the things used for evil acts even long after. However, their target is clearly people not things. So, it's not worth making things that have been used for evil seem light weight.
Games are not evil
That being said, I stick by my above statements about games which may have at times been used for evil, gambling as an over-indulgence as an example, drinking etc.
Role Playing
So, to sum it up. I play games and they are not evil. Even Dungeons and Dragons (TM) which has gotten such a bad wrap, Magic the Gathering (TM) which has a name that sounds wicked, and others like them are not evil. The people that play them who are not Christians are not more evil than any non-Christians. The people who play them who are Christians are Righteous because of the Blood of Christ.
Evil anti-games
So, what about the people who bash them, protest them, burn their kids' game books because they believe their kids are getting into something evil. Sorry, guys but this is evil. I say that because God does not want us to go through life ignorant and acting out of our ignorance but aware and acting out of our awareness. Even over-cautiousness which some people say is the right way to go because we are "trying to be Holy" is a sin against God. We have not been given a Spirit of fear.
If you have ever hurt a person because they innocently played games you should seek forgiveness from God. If you have ever argued with a person about the evil nature of these things without getting real answers you should seek forgiveness from God and them.
Games, Gamers, Gaming
"Gamers" often treat each other with more respect than Christians do. People are often accepted into a group with open arms and welcomed kindly. This doesn't happen in a lot of churches I know. I'm not saying their saved-that happens only in Christ. It is a free gift from Him after which there are works He has set aside for us to do. That being said, we should stop calling these things evil and the people who play them occultists and recognize that we could learn something from them. Ouch.
Games, Gamers, Gaming
Okay, if your a gamer and you're reading this-now it's your turn to be challenged. Gamers often game far to much. They sometimes block out huge chunks of time, especially video gamers (sorry) and just play games. This doesn't make life better for anyone. It's selfish when there are people in the world who are hurting and you could do something about it. Games can be addictive (you know this) and that's not funny. Going to bed with your eyes burning or dreaming about what goes on in the game excessively is not healthy.
Gamers and Junk Food
Oh, and what is with all the junk food? I know. It tastes good, but there is something to be said about self-control. Too much money is sometimes poured into this stuff as well. There is a proper use for wealth. The Bible says it is to give out of your abundance to those who have need. Think about changing your priorities and helping someone out financially and I don't mean by buying them a game. Please consider that your recreation (like any other enjoyable facet of life) may be getting out of control.
What people really need is Christ. He is willing to give himself to you. He is real and He has expectations. Anyone reading this who is not in a Bible Teaching church should get there. While gaming is not evil-Life itself is no game! One day there will be no more chances and we will all stand before God and answer for the works we have done during this life time. At that time you will need a strong advocate and the only advocate that will suffice will be Jesus.
Games, Gamers, and reality
I play games but I know the difference between games and reality (anyone who has a hard time with this should not play games) and I know when to take things seriously. Below is the simple checklist for the most important thing in this life. Do these things...
1 Admit that you have made mistakes. 2 Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for our sins. 3 Ask Him to save you and to lead you for the remainder of your life. 4. Tell someone about your decision. 5. Get in fellowship at a Bible-based church.
Pastor Dan
http://www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org/
I play games. I play all kinds of games. I don't play many video games but I play card games, board games, role playing games, war games and more. And I play them cause I want to not only cause I have three kids in the home.
Evil
Games are not evil. That statement will come as a surprise to some of you for one reason or another. Some will say, why would you even have to say that since games are of course not evil. Others will say, well some games are evil. Hear me now, Games are not evil.
Evil
Gambling is not evil. Drinking is not evil. Drugs are not evil. I know, I'm probably offending your sensibilities and some who have recovered from strong addictions would want to say that drugs are evil. However, it just isn't so. People are evil and the things they do are sometimes evil actions. However, the things they use to do the actions are not inherently evil.
Evil spirits
The dagger that the evil priest uses for his sacrifices is not inherently evil. Now, be aware that evil can cling to objects and evil spirits are often attracted by the things used for evil acts even long after. However, their target is clearly people not things. So, it's not worth making things that have been used for evil seem light weight.
Games are not evil
That being said, I stick by my above statements about games which may have at times been used for evil, gambling as an over-indulgence as an example, drinking etc.
Role Playing
So, to sum it up. I play games and they are not evil. Even Dungeons and Dragons (TM) which has gotten such a bad wrap, Magic the Gathering (TM) which has a name that sounds wicked, and others like them are not evil. The people that play them who are not Christians are not more evil than any non-Christians. The people who play them who are Christians are Righteous because of the Blood of Christ.
Evil anti-games
So, what about the people who bash them, protest them, burn their kids' game books because they believe their kids are getting into something evil. Sorry, guys but this is evil. I say that because God does not want us to go through life ignorant and acting out of our ignorance but aware and acting out of our awareness. Even over-cautiousness which some people say is the right way to go because we are "trying to be Holy" is a sin against God. We have not been given a Spirit of fear.
If you have ever hurt a person because they innocently played games you should seek forgiveness from God. If you have ever argued with a person about the evil nature of these things without getting real answers you should seek forgiveness from God and them.
Games, Gamers, Gaming
"Gamers" often treat each other with more respect than Christians do. People are often accepted into a group with open arms and welcomed kindly. This doesn't happen in a lot of churches I know. I'm not saying their saved-that happens only in Christ. It is a free gift from Him after which there are works He has set aside for us to do. That being said, we should stop calling these things evil and the people who play them occultists and recognize that we could learn something from them. Ouch.
Games, Gamers, Gaming
Okay, if your a gamer and you're reading this-now it's your turn to be challenged. Gamers often game far to much. They sometimes block out huge chunks of time, especially video gamers (sorry) and just play games. This doesn't make life better for anyone. It's selfish when there are people in the world who are hurting and you could do something about it. Games can be addictive (you know this) and that's not funny. Going to bed with your eyes burning or dreaming about what goes on in the game excessively is not healthy.
Gamers and Junk Food
Oh, and what is with all the junk food? I know. It tastes good, but there is something to be said about self-control. Too much money is sometimes poured into this stuff as well. There is a proper use for wealth. The Bible says it is to give out of your abundance to those who have need. Think about changing your priorities and helping someone out financially and I don't mean by buying them a game. Please consider that your recreation (like any other enjoyable facet of life) may be getting out of control.
What people really need is Christ. He is willing to give himself to you. He is real and He has expectations. Anyone reading this who is not in a Bible Teaching church should get there. While gaming is not evil-Life itself is no game! One day there will be no more chances and we will all stand before God and answer for the works we have done during this life time. At that time you will need a strong advocate and the only advocate that will suffice will be Jesus.
Games, Gamers, and reality
I play games but I know the difference between games and reality (anyone who has a hard time with this should not play games) and I know when to take things seriously. Below is the simple checklist for the most important thing in this life. Do these things...
1 Admit that you have made mistakes. 2 Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for our sins. 3 Ask Him to save you and to lead you for the remainder of your life. 4. Tell someone about your decision. 5. Get in fellowship at a Bible-based church.
Pastor Dan
http://www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org/
Monday mornings
Every pastor probably faces the same conundrum for Monday mornings. Because Sundays are our most extreme work day- At least I hope we get pretty worked up and pour out a lot of energy on Sunday-Monday mornings are a tired time.
Just for the record, I don't really believe that Christians should be a sleeping-in kinda' people. Sleeping in isn't a sin unless of course you are supposed to be doing something else while you are snoozing away. So, how do you avoid this? Develop a regular sleep pattern and stick with it. You can control your diet and develop a regular regimen of exercise. Being tired is pretty much a normal state for active people. No one is ever really at their absolute best endurance level. What I'm saying is that sleeping in does not necessarily solve your fatigue problem. While Getting enough sleep at regular structured intervals is important, eating right, proper hydration, and exercise actually remedy the fatigue problem.
Now, where was I. Yes, Monday mornings... I few hours for Sabbath which usually means rest and thinking about how good God is. Often, I include some Bible and certainly meditating on the word. By late morning I am ready to tackle some projects that have been nagging at me-there are always plenty of these-and I'm off to the races again.I do schedule sabbath times throughout the week. I never seem to get a full day sabbath but I do take a one-seventh model into account when planning my schedule. Then I treat these times like they are VERY important.
Praise God for work and rest and the wonderful way they go together like book ends.
What is up with bookends anyway? I gues there was a time when bookends were needed cause people wanted to stand up books on a table rather than putting them on a book shelf. Other than that, what's the point? For a while I had a set of book ends that I really liked and I put them on the ends of my books on my book shelf. Then one day it occurred to me that they were taking up valuable book shelf space. Now, they are gone. Admittedly, the one little boat had broken and the piece had gone missing ... I liked them but not as much as the books themselves. Bookends-go figure...
Pastor Dan
http://www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org/
Just for the record, I don't really believe that Christians should be a sleeping-in kinda' people. Sleeping in isn't a sin unless of course you are supposed to be doing something else while you are snoozing away. So, how do you avoid this? Develop a regular sleep pattern and stick with it. You can control your diet and develop a regular regimen of exercise. Being tired is pretty much a normal state for active people. No one is ever really at their absolute best endurance level. What I'm saying is that sleeping in does not necessarily solve your fatigue problem. While Getting enough sleep at regular structured intervals is important, eating right, proper hydration, and exercise actually remedy the fatigue problem.
Now, where was I. Yes, Monday mornings... I few hours for Sabbath which usually means rest and thinking about how good God is. Often, I include some Bible and certainly meditating on the word. By late morning I am ready to tackle some projects that have been nagging at me-there are always plenty of these-and I'm off to the races again.I do schedule sabbath times throughout the week. I never seem to get a full day sabbath but I do take a one-seventh model into account when planning my schedule. Then I treat these times like they are VERY important.
Praise God for work and rest and the wonderful way they go together like book ends.
What is up with bookends anyway? I gues there was a time when bookends were needed cause people wanted to stand up books on a table rather than putting them on a book shelf. Other than that, what's the point? For a while I had a set of book ends that I really liked and I put them on the ends of my books on my book shelf. Then one day it occurred to me that they were taking up valuable book shelf space. Now, they are gone. Admittedly, the one little boat had broken and the piece had gone missing ... I liked them but not as much as the books themselves. Bookends-go figure...
Pastor Dan
http://www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org/
Saturday, December 11, 2010
saturday afternoons
Saturday afternoons are usually fun. I spend a lot of time alone with God finishing up the message for Sunday. I inevitably get a phone call from somebody who is going through a spiritual struggle. My wife takes the kids to do something like shopping or today it's cookie baking and games through New Heights Fellowship.
By the way, Christmas cookies rock!. I could grow a whole 'nother butt if you take my meaning. I say, make 'em year round! I say, make 'em the old fashioned way (whatever that is) and bake lots of love and hard work into them. Of course I am thinking of you making them, not me...
Where was I? Oh, yes, Saturday afternoons. Today, like many I am trying to write a paper for school and finish my sermon and deal with any other details for tomorrow and I am trying to get done in time to have a little fun and relaxation tonight before getting to bed at a reasonable time to be ready for tomorrow.
So, why am I writing this blog right now then? That's a very good question. I'd like to say it's cause I love you just that much but since I don't know you ( I do try to love all people) and I am sincerely thinking that not enough of the people that I love and that say they love me will read this...I guess there really is no reason other than it was what I felt God wanted me to do.
Now, I have...
Be the church!
Pastor Dan
www.newheightsfellowshipchurh.org
By the way, Christmas cookies rock!. I could grow a whole 'nother butt if you take my meaning. I say, make 'em year round! I say, make 'em the old fashioned way (whatever that is) and bake lots of love and hard work into them. Of course I am thinking of you making them, not me...
Where was I? Oh, yes, Saturday afternoons. Today, like many I am trying to write a paper for school and finish my sermon and deal with any other details for tomorrow and I am trying to get done in time to have a little fun and relaxation tonight before getting to bed at a reasonable time to be ready for tomorrow.
So, why am I writing this blog right now then? That's a very good question. I'd like to say it's cause I love you just that much but since I don't know you ( I do try to love all people) and I am sincerely thinking that not enough of the people that I love and that say they love me will read this...I guess there really is no reason other than it was what I felt God wanted me to do.
Now, I have...
Be the church!
Pastor Dan
www.newheightsfellowshipchurh.org
Friday, December 10, 2010
new heights
Register to win a 20.00 gift card at www.newheightsfellowshipchuch.org. Drawing January 1st
Pastro Dan
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
Pastro Dan
www.newheightsfellowshipchurch.org
Places, please...
The art of putting things in their places is a life skill with benefits that can not be denied.
Start by figuring out where something belongs and then do the simple thing: Put it there. Would it be worth it to exert yourself? Sure. In fact, like most things in life, how much you exert yourself should be weighed against the risks and the benefits.
the benefits of putting things in there proper places include but are not limited to:
1) You'll know where to find stuff. Let's face it, the last thing we need is lots more stuff to remember. So, put things in their proper places and then when the time comes they are needed-they will be where you can find them
2) You'll experience less moments of scattered thought and moments of asking yourself what was I doing again? These problems seem common for everyone and they do undermine your confidence. Defeat this wandering problem by knowing where to look and by where you are why you are there.
3) Relationships between things work out better when the things are in their proper place. Relationships between people work out better when people know that the mutually shared understanding between them makes them both/all more productive.
4) Things in their proper place are generally safer and tend to last more than things left lying about. When a thing is something in your way (because it has not been put where it belongs) you may even damage it yourself rather than take the time to move it while you are otherwise occupied or stressed.
St John is not only a name for the apostle who wrote some of the Bible. Also, he discoverd, or innvented, or otherwise earned the right to put his name on a root. It is called St John's Root, not ot be confused with St. John's foot which is not available in pill form (or any other form for that matter.) anyway, St. John's root is a mild mood stabilized, occurs naturally (at pharmacies and health food stores,) and is homeophathic which means you can usually take it without throwing your system into turmoil-Consult your doctor on whether it may interact with any medecines you may have been find yourself taking on a regular basis. That being said, the stuff is amild anti-depresant (the bootle says) and my mood is improved by taking it with my daily vitamins. I am not a doctor and the only thing that gives me the right to suggest anything in the way of vitamins or health choices is.... Well farnkly, I have not right at all but I have already typed it now and my delete key is sooo far away. Do some research and check it out.
Anyway, where was I?
Here's what's interesting: All of these principles apply to non-physical things as well as physical things.
Examples:
God: Belongs on top, in charge, above everything etc.
Wife: To husband, first place after God.
Husband: To wife, first place after God.
Children: To parents, First place after God and Spouse as long as spouse is not intentionally ignoring God.
Job: Very important, first place after God, Spouse, and children and since provides for family SOMETIMES seems like first place after God for short periods of time.
Mourning: Very important for period of time after significant loss.
Recreation: Not first place but not forgotten.
Physical fitness: Scheduled in and properly emphasized to provide for health.
The YMCA rocks! I especially like the 'C' and the weight room.
Drugs: Prescribed or available without prescription only and a last resort.
Pets: Should be a form of recreation but at the same time require lots of care and attention. be sure you are prepared for the commitment before you surrender to the cuteness (which debatably lasts by the way.)
I could go on but, you can see how we can avoid huge amounts of stress by simply sorting our lives. Just the same as not allowing the walk areas of your home to stay clear causes stress so does not removing the clutter from your emotional, psychological, and Spiritual life.
One guiding principle for all things-Seek ye first the Kingdom of God (I say this is His reign in your life) and all these things will be added unto you.
Pastor Dan
www.newheightsfellowhipchurch.org
Start by figuring out where something belongs and then do the simple thing: Put it there. Would it be worth it to exert yourself? Sure. In fact, like most things in life, how much you exert yourself should be weighed against the risks and the benefits.
the benefits of putting things in there proper places include but are not limited to:
1) You'll know where to find stuff. Let's face it, the last thing we need is lots more stuff to remember. So, put things in their proper places and then when the time comes they are needed-they will be where you can find them
2) You'll experience less moments of scattered thought and moments of asking yourself what was I doing again? These problems seem common for everyone and they do undermine your confidence. Defeat this wandering problem by knowing where to look and by where you are why you are there.
3) Relationships between things work out better when the things are in their proper place. Relationships between people work out better when people know that the mutually shared understanding between them makes them both/all more productive.
4) Things in their proper place are generally safer and tend to last more than things left lying about. When a thing is something in your way (because it has not been put where it belongs) you may even damage it yourself rather than take the time to move it while you are otherwise occupied or stressed.
St John is not only a name for the apostle who wrote some of the Bible. Also, he discoverd, or innvented, or otherwise earned the right to put his name on a root. It is called St John's Root, not ot be confused with St. John's foot which is not available in pill form (or any other form for that matter.) anyway, St. John's root is a mild mood stabilized, occurs naturally (at pharmacies and health food stores,) and is homeophathic which means you can usually take it without throwing your system into turmoil-Consult your doctor on whether it may interact with any medecines you may have been find yourself taking on a regular basis. That being said, the stuff is amild anti-depresant (the bootle says) and my mood is improved by taking it with my daily vitamins. I am not a doctor and the only thing that gives me the right to suggest anything in the way of vitamins or health choices is.... Well farnkly, I have not right at all but I have already typed it now and my delete key is sooo far away. Do some research and check it out.
Anyway, where was I?
Here's what's interesting: All of these principles apply to non-physical things as well as physical things.
Examples:
God: Belongs on top, in charge, above everything etc.
Wife: To husband, first place after God.
Husband: To wife, first place after God.
Children: To parents, First place after God and Spouse as long as spouse is not intentionally ignoring God.
Job: Very important, first place after God, Spouse, and children and since provides for family SOMETIMES seems like first place after God for short periods of time.
Mourning: Very important for period of time after significant loss.
Recreation: Not first place but not forgotten.
Physical fitness: Scheduled in and properly emphasized to provide for health.
The YMCA rocks! I especially like the 'C' and the weight room.
Drugs: Prescribed or available without prescription only and a last resort.
Pets: Should be a form of recreation but at the same time require lots of care and attention. be sure you are prepared for the commitment before you surrender to the cuteness (which debatably lasts by the way.)
I could go on but, you can see how we can avoid huge amounts of stress by simply sorting our lives. Just the same as not allowing the walk areas of your home to stay clear causes stress so does not removing the clutter from your emotional, psychological, and Spiritual life.
One guiding principle for all things-Seek ye first the Kingdom of God (I say this is His reign in your life) and all these things will be added unto you.
Pastor Dan
www.newheightsfellowhipchurch.org
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