Inside out and upside down on Main st Lancaster, Ohio

Summer time is full of “Vacation Bible Schools” (VBS). I want to highlight one that is making a difference in Lancaster, Ohio. Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church is holding “Inside Out & Upside Down on Main Street” this week July 11th-15th from 6PM-8:30Pm every evening.

This VBS is chalked full of surprises and is bent on reaching out to the community. Every evening, the church is offering a free meal to the community and families a part of VBS at 6PM. Then at 6:30-8:30 the Bible School is loaded with lots of fun activities centered on positive messages from God’s Word.

There will also be even more surprises: Monday night there will be a bouncy house, Tuesday July 12th evening, “Ruthy G” from 104.9 The River and their “Element” will be at Cross Pointe. A fire engine will be there on Wednesday night …expect more surprises for Thursday and Friday! This VBS is going to be a lot of fun but it will also focus on the community around the church.

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Not about me

I am not that great

I don’t even like myself

I am such a sinner

I am so weird and awkward

I can be selfish and arrogant

At times I am too aggressive

Other times I am just a slacker

I am unorganized

I am focused on the wrong things I don’t understand simple things the first time

I mess up relationships

I am not where I want to be in life goals or in Christ

Fortunately I am redeemed

Fortunately I am saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ

Who is working on me, changing me, molding me

Fortunately this life is not about me

Fortunately I am attempting to become more Christ-like everyday

Thankfully God is in ultimate control and not me

Today is a new day, a new chance to get right with God

To get on board with His agenda and priorities and plan for my life!

If I truly believe

Obviously I have been a Christian for most of my life and it is pretty important to me. I have a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies and I am an ordained minister so when the rubber really hit the road and when my life was turned upside down from what I thought was God’s will for my life I remembered the Truths from the Scriptures. These Truths have really been useful for me and I thought I ‘d share some of these reflections with you. The key phrase is “ If I truly believe____” then I can live free and happy in Christ!!!

1. If I truly believe God is who He says He is….

a. He is my first love.

b. He is love.

c. He is the source of true hope, peace and joy.

d. My Strength,

e. My Fortress

f. The Truth, Life and Way

g. Master/Lord of all things in my life

2. If I truly believe what my Liberty Coursework is teaching me to teach others

a. All human beings need significance and security and our significance and security lies in Jesus Christ alone!

3. If I truly believe my own personal goals for this year which was “surrender”

a. I got to give this and all the hurt to God

b. I got to give my desire for a relationship to Him

4. I truly believe that You are in complete control and have a plan for me

a. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to

give you hope and a future.

b. Rom. 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

c. Rom. 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

5. I truly believe that as a Christian you want to bless me

a. Jn 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

b. 2 Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly."

c. Mt. 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.

6. If I truly believe the accounts of Scripture I will praise God despite the hardships

a. Job would not curse God despite losing everything

b. Joan had mixed results first opposing God then praising God after the big fish and then getting angry without God again

c. Paul singing while in prison after being beaten, shipwreck, stoned, etc!

d. Disciples didn’t praise sleeping Jesus on the boat during a storm
instead they woke him up!

7. I truly believe that Gospel power of the Gospel

a. 2 Tim 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

b. Heb. 4:12- For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

8. If I truly believe all the above then

a. It is time to live it up for Jesus

b. Let the Gospel saturate my soul

c. Share Jesus with everyone

d. Time to praise, surrender and glorify God

James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Questions of reflection:

Am I living the work of faith?

Am I enduring in the patience of hope?

Am I laboring in the love of Christ?

Am I praying about everything? or making some choices without Him?

Am I living what I believe?

If I really believe it then I shall live that way right?

Am I being selfish with the Gospel?

Lying: hurts a reputation

There is a lot of mixed reactions today regarding this (the latest) sports news store in Central Ohio: Ohio State suspends Jim Trestle two games for NCAA violation.

The news in a nutshell is that coach Jim Trestle was holding key information sent to him via email reporting to him directly and specifically on certain players that were violating NCAA violations. The coach was partly not reporting this information to his superiors or the NCAA because he was trying to protect his players but the situation is also messier. The players were involved with a convicted criminal. The situation is also messy because while coach Trestle had a responsibility to do something (possibly tell a compliance lawyer or the University president or Big Ten commissioner)- which he did not, while in September 2010 Tressel signed a compliance form with both Ohio State University and the NCAA saying that he had no knowledge of any possible violations.

Then all of the questions and "extra scrutiny" on Jim Trestle and the Buckeyes since there was :

1. NCAA violations by these six players to begin with, why didn’t Tressel say anything before? Did he lie in Sept?
2. These players are missing four games, why is Jim only missing 2? Why is there have such a small penalty placed on him from OSU?
3. In light of other recent controversies at OSU, many local sports media personalities and fans are getting sick and tired of hearing about the negative news. They once were proud to be called OSU alum but now they are upset. Are they taking this too far?
4. Jim Tressel has been known for being an honest, good religious man. He has taught boys to be men. He is outspoken about his faith and integrity. Although he is still a man who occasional makes a mistake. This is one of them, maybe too big of a mistake? He lost a lot of respect of many...
5. Questioning of motives, was Tressel, in protecting his players, looking to win football games? Isn't that what most coaches are looking to do?

Yes, Jim Tressel made a mistake. But if I was in his shoes, I am not sure how I would have handled the information. I am not sure who I would have told. I too was upset in Tressel when I fully understood the situation, but I think that there is a lot of "extra scrutiny" on Tressel that is a little over-the-top, too much. I wonder, if I was in his situation what would I have done? Yeah it is important to be full of integrity and tell someone, like a lawyer about the emails, but I can understand him questioning the source and validity of the emails. I can also understand that he wanted to protect his players and win football games. The one fact that bothers me most, is that Tressel, in essence, lied by signing compliance forms back in September.

The Bible speaks about lying. While I do not think you will find any human being who has never told a lie, it is clear that we should strive not to lie:

John 8:44,45 says that Satan is a liar and the father of lies.

1Peter 3:16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Proverbs 26:18,19 Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says,“I was only joking!”

Lying hurts a man's reputation and hurts his faith witness. Jim Tressel has weakend his reputation because of this incident. I think that lie is what really hurts a lot of people the most in this entire mess. He was known for his integrity up until this point. Now both the Christian and secular audiences take notice of this lie. It hurts.

Suggested by the author:

• Integrity: do the right thing
• The investment of the offerings
• Christ-likeness (Part One)- Learning to be like Him
• Excitement of a fresh start
• Helping the needy

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Helping the needy

Several central Ohio churches and religious groups teach English as a second language, seeing it as a way to minister to immigrants, who often feel isolated in their new country.

This is a great ministry helping people put who are in need, who are struggling to make it through the day becuase they struggle just to communicate daily with the English-speaking world around them. The Bible speaks to the idea of helping struggling people, especailly the needy and poor.

Dt. 27:19 says ‘Cursed is he who distorts the justice due an alien, orphan, and widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

Not only does the Scriptures warn against people who do not serve justice to widows and orphans (those in need), in fact the Bible commands proactive behavior:

Dt 26:12 says “When you have finished paying all the tithe of your increase in the third year, the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the stranger, to the orphan and to the widow, that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied."

Who are you helping and showing the love of God to? How are you helping the needy?

New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update, LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995.

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Good thought for the day

My "dad" at work (not related to me in real life) told me something that stuck with me tonight as I was leaving work. He had stuck around and helped some of the last people who were still finishing up their work. I passed him by since I had been told to leave and clock out. I said to him, "dad, you are a nice guy for sticking around and helping." He said, "Hey. It is all about who we are."

What stuck out about this most was his actions. His actions spoke louder than the words. He was a good guy. He was doing the right thing and helping out, even if he did not have to stick around and help.

The excitement of a fresh start

Last night the Columbus Crew played Real Salt Lake in a quarterfinal CONCACAF match. The MLS season does not begin for almost a month yet despite the bad weather a few thousand die-hard soccer fans came out to support the Crew. The game was sloppy but exciting. While the match ended in a scoreless tie, there were some close plays that could have turned the game into a big win for the Crew.

The field was icy; the seats were below freezing cold, despite being a pre-season (as far as MLS fans are concerned) game on dreary February evening; still fans showed up. It is in the human nature to be excited about the things that we love. Sports fans love the live entertainment of sports. Soccer fans have been waiting all winter for the season to start up again. There may still be a month before the MLS season starts but fans around the Columbus area are ready for Crew season.

Others may not be soccer fans, but are excited for the start of spring, the warmer weather or the start of a break from school. Humans need fresh starts. The Bible speaks about fresh starts. 2 Co 5:17 says that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” Romans 10: 9 says that “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” The Lord Jesus Christ can give your heart a new, fresh start today!

The investment of the offerings

In the Old Testament, The Levites were commanded by God to give a tithe (a tenth) of the tithes they received from Israel to a priest (for God) in Numbers 18:26 . Traditional Jewish law and practice has included various forms of tithing since ancient times, including both financial and argicultural tithing. The word tithe is not found in the New Testament. Instead the New Testament scriptures are seen as teaching the concept of "freewill offerings," give freely as you feel lead.A lot of churches base the idea of the tithe/offerings on Malachi 3:10. It is the “storehouse” concept, that the tithe belongs to the local church. Basically a good church will have a wide and varied missionary/outreach program.

They like the storehouses of the Old Testament will accomplish many things with the tithe/money we give to the church:
use it to care for the spiritual leaders, pastors, church staff members, evangelists, and missionaries,
to reach unbelievers outside the church, and to care for the needy within the church.

Many people investing in the fund, the congregation, has power to do things one person couldn’t do on his own and it invests money in valid ministries he or she might not know about otherwise. So a good church will not keep all of the financial gain for themselves but rather will be finding ways to bless others, those in need especailly. But if the church is not well investing the money then it is a good idea to give to other organizations to take care of these things like taking care of the needy.
If God is leading you to help someone or a group then it is right to give to them as God leads. He will bless us for doing what we can.

June Hunt, Biblical Counseling Keys on Financial Freedom: Principles of Wise Money Management (Dallas, TX: Hope For The Heart, 2008), 31.

Bill Hybels, D. Stuart Briscoe and Haddon W. Robinson, Mastering Contemporary Preaching (Portland, Or.: Multnomah, 1990), 108.

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Integrity: do the right thing

The Bible clearly stresses the importance of living with character. God wants us to try to do the right thing, to live with integrity. A life verse of mine has been 1 Co 10:31, "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." In all areas of life, we can choose to glorify God. Even when we are eating, when we are sleeping, at work or at home, in all things, in all ways Christians have the opportunity to bring glory to God.

Proverbs 22:1 says that "A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold." A man with good character is more important that all the wealth and riches this world has to offer. A man with a good name does not slack off as a lazy man would but instead works hard at everything he does. People around him can see his character. They can see God in Him because in all things that he does, he brings glory to God. Not glory to himself, but to God. A man of integrity does what is right even when no one is watching. A man if character has an audience of one, God. (Phil. 2:12-15, 1 Thes. 2:12).

A popular saying in recent years is “What would Jesus do?” Whatever you are doing today at work or at home, ask yourself if what you are doing brings glory to God. Are you living with integrity and doing what is right in the sight of the Lord God?

New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995.

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The blessings keep coming

This year so far has been exhilarating. God has been blessing me a lot and my little heart can hardly stand it.

The first one: Beginning on January 3rd, a month ago today, I started emailing this stranger. Honestly, I was sort of going out on a whim (on an online dating website); I was not sure she would even write back. This stranger has quickly become a great friend. I have learned a lot from her already and she inspires me. She is an amazing lady and what a blessing to have her in my life as a girlfriend.

The second: I am finishing up the process to become an ordained free will baptist minister. This journey has been such a great adventure and learning experience. I have been working closely with my pastor and church, doing the work of ministry. I have learned a lot from my mentor and friend. I appreciate him very much and continue to learn to love people the way he loves his flock!

The third: After three years of being on annoying schedule at UPS Freight, they have finally moved me to a M-F shift! No more split shifts on the weekends, I can sleep in everyday of the week (except Sundays now!) YES!

And finally I have more opportunities to do things that I love and make more money. While UPS Freight is easy money. It is not much money and it is not something I want to do for the rest of my life. Two companies have offered me independent positions. I will be working for myself but with their help. The first is with Examiner.com. I am a "Biblical Living Examiner." I get to write articles on what I love: Christian Living, theology in relation to culture and etc!

The second is with wyzant.com, as a tutor. I can find students and students can find me. I will hopefully be tutoring students in psychology, English, guitar, Bible Study, basic software and other topics. The plan for now is to stay with UPS Freight and do these side jobs for extra side money. UPS has not been super busy lately and I have been pushed back to the bottom of seniority. So besides being put on M-F shift, my relationship with them is not the most pleasant. I would much rather being writing, blogging, teaching and tutoring. So if I get super busy with the other two jobs, or find a real ministry job then I can quit UPS Freight.