We got back from Men's Camp last night. It was great experience! We took five men (including me), all of whom have never been to Men's Camp before. The guys were excited to participate in the events, several winning trophies! And yes...I made my first birdie in the golf tournament.

The best part of the weekend for me was the fellowship. Friday on the golf course we had an awesome time of fellowship and getting to know each other. I was able to spend about 4 hours on the course with Gene, and I beleve that I am better for it.

I was able to spend time with some friends and even play a little music. Overall...it was great weekend. 

Sometimes it amazes me at just how long it takes me to "get it." There are many times that God just places blessings/answers to prayers/guidance/you-name-it in my path and I just don't see it. He has placed people in my life to help and encourage me, hold me accountable and support me, yet I look over them for other who will come. I used to think it was a sickness confined to 5'10'' men with brown hair and blue green eyes, that love the Chicago Cubs and checkerboard vans...but I take great solice in the fact that this happens to many in the Christian faith.

My mind is drawn to the two guys on the Road to Emmaus, Cleopas and his unnamed traveling buddy (we'll call him Chet). They walked with Jesus, ate with Jesus, learned from Jesus and yet when they were confronted with Him while on the way to Emmaus they failed to see him.

Now I know the Scripture says they were prevented from seeing Him because of scales on their eyes, but their hearts were burning within them. They didn't see Him for who He was. It wasn't until He was done with the story that they saw Him...

Seeing the blessings as blessings at the time of the blessing...They are right there, we just have to open our eyes.

Until I blog again...

Grace and Peace 

Matthew 8:1-4 (NASB)

¹When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. ²And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” ³Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. ⁴And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

There are seven “I am” statements that Christ makes in, they are: I am the bread of life (Jn. 6:35,38); I am the light of the world (Jn. 8:12, 9:5); I am the door (Jn. 10:7,9); I am the good shepherd (Jn. 10:11,14); I am the resurrection and life (Jn. 11:25); I am the way, truth and life (Jn. 14:6); “I Am The True Vine” (15:1). All of these are true and good, but “I am willing…” is probably one of the most underrated I am statements of Christ.

Today I in my Bible reading I came across this gem and was moved greatly. I was moved for many reasons, one being the time at which it happened. Jesus had just finished preaching probably the most influential sermon of His pre-resurrection ministry, and a crowd of people were pressing in on him. I know after I preach I just want to go to sleep, and my sermons are usually 30 minutes. He preached for three chapters and was still ready for more ministry!

Here’s this guy whose body was riddled with sickness and pain crying out for healing. He said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” He didn’t just say “Lord” but he showed the Lordship of Christ by bowing before Him. This guy was willing say, “Jesus, you are my Lord, and not just Lord of my mouth but Lord my body. Lord of my sickness. Lord of my healing. Lord of my everything.”

An interesting thought: before Jesus said that He was willing, the leper had to be willing to offer the lordship of his entire being to the One coming off the mountain.

Then Jesus uttered those five beautiful words: “I am willing, be cleansed.” With just a touch and five words leprosy left this man.  The great healing and cleansing power of His touch and His words rid this man of his affliction. And it happened because He was willing.

It’s also made me think, is there anything I need to be cleansed of? Do I need to make Him Lord of something in my life? Am I willing?

Maybe those are questions we all should be asking?

For those who know me, you will know that the past few months have been rather difficult. I've experienced things that can only be attributed to attacks from the enemy. To be honest, I must accept my role in these attacks, for in me the enemy found a weak fighter. My devo and prayer life are not what they should be, nor have they been for some time, and any good enemy attacks the weakest soldiers first.

Things came to a boiling point this past week. I won't go into details, those in my accountability circle know most of what is going on, without knowing names and such, and they have proven to be a firm assistance in prayer and biblical encouragement, exhortation and rebuking (when needed). I thank them tremendously. But the best thing to happen was yesterday in Church.

When I got up to preach I found that I could not. The Lord have given me a message to the Church, but the fire and passion for it were gone. For those who know me know that I have a strong passion for preaching, so when it wasn't there I knew I had to do something.

I told the congregation that I was troubled by something, that my wife and I needed them right now more than they needed us. I asked them to pray for us, not later but right at that moment. Jennifer and I (along with Brandon) went to the altar to pray. A few seconds after we felt hands on our shoulders. They were the hands of our soldiers and flock. As I prayed with my family, our Church family prayed for us.

I experienced something that was amazing; God's Grace in a new way. I've experienced grace before, as all Christians have, but this time it was different. This time it spoke to me deep in my soul. When we were done praying and wiped our tears we stood up from that hallowed place with a purpose. God had restored the fire and passion!

The new expression of Grace was simple: God's Rightousness And Compassion Empower.

I thank the Lord for yesterday.

Until I blog again...

Grace and Peace

EDIT...I forgot to say earlier, the message was used by God in great ways. We had seekers for the first time in over a month! God is a God of glory and deserves it all!