16 Christmases Ago

16 Christmases ago, I was asked to sing a song called "Thank God for Kids" for the Christmas-themed service at my church (see video above). Little did I know then, but 16 years later I would be a father of two, making the lyrics much more meaningful and personal.

Christmas time can be crazy. But let me encourage us all to pause long enough this Christmas to thank God for who and what He's given us. All we have is because of His grace. May we respond with gratitude and gladness, just like the mother of Jesus did when she heard that she was going to give birth to the Savior of the world: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47).

Why Pray?

Today I was listening to a message by Matt Chandler, a pastor in Texas. In this message titled "The Art of Prayer," he talked about the importance of prayer. He shared 7 reasons why we should pray. I found his reasons very helpful as I think about my need to pray intentionally and passionately. Here's the list:

1. Prayer expresses our absolute dependence upon God. It’s a simple, daily act of humility on our part. Apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5).

2. Prayer allows us to interact and communicate with God. We speak to God through prayer. It’s all about this personal relationship we have with God.

3. Prayer gives us an opportunity to be involved with global activities that are eternally important. At any moment, we can pray for others in England or Italy, China or India. There is no geographical limit on prayer.

4. Prayer changes things. It changes circumstances, hearts, and lives. What would you like to see changed? Pray about it.

5. Prayer is a means of confession. When we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us (1 John 1:9).

6. Prayer is a means of fighting sin. Through this Spirit-driven activity we call prayer, we ask for and receive God’s power to overcome temptation in our lives.

7. God commands us to pray. God has ordained prayer as a means to accomplish His purposes.

Orphan Sunday

This coming Sunday, PCC is promoting "Orphan Sunday." According to The Christian Alliance for Orphans, it's a day that's set aside to "rouse the church, community, and friends to God's call to care for the orphan." As many of you know, my wife and I adopted a boy from Russia last year. We may share a little of our story this Sunday, but we also plan to have a few other families there to share about their adoption journey. It's going to be a great Sunday!

Below is a little biblical taste of the priority that God places on orphan care. After reading these verses, Christ-followers should be compelled to ask themselves: Do we care for orphans like God cares for orphans? If so, then what are we going to do about it? If not, then what are we going to do about it?

GOD'S LOVE FOR ORPHANS

Psalm 68:4-5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Deuteronomy 10:17-19 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.

Psalm 82:3-4 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 10:14, 17-18 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the - fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Jesus vs. Religion

This weekend, PCC is starting a new message series called "Losing Your Religion." We will focus on the crucial difference between having religion and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

In this video clip, Mark Driscoll does a great job explaining the difference. Also, I really love what he has to say to us men. It really does start with us being "Jesus people." Our wives and our kids need to see us leading with humility, confidence, and joy in God.

Note to a Friend Turning 30

I'm always reminded of just how short life is and how real death is. In fact, tomorrow morning I'll be attending the funeral of a 31 year-old young man, a baseball teammate of mine from Goodlettsville. Sobering to think that his life (on earth) is over.

Birthdays are also reminders of the brevity of life. I recently received an invitation to write a note to a friend who is turning 30 this week. Here's the note I wrote, and I thought I'd share:

Man, how time flies. Just 10 years ago, we spent the summer singing together in different churches. 10 years later, we’re husbands and fathers, each of us with two boys!

As you know, life is a vapor. In your next 30 years, keep making your life count for the Kingdom [of God]. Like Jonathan Edwards, resolve “never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God.”

Let me know when you come down to Music City so that we catch up face-to-face. Miss you in good ol’ Goodlettsville!

Happy 30th!
Michael

Pictures from Sept 13

Peace Community Church held two great events this past Sunday: baptism at the YMCA and a new Bible study that started in a local apartment complex. Here are a few pics from these events, courtesy of Mark Kelly.

A PCC Member's Blog

Brian and His Son, Luke

I want to recommend a blog that has just been started by one of PCC's members, Brian Manning. In his first post, he talks about a topic that is very practical and relevant: priorities. I don't know anybody who hasn't struggled with living out what they say they believe. Below is the link. I think you will find his blog encouraging, interesting, and thought-provoking.

http://briandmanning.wordpress.com/

The Oak Ridge Boys Elvira

Enjoying a little "Elvira" at the Kentucky State Fair last night! Giddy up!

Bryan's Baptism Story

This past Sunday, I showed this video of a PCC member talking about the difference Jesus has made in his life. I love these baptism stories!

Baptism: What's the Big Deal?

This Sunday morning, we're going to talk about the purpose and importance of baptism. No doubt that baptism is an emotional topic for many people. There are so many opinions about baptism, depending upon one's religious background and tradition. Our goal for this Sunday is to simply unpack what the Bible says about baptism. Because ultimately, it doesn't matter what we think or what church tradition thinks. It's all about what the Bible says.

As we gear up for this Sunday, I thought I'd post some FAQ about baptism. You'll have to come this Sunday for further explanation :)

BAPTISM FAQ

WHY BE BAPTIZED?

1. Because you want to follow Christ’s example.

Mark 1:9
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.

2. Because Christ commanded it. (Matthew 28:19)


WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?

1. It is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Christ died for our sins…he was buried…and he rose again.

Colossians 2:12
For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.

2. It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. Baptism is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

2 Corinthians 5:17
What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!

Romans 6:4
By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead also we might live a new life!


WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Every person who has made the decision to believe and commit their lives to Christ.

Acts 2:41
Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized.

Acts 8:13
Simon himself believed and was baptized.


HOW ARE WE TO BE BAPTIZED?

1. Like Jesus was baptized—by being immersed in water.

Matthew 3:16
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.

2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.

EXAMPLE:
Acts 8:38-39
Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…

3. The word “baptize” (the Greek word “baptizo”) literally means “to dip, to plunge.”

4. It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.


WHEN ARE WE TO BE BAPTIZED?

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn’t delay.

Acts 2:41
Those who believed…were baptized…that day!

5 Fearsome Facts of Christianity

My wife and I host a Community Group (small group Bible study) at our house every week. Currently, we are reading through a study by Ed Young, Jr. called "I Need to Change." Tonight's topic is VERY interesting as he offers what he says are "The Five Fearsome Facts of Christianity." All 5 facts go against culture, but all 5 facts go with what Jesus said clearly. I just thought I'd list these 5 facts below, along with the words of Jesus on which they are based. If a few of these facts make you a little uncomfortable, that's okay. A lot of what Jesus says causes a little discomfort.

FACT #1 > Not everyone is going to heaven.
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"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

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FACT #2 > More people will go to hell than heaven.

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Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

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FACT #3 > Many who think they are Christians aren't.

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"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' " (Matthew 7:21-23)

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FACT #4 > You will not get another opportunity after you die.

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Each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)

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FACT #5 > This could be your last chance.

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"When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ " (Luke 13:25)

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These facts/truths would sound pretty arrogant if they came from you or me. But they didn't. These facts are from the mouth of God Himself. Our response to these facts has eternal implications. What's so amazing about God is that He offers eternal life while there's still time:

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"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Obvious Living

Obvious, adj. > easily perceived or understood; quite apparent

Yesterday, I showed a video about a couple with two young children (one newborn) who recently decided to leave the comfort of home and move to Indonesia. Why would they want to do that? Well, for them it is a matter of fulfilling God's purpose for their lives: showing and sharing the love of Christ with those who are not yet followers of Christ. In the video, this young couple said something that I found very thought-provoking:

"We need to live our lives in such a way that demands an explanation."

What they mean is that we (Christ-followers) ought to be so in love with Jesus that our lives are radically different from those who do not yet know Jesus. In other words, our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family members should notice something obviously different about us--about the way we spend our time and money, about the way we talk, and about the way we love others. And noticing this OBVIOUS difference in our lives, they should be inspired to ask: What's so different about you? Why are you so crazy about this Jesus guy?

I hate to admit it, but I'm just not sure I'm obvious enough. If I were to interview my neighbors or friends, I'm not confident they would call me a radical, crazy, sold-out follower of Christ. Sure, they might say I was a good guy or a nice neighbor. But following Christ goes way beyond the good guy or nice neighbor kind of living. The world desperately needs to see unmistakable Christ-followers, followers who OBVIOUSLY love God, love the church, and love the people around them. God, give me the desire and the courage to be more obvious.

To see the video I showed yesterday, go to http://www.cornerstonesimi.com/special/media_player.html and view the message by Francis Chan titled "What Do You Need in Order to Be Happy?"

Hudson Comes Home

After almost 5 weeks in the NICU at Baptist Hospital, Hudson Thomas O'Neal comes home for the first time! We are so thankful for all the prayers!

4 Types of Fathers

Father’s Day is only a few days away. I’ve only been a father for a little over a year now, but I find myself asking: “What type of father am I?” I think it’s healthy for me or any father to ask this question periodically.

According to Jesus, there are 4 types of fathers:

(1) The Indifferent Father (see Luke 8:12)—The indifferent father is a father who is not really open to hearing the truth about Jesus Christ. This father would rather not think about God or the implications of becoming a Christ-follower. Unfortunately, this father’s unbelief is what is keeping him from being forgiven and having a relationship with the God who created him.

(2) The Intellectual Father (see Luke 8:13)—The intellectual father is a father who is open to hearing the truth about Jesus Christ. He professes to follow Christ at first, but his shallow faith proves to be merely intellectual. Sadly, his unwillingness to love Jesus Christ with all his heart prevents him from becoming an authentic Christian. Growing up in a church-saturated country, many American fathers fall into this camp. They say they believe in God and Jesus. They are even open to attending church. But when the storms of life hit, or a test of faith comes, they ultimately bail on Christ and His church.

(3) The Interested Father—Jesus says that these fathers appear to be very interested in hearing the truth about Jesus Christ. Eventually, however, they are distracted by “the cares and riches and pleasures of life” (Luke 8:14). The interested father looks very similar to the intellectual father. Both profess to be genuine Christians. Both lack a radical commitment to Christ. For the interested father, it’s not necessarily the problems or trials in life that turn him away from God. It’s actually the “riches and pleasures of life.” In other words, this father’s commitment to this world (money, comfort, work, sports, family, etc.) prevent him from becoming committed to Christ.

(4) The Sold-Out Father—This father not only professes to know Jesus Christ, he actually proves by his actions that he is sold-out to Jesus. The sold-out father loves the Bible and lives under its authority. He loves the local church and serves others faithfully. The sold-out father is truly “born-again,” meaning that he has been forever changed by God from the inside out. Knowing that there is a cost to following Jesus, the sold-out father still decides to surrender every area of his life to Jesus. A favorite Bible verse of the sold-out father might be 2 Corinthians 5:15: “He [Christ] died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”

So the question for you and for me is: What type of father am I? This question is important to answer because the type of father you are determines how you treat your wife, how you raise your children, and how you conduct every other arena of life. The type of father you are also indicates whether or not you have eternal life. Out of the four types, only the sold-out father is the real deal. The others are false and fake. I don’t want to be a false or fake father, do you?

No matter what type of father you are right now, the great news is that God loves you and is willing to forgive you and give you a fresh start in life. All you have to do is trust Him with your entire life. And if you do, be prepared to be blown away by your Heavenly Father’s care for you. There is no earthly father that compares to Him.

Go to www.juststopandthink.com for more info about what it really means to become a Christ-follower.

Hudson Is Here!

Our baby boy, Hudson Thomas O'Neal, was born last night (May 27) at 5:38 p.m. He was 2 lbs and 11 oz. Mom and Baby are doing great. To read more and to see some pics, check out our family blog: http://www.oneal-ourfamilyblog.blogspot.com/

The journey is not over. Hudson will have to spend at least a month in the NICU. Please pray for God to give Hudson the strength he needs to be healthy and grow. And pray that God would give me and my wife the patience we need because we can't wait to bring him home!

Crazy Love

One of our church's small groups is studying a book together called Crazy Love, written by Francis Chan. I just talked to the group leader tonight, and he said they LOVE the book so far. I read the book last year and was seriously inspired. You MUST give this book a chance. Go to http://www.crazylovebook.com/ for more info.

Let me whet your appetite with a powerful quote from the preface of the book. With passion and clarity, Chan expresses his book's intent:

"This book is written for those who want more of Jesus. It is for those who are bored with what American Christianity offers. It is for those who don't want to plateau, those who would rather die before their convictions do. I hope reading this book will convince you of something: that by surrendering yourself to God's purposes, He will bring you the most pleasure in this life and the next."

(from Crazy Love by Francis Chan)

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I'm begging you to go get this book. It will mess you up--in a good way!

Silas Visits Mommy

Tonight, Silas (my son) visited his mommy in the hospital for the first time. Mommy's on bed rest until the baby comes in the next month or so. If you're interested, you can check out updates on my wife's blog: http://www.oneal-ourfamilyblog.blogspot.com/

A Prayer for America

May 7 is the official National Day of Prayer. Here's the prayer I'm praying:

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for your grace and love. We thank you for our country and the freedom we all experience. God, I thank you for our country's leaders. I thank you for their commitment to serve and their commitment to work together to meet the various needs of our communities.

Father, we know you tell us to trust in you, and not lean on our own understanding. I pray that we would be the kind of people who will lean on you alone for wisdom, guidance, and direction.

Father, we know your Son prayed for your will to be done. I pray that we would be the kind of people who seek your will and above our wills, your purposes above our purposes.

Father, we know that apart from Jesus Christ we can do nothing. I pray that we would be the kind of people who will not take one step without the leadership of Christ in our lives.

Father, we know that you command us to love you with ALL our heart, all our soul, and all our mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves. I pray that we would be the kind of people who love you supremely and love people passionately.

Father, your Word promises that “If your people humble themselves, and pray and seek your face and turn from their wicked ways, then you will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and heal their land.” God, I pray that you would wake us up as a nation. Give us the desire to humble ourselves and repent. I pray that you would bring a spiritual awakening to our country. You’ve done it before, and we know you can do it again. I pray that you would bring a global spiritual awakening. And God, by your grace and power, may it start right here in America.

It’s in the name of Jesus Christ, the only Savior, the only one who offers forgiveness from sin and eternal life to all who follow Him, it’s in his name I pray, Amen.

Silas at His First Braves Game

Silas (my son) and I, along with Uncle Gilley, decided yesterday afternoon that we would drive up to Cincinnati to see the Braves play. I was a little worried about taking a two year old, but he did GREAT and LOVED the experience! He's a huge Braves fan already :). Here are a few pics from his first major league baseball game.

Town Hall for Hope

Here's a little promo video for Dave Ramsey's "Town Hall for Hope." PCC is hosting this FREE event at The Hyatt Place in Hendersonville on April 23 @ 7 p.m. Come one, come all!

Big Ol' Egg Drop a HUGE Success!

Thousands of people came out for the second annual Big Ol' Egg Drop. I just want to give a "big ol' thank you" to all who participated, especially to all who donated food and money.

At the end of the event on Saturday, I talked with the folks from Second Harvest Food Bank. They were so impressed with the amount of donations they received--over 1,000 pounds of food!! Hundreds of dollars were also given!

Below are a few pics from the event. We'll see you next year!!

Why We're Dropping 20,000 Eggs

This year, PCC holds its second annual Big Ol' Egg Drop. There are several purposes for the event. We want it to be a fun, safe experience for the whole family. With Chick-fil-A food, jumphouses, and the egg drop, this event is obviously going to be a blast for the kids.

There's also an even greater purpose. Last year, this event benefited victims from the devastating tornadoes that struck Sumner County in February of '08. This year, especially as many families have been affected by the recent economic crisis, PCC has decided to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank. All donations (non-perishable foods and monetary donations) will go directly to feed hungry families. As you might guess, the need for food increases as unemployment rises. One recent article in The Tennessean commented that Second Harvest Food Bank is experiencing their "most difficult and challenging period in more than two decades."

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So this Big Ol' Egg Drop is more than just a fun-filled community event. It's an attempt to bring the community together for a greater purpose: to help families who are in need. We invite anybody and everybody to participate. Go to http://www.bigeggdrop.com/ for more info. Look forward to seeing you there!!

To give you a little glimpse of what The Big Ol' Egg Drop looks like, here are a few pics from last year:

Thankful for the Flu

Well, I spent most of today in bed today--sick with the flu. I've never been a fan of being sick. I don't know anybody who is. I would rather be out and about and enjoying the warmer weather. However, there is a plus to resting and taking a break. It actually forces me to slow down enough to catch up on some work that needs to be done, such as reading, blogging, planning, and grading papers.

What's so hard for me tonight is that I'm having to keep my distance from my wife and my son. My wife is 22 weeks pregnant, and the last thing she needs is a case of the flu. My son just turned two years old, and I definitely don't want him to catch what I have.

I did go downstairs for a few minutes during supper tonight, but coughing fits drove me right back upstairs. I pray that I'm better tomorrow because I'd like to get back to my nightly routine: playing with my son, giving my son a bath, putting my son to bed, and spending time with my wife.

It's just funny how I miss the routine that I've grown accustomed to living. I would never wish to be sick with the flu again, but I'm at least thankful for the flu for reminding me to appreciate what I sometimes take for granted: the daily routine involving the most important people in my life.

So if you happen to be reading this blog post, say a little "get well" prayer for me if you don't mind. Also, take some time in the next few days and thank God for the daily routine He's given you. Trust me, you don't want to wait until you have the flu.

Simon's Baptism

I love watching baptisms! Baptism is a picture of a changed life, of somebody who has been given a new life because of God's amazing grace, of somebody who has surrendered every area of life to Christ.

Here's a great clip I showed at PCC recently. The clip is actually from a church in the Atlanta area that shows video testimonies before each of their baptisms. In this case, the video didn't work. But watch what happens instead!

In My Next Thirty Years

It was 32 years ago today when I was born in that hospital room in Nashville, TN. For me, birthdays are always a time of reflection, refocus, and recommitment. On my thirtieth birthday, I wrote down some commitments that I resolved to keep from that day forward. These commitments have not changed. And today, I set aside a few moments to read these words again, reminding myself of the need to make the most of this short life God has given me. In case you're interested, here is the little piece I wrote called "In My Next Thirty Years."

"In My Next Thirty Years "
by Michael O’Neal
March 1, 2007

I think I’ll take a moment, celebrate my age
The ending of an era and the turning of a page
Now it’s time to focus in on where I go from here
Lord, have mercy on my next thirty years
(lyrics by Phil Vassar, performed by Tim McGraw)

Whether I like it or not, today (March 1, 2007) marks a new chapter in my life. Whether I like it or not, today I turn the big 3-0. I have never been thirty years old before, so I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel. Should I feel older? Should I feel depressed? Should I feel a sense of excitement about the future? I’m not sure. However, over the past few days, I do know one feeling has consumed me, even haunted me. It is the feeling of personal regret. As I have reflected over my first thirty years, there are so many things that I should have done, but I didn’t. I should have trusted God more. I should have been a better husband. I should have been a better son. I should have been a better friend. I should have made more of a difference with my life. And the list goes on.

Personal regret is a powerful feeling. It can weigh us down, even knock us down. It also has the power to prevent us from focusing on the future and fulfilling God’s purposes for our lives. So on this monumental birthday, I have decided that I will not allow this personal regret to defeat me. Actually, this personal regret motivates me today. It is time to press on to the next thirty years of my life, “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” (Phil 3:13, NIV).

Relying on God’s grace and pleading for God’s power, I make the following commitments:

IN MY NEXT THIRTY YEARS, I will make God’s kingdom my primary concern (Matt 6:33). Nothing matters more than living out God’s purposes for God’s glory. I will worship more passionately, love people more selflessly, follow God’s Word more faithfully, serve more willingly, and witness more boldly.

IN MY NEXT THIRTY YEARS, I will care about the whole world. God’s heart beats for the world, and so should mine. Yes, I will continue to reach out to my family, friends, and neighbors. Yes, I will continue to reach out locally through my church. Yes, I will continue to love America and sing along with “God Bless the U.S.A.” every 4th of July. However, I will not be satisfied until every people group around the world has a chance to hear, understand, and respond to the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. I will go overseas whenever God gives me the opportunity. I will be a part of what God is doing in the world. I will take more risks for his global cause. I will do whatever I can to lead ordinary people like me to get involved with what God is doing in the world.

IN MY NEXT THIRTY YEARS, I will be the spiritual leader in my home. I will model Christ-like love and service for my wife and my children. I will pray for my wife and with my wife. I will pray for my children and with my children. I will teach my family to believe the Bible and cherish the local church.

IN MY NEXT THIRTY YEARS, I will spend more time and more money on eternal matters. I’m tired of playing “trivial pursuit.” Throughout my first thirty years, I spent way too much time watching sitcoms and Braves baseball. I also spent way too much money on food and entertainment. With the time and money God has given me, it’s time to focus on what will last forever. As the old proverb says,
“Only one life, ‘Twill soon be past;
Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

On my thirtieth birthday, the bottom line is that I refuse to waste my life. Now I ask all who read my words: Will you refuse to waste your life? Will you forget about the past and focus on how God wants to use you in the future? Will you forsake all your distractions, including your personal regrets, in order to make your life count? Will you make God’s kingdom your primary concern? Will you care about the whole world? Will you love your family like Christ loves you? Will you spend more time and money on eternal matters?

I ask that you pray for me as I strive to fulfill these commitments over the next thirty years. Indeed, my prayer for all of us is that we will not waste our lives. Life is so short, and I pray that we will make the most of our years here on earth by no longer living for ourselves, but for the One who died and rose again (2 Cor 5:15). Let me close with the compelling, motivating words of Rick Warren from The Purpose Driven Covenant:

Today, I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering, I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now!
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, Whenever, Wherever, and Whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Any way. Whatever it takes Lord; Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I’ll hear you say, “Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!”

Union University in Hendersonville

My wife and I are graduates of Union University in Jackson, TN (West Tennessee). My sister, her sister, and her oldest brother are also graduates. Her youngest brother is now a junior at Union. Needless to say, Union has had a profound influence on our lives. By the way, my time there did not just impact my education. When I arrived there in 1997 as a transfer student, I met my future wife for the first time. SO, Union holds a special place in my life history.

Now as someone who resides north of Nashville, I was so excited to hear that Union has started a campus in Hendersonville. I believe, as do the leaders of Union and the leaders of the Hendersonville community, that there is so much potential for this new campus.

So if you're thinking about the next step to take in your educational journey, I would encourage you to consider Union. For more info on the Hendersonville campus, click here. Go Bulldogs!

What Is the "Best Question Ever"?

PCC started a new message series last Sunday called "The Best Question Ever." In Part 1 of the message series, Andy Stanley introduced us to this "best question ever"--a question we should all ask when we're making decisions (big or small).

SO, what is the "best question ever"? According to Stanley, it's "What is the wise thing to do?" The Bible says in Ephesians 5:15-17: "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."

Oh, how I wish I would've asked this question when i was a teenager! I made so many dumb decisions! I made too many decisions based on what I wanted, or what made me feel good, or what made others like me more. Obviously, I can't go back and reverse the decisions of the past.

But this message series is reminding me that I can and should be more careful with every decision that I make in the future. I'm a husband and father of two now. The decisions I make have an effect on my wife and sons. I can't afford to live carelessly. I can only afford to seek God's will as I ask: "What is the wise thing to do?"

Part-Time or Full-Time Christianity?

At 5 p.m. today, I checked out several news stations to catch up on the news for the day. As I came across Fox News, I noticed that one of its well-known journalists (Brit Hume) no longer has his early evening show. Curiously, I googled "Brit Hume" and discovered that he was leaving his job to spend more time with his family and pursue his faith more fervently.

In one article I found, the Hollywood Reporter asked him what he would like to do after leaving the TV journalism business. Here's his thought-provoking response:

I certainly want to pursue my faith more ardently than I have done. I'm not claiming it's impossible to do when you work in this business. I was kind of a nominal Christian for the longest time. When my son died (by suicide in 1998), I came to Christ in a way that was very meaningful to me. If a person is a Christian and tries to face up to the implications of what you say you believe, it's a pretty big thing. If you do it part time, you're not really living it.

Brit, you've given me something to think about. What if Brit is right on the money? After reading Brit's words, I can't help but be reminded of Jesus' call for radical, absolute commitment: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23, NIV).

Am I a part-time or full-time follower of Christ? What about you? It's definitely something all of us should ponder. After all, eternity is at stake.

Great Parenting Resource

This month, PCC will launch a new season of Community Groups--small groups that meet weekly for Bible study, encouragement, prayer, and service. I'm so excited about the book that my group is going to study, so I thought I'd share a little about it. The book, Shepherding a Child's Heart, focuses on what the Bible says about parenting. So many parenting books mention helpful techniques and strategies, but most parenting books fail to give you a parenting model from the pages of Scripture.

Here's a basic summary of the book:

"Shepherding a Child's Heart is about how to speak to the heart of your child. The things your child does and says flows from the heart. Luke 6:45 puts it this way: ' Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. ' Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life."

You can see why my wife and I are excited about reading through this book with our small group. If you're a parent, I encourage you to check this book out!

Make the Most of 2009

The New Year is often the only time of the year that people get serious about making a change in their lives. Some commit to exercising more. Some make bold career goals. Some want to be a better husband, wife, father, or mother.

Personally, I've been challenged by one man lately. His name is Jonathan Edwards, a pastor and theologian in the 1700s. He's actually considered to be one of the greatest thinkers in American history. Recently, as I was reading a biography of Edwards, I stumbled across some resolutions he made as a young man. Here are a merely a few:

> Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most
profitable way I possibly can.

> Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

> Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it
were the last hour of my life.

> Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to
God' s glory.

I don't know about you, but I look at these resolutions and am challenged to make the most of 2009. What have you resolved to do in 2009? This year, you can bet that there will be plenty of things that will attempt to distract you and me from living the life God intends. The important question for us is...

How will we stay focused on God and make the most of 2009?