God invaded our presence

Yesterday at North Raleigh we prayed for the Lord to invade our presence. I was amazed as I gave an opportunity for people to share a testimony of thanksgiving how the Holy Spirit moved upon us! I believe God was pleased as we offered praise to Him in our worship.

As I reflect on such a wonderful worship experience and prepare my heart for Thanksgiving I wanted to share a simple video that is well worth watching. The time length is only 1:43. I promise - It will bless you. It brought tears to my eyes and moved my heart to give thanks to the Lord!

As I asked on Sunday - Can I get a witness?

Big Man stories

I took my cell phone and scrolled down the list of recent calls. Then I pressed the send button and heard the phone ringing. My younger brother Vic answered the call on the second ring. I said hello and asked "Where are you?" He replied "In my room." He quickly came downstairs from his room at a local hotel and the reunion took place.

It was great to see my younger brother. Vic has recently accepted a position with Haverty's Furniture Store and was here in Raleigh for training. He wanted a quick tour of the church, so we made our way to North Raleigh and I took him around the building. He paused a long time in looking over the "ego wall" in my office. Then we made our way home. Sharron had prepared a delicious meal. We reclined in the family room in discussion as Vic shared several of his "Big Man" stories. We laughed quite a bit. It was an answer to prayer to have such a great connection with my brother.

As Vic entertained us with his stories, he would stop in mid sentence and ask me "Rick, don't you feel like you're looking in a mirror?" It was evident to me that we have more in common than even appearance. This was Vic's first visit to our home. I hope it is the first of many too come. He deeply loves his wife and two sons. He has a great family!

It is my desire to connect with Vic and if the door opens to re-connect with my other brother Chuck in the days ahead. It has been a sorrow in my life that my brothers and I have been so disengaged over the years. I do believe that one reason God may have drawn us back to North Carolina is to possibly reunite me and my brothers and their families. Sometimes doing "family" is difficult - but I think it may be worth it.

Later this evening I plan to conduct a Concert of Prayer at the church. The time begins at 6:30pm and last about an hour. I invited a person to join me this evening and they asked about - what is a concert of prayer? Here is a portion of a short teaching I plan to share this evening:

Concerts of Prayer have historical precedent in the great prayer movements that have preceded other spiritual awakenings. In some ways, the movement can be expressed on four key levels:

Closet - Personal praying for spiritual awakening and world evangelization.

Cluster - Small groups praying within the church. Like "See you at the Pole" a few months ago

Congregation - Times when the whole congregation unites to pray for intersession and revival. Like our prayer vigil in March 2008.

Concert - Christians gathering from various back-grounds to pray for revival, and church revitalization, whatever size the group. We will lift our voices in praise and prayer to the Lord.

Wednesday thoughts

This has been a great week so far. On Monday morning I went to Rex Hospital to be with Karen Joslin as her husband Dave was in surgery. There sat 6 people from their small group with Karen. It encouraged me to see how small groups mean to people. In my view, this is the finest form of congregational care - people caring for people. Dave came out of surgery well and is now home recovering! Tuesday was a full day which included the second town hall meeting as we reported on Summit #1 in the ReFocus process. Earlier today I sent an email to over 150 people of North Raleigh asking that they participate in an online survey to evaluate our church health and core values. This evening I am in the office at the church. I recently made a number of phone calls to new guest to the church. These calls always encourage me as I hear how God is drawing people to our church.

From a distance I can hear the choir rehearsal taking place. I appreciate all those who are preparing for the Christmas musical this year. The drama team, stage crew, sound and media teams are working hard. Soon the worship team begins rehearsal. We are introducing a new song to North Raleigh. It is not really a new song - but new for us. I believe it is a great song to express our thanks to God. What do you think?




Friday night we plan to gather at 6:30 for a Concert of Prayer. This is an important part of our ReFocus process. Later that evening the Community Room will be filled with laughter as our monthly Friendship Cafe take place. On Saturday morning we hold Summit #2 of the ReFocus process.

Hey - Have I said recently that I love serving as lead pastor of North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene? Well, I do - and I am enjoying life! So much for my Wednesday thoughts.

Helping Others during this Thanksgiving Season

Helping Others during this Thanksgiving Season

We invite you and your family to participate in a special effort to help others during this Thanksgiving Season. With our partnership with North Raleigh Ministries it is our desire to provide a Thanksgiving Day meal for those in need in our local community. Here is how you can participate:

1. Bring food items to the church beginning Sunday November 16th through November 23rd. We need traditional Thanksgiving food items and also other items such as peanut butter, crackers, jelly, canned meats, breakfast items (cereals, grits, oatmeal, breakfast bars, etc.),dessert items (cake mix, pudding, Jello, etc.)and canned vegetables to help stock the depleting food shelves.

2. Make a cash donation of only $20 for the purchase of a turkey and food items for a family. Your cash donation will enable North Raleigh Ministries to purchase a turkey at a reduced price and insure the freshness and temperature of the meat.

3. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the food baskets during this Thanksgiving Season. There is a great need for people to volunteer their time to help at North Raleigh Ministries.

Stop by the display in the foyer of North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene this Sunday and next Sunday to assist us in helping others. Tom Gunter is our liaison to North Raleigh Ministries and will be available to answer any questions. Thanksgiving is a season of giving true thanks to God. One way to express thanksgiving in by giving to those in need.

Already - Christmas Controversy

It is hard to believe that it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - everywhere you go! Have you heard about the recent announcement of this year's Christmas Controversy?

Eric Gorskiap - Religion Writer for the AP writes: You better watch out. There is a new combatant in the Christmas wars.

Ads proclaiming, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake," will appear on Washington, D.C., buses starting next week and running through December. The American Humanist Association unveiled the provocative $40,000 holiday ad campaign Tuesday.

In lifting lyrics from "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," the Washington-based group is wading into what has become a perennial debate over commercialism, religion in the public square and the meaning of Christmas.

"We are trying to reach our audience, and sometimes in order to reach an audience, everybody has to hear you," said Fred Edwords, spokesman for the humanist group. "Our reason for doing it during the holidays is there are an awful lot of agnostics, atheists and other types of non-theists who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion."

To that end, the ads and posters will include a link to a Web site that will seek to connect and organize like-minded thinkers in the D.C. area, Edwords said.

Edwords said the purpose isn't to argue that God doesn't exist or change minds about a deity, although "we are trying to plant a seed of rational thought and critical thinking and questioning in people's minds." To read more.... SOURCE

I'm not sure what to do with such a campaign. Obviously, the philosophical bent behind the ad campaign is 180 degrees from truth. Since their campaign is built on the concept of "there is no god," I have to ask the following:

1. What is goodness? Who defines it?

2. Where did the concept of goodness come from?


3. Do the person or persons who define "goodness" then become "god" by virtue of the fact that they are setting the standard?

4. If there is no god...who determines any standard? And...if it's humanity...then which standard of the multiple individuals defining "goodness" do we choose?

5. And...regardless of how goodness is defined...why should anyone be good?

Certainly we have to ask...why be good for goodness' sake? That seems to make no sense with or without a defined standard of good. If there is no god...there is no "higher" authority other than the opinions of people.

6. Why on earth would anyone want to live an ethical life outside of God?

What would an ethical life look like outside of God?

7. If we are told that we need to lead a good life...to do what is right...who defines "right?"

I can't help but ask...how can this campaign or the line of reasoning taken by the American Humanist Association be considered "rational" or "progressive?"

Anytime our opinion seeks to trump God's directives...we lose. We lose sight of life; we lose a grasp on reality; we lose perspective on the essence of character. This group claims that they feel alone during Christmas because of its association with traditional religion. I genuinely grieve that they feel alone. But it's not because of Christmas, a time when the birthday of the Incarnate God is celebrated. They feel alone because they have distanced themselves from the very One who brings peace, hope and the presence of God.


How about you? What do you think of this campaign? Where do you line up? Don't let Christmas be a time when you distance yourself from the very One who came to be near you...to indwell you...to fill you...to give you peace. Jesus...the light of the world has come. Thanks to my friend Tom Kinnan for his insights

The Bridge

Once again - On this Veterans Day I am moved by the story of sacrifice. Here is a simple yet powerful clip I highly recommend:

This clip features scenes from the short film "Most", the story of a bridge operator who is forced to choose between the life of the son he loves dearly and a train filled with people. "Most" received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Live-Action Short Film. For more information on the film, or to order a copy for your church, visit MostTheMovie.com. This is a fan-made video, and not affiliated with the producers, director, or actors in any way. The author simply loved the message of this film and wanted to share it with as many people as possible to give it the recognition it deserves. God bless!

If you have a habit of passing over the clips on my blog - I strongly encourage you - take a moment to watch this clip and then comment. I promise - you will be glad that you did!





Source

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

What Scriptures (Trustworthy Sayings) come to mind to you?

Armistice Day

November 11. Veterans Day 2008.

Millions nationwide and around the world participated in ceremonies commemorating the service of military veterans and the signing of the armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918. President Bush led the rededication ceremonies for the U.S.S. Intrepid in New York City.

The "Fighting I" has been renovated and will serve as a museum, the Intrepid Sea, Air, And Space Museum, a part of the National Parks system.President Bush addressed the gathering: "Veterans have inspired me. I was raised by a veteran. I appreciate the commitment to our country that the veterans have made."

Vice President Dick Cheney earlier laid a wreath before the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

President-Elect Barack Obama participated in placing a wreath in front of the bronze soldier’s war memorial in Chicago with Tammy Duckworth, a war veteran who lost both her legs in combat in Iraq. Duckworth currently serves as the Illinois governor's veteran’s affairs director. Source

Did you pause - to remember? Did you stop and give God thanks for our freedom? Take a moment now to breathe a prayer for those men and women who serve our country now. It is a day of rememberance.

Jesus is a friend of mine

By special request - This clip speaks for itself. Consider listening to it at least twice - then see if you can get it out of your head:

What do you think?

My response to the Presidential Election

Today I am facing a number of issues that lay heavy on my heart. I feel it is imperative to answer one of these issues. It is the issue of how Christians should respond to recent election of Barack Obama as President of the United States.

First - I have heard from several people that they are disappointed about the results of the elections. My friends, we need to face reality about the election.


John McCain conceded the race at 11pm EST on November 4, 2008... but he knew long before then that victory was not to be his. I applaud John McCain for his gracious, heartfelt remarks:

I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together, to find the necessary compromises, to bridge our differences, and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.

Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans. And please believe me when I say no association has ever meant more to me than that. It is natural tonight to feel some disappointment, but tomorrow we must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving again. SOURCE

Secondly, my email inbox was flooded with political information prior to the election. Do you ever get those emails that are making overtly political statements from other Christians, and then realized that those around you responded to the email positively or negatively based on the political position that was being made?

I remember one that went around the emails several years ago about 'In God We Trust' (which is a valid debate) being taken off of a US coin. I am sure that many pastors and churches around America were able to get a sermon illustration about how liberal America is becoming because of this fact. Problem was...it wasn't a fact. It was false.

One that I received recently was on the number of US Military deaths by year and under which president they came under. Because the numbers showed that the Iraq deaths were numbers were small compared to the number of deaths under previous Democratic presidents, well...once again, fact was not important because the numbers made the Republicans look good. This one isn't true either.

I remember during the presidential race that an email came to me stating that Barack Obama is a "radical Muslim" and will not "recite the Pledge of Allegiance". WOW! What a characterization. And you guessed it. THIS IS NOT TRUE

I have even heard someone ask if our newly elected President is a "christian". Hear it in his own words:



I prefer to be a Christian than political.

How about you?

Preparing for Sunday

As I prayerfully prepare for the worship experience this Sunday at NRN I am planning to continue in the current series entitled:

On Sunday we will study the account of Samson as recorded in the book of Judges - Chapters 13-16. The story of Samson is well known. In 1949 a major motion picture was released telling the story of Samson. Here is the trailer:

You can prepare for this service by reading Judges - chapters 13-16 prior to Sunday.

Why not bring a friend with you to church this Sunday!

Presidential Election Results

I voted

As I prayed about the responsibility to vote it reminded me of the privilege to live in a country where we not only discuss the privilege of free elections but practice that freedom. My travels around the world has reminded me often that we are privileged to live in such a free land. But this freedom did not come easy.

This Sunday at NRN we will honor all the veterans present in our service and remember the sacrifice paid for our freedom.

Also - I am sooo glad the political ads are finished for this season! (Can I get a witness about this!)


Here is a copy of an email I received earlier this week that encouraged me - hope it encourages you:


Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him. and God approves this message!

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CHARGE

Amen!!

The Redskin Rule

In case you are not a fan of the Washington Redskins - or a NFL fan - you may not be aware of the importance of tonight's game: THE REDSKIN RULE

According to Steve Hirdt of the Elias Sports Bureau, for the past 17 president elections: If the Redskins win their last home game prior to Election Day, the party that won the popular vote in the previous election wins the White House; if the Redskins lose, the party that lost the popular vote in the previous election wins.

Steelers win: Obama victory.

Redskins win: McCain victory.

THE RESULTS:

The Steelers defeated the Redskins 23 - 6

(To the Rhoads and Betancourts and friends..... Kurt Stevens ....
congrats to the Steelers....They finally beat a NFC - East team...)

PLEASE BE SURE AND VOTE TOMORROW

Sharron's first day in the office

Today was special for Sharron as she began her first day as the interim Office Manager at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene

We are thankful to Donna Philemon who served the church faithfully for six years. We miss her and wish her the very best!

Sharron has consented to work for the next two weeks to see if she can master the computer, the phone system and the task load. The plan is that after the two weeks are over we will decide if it is a good "fit" for Sharron to be in the office. I must admit - I think it was GREAT to have Sharron working in the office today!

This past weekend we celebrated with Danielle and Stephanie on their 28th birthday. You can read more about it on Stephanie's blog.

Sharron and Danielle took time for some last minute shopping. We are glad that Danielle is feeling better and slowly recovering from her recently surgery. It was fun to see Alyse helping her mom unwrap the gifts.

This past Sunday at NRN was very special as I was surprised by a guest visitor - Ernie Gibson - from Northern Va. It was truly a blessing from the Lord that Ernie was with us.