Which Leader would you most resemble?

Take the test and see which one you'd most likely resemble. It seems that Ghandi and I would get along and play well with one another.

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Hat tip

Thought of the Day !!

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:5

I have heard hope referred to as spiritual confidence before. And that's true because there's assurance in our hope of God. This hope we have is of salvation through Christ Jesus, of forgiveness of sins by a loving Father who's filled with grace and of the guidance, comfort, protection and so many other things given us by the Holy Spirit that lives in us every day. When we have these three things in our lives, there can be nothing that stands against us to defeat us. So place your complete hope in God and His saving grace and He will see you through the good times and the bad. This is because He loves you more than you can know.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

Life is like what? (Example: Life is like a box of chocolates - Forrest Gump)

Thought of the Day !!

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2 (NIV)

The devil is out there. And he's trying to get us to listen to those who have nothing good to say and congregate with those who constantly sin, ultimately becoming wicked people ourselves.

It's always better to do what's right instead of what's wrong...to search for God's will instead of the will of the world. And the way to search God's will is through prayer, worship and reading God's Word. When we make this a part of our lives...a part of who we are...we will be blessed.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

What's the answer to skyrocketing gas prices?

Thought of the Day !!

'I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life.
John 6:47-48

Throughout the book of John, Jesus speaks about believing. God sent His only Son, so that whoever believes in him will have eternal life. He who believes has everlasting life. Those who believe are not condemned. Anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.

These are but a few instances where Jesus tells us to believe. But what does he mean? Is it merely enough to believe that Jesus' coming into the world is the best rational explanation and therefore we believe? Or could it be that believing means much more than simply something our head tells us is true or false?

Whenever you hear the word believe in the Gospel of John, you are meant to hear an action verb. For John, believing means doing.

Believing is an act of the head (mental belief) and of the heart (loving God and neighbor), which produces a belief with our hands (actions). The book of James backs this up when the author claims that faith without works is dead. Our believing is our faith. And if we have no love or works that accompany this so-called faith, then it's dead and useless.

So when Jesus says that we'll have everlasting life when we believe in him, he means for us to believe with our heads and with our hearts, which will produce our actions. May we all believe today.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

If your pastor (or you, if you're a pastor) could only do one of these things well, which would it be?

a. Visit
b. Preach
c. Work well with the youth
d. Inspire people to be involved in missions
e. Teach Bible Study
f. Fish

Thought of the Day !!

Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others. Then he can be proud for what he himself has done.
Galatians 6:4 (NCV)

Why do we compare ourselves to others? Why do we think that if "everyone else" is doing things that it must be OK?

As Christians we are called to be different from the world...to change it...not to conform to it. How can we be world changers for Christ if we look so much like everyone else?

So don't look to others to gauge how good your actions are. Look to God's Word. Only when our actions coincide with God's plan for us, will we be able to be proud of ourselves.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:5-7

God is perfect. There are no imperfections about our God, and therefore He is the perfect standard to which all should be compared to. And He is that which we should all strive to be like.

In June I will be ordained and asked the question, "Are you going on towards perfection?" To this I will reply that I am. Going on towards perfection means simply walking in the light, or walking towards God with the example of Christ's love to guide us. When we go on towards perfection, we are striving for perfect love of God and of neighbor. And this can not be found if we're walking in darkness.

When we claim to be a Christian, we are saying that we have accepted Christ as our Savior, trusting in Him for our salvation. It also means that we are striving to be Christ-like because we've accepted Him as our Lord, the one who rules over us. In essence it means walking in the Light. But many claim to walk in the light, by claiming fellowship with God, through His Son Jesus, while actually living lives of walking in darkness. If walking in the light is walking towards God (Christ), then walking in darkness is walking away. And when we live lives that are filled with darkness, while claiming to have fellowship with God (or claiming to be a Christian), then we become hypocrites.

But on the other hand, when we live lives that are not based solely on us and what we can gather from this world...when our hearts lie more on the kingdom of God than on the world, we walk in the Light. And when we walk in the light, we are given forgiveness, hope, mercy, joy, peace and love. We have fellowship with God and each other. "And the blood of Jesus...cleanses us from all sin.

Enjoy walking in the Light of Christ today.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.
Romans 14:13

Who might you have judged lately? Could it be that they or someone else is looking at you with judgment? Most people I see judging others are not doing it to help them, but are doing it to condemn them. Isn't that the job of a higher authority? So when we do this, could it be that we are thinking better of ourselves and therefore will be judged ourselves by God for our pride? I believe so.

In the love of Christ,
greg

* There will be no "Thought of the Day !!" tomorrow. I will be out of town.

Going to the hills

Being from the delta means that your car never haves to shift into a lower gear for everything is flat. But on June 27 I will be moving to Vicksburg. Vicksburg is about an hour and fifteen minutes due south of me. And the powers that be have decided that I will be appointed to Gibson Memorial UMC. When I've told people how to get there, I tell them to go down Highway 61 to the first light in Vicksburg. Look to your left. You'd be able to see the church if it were not for a ---- HILL.

This is only my second time leaving a church. I began my ministry in 1999 at the age of 30 in a little community called Mount Pleasant. I had one church that averaged about 50 on Sunday while going to Memphis Theological Seminary. After graduation I asked to move. It was a natural transition. The church was a small church with a salary more along the lines of student pastor pay. And they were a great church to be in while at seminary. They loved me. They helped me grow. Didn't complain too much about the stuff I learned at seminary and "tried out" on them. And the school was 35 miles away from my front door.

Now I am at a two point charge. My combined church attendance is about 115. These two churches have been a true blessing to me. I have been through a lot with them and have learned from them. And hopefully God has used me in some small way to influence their lives as well.

I thought I was going to the coast. But instead, I just got a little closer. Maybe I won't have to evacuate if any hurricanes come next year.

I am finding out that moving is the hardest part of being a pastor for me. It's not the packing or unpacking of boxes. It's not the total disarray my life will be in for a short time. It's saying good-bye.

This is a bittersweet time for me. On one hand, I am truly excited about going somewhere new and having new opportunities. It seems that my next church home is in an area of town where there is growth. It also seems that they use technology (I'm hoping to learn a great deal). And I believe that the Kingdom of God can truly be impacted by Gibson Memorial. So it's an exciting time for me.

On the other hand, saying good-bye for me is not an easy thing. Both charges have had people that I just wanted to take with me wherever I go. And I won't be seeing those same people who have shown me and my family so much love over the last 3 years on a weekly basis anymore.

But what has to be done has to be done. I'm a part of the appointment system and will abide by it. It may be flawed, but I still believe it's the best system out there right now. But that's a theme for another post.

Anyway, I've rambled on enough. That's what you get to do when you have your own blog. But if any of you feel the same as I do, I'd love to hear from you. If you have a different perspective on moving, let me know that as well. Personally, I just hope I never go anywhere where when I leave, I'm glad to wipe the dust off my feet.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

If all the Superheroes got into a battle royale, who'd come out on top?

Thought of the Day !!

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit.
2 Corinthians 4:8 (NLT)

Does it ever feel like your world has come crashing in on you? I've had those days or even weeks. I know that God won't allow more to come on me than I can handle, but sometimes I wonder just where that breaking point is. These are the times when I realize that no matter what happens, God is still with me. And it is only through Him that I can find the strength to go forward.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

What's your take on preachers on national television? Like them? Trust them? Believe them? Are they saving Christianity or dooming it?

Thought of the Day !!

So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Mark 16:8

The women had come to the tomb to anoint a dead body because they had lost all hope. But at least these women made it this far. The men had all abandoned Jesus at Gethsemane.

But now it's their turn. They see a man dressed in white. White is the heavenly color. Matthew calls this man that they meet an angel, and that's probably what Mark is getting at as well. So they are afraid. The one that they called Messiah is dead. His body is no longer there. This man (who may not be a man) is standing there telling them that Jesus is no longer there. Absolute truths, like once your dead, your dead, are not so absolute anymore. And these women and confused and out and out afraid.

The man/angel makes a futile attempt to calm them down and then gives them some instructions. Bring this good news about Jesus to the disciples (and don't forget Peter). But what happened? They were so afraid that they fled the tomb and said nothing to anyone. What a shame.

What would you do if you were in their sandals? Oh wait...you are! We are! We are standing on the edge of the empty tomb! We've been given the good news! We've been told to share it with others! What will we do? Will we be afraid like the women? Will we be afraid of how we might look or what people will say? Are we afraid because we don't have the right words to say (even though God will provide if we make an effort)? Are we afraid that it might change our lives?

Are you afraid to share the Gospel (the Good News)? Or are you willing to do something radical for Jesus like talking him up to others wherever you go?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you."
Mark 16:1-7 (NRSV)

The women had evidently lost their hope. They were going to anoint a dead body instead of welcome a risen Savior. These have been the most faithful to Jesus. They were there when all the men abandoned Jesus. They cried at the foot of the cross and are now trudging towards the tomb to anoint a body that's already begun decomposing. Yes, these ladies were truly committed to Christ.

But even they have fallen short of the understanding of what Jesus told them. They were told by Jesus himself that he must die and would rise. But evidently, they forgot. And so they had lost hope.

Another one who had lost hope was surely Peter. The women get to the tomb, and the "young man" tells them that Jesus has risen. Then he tells them to share this good news with the disciples "and Peter". I love this wonderful nugget of God's grace. Peter had not only abandoned Jesus with all the rest, but he..."the Rock"...the leader of this ragtag group...the one who would never leave Jesus' side...had denied Jesus not once, but three times just as Jesus had predicted. Peter must have felt lower than dirt. God knew this. And so God's messenger shares with the women that Peter really needs to hear this good news. Peter really needs a lift. Peter must know that everything is not lost.

Have you ever been in Peter's shoes? Have you ever needed this same message of good news? The women had lost their hope. Peter had lost his hope. And maybe there's been a time or two where you have come close to losing all hope as well. But the good news of Christ's Resurrection is that there is hope. There is always hope in a risen Savior who can overcome even death.

May the hope of Easter go with you throughout the rest of the year and sustain you.

Christ is Risen!
Christ is Risen Indeed!

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."

One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"

Mark 15:33-39



Easter is right around the corner. When it gets here, let us celebrate the Resurrection. Let us celebrate life. Let us celebrate hope. Let us celebrate the love of God that is so deep that He would do what he did. Let us celebrate LIFE.

But today is Good Friday. Before we can celebrate life, we must remember the death. For Easter is just another Sunday without the darkness and death of this day. Remember today what Jesus did for you. Remember what he suffered for you to have a way out of this sinful life leading to eternal death. Remember the sacrifice that he made to bring us all back to God. Remember.

On Easter let's celebrate. But for today, let's remember.

May you have a meaningful Good Friday and a true celebration on Sunday.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

No "Question of the day ??" for today or tomorrow. I would love to hear your thoughts on the April 11 question though.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

Then Jesus brought them to an olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, "Sit here while I go on ahead to pray." He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he began to be filled with anguish and deep distress. He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me." He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine."
Matthew 26:36-39

Jesus knows what is about to happen. If you've seen the movie "The Passion", you know that this is where the movie begins. This is also where the true suffering of Jesus begins. His "soul is crushed (at this point) with grief to the point of death." And soon his body will experience the same death.

Jesus could have given in at this point. He could have said it's just too difficult. And it would be hard to blame him knowing what is to come. But the fact that he didn't shows how much he truly loved his Father and us.

When things get "too" difficult for you what do you do? Jesus prayed. And notice that he didn't pray to be saved. He prayed for God's will to be done. May you go to the same Father that Jesus did in your deepest darkest moments. And may He give you the strength or courage or comfort that you need.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

During the last days of Jesus' life he chose to continue to teach the people of Jerusalem hoping that with his final words they might finally come to see the Truth. He spoke of Judgment Day when the Son of God would come back and separate those who had cared for others from those who hadn't. He would take those who had to Heaven and the rest would spend eternity in Hell.

He told a story about a great feast in which those who were invited did not accept the invitation. So the invitation was extended to the people that others might not think worthy. But these "unworthy" ones were filled with fine food and clothing.

He also taught the people that they must be prepared for the day of Judgment in a parable about ten bridesmaids. Before you read it, pray that God will fill you through the reading of His Holy Word.


"The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish took no oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all lay down and slept. At midnight they were roused by the shout, `Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and welcome him!' "All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, `Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.' But the others replied, `We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.' "But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, `Sir, open the door for us!' But he called back, `I don't know you!' "So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return.
Matthew 21:1-13 (NLT)


Are you staying awake and prepared? This means saying "Yes" to Jesus, but also much more. This also means more than being baptized. This means living a life of preparation. If you're not sure what that means, I urge you to go to chapter 25 in the Gospel of Matthew and read verses 31-46. Jesus spells it out very clearly there. May each of us be prepared. And may each of us be blessed by God.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

What do you think about the terms liberal and conservative in today's context? Are they overused, hit the mark or just misunderstood? And finally, do you think that it's meant as criticizm when someone calls you a liberal (if that's where you seem to fit) or a conservative (if that's the case) when they are the opposite?

Thought of the Day !!

Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road ahead of Jesus, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. He was in the center of the procession, and the crowds all around him were shouting,

"Praise God for the Son of David! Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!"

The entire city of Jerusalem was stirred as he entered. "Who is this?" they asked.

And the crowds replied, "It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."


Matthew 21:8-11 (NLT)

"Who is this?", was the question on the people's minds in a city that was being stirred up. "It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." But just who is this Jesus though? He was the one that entered the city of Jerusalem by shouts of Hosanna (or Praise God) and left by shouts of crucify! He is the one who would heal and bring comfort at the temple, as well as disturb the religious folk that ran it. He is the one who would warn everyone to be ready and give a scary account of what Judgment day would be like. He is radical. He is different from anything else in this world. He is God's Son. He is Lord!

Who is He for you? Do you cheer for him on Sunday mornings while leaving those cheers behind in an empty church at noontime? Or is He the one that walks daily with you and relieves your burdens and encourages you and pushes you and washes your feet? Ponder this question today and see if you can come up with an honest answer of just who He is for you?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

What do you think Jesus' favorite sport is?

Thought of the Day !!

[Jesus says,] "Keep alert and pray -- otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing, the body is weak."
Matthew 26:41 (NLT)

The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Is this an understatement or what? How many willing spirits have tried to make a weak body stick to a diet when there was so much temptation out there to eat? How many willing spirits claimed that they were going to spend at least thirty minutes a day reading their bibles only to find out that time became their enemy? How many willing spirits decided that they were going to do their part in some missional opportunity only to have the opportunity arise and the body find an excuse not to go where it was called?

Jesus knew what he was talking about. We are a people of good intentions. But so often that's where things end up...with us intending to do something. How can we overcome this obvious flaw in our character? Jesus tells us how. He says to "Keep alert and pray". Stay alert, listening for where God may be calling you. And then pray for God's strength, courage and encouragement in these endeavors.

Good intentions are ok, but actions speak much louder than words. Jesus was all about action, and He wants us to be as well.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

If Jesus ran for President, would he win? Why or why not?

Thought of the Day !!

Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Romans 12:11 (NLT)

If you're like me, you can get lazy from time to time, especially if there's something you just really don't want to do. If we look at our lives as an offering to God, understanding that every word spoken and every action taken can be a part of this offering, then maybe we will see things differently. Let us all try to enthusiastically offer ourselves in service to Christ today.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

Since I've asked about sermon length and kind of music, I guess one more question on the worship service will suffice. What do you think of responsive readings like the Psalter, Confession and Pardon, Affirmation of Faith, Call to Worship etc.?

Thought of the Day !!

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.
John 13:12-14 (TNIV)

The washing of feet was a menial task that was demeaning to those who performed it. When a guest arrived at a person's home, they would wash their own feet unless there was a slave or servant there. Then it was the slaves' task to wash the dirty, muddy, smelly feet.

Jesus had performed this menial task for his disciples as a show of service. He didn't expect each of them to go out on the streets with a basin of water and clean up the feet of Jerusalem. Instead, he was teaching them that to serve, no matter how menial the task or for whom it was performed, was what they were to do.

Earlier Peter had told Jesus that he wouldn't be allowed to wash Peter's feet. This was because the task was beneath Jesus. Jesus proves yet again that he is not the kind of king that the world thinks of. He's one that serves his people. He showed that one last time through his service on a cross where he served all of humankind, giving us a way out.

Jesus said that if the disciples' Teacher and Lord would serve others, then that is what they (and we) should learn. How has the lesson been? Are you serving others? Or are you serving yourself? If Jesus were with you today, what would he say?

Well, he is. He's with you through the mighty Holy Spirit. He's still serving us by continually and lovingly trying to teach us who will listen.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

Which do you prefer, praise music or traditional hymns?

Thought of the Day !!

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you?
John 13:3-5, 12

We've all heard about how Jesus washed his disciples' feet. I read this scripture in its entirety last Sunday and asked my congregations who it was that Jesus left out. Do you know who it was?

The answer is nobody. The verses before and after these clearly show that Jesus knew what was going on with Judas.

2The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him.

10Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.’ 11For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’

Judas, as we know, betrayed Jesus into the Romans' hands. Yet Jesus washed Judas' feet. Peter would deny Jesus three times before morning. Yet Jesus washed Peter's feet. John and James, along with Peter would fall asleep when Jesus needed them more than ever to keep guard and pray. Yet Jesus washed their feet. Each disciple would abandon Jesus by running away. Yet Jesus washed their feet.

Jesus wasn't merely cleaning dirty smelly feet. He was teaching how the disciples (as well as us) should serve. The lesson here is that we are not only to serve those we like or those who can do for us. We are to serve everyone. Jesus served those who would betray, deny and even abandon him. Would we be willing to go that far for those that might do the same for us given the chance?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

In conversations that I've had over the last several years I've heard that the sermon should never be more than 15 minutes "because the brain can't handle anymore than the bottom can stand" (loose translation of many comments). I've also heard that in the fastest growing churches, many are based around the sermon, which is fairly long. What do you think? Should sermons be short, long or guided by the Holy Spirit (who knows the length then?)?

Thought of the Day !!

If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31

If God is for us, who can be against us? Well, the answer is simply all the evil forces that contradict the goodness of our Lord. The devil's one goal is to draw our attention away from God. But what we must understand is that the devil has no actual power over us who have claimed the name of Jesus as our Savior. He may tempt us and try to make us believe his lies about how we can do it on our own or how we can make our own selves happy without the help of God, but it's still our own decision whether or not to believe him.

If God is for us, then when we put our faith in Him, he will keep us safe from the fear of the devil. If God is for us, then He will comfort us when this world has caused us to hurt. If God is for us, then He will encourage us when we don't think we can make it another day. If God is for us, then He will rejoice with us when those joyous times in our lives arise. If God is for us, then He will push us to be better...He will remind us when we've messed up...He will share with us our calling in life...He will lift us up...He will speak to us...He will shape us...He will love us.

If God is for us, who can be against us? It doesn't matter because God is simply more than enough to make up for whatever there is in this world that may try to contradict His plan for our lives.

Are you living out each day with the hope and assurance that only God can give? God wants to let you know that He's for you, He's with you and He's never going to leave you.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
Galatians 6:9

In the love of Christ,
greg