Archive for March, 2009

Good Morning Church Family & Guest!

Cloudy and rainy again today! Praise the Lord for the rain. Boy do we need it! But along with the rain comes a cloudy day does it not? Reality-you can’t have the blessing of rain without the clouds in the skies. God’s blessings many times come when things seem “down” or “cloudy” in our lives. But after the rain-the sun comes out again. In fact, as I wrote last week, the sun never quits shining. J So- just remember that little song many of us old people learned and sung growing up -”Heavenly Sunshine”. -”flooding my soul with glory divine—–hallelujah, Jesus is mine!”

Tomorrow’s Service is going to be powerful! You don’t want to miss the blessing and presence of God tomorrow. Come ready in the morning to worship like you never have before! Sing out-clap your hands-raise you hands-stand—sit-whatever helps you express more freely and genuinely to God that you love Him and are there to worship Him. I will continue with the thoughts from last week-”Beyond the Open Door”, giving some practical –hands on “OPEN DOORS” we can walk through to serve Christ more passionately. Then the next two Sundays, we will focus on Holy Week -observing the Triumphal Entry of our Lord into Jerusalem, the Passion and communion of the cross, and that supernatural day of resurrection-Easter Sunday. After Easter, I will begin a new series called “RECOVERY BAIL-IN”. We do not need to be looking for “bail-outs” but rather we have the privilege of “BAILING -IN” to the springs and resources of Christ for all our hurts-habits, and hang-ups of life. THIS WILL BE AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO INVITE THE LOST AND PEOPLE SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS IN A CONFUSED AND LOST WORLD!

Have fun today -at play or at work J –See you in the am!t

Today is The Day! Jeff taught us a new song about the hope we have with each new day. Reminds me that “His mercies are new every morning!” Today is no exception child of God. Today you can either listen to the negative voices of the enemy or the positive voices of HIS Spirit in your life. II Corinthians 10:5 tells us to “..take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ!” None of you would allow anyone to come in the door of your house without your consent- especially one who would do you harm. Then why allow any thought over the threshold of your mind that can creep in and harm your day today? Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” The NLT says it this way- “Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” So- child of God, Today, Think in the Spirit! Be positive! Sing a praise song to Him right now and defeat the negative voices and influences of you mind-and have a great day! Do as this song sings:

I`m casting my cares aside, I`m leaving my past behind
I`m setting my heart and mind on You, Jesus

I`m reaching my hand to Yours, Believing there`s so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good, Is good

Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it
Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it
And I won`t worry about tomorrow, I`m trusting in what You say
Today is the day!

I putting my fears aside, I`m leaving my doubts behind
I`m giving my hopes and dreams to You, Jesus

I`m reaching my hands to Yours, Believing there`s so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good.
I will stand upon Your truth. And all my days I`ll live for You

SEE EVERYONE TONIGHT!

Good Morning Saints at GraceView!

We have been washed and cleansed and now set apart for His mission this 20^th day of March. It is all about Him and His Kingdom work today. Yes–He wants you to have fun-to laugh-to rest-to enjoy life!-and maybe play golf ??? And as we do, we “do life” with the priority of reaching others with His good news of grace and freedom. Pray right now before the day begins-or on your break-or just speak to God throughout your day, asking Him to make you  aware of the open doors that He is setting before you. The last Letter to the Churches of Revelation that we will look at Sunday commends the Philadelphia church for going through the “open doors” that Jesus has set before them. In fact, Jesus has made it clear in the Scriptures that He is the Key to all doors. Therefore, it is Jesus, who will in His sovereignty go before us today and open doors of opportunities for us to influence others for Christ-Those without Him and Those who need to be uplifted in Him. -So Saints at GraceView, live up to Who you are in Christ today. Walk as you know the royal blood of Jesus flows through your spirit! Be not discouraged or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you!

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot

Let it Rain! Yes-it is kinda yucky and the weather could make our day a little “depressing” -but we need the rain! Don’t you love it when the Sun breaks through after the rain and there is a fresh scent of refreshment. May I remind you that the sun will always shine after the rain. In fact-the sun shines when it rains! It may be raining in your life right now-your circumstances-your back account-your relationships-but be assured of this hope child of God, He will clear the clouds and His light will shine to direct your darkest and most confusing paths this very day. And-the most incredible hope we have is the anticipation when He will break through the clouds and the trumpet will sound and we will all be caught up together to meet Him in the air-and the beginning of our personal presence with our Lord will begin. We do not hope as the world hopes. We do not wait to see what the stock market will do today. We remember we are aliens-”strangers-pilgrims” in this land “eagerly awaiting” the ultimate coronation day when we will finally be home! J  Can I pray with you about something in your personal life-just shoot me an e-mail back -hit reply-and type. J

The Stock markets-Will it happen again today ?Yesterday I had a friend of mine ask me if I thought he should take all his money in the stock market out so he would not loose anymore than he had already lost -which was thousands. Can you imagine-loosing millions -like Warren Buffet? A drop in the bucket for Him. Pam and I have lost as well, but only a few nickels and dimes from our little investments. We have decided we want worry-we’ll just retire in a tent. That’s why we don’t do the camping thing-we figure we’ll leave that till the end. Anyone have an extra port-a potty ?J This friend who called me yesterday with that question has a lot of money parked in the market and is an astute business man. Why he was asking me-I cannot imagine. Two things I heard from this Man whom I pastor: 1) He was concerned about the investments he had made for years in his life and the end results of this economic tsunami. It was important to him that he protect his assets in order to provide for Him and His wife during the latter years of their lives. The second thing I heard and was most impressed by, was His priority in Life’s investments. He remarked that His hope is in His Lord and that no matter what, God would provide for Him and that he was thankful for what he had. I believe he practices godly contentment that Paul talks about in Philippians 4. He has learned that “secret” to contentment. He models what Paul was saying, “ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” I don’t say this because of what this man just said in words, but because I know he lives this out in his life.  So I pray God’s continued blessing and favor on this man’s life and his business. What about you? Where are you when the stock market goes up-then down-then up-then down? Secure yourself Saint– in the full embrace of the one who died and now lives for you. Desire and strive for contentment in what ever state you find yourself this morning and the days to follow! -Blessings-Robbie

AMERICAN CHRIST FOLLOWER >>>GET UPDATED AND INVOLVED!

GraceView and Guest—-We are called to be Light and Salt! If our Salt looses its savor-what good are we in a lost and wicked world? We ARE as Christ Followers to be involved in the political process. I did not say the church was to be”the process” of politics. The church business is to win people to Jesus and then disciple them aggressively so that believers understand and are active in being relevant light and salt in the community. However, the attitude that says-”don’t get involved-we’re not supposed to be ‘in politics’ “has landed us in the place we are now as Americans. We should personally be informed and involved and let our voices be heard in a god-honoring way. As individuals Salt Shakers, We have a mandate to help put individuals in office who will have moral values and the Truth of the Scriptures as top priority in their political agendas.

I am recommending the following web site for your “favorites” list. Visit the site and register. This new organization is called THE PALMETTO NETWORK. Most of you at GraceView will remember us having Dr. Tony Beam, professor at North Greenville University speak to our congregation a few months ago. His insight, knowledge, and passion for Christian World View are inspiring. You will be updated and informed by taking advantage of His and other’s work now available through The Palmetto Network web site.

The web site address is www.palmettonetwork,unifyer.com

Want to be a part of a new ministry team at GraceView called- the S.A.L.T. Team ? “Speaking And Living Truth”

Contact Mr. Ed Ozmint at EOPOPOP@ aol.com

WHAT DO WE DO ?

In case you have not noticed , the news does not get any better by the day. The forecast from all knowledgeable economic minds is bleak, and no one really knows what the answer is to the Global Economic Crisis. Even Warren Buffet and Donald Trump have lost thousands-probably millions, and cannot put their hands on the cure. Our President, Congress, and Senate, are all in a mad state of confusion and aimless wandering. Their answer for now is to dig the hole even deeper. Many say, we are close to hitting bottom, and then we will rebound-”because we are Americans”!  While I am a patriotic American, I recognize that the mentality of “because we are Americans” is not the solid ground of true-authentic American Patriotism. Our Country was founded on Judeo-Christian values-that is the Word of Jehovah God-and no other. We have drifted as a country, and as a result, our churches too have drifted right along with our country to values of self-gratifying ideals which have plundered the solid cores of our country and our churches of America. The Old French Historian said, “When America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!” Let’s be careful about singing “God Bless America” when she has so blatantly given homage and worship to so many other Gods in the land. Is there hope for America? Is there hope for the economic disaster we are experiencing —you bet there is. God may choose not to keep America in her place of notoriety around the world, but He will protect, heal and provide for His church -His people -if we humble ourselves, and pray, and seek His face. God is calling us back to Him. He wrote His words of discipline and healing to us, the church of the last days-the Laodicean Church in Revelation 3: 14-22. He gives this plea in vs. 19-22, “Those Whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with Him, and He with me. To Him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” The call today-is for believers-not for unbelievers. If we will hear His voice, and humble ourselves, and “come in and eat with Him”, he will unlock the doors of deliverance and freedom to a world in crisis by way of His people who will be the light and salt of the earth. It starts-one by one. Let it start with you and me!

Message this Sunday : CONTAGIOUS FIRE – lessons from the Laodicean Church

I thought this article was worth giving to all parents. Great wisdom and advise! The article is by Rebeca Hagelin, author of HomeInvasion: Protecting Your Family In A Culture That Has Gone Stark Raving Mad. -www.homeinvasion.org

“Spring break is in full swing for many college students across the country. And believe me, when I say “full swing,” I mean full-rockin’, rollin’ party-hearty swinging!

But given that nearly all of these students’ lifestyles are still funded by their parents, and that nearly all are still under the legal drinking age, it makes me wonder: What are their parents thinking?

As a mom of two college men I actually find it fairly easy to boldly proclaim: “If you are livin’ on my dime, then you are livin’ by my rules.”

My rules for them as adults are actually filled with freedom, coupled with the principle of “self government.” They were raised with this consistent theme, and they understand that my husband and I practice the “abuse and lose” approach. (I.e., they have both freedom and our full support as long as they follow basic rules that provide for their safety, moral development, and future.)

Of course, I can hear the naysayers now: “But they’re adults. You can’t tell adult children what to do.” To this I simply answer, “BALONEY!”

I am a much-older adult, and I understand that an employer can impose certain codes and expectations for my behavior on me. That’s the deal in life — you work for someone, you have to play by their rules. (Of course I know they can’t trample your basic rights, deny civil liberties, etc. So don’t go there. You know what I’m talking about.)

The young college men in my life — of whom I am so very proud and blessed to be called their “mom” — also know that my husband and I are fully committed to them as individuals and will provide plenty of opportunities for good, safe fun.

Let’s get back to Spring Break as an example. Instead of shrugging our shoulders and letting them go off to some distant beach where mayhem, alcohol and “Girls Gone Wild” abound, I booked a house at our favorite beach, which is located on a barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. With no bridge (you have to get here by boat) and no bars, this break is a lot safer and a lot more meaningful than what many are experiencing.

One of my dear friends has a house nearby and her daughter, also on Spring Break, has brought about nine of her “best friends” too. So, there’s plenty of social activity, fun and friendship without the nonsense. The kids go back and forth between our houses, so my friend and I both get to spend time with them and listen to their entertaining — and interesting — chatter.

Last night the gang was at my friend’s house and the main topic of conversation proved an-eye-opening, mind-numbing experience for her.

Most of the girls on this trip are freshmen, and somehow the conversation led to a shared humiliating experience now common at most college campuses: the mandatory co-ed, sex-ed course they all attended during their first few weeks on campus. They described the graphic nature of the class, and how embarrassed and outraged they were when they were shown how to put a condom on a banana.

But then it got worse — they were all encouraged to do the condom/banana exercise, too. The girls spoke of how a couple of their fellow students seemed to take great pride at their skill in demonstrating what seemed an all-too-familiar maneuver. However, my young friends said they were mortified and left the course feeling “trashy” and belittled by administration officials who expect them to all behave like wild animals in heat. “They seemed to be encouraging us to be sexually active,” one member of the volley ball team said. “I was insulted and offended by the entire experience.”

This particular young co-ed had gone to a private Christian high school, so she had managed to escape the low expectations that many educators bring to today’s youth. She and her mom weren’t aware that in today’s public schools, millions of boys and girls are now, indeed, treated as if they are going to be sex-crazed creatures and, therefore, are actually encouraged to engage in risky behavior.

Face it: When an adult in authority stands in front of the classroom and directs graphic discussions of sex in every form, forces boys and girls to sit by each other throughout the humiliating lectures, and then further violates the child’s natural tendencies to be private or modest, then you end up with kids who follow what they’ve been taught. On the other hand, when kids are treated with dignity, taught the value of abstinence, and how to avoid placing themselves in compromising situations in the first place, the research shows that more of them do, indeed, respond by adopting a lifestyle of self-control and more responsible behavior than those drowning in “sex ed”. Also critical to the delayed on-set of sexual activity is parental involvement. I can not overstate the influence that loving, connected parents have on their teens and young adult children. You’ll find loads of data and research on both points at http://townhall.com/GATEKEEPER/columnists/www.abstinenceclearninghouse.com and http://townhall.com/GATEKEEPER/columnists/www.familyfacts.org

Which, once again, brings me back to the plethora of wild Spring Break “pah-tays” going on around the country as you read this. I wonder: if more public junior high and high schools joined hands with more parents in teaching abstinence education, the concepts of self-worth and basic morality, wouldn’t our nation’s kids have a higher view of themselves and rise to meet the expectations?

And if colleges and parents expected better of our kids, wouldn’t more of them choose the higher ground? If more parents took the effort to provide safer — but still “way fun” — supervised beach trips and other options for college kids, would more of them opt for something other than the drunken orgies that many Spring Break trips have become? In short, are older adults getting exactly the type of behavior from young adults that we expect?

Granted, my personal “focus group” is small. But the data, my experience, and the e-mails I receive from thousands of people tell me this: Young adults are still malleable, still looking for direction, and still crave to rise above the status quo. But they need help and encouragement. They need to be told that they can be self-controlled people of strong character, and they need to be provided with opportunities to thrive, have fun, and become men and women they can be proud of.

Young adults rise or fall to the expectation levels set for them. Will you help raise the bar?”

Last night, Jeff and I had the opportunity to go to the “YOUNG LIFE” Ministry banquet for the Anderson area. This particular public school ministry is currently in 7 high schools and 1 middle school in the Greenville-Anderson area. This includes Hanna and Westside Schools. Their mission is to make connections with un-churched teenagers by motivating Christian Teenagers to become missionaries in their own school. We heard great testimonies by teenagers who were won to Christ as a result of YOUNG LIFE. In fact, the head director of Young Life Ministries came to Christ through a Young Life group on his high school campus years ago. This folks-is community passion in action. Pray with me that GraceView would be able to break out and break through some walls into our schools with life-changing influence. And-as well-we must break through our own walls of protecting our time and resources, and spend more for the things that really matter!

Pray for the following:

• Open doors to Westside and Hanna High schools, as well as the middle schools.
• Jeff is looking for an intern to help create and build an avenue into the schools and to minister to our students.

He is interviewing possibilities this week.

PRAY WE WILL BECOME CONTAGIOUS WITH A LOVE FOR GOD, A DEVOTION FOR GOD, PURITY FOR GOD, REAL LIFE FOR GOD, PASSIONATE FIRE FOR GOD, AND A FERVENT CONTAGIOUS ZEAL FOR SOULS! All of these characteristics were what Jesus was calling the 7 churches to in Revelation!

Ok-Funnnnyyyy-Funnnnyyyyy- Funnnyyyyyy—Ha! Ha! Ha! —-All you Snowbirds-Hope you’re happy! Must admit I enjoyed the snow—after enduring—all the funnies by way of text messages and phone calls! And-to make matters worse-I began receiving the text messages and calls on my way home -driving from Iva in the blizzard like conditions —after doing a funeral -and a grave side service-IN THE SNOW! -Well-guess prophetic words regarding the weather are not my gift ??? At least I know you were listening in the service!  Sun’s out today!