Sometimes before I begin to teach/preach, and I have a lot of information to cover, I'll label it a 'Smokey and the Bandit teaching' - ie. I have a long way to go and a short time to get there!
I was thrilled to read this amazing conversion experience today shared by lead pastor Perry Noble at New Spring Church in South Carolina. This true life story from this past weekend only proves that God can not be limited to sweet and conventional evangelistic formulas only! This praise report proves that He'll use the 'foolish' things of the world to confound the wise. Enjoy!
I just received an email that absolutely blew me away…
This year for our Easter services one of my opening illustrations was taken from the movie “Smokey and the Bandit.” I talked about how in 1977 that I really wanted the Trans Am that was in that movie…and thought that if I could have it then I would never want anything else again.
Anyway, a family had been inviting a friend of theirs to NewSpring for three years and he finally came to a service last night. (Don’t EVER give up on people!!!) He did not pray to receive Christ during the service…HOWEVER…
On the way home he was listening to the radio and “East Bound & Down” by Jerry Reed (The theme song for “Smokey & the Bandit”) came on! When that happened he pulled his car over on the side of the road and surrendered his life to Christ!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Pastor's Perspective - Airtrafficsnoozeophobia
Do you have a fear of flying?
If you do, the official name for that fear is ‘aerophobia’. For many people this is a real challenge. However, just when you thought that phobia was daunting enough – now you can add ‘airtrafficsnoozeophobia’!
If like me you’re a fan of current events, you know that in recent weeks, several air traffic controllers throughout the United States have lost their positions for sleeping on the job. While planes filled with passengers circle over head, the personnel trained to guide them safely are using their radar screens as pillows.
All of us as ‘real people’ understand the reality of fatigue, fighting to stay awake when we need to be alert. However, in an area so vital to the wellbeing of so many, this regrettable rash of instances is drawing immediate (and yes embarrassing) national attention and governmental response, including not only the terminations of the dozing controllers themselves, but also higher-ups with the FAA.
I don’t know about you, but I sleep very well on planes. I’m not sure if the hum of the engines, the boredom of transcontinental flying, or the sweet and seldom opportunity to just sleep, make it part of what I do. Up until these recent news stories, I always just assumed that I was in good and competent hands. Though sitting in a seat seven miles up in the air traveling 500 mph is a rather odd dynamic I must admit, I always rest knowing that I will safely arrive at my destination. However, this is a vivid reminder that behind even state-of-the art aviation and science, stands….um…lies..humanity, in all its inconsistency and weakness.
The psalmist tells us in 121:4 that God never slumbers or sleeps. Put this way, He is always alert and available when we need him on our journey called life. When we’re taking off, He’s available. When we’re cruising along routinely and uneventfully, He’s there. When our life’s flight is in ‘landing phase’, He’s alert and present – never out of contact.
God conveyed this comforting truth through the prophet Jeremiah, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ (33:3)
Isn’t it awesome to know that the Lord is always available to listen, to guide us, and to comfort us any time of the day or night?
Call to Him. He’ll always answer.
If you do, the official name for that fear is ‘aerophobia’. For many people this is a real challenge. However, just when you thought that phobia was daunting enough – now you can add ‘airtrafficsnoozeophobia’!
If like me you’re a fan of current events, you know that in recent weeks, several air traffic controllers throughout the United States have lost their positions for sleeping on the job. While planes filled with passengers circle over head, the personnel trained to guide them safely are using their radar screens as pillows.
All of us as ‘real people’ understand the reality of fatigue, fighting to stay awake when we need to be alert. However, in an area so vital to the wellbeing of so many, this regrettable rash of instances is drawing immediate (and yes embarrassing) national attention and governmental response, including not only the terminations of the dozing controllers themselves, but also higher-ups with the FAA.
I don’t know about you, but I sleep very well on planes. I’m not sure if the hum of the engines, the boredom of transcontinental flying, or the sweet and seldom opportunity to just sleep, make it part of what I do. Up until these recent news stories, I always just assumed that I was in good and competent hands. Though sitting in a seat seven miles up in the air traveling 500 mph is a rather odd dynamic I must admit, I always rest knowing that I will safely arrive at my destination. However, this is a vivid reminder that behind even state-of-the art aviation and science, stands….um…lies..humanity, in all its inconsistency and weakness.
The psalmist tells us in 121:4 that God never slumbers or sleeps. Put this way, He is always alert and available when we need him on our journey called life. When we’re taking off, He’s available. When we’re cruising along routinely and uneventfully, He’s there. When our life’s flight is in ‘landing phase’, He’s alert and present – never out of contact.
God conveyed this comforting truth through the prophet Jeremiah, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ (33:3)
Isn’t it awesome to know that the Lord is always available to listen, to guide us, and to comfort us any time of the day or night?
Call to Him. He’ll always answer.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Pastor's Perspective - The Sweet Scent of Service
My very first impression of him?
Very pachydermy!
I’ll never forget meeting our youth pastor Chad Ward for the very first time. Michelle and I were flown out to northern California the summer of 2004 for our ‘try-out weekend’. We were driven directly from the Sacramento Airport to a gathering of church folks waiting to greet us, feed us and sweetly interrogate us. Chad was one of those people. He had come to the reception directly from his part-time job as an elephant trainer at (then) Marine World. As I shook his hand vigorously, a certain unmistakable scent rose from his uniform and permeated our meeting. Elephants never forget; and I’ll never forget meeting this kind and gregarious young man for the first time. Though a bit pungent at the very beginning, my impressions of Chad Ward have only grown sweeter over the years.
Throughout our time serving the Lord together, I have continued to grow in my love, admiration and appreciation for Chad. He is a deeply dedicated family man who loves God with the entirety of his heart. Long before FCC heard of this Florida boy, Chad and his wife Michela were serving faithfully here. In our tenure together, he has shown me continually that he is devoted to the young people of this congregation and its mission. Repeatedly he and his family have selflessly reached out to people in need with the kindness of Christ, without announcing it with trumpet blasts. Their humble consistency has inspired many and has made an indelible and immeasurable impact. For years he has taught and led students in fun and creative ways toward lives of devotion to Jesus Christ. Believe me, behind his contagious playfulness is a heart of steadfast dedication.
During the last year, Chad has been presented with many harsh and daunting personal challenges; things that would test the most faithful among us. Yet, Chad has persevered, and overcome, never letting go of God’s guiding hand; and in the process, setting a rich example for the church he so dearly loves.
Chad recently asked us as elders to find a replacement for him, so that he might dedicate himself more fully to his dear young family. So, we have been prayerfully seeking the Lord as church leaders to direct us into the next chapter of youth ministry here at FCC. We believe that there is someone even more dedicated to students here in the church - the Lord Himself. He will faithfully direct us in a way that will keep Chad’s dream for teens alive. In that we’re supremely confident.
Much to our joy, the Ward family will continue to worship and serve the Lord with us here at FCC. We’ll continue to utilize Chad’s passion, giftedness and experienced insight not only for the youth, but for the continued health of the Body.
So, to Chad, Michela, Noah, Naomi and Jonah, a grateful congregation says, “Thank you”, “We love you” and “Well done!” Your service has left a sweet scent.
Very pachydermy!
I’ll never forget meeting our youth pastor Chad Ward for the very first time. Michelle and I were flown out to northern California the summer of 2004 for our ‘try-out weekend’. We were driven directly from the Sacramento Airport to a gathering of church folks waiting to greet us, feed us and sweetly interrogate us. Chad was one of those people. He had come to the reception directly from his part-time job as an elephant trainer at (then) Marine World. As I shook his hand vigorously, a certain unmistakable scent rose from his uniform and permeated our meeting. Elephants never forget; and I’ll never forget meeting this kind and gregarious young man for the first time. Though a bit pungent at the very beginning, my impressions of Chad Ward have only grown sweeter over the years.
Throughout our time serving the Lord together, I have continued to grow in my love, admiration and appreciation for Chad. He is a deeply dedicated family man who loves God with the entirety of his heart. Long before FCC heard of this Florida boy, Chad and his wife Michela were serving faithfully here. In our tenure together, he has shown me continually that he is devoted to the young people of this congregation and its mission. Repeatedly he and his family have selflessly reached out to people in need with the kindness of Christ, without announcing it with trumpet blasts. Their humble consistency has inspired many and has made an indelible and immeasurable impact. For years he has taught and led students in fun and creative ways toward lives of devotion to Jesus Christ. Believe me, behind his contagious playfulness is a heart of steadfast dedication.
During the last year, Chad has been presented with many harsh and daunting personal challenges; things that would test the most faithful among us. Yet, Chad has persevered, and overcome, never letting go of God’s guiding hand; and in the process, setting a rich example for the church he so dearly loves.
Chad recently asked us as elders to find a replacement for him, so that he might dedicate himself more fully to his dear young family. So, we have been prayerfully seeking the Lord as church leaders to direct us into the next chapter of youth ministry here at FCC. We believe that there is someone even more dedicated to students here in the church - the Lord Himself. He will faithfully direct us in a way that will keep Chad’s dream for teens alive. In that we’re supremely confident.
Much to our joy, the Ward family will continue to worship and serve the Lord with us here at FCC. We’ll continue to utilize Chad’s passion, giftedness and experienced insight not only for the youth, but for the continued health of the Body.
So, to Chad, Michela, Noah, Naomi and Jonah, a grateful congregation says, “Thank you”, “We love you” and “Well done!” Your service has left a sweet scent.
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