The Bible and Alcohol

Questions about Alcohol come up quite a bit in conversations with folks. As a Pastor, people often wonder what I think. What matters most is not what I think, but what the Bible says. A few months back I linked to this on Facebook, but wanted to put it on my blog too. This is compiled by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. I think that this is a good handling of a tough topic.

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HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
Historically, God’s people have greatly enjoyed alcohol. In the European world one of the most Christian drinks was beer. Saint Gall was a missionary to the Celts and renowned brewer. After Charlemagne’s reign the church became Europe’s exclusive brewer. When a young woman was to get married, her church made special bridal ale for her, from which we derive our word bridal. Pastor John Calvin’s annual salary package included upwards of 250 gallons of wine to be enjoyed by he and his guests. Martin Luther explained the entire reformation as “…while I sat still and drank beer with Philip and Amsdorf, God dealt the papacy a mighty blow.” Luther’s wife Catherine was a skilled brewer and his love letters to her when they were apart lamented his inability to drink her beer. When the Puritan’s landed on Plymouth Rock the first permanent building they erected was the brewery.

In America at the turn of the 20th century some denominations began to condemn alcohol as sinful and the Methodist pastor Dr. Thomas Welch created the very “Christian” Welch’s grape juice to replace communion wine in 1869. While drunkenness is clearly prohibited in Scripture, drinking all together is not.

ALL BIBLE BELIEVING CHRISTIANS AGREE THAT DRUNKENNESS IS A SIN.

The Bible is abundantly clear that drunkenness is a sin (Deuteronomy 21:20; Ecclesiastes 10:17; Matthew 24:29; Luke 12:45; 21:34; Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:3).

The matter is so serious that in the Old Testament no priest was to drink alcohol while performing their duties (Leviticus 10:9; Ezekiel 44:21) though they could consume while not working (Numbers 18:12, 27, 30) and no king was to drink while judging law (Proverbs 31:4-5). In the New Testament an elder/pastor cannot be a drunkard (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7), and no drunkard will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10; Galatians 5:21).

Sins associated with drunkenness include incest (Genesis 19:32-35), violence (Proverbs 4:17); adultery (Revelation 17:2); mockery and brawling (Proverbs 20:1); poverty (Proverbs 21:17); late night and early morning drinking (Isaiah 5:11-12); hallucinations (Isaiah 28:7); legendary antics (Isaiah 5:22); murder (2 Samuel 11:13), gluttony and poverty (Proverbs 23:20-21); vomiting (Jeremiah 25:27, 48:26; Isaiah 19:14); staggering (Jeremiah 25:27; Psalm 107:27; Job 12:25); madness (Jeremiah 51:7), loudness combined with laughter and then prolonged sleep (Jeremiah 51:39; nakedness (Habakkuk 2:15; Lamentations 4:21); sloth (Joel 1:5); escapism (Hosea 4:11); depression (Luke 21:34); and staying up all night (1 Thessalonians 5:7).

PROHIBITIONISTS WRONGLY TEACH THAT ALL DRINKING IS A SIN AND THAT ALCOHOL ITSELF IS AN EVIL

Psalm 104:14-15 "He God makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate-bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart.”

John 2:1-11 is clear that Jesus’ first miracle was turning over 100 gallons of water into wine at a wedding party.

Matthew 11:19 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."

ABSTENTIONISTS WRONGLY TEACH THAT DRINKING IS NOT SINFUL BUT THAT ALL CHRISTIANS SHOULD AVOID DRINKING OUT OF LOVE FOR OTHERS AND A DESIRE TO NOT CAUSE ANYONE TO STUMBLE

Hosea 2:8 "She has not acknowledged that I [God] was the one who gave her the grain, the new wine and oil, who lavished on her the silver and gold-which they used for Baal."

1 Timothy 4:1-5 "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

MODERATIONISTS RIGHTLY TEACH THAT DRINKING IS NOT A SIN AND THAT CHRISTIAN CONSCIENCE MUST GUIDE EACH PERSON (Romans 14)

Wine is spoken of as both good and bad in the same verses (1 Samuel 1:14, 24; 25:18, 37; Joel 1:5,10).

Apart from good feasting, alcohol in Scripture is rightly used for communion (Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18), medicinal purposes (Proverbs 31:6; 1 Timothy 5:23), and Old Testament worship (Numbers 28:14).

Proverbs 3:9-10 "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."

Ecclesiastes 9:7 "Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart."

Psalm 104:14-15 "He [God] makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate-bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart."

Deuteronomy 14:26 The Old Testament tither was instructed by God: "Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice."

THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER

Everyone should act according to their conscience when it comes to alcohol consumption. Because of past sin, some who have had problems with alcohol may need to abstain for fear of stumbling into old sinful habits. For those who enjoy alcohol with biblical moderation, we recommend using discernment when providing hospitality for others who may have conscience or addiction issues. And in the future, we look forward to the day when our Lord and Savior will prepare for us a redeemed feast with wine:

"On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation." - Isaiah 25:6-9

Rules of Marriage

I really enjoy working with couples who are preparing to get married. This is that time of the year when we are preparing for summer weddings. I usually talk a tad more honestly with couples than they'd prefer. You're surprised, huh? I like it that way. It makes things more exciting. You know, every couple wants to hear their Pastor talk about sex! ;-)

Well, one of the things that Tricia and I always make sure that we share with couples are some of the "rules" that we agreed on since day one. The values and standards that I will share below are mutually agreed on and faithfully honored by both Tricia and I. It helps us love each other and the Lord more and prevents the enemy from gripping

us. Here are some of the rules we live by in our marriage:

1. No cussing at each other (it's ok to cuss with each other, just not at each other--obviously, I am joking, but they are different.).
2. No hitting each other (in my home, she would win anyway).
3. No hitting things (walls, doors, dashboards, etc.).
4. Throwing is the same as hitting. It is a outward physical expression of anger (same as hitting).
5. No storming out and fleeing the scene in battle. (unless #'s 1, 2, 3 or 4 are about to happen).
6. No using the "D" word of the "S" word. This is super important- get this. I am thankful that in 8 years of marriage, the words "divorce" or "separation" have never been surfaced in our relationship. When we got married, it was forever. Divorce and separation is not an option for us. Couples mention this possibility with way too much ease!!! Read that last sentence again please. Divorce is NOT something to be thrown around like an option. It is not! The first time you blurt it out may be out of emotion. The 20th time, it become extremely real and very possible! Beware.

World Malaria Day

Every year almost one million people die from malaria which is caused by a mosquito bite. 4 out of 5 of those deaths are in children under the age of 5. Malaria is a constant threat to millions of people in more than 40% of the countries of our world.

Today - April 25, 2010 is World Malaria Day. It is a day to celebrate the giant strides that have been made in those countries in the world that have successfully eradicated malaria, but it is also a day for deep reflection. This is because even today 2,000 children could lose their lives because of malaria, the same thing could happen tomorrow and the day after that.

Malaria can easily be prevented by using a a bed net which will keep the mosquitoes out. Many of the people who need to know this do not, and many of those who do know, do not have the resources needed to purchase a bed net.

This video below was shown in our service this morning and was created by Abiola Adelaja-Johnson, a dear Partner at CCF! You can learn more about her organization, the Remi Foundation, by CLICKING HERE! There are many ways that you can participate in this.

A Great Quote & A Few Questions

A friend of mine posted this quote on Facebook yesterday and it stirred me:

“If I read the Bible for the first time, I would never conclude I needed to pray some prayer, but I would conclude I need to follow Jesus. If I read the Bible on a desert island, I’d never decide I needed to start a Sunday service, my priority would be discipleship." - Francis Chan

This just connected so deeply into some of the very questions I am wrestling with these days:

1. How has how we have "done church" impacted how we are "being the church"? There is such a huge difference!
2. What are the bare necessities to be the church? According to the Bible. Never mind what we are doing. What should we be doing?
3. If we had found Jesus in scripture or in action, instead of in church, how would we understand and live out our faith differently than we are?

There is a lot that we are doing that is right on track. But, how can we live with even more Jesus passion and Jesus compassion?

I look forward to elaborating on this stuff more in the days to come...

To iPad or not to iPad? That is the question!

After preaching from my iPad for the last 2 Sunday, I have fielded a few questions and emails about it and what I think of it. Today, I am coming out of the iPad closet. Now that I have been using it for a few weeks, I thought I would share a review (been asked to by several folks now).

WE got the iPad April 3rd, the day it was released. Yes, WE! It is the FAMILY iPad. Just ask Tricia. ;-) Saved for it and planned for it. I didn't want to announce it too quick, though, due to the difficulty that some people have with my personal purchases (will stop there and be a good boy).

I am a Pastor by day and an Apple fan and gadget dude by night! It's my hobby. I love it! Thrilled with my MacBook, love my iPhone. So, what is the deal with the iPad? Here is my review and answers to some of the most common questions I've heard so far:

Why would someone need an iPad if they have a smartphone or iPhone and/or a laptop?

They don't! They don't need one. All we need is Jesus. But you may want one for various reasons and it may make sense for you to get one (when you can afford it).

Here is where I think the iPad is better than a laptop:

1. It is much smaller, lighter and more portable than a laptop (9.5 x 7.5 x 0.5 and 1.5 pounds). It's like carrying a medium sized note pad. It can fit in your purse, men.
2. The battery lasts way longer than a laptop (10 hours+) You will almost never need to bring your charger.
3. It has a FANTASTIC book reader called iBook. Words cannot express how cool this is. I am on my 3rd book since April 3rd. You can highlight your favorite parts. That sold me. And can you imagine buying a book and having it in your hands in 5 seconds? And can you imagine going to the coffee shop or on vacation carrying 20 books? iPad. Yup. That is the number one reason I bought it. I put off getting a Kindle because I knew that Apple had to come out with a book reader soon enough.
4. It's an iPod. Play it in the car. Not so with a laptop.
5. It is cheaper than most laptops (good ones, anyway). The iPad is $499 (16GB), $599 (32GB) and $699 (64GB).

Here is where the iPad is better than a smartphone/iPhone:

1. Way larger screen making web surfing and usage much easier and faster. The size of the screen makes for a totally different user experience. Way less clumsy than the little phone.
2. Tactile interaction. The way you hold it and use it is far different than a phone.
3. Can totally view, create and update documents in a powerful Pages suite (totally Word compatible).
4. Watching shows and movies is a far superior experience.
5. Did I mention that it has a great book reader called iBook? ;-)

Could I get the iPad instead of a laptop? No. This does not have nearly enough internal storage space, cannot back up to itself (you need to be syncing to an iTunes library) and there are many larger projects that you will need a laptop or desktop for. However, I think that most people could get by with an iPad and the cheapest Desktop in town and be as happy as a peach.

Should I wait and get the 3G model? Yes, if you do NOT have 3G on your phone and want another monthly bill. If you have 3G on your hip, for heaven's sake, don't pay for it twice.

Now for the short version of why I love it and why you may want one:

1. If you travel: The iPad is all you need on your trip unless you plan on doing large typing projects while you are away. I will leave the MacBook at home from now on. The iPad is the airplane dream.
2. If you are a reader: The iPad will be your new best friend. A readers dream. The Kindle on crack.
3. If you preach, teach or present: The iPad is great for this. I have preached from the iPad for the last 2 weeks and I will probably never go back to paper. For many reasons. I will get into that later.
4. If you are a student: Look out, because I predict that this is where colleges and schools are headed. At least for the textbooks and iBook feature. Think of the money and paper that will be saved!
5. If you don't have a Smartphone: Get an iPad instead. Keep your flip phone and your laptop/desktop. You will probably have better boundaries this way.

Hope you found this helpful. I have been asked these questions at every coffee shop I sit in, so now I can direct people to this post. Hope it helped!

Here are a few of my screenshots that I took today to show you....

Difficult Questions-- Week 3

This Sunday we conclude our Difficult Questions Series! We are really happy with how it's gone. Last Sunday's format worked noticeably better. You can CLICK HERE to listen to last Sunday's questions. Problem: We have 32 questions left and are only answering 12 more. Hence, we had to select from the pile. Here are the questions that we have chosen to answer this Sunday:

1. I don’t feel connected to God anymore. What are ways that I can feel connected to God, restore intimacy, sense his spirit and be in His will? (combined 4 questions)
2. How should Christians view or relate to the phrase "God and Country” and should they get involved in Politics?”
3. “What things must 'Christians' divide over?”
4. How do you walk in faith and forgiveness and respond to unjust treatment in a society that is steeped in individual rights, freedom, and judgment?
5. Were Adam and Eve real people or were they symbolic of our first ancestors? How did they populate earth without their children mating w/ each other?
6. Is the “Sinner’s Prayer” even Biblical?
7. Is watching "bootleg" or illegally copyright material stealing?
8. What’s up with all of these stories and places in the Bible that God employs and allows violence? Why is a loving God so violent?
9. What defines 'fornication'? Is it only sexual intercourse or the thought of sexual intercourse, or is it sexual pleasure outside of marriage? (Listen online to Pastor Noah’s Sex and Stuff Series!)
10. Is one sin worse than another? Is murder as bad as stealing a candy bar in God's eyes?

See you Sunday!

My Dad and I at our best!

Booty, God, Booty

I am reading a book right now entitled "Stuff Christians Like". HILARIOUS is an understatement. If you need a good laugh, and are able to laugh at yourself, I recommend you read this one.

It tells of a radio station in Atlanta, called V103, the “People’s Station.” It’s a hip hop station that plays mostly Rap and R&B. The best part of V103 is their morning show. Everyday they do what they call an “Inspirational Vitamin.” They read a Bible verse and play a gospel song or a clip by a minister from Atlanta. The thing that is most interesting is how they wedge the Inspirational Vitamin into their normal programming.

What often happens is that right before they transition to the spiritual segment of the show they play some sort of booty song. Let’s say, at 6:25am they play “I’m 'n luv (wit a stripper).” Then they do the Bible segment and then they go right back to Lil Wayne's "Lollipop" at 6:35am . They essentially bookend the Inspirational Vitamin with booty-- following a fairly simple formula – Booty, God, Booty.

It’s easy to laugh at how insincere that Inspirational Vitamin seems to be when it’s sandwiched between 2 rap songs, but to do so could miss a bigger point. Maybe it is quite similar to what God hears when he is listening to the broadcast of our day:

Saturday night, out on the town. God is at home babysitting my stuff.

Sunday morning, back with God. We're tight. We're praying. We're BFF's!

Monday, back to work. God's in the car. Where I left my Bible.

It might not be as graphic or as neon, but the juxtaposition between who I am when I'm in "God Mode" and when I'm not is pretty substantial. Next time you transition between two parts of your day, ask yourself...did I just "Booty, God, Booty"?

How's that for an inspirational vitamin?

Difficult Questions-- Week TWO, Take TWO!

Last week was a lot of fun. Click HERE to read the questions we answered. Click HERE to listen online.

After doing it one week, we are adjusting and making some cool changes for this weekend. We are thrilled with the participation that we have had. We have received over 50 awesome questions. However, with so many questions, we have had to adjust our approach a tad. You will have to come see what we are up to. I'll give you a hint: BUZZER! Come this week and watch us answer twice as many questions in half as much time.

Here is a preview of the questions that Pastor Nelson and I will be addressing this Sunday:

• How do you restore trust in your marriage after your spouse betrays your trust through an affair?
• When are divorce and remarriage okay & when it is considered adultery?
• Gay Marriage: I personally strongly disagree with homosexual marriage. But do I have a right to force that belief on someone else?
• What does the bible say on homosexuality?”
• Why is it wrong for unmarried people to live together? I see nothing in the Bible about living together.
• Is it wrong to use the morning-after pill as a contraceptive?
• Should I allow my children to read Harry Potter?
• If God is no respecter of persons, why are Pastors called by a title and put on a higher level
• How much is education/degree a factor in the Pastoral role in the church?
• How do you know when your child is old enough to accept Christ?
• Even though the Bible says honor your parents, should someone continue to honor an abusive parent?
• Can we invite or allow more of the Holy Spirit into our Worship Services?
• Why does CCF seem to follow the same pattern for Sunday services? Can we change it around every once in a while?

See you Sunday at 10:30am!!!

Leadership; Being the Bad Guy

For current and aspiring leaders: I cannot write this post with enough passion. I mean what I am about to say with all my heart. Especially with all my "leadership heart"!

Here is what I believe is perhaps the greatest litmus test of the quality of a leader:

They do what is RIGHT, not what is EASY!

Let me say it in some other ways. You can tell the strength of a leader by these things:

• They will say what others are thinking, but won't say.
• They will make the tough decision even when it is not popular or comfortable.
• They will make the right decision even when some close family, friends and teammates think it is "wrong." They will obey their gut regardless of the crowd's affirmation.
• They will have the balls (oops, I meant "courage") to make a move that few people will make.
• They will stand strong in their leadership even when their bold move causes a mess. Did someone tell you that courageous leadership was easy? And that there would not be backlash? If you were worried about the aftermath of the decision, it's probably because there WILL BE aftermath. That does NOT automatically mean it is the wrong call.
• They are willing to be the bad guy for a good cause. I observe many leaders that are really good at being the good guy. But they almost never sign up to be the bad guy. They simply avoid any decision or conversation that may position them as such. That is NOT leadership.
• They understand that leadership is not about popularity. If that is what you think it is, then you have not led much.

I have made decisions in the last week that were not popular. But I knew they were right. And I made them.

And I made decisions years ago, that I have NEVER been affirmed for. But I still know they were right. And I would make them again tomorrow if I had to. As much as it hurt.

To me, these are some of the most important qualities of leadership. It is what sets you apart to cause change and build people. Jesus is the most marvelous example of a leader who did and said some of the most controversial and unpopular things! It's one of the many things I love so much about him. And he did it for love. Which is why we need to do it!

(This will either be a chapter in a book one day. Or it may BE the book. I feel this. Deeply.)

U B U

U B U!

You be you!

And let God be God!

Yesterday, we kicked off our Difficult questions series. I think that it went well! Next week and the following week will be even better. And juicier!

4 of the 6 questions that we wrestled with yesterday, seemed at the core, to have the same root issue. Namely: trying to figure God out.

1. If God knows everything, is there really free will?
2. If people worship the only way they were taught, what happens to them when they die?
3. If someone dies having never heard the message of Jesus, what happens to them?
4. What is the Trinity? How's that possible?

While we tried to answer these questions from several angles, they all seem to come back to the same place....

You will never figure God out! Let God be God. And you be you.

It seems that our insatiable desire to figure out how God thinks and makes decisions-- to figure out his make up-- and his decision making approach does a fantastic job of getting our focus off ourselves. Which is dangerous on several levels.

How about:

1. Making right and godly choices whether God knows ahead of time what you will do or not!
2. Go tell people about Jesus and live like He's changed you, so that they meet Him too-- before it's too late.
3. Go live Matthew 28:18-20 NOW so that you take people to heaven with you. Waiting until God's curious moment of decision leaves you no time to do anything about it. Act now!
4. Accept and sit with the mystery of the Trinity--- a mystery that centuries of believers have yet to figure out. I tend to doubt you'll be the one to crack the mystery.

You be you! You've got your hands full with that. And let God be God. But keep asking questions! It's in asking questions that we find answers.

If Air Force One Would Have Crashed This Morning...

More and more, especially in moments of national tragedy, I am reminded that all people matter. All people are created by God! All people are made of flesh. All people have hearts and feelings. And it hurts just as much to see your President die in Poland as it does in America.

CLICK HERE to read about the Plane Crash that took the Life of Polish President Lech Kaczynski this morning.

If Air Force One had crashed and President Obama had died this morning, our nation would be in a state of turmoil. Plans would have likely been cancelled and we would all be glued to the TV. Just ask people 40 and older where they were when JFK was shot. They will remember. The world stood still. Of course there would be the jerks that would celebrate because they don't like Obama. They may even give God credit. But by and large, are nation would be hurting deeply today.

Well, Poland is hurting in that way! And we should pray for them. They matter just as much to God as Americans do! God is just as much on the move there as he is here. Empathy is all about putting yourself in the others shoes. Do that for a moment today. And pray like you just lost your President.

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When tragedies happen in other places in the world, it provides you an opportunity to grow your Kingdom Heart. A Kingdom Heart is one that loves all people---shows empathy for all people---wishes to care for all people---whether I know them or not---- whether they look like me or not.

God desires to pour out his spirit on ALL PEOPLE...

The NONE should perish....

Difficult Questions STARTS SUNDAY!!!

I am incredibly excited about Sunday’s launch of our “Difficult Questions” series. Pastor Nelson and I just met this morning to finalize this Sunday’s message. It is GAME ON!!!

Here is a sneak preview to some of the Questions that we will be answering on Sunday:

• If God knows all and he knows you and what you will end up doing...is there really free will?
• If the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ...what happens to the millions of people who worship the way they were taught?
• There are 1.8 billion people on earth who have never heard of Jesus. What happens to them when they die? They were never given a chance?
• Should Women Be Pastors? Will there ever be a female Pastor at CCF? What is the biblical role of women in the body of Christ, especially as far as leadership?
• We serve one God, yet the concept of the trinity confuses me. Can you please explain this in the most basic way?
• Is God the Father the same as Allah?
• Is God's love conditional or unconditional?

Many more to follow! We are so excited. Looking forward to a neat set design and informal, conversational setting. We would still love you to submit your questions. CLICK HERE to do it.

Excuses and Risks...YOU may be called on!

Do you ever think about your future? Do you have any vision for it?

The more I dream about the things that I think the Lord will do in His church in my lifetime, the more I see YOU being used in it! Yes, you. I believe that more people will be "selling the farm" and launching into new levels of Kingdom work than we ever imagined. People with and without degrees. People with and without training and experience. God is going to be employing people with a Jesus heart!! But, I tend to think that some of the most awesome things we will see, will happen through revolutionary people who are willing to stop making excuses and start taking risks regardless of their resume.

Excuses to soon bid farewell may include:

• I am too old.
• I am too young.
• I am too poor.
• I cannot sell my house.
• I have too much debt.
• I am scared.
• I need security and safety.
• I have nothing to offer.
• I am stuck.

Risks you may need to take could include:

• Quitting a job.
• Selling a car.
• Selling a house.
• Moving. Maybe far away.
• Leaving familiarity.
• Admitting your dormant dreams.
• Confessing your past sin and wrong turns.
• Sacrificing for Jesus like you never have before.
• Being looked at by friends and family like you have lost yo mind!

Something is happening. The Lord is stirring a powerful move of God. And YOU may be more a part of it than you ever would have imagined.

Think new thoughts!

"Look, wonder and be amazed...for I am going to do things among you that you would not believe even if you were told." Hab. 1:5

Finish the class...

School is on the home stretch when it starts to get warm like this. Today I was reminded of a recent conversation with one of my mentors. He was counseling me on a particularly tough situation I was dealing with. I was entertaining thoughts of letting up or even giving up on the challenge. I will never forget what he said to me...

Noah, finish the class!! Would you want to get this far into the semester and then drop out only to start all over again? You are almost to finals week. Hang in there. Don't take this class all over again.

Deep. Here is the deal: you WILL take the class. There are lessons that the Lord wants you to learn in life that you cannot skip out on. You will either do it now or do it later. It's up to you.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1: 2-4

CCF has to move...

Just a little while ago I received this text from Pastor Nelson:

Did you hear the latest Lanham news? The nuclear power plant that the president announced will mean that the land where CCF is built on will be needed and we will need to move! It will be some good money for us, but boy will it be a headache!

Last April 1st he told me that there was a bulldozer outside of CCF to take our building down because of outstanding debt.

He got me last year!!

And he got me this year!!

When will I learn?

I guess the April fools game was popular in Kenya, because this Kenyan friend is good at it!!

Happy April Fools Day!!

Who is influencing you?

We are being influenced every day -- by many people and things and in various directions. But, how close are we examining those influences? I have always loved this quote:

Show me your friends and I'll show you your future. Who they are, is who you'll become.

The people that we spend our time around will determine our destiny. That includes friends (you choose), family (you don't), and many others. I picked up more on this concept while reading this BLOG recently.

Consider this...who is speaking into and influencing your life? Really. Make a list. And consider these thoughts:

• Some people are helpful. Others are not.
• Some propel us forward. Others hold us back.
• Some are objective. Others are dangerously biased.

Who is influencing and shaping your life? Might you need to be more intentional about getting people around you that will help you get where God is calling you?

Warning: Be careful if you think that there is a relationship where you think that YOU are the only one that does the influencing. Probably not true. You are being influenced more than you think.