Shawn Williams - Engaged In The Battle, Having Already Won The War

I Don't Have A Probllllllleeeeemmmm!

2008-08-20T10:52:00.004-05:00

I have two, what Debby calls, problems or strange habits. I can't agree. See if you think so.

#1 I like getting something for nothing or practically nothing. I like rebate programs. Especially, those companies that offer full rebates when you purchase their product and then send in the rebate form and receit. I love buying software this way. Whether I need the software program or not--if it offers a full rebate, I will buy it. I have so much software on my shelves and in a few boxes I don't even know what I have anymore. I do use some of it and some of it isn't worth the discs they came on anyway and since it didn't cost me anything--oh well, I haven't lost anything, except maybe the tax. But I'm entertained over it and its cheaper than going to a Ranger game.

#2 During this time of year Walmart & Target will offer their Mead Spiral 70 sheet notebooks on sale for a nickel or a dime each. I use alot of these Spiral notebooks to take notes on for sermon writing or taking down messages, etc. I don't journal, even though some people say you ought to Journal, I don't. I have a hard enough time writing things for this blog and keeping up with it. Well, back to the subject at hand, the spiral note books. Again, Debby says this is an illness--I will go to Walmart & Target and by a 100 or more of these spirals at both places. I have two boxes full in my office, two boxes full in my house, and I'm pretty sure there are still about a 100 of these spirals in the garage in boxes that we haven't unpacked since we moved in a year and a half ago. Debby has forbidden me to go to Walmart or Target to buy spirals. Psst, don't tell her but I sneaked out at lunch the other day and bought 25 more, they only cost a $1.50. I had that in pennies in my desk drawer. Don't worry, I'm not taking any needed supplies away from any small school children. I only use the college ruled, I don't like the wide ruled. Walmart always has plenty of the college ruled on the shelf.

Despite what Debby says, I don't think this is an illness, I don't think I have a problem. Hey, I'm getting a good deal on these things and it keeps me happy. Besides, Debby is just jealous because I'm having so much fun doing it. I don't think I'm being complusive. Do you? No, I don't think I am. Ope, I've got to go, the Fry's and Walmart ads have just arrived. I've got to go see if anything good is on sale.

Giving It All You've Got

2008-08-19T10:46:00.004-05:00

I'm continuing my series on the "whatever you do" passages or the "everything" passages. This last week I preached from 1 Cor. 10:31, So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. This week I will be preaching from Col. 3:23, whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...
Paul is talking to slaves here in regard to how to live as a Christian when you are a slave. No doubt here is a principle that applies to every Christian as well, though particularly the slaves of Paul's time needed to be reminded of this. Most of us are employed by someone else and the folks who are our employers are many times hard to work for because of some reason or another. So, how should we conduct ourselves in these matters--whatever you do give it your very best because you are in essense doing it for the Lord and unto the Lord.
Give it your best:

in worship
in work
in leisure
in your role in the family
in your community service
in study
in spite of the dangers around you
in spite of the opposition around you
in spite of the disadvantage it may bring to yourself
even when it's not the popular thing to do
even when it's seems you don't have the time (this is what self-sacrifice calls you to)
even when your the only one giving your best
even when it's easy to get away without giving it your all

There is a blessing to us when we give it our best:

Satisfaction that we did the right thing
Emotional fulfillment
Knowing that God is pleased
Knowing that God is glorified
A healthy attitude toward living life
Peace of heart & mind
A good nights rest
A stronger body & mind for the next project
A defeat of Satan's temptation pawn of mediocrity
Respect, from at least God, and who knows, others.

Grace, Shawn

Pictures Speak A Thousand Words

2008-08-18T22:31:00.005-05:00

Some of you have asked me to put up a picture of myself since I lost some weight. Well, here is one. You can tell I've lost weight mostly in my lower face.

Here is one of Jennifer. She has a real bad summer cold.

Debby's brain grew overnight and stretched her head out. She's really smart you know.

I Love Rangers Baseball

2008-08-05T20:05:00.003-05:00

The Rangers have really been alot of fun to watch this year. They have played some etertaining baseball. The pitching is still the weakest part of the team and if only the pitching was a little better this year, we might still be in this thing. Then wouldn't you know it the LA Angels are having one of their best seasons and they are like 12 games in front. I don't think the Angels are going to be challenged to the end of the season. So, I'm really hoping to see us maybe sneak in a wild card birth into the playoffs. It's a long shot, but hey we beat the Yankees last night when Byrd hit a grandslam in the bottom of the nine when the score was tied to win the game. I'm glad I stayed up to watch that game. Now, tonight the Rangers are leading the Yankees 3 - 0 in the 4th inning. To beat the Yankess at home two games in a row is a small miracle in itself. I haven't been to a game this year. I should have by now but we have a new HD TV and it sure is nice watching a ball game on such a sharp and clear picture. I can sit in my easy chair, I have my computer here and I can work and watch the game. Plus the air conditioning is on and its a lot cooler in the house.

Carol and a Red Bike

2008-08-01T22:47:00.003-05:00

Little Carol came into the kitchen where her mother mother was making dinner. Her birthday was coming up and she thought this was a good time to tell her mother what she wanted. "Mom, I want a bike for my birthday." Now, Little Carol was a bit of a troublemaker. She had gotten into trouble at school and at home. Carol's mother asked her if she thought she deserved to get a bike for her birthday. Little Carol, of course, thought she did. Carol's mother, being a Christian woman, wanted her to reflect on her behavior over the last year, and write a letter to God and tell him why she deserved a bike for her birthday. Little Carol stomped up the steps to her room and sat down to write God a letter.

LETTER 1: Dear God: I have been a very good girl this year and I would like a bike for my birthday. I want a red one.Your friend, Carol.
Carol knew this wasn't true. She had not been a very good girl this year, so she tore up the letter and started over.

LETTER 2: Dear God: This is your friend Carol. I have been a pretty good girl this year, and I would like a red bike for my birthday. Thank you, Carol.
Carol knew this wasn't true either. She tore up the letter and started again.

LETTER 3: Dear God: I know I haven't been a good girl this year. I am very sorry. I will be a good girl if you just send me a red bike for my birthday. Thank you, Carol.
Carol knew, even if it was true, this letter was not going to get her a bike. By now, she was very upset. She went downstairs and told her mother she wanted to go to church. Carol's mother thought her plan had worked because Carol looked very sad. "Just be home in time for dinner," her mother said. Carol walked down the street to the church and up to the altar. She looked around to see if anyone was there. She picked up a statue of the Virgin Mary, slipped it under her jacket and ran out of the church, down the street, into her house, and up to her room. She shut the door and sat down and wrote her letter to God.

LETTER 4: I GOT YOUR MAMA. IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN, SEND THE BIKE

What I'm Reading

2008-07-31T23:18:00.003-05:00

Art Lindsley's Love The Ultimate Apologetic.

Love and morality cannot exist without the existence of God. Don't let anyone tell you that athiesim and humanism have a built in true agape love and can guide us to morality. If the evolutionist is right then agape love and morality cannot exist without substance. These things just wouldn't matter. But because God does exist and he is creator we have every reason to trully love others and live a moral life based on the Godly standard that God is as God.

I actually wrote a longer blog but lost it all when my modem turned off. So this is an abbreviated version. I'm trying to blog everyday and need to get this in in a hurry so that it will come in today.

Amaya & Elephant Jokes

2008-07-30T14:14:00.003-05:00

I was sitting and talking with my grandaughter Amaya. I discovered another reason why I love grandkids so much. They laugh at your jokes no matter how bad and then they go and share them with others and talk about how funny Duke (that's what Amaya calls me) is.

Let me share with you some of the jokes we offered each other about elephants.

Q. - What time is it when an elephant sits on a fence?

A. - Time to get a new fence.

Q. - How can you tell when an elephants been in your refrigerator?

A. - When there are elephant footprints in the butter.

Q. - How do you hide an elephant in a cherry tree?

A. - Paint his toenails red.

Q. - What did the grape say when the elephant sat on it?

A. - Nothing, it just let out a little w(h)ine.

Q. - Why do elephants have flat feet?

A. - From jumping out of trees.

Q. - Why is it so dangerous to go into the jungle between 2 and 4 in the afternoon?

A. - That is when the elephants are jumping out of trees.

Q. - Why are pygmies so short?

A. - Because they go into the jungle between 2 and 4 in the afternoon.

Q. - Why do ring masters like elephants to work in the circus?

A. - Because they work for peanuts.

Amaya laughed at some and rolled her eyes at some and then had a million more questions about elephants and pygmies.

Does anyone have an elephant joke I can tell Amaya? I will let you know if it meets her approval as funny.

Current Preaching Series - Everything Passages

2008-07-29T15:11:00.002-05:00

I'm currently in the midst of a series of sermons on the "everything" or "all things passages." I was looking at some of my favorite and inspiring passages of scripture that I find comfort in and they all seem to have the "everything" or "all things" idea in them. For example the 1st sermon I preached was Phil. 4:13, I can do everything through him who gives me strength. The next one was Rom. 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. The third sermon was from Col. 3:17, And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. This Sunday the sermon will be on 1 Cor. 16:14, Do everything in love.
The idea that God wants all of my life, every thought, every day, every moment of energy is embedded in these sermons. Jesus is Lord and he reigns within me. He is everything to me and thus all things in my life must be done and given over to him. The promise of God is that he will take care of all things when we put him in everything of our lives.
How about any of you? Do you have an "everything" passage that has special meaning to you?

Flower Close Ups from Mexico

2008-07-28T23:01:00.008-05:00

I can't believe its been so long since my last post.
Debby and I went to Cuernavaca, Mexico to spend a week with Doug & Sandy. Here are some pictures of some flowers I took. I thought they were pretty cool looking.

Who Are Postmoderns?

2008-05-14T15:19:00.004-05:00

1. We are more experiential than propositional in our connection to truth.
2. We are more communal than individualistic.
3. We value authenticity over theory.
4. We understand struggle more than naive certainty.
Don Everts & Doug Schaupp in "I Once was Lost"

We live in a post-modern world now. This is something we cannot fully change. We can't go back to a modern world with a modern mentality. The church is struggling to grow and even struggling to keep what we have.
So the question that plagues me is, what do we do now? Do we keep doing the same things we have always done. Well, that is not seemingly going to work. We've got to do things differently in our methods of reaching people. I'm not advocating changing the word of God, that will always be the same. We just need to live it out more; we need to be outwardly inclined instead of inwardly focused.
I believe the postmodern world might not be to unlike the world that Jesus lived in. We need more experiencing of God's word than rote memorization. We need to be missional in our efforts than elitist in our doctrine. We need to be real and not always having to be right. We need to always being growing our faith than thinking we have arrived because of our reasoning.
Just my thoughts at this moment!

Vocabulary Words for May, 2008

2008-05-13T11:27:00.003-05:00

Words on my "New Vocabulary Words" List:
tacit -
pejorative -
efficacy -
peripatetic -
onereous -
abrogate -
extraneous -
pedantic -
specious -
prevaricate -
incredulos -
copious -
capricious -

Definitions: Can you match the word up with the definition?
a. Too concerned with formal rules and details.
b. Difficult: representing a great burden or much trouble
c. Apparently true but really false; deceptively attractive
d. Implied but not expressed: understood or implied without being stated
e. Having an abundance or plenty; plenty in number
f. Tending to make or become worse; disparaging or belittling
g. Unwilling to believe; unable or unwilling to believe something or completely unconvinced by it
h. Effectiveness; the ability to produce the desire result
i. Do away with something: to tend an agreement or contract formally
j. Going from place to place; working in several place and traveling between them
k. Not relevant or applicable: not essential or important
l. Give to sudden changes: tending to make sudden unexpected changes
m. Get out of telling truth: to avoid giving a direct and honest answer or opinion, or a clear and truthful account of a situation.

Answers: 1-d, 2-f, 3-h, 4-j, 5-b, 6-i, 7-k, 8-a, 9-c, 10-m, 11-g, 12-e, 13-l

Favorite Cartoons Time

2008-05-09T11:06:00.002-05:00

I don't know why but I thought this was pretty funny. Especially the first two classes. Seems like this is the way it is in a lot of churches today.

Ten Things I'm Excited About Right Now

2008-04-30T22:30:00.004-05:00

Ten Things I'm Really Excited About:
1. Vacation with Debby to Branson on June 20th - 27th.
2. Visting Doug & Sandy, (Debby's missionary parents) in Mexico in July.
3. My day off tomorrow. I'm going to read and watch the History channel.
4. My rebate check coming from the IRS for $1200
5. Going to see Jennifer (my daugher) in Lubbock and see my nephew Patrick's graduation from LCU.
6. Seeing the new Indiana Jones movie coming out in May.
7. Hearing Tracy Wilson's class on Sunday.
8. Preaching on Praying & Blessing like Jesus, PBJ.
9. The price of gasoline to go down.
10. The hamburger I just ate this evening from the General Store on 1187.

House vs Grace

2008-04-29T21:19:00.003-05:00

I'm watching House. You know the TV drama series staring Hugh Laurie. His character, House, is a typical athiest. He not only doesn't believe in God, but he believes that all people are generally selfish and self centered. House doesn't believe that people can be nice, or that people can change for the good, and that people cannot act benefically for the good of others or for the good of mankind. Because he doesn't believe in God, he doesn't believe in goodness and graciousness.

Athieism removes any reason for people to act on behalf of a greater cause or to have reason to live a righteous and moral life.

How sad!

Without the existence of God, I believe this world we live in would never have become what it is today. Mankind would never have become what it is today. We would have, long ago, destroyed ourselves. We would have been completely morally corrupt without the existence of God and never would have developed morally much less in any other productive or positive way.

Because of the existance of morality it only makes logical sense that God exists.

Same thing is true of love. If God does not exist then love cannot exist if House and other athiests are right. If God does not exist then love is only a raging animalistic lust.

Sin is in opposition to God and sin brings about the same consequences in this world as if there was not a God--degradation and corruption.

Grace is another proof of God. Without grace we might as well be athiest and athieism would be a reality. When we live and react in our lives without grace we are acting like House - as an athiest.

What I'm Thankful For...

2008-04-28T10:09:00.003-05:00

It's been a great weekend at home and at church. I think it's good to count your blessing and spend a little time being thankful for the way God blesses us and watches over us.
Here are some blessings I'm thankful for today:
...I'm thankful that Debby is over the shingles and is feeling so much better.
...I'm thankful for our teachers at Lakeside.
...I'm thankful for the great Teacher's Appreciation Dinner we had yesterday.
...I'm thankful to Wayne & Melissa May who did a great job of setting up and preparing our Dinner. You are Stars also!
...I'm thankful for the 3rd - 6th graders who served as hosts & hostess and waiters & waitresses.
...I'm thankful that Trey & Lea and their four boys came to spend the day with us at Lakeside and for Trey's preaching and teaching. He did a great job!
...I'm thankful to have known Bill & Joy Hare. I did Joy's funeral this past Friday. I had preached Bill's funeral about three years back. They were good people.
...I'm thankful for my kids and my grandkids. They are such a joy and a blessing.
...I'm thankful that our building smells better after some of the classrooms flooded and we spent last week drying the floors and the walls out.
...I'm thankful for God's Amazing Grace. You need to listen to Chris Tomlin's Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).

A Little News

2008-04-23T21:26:00.003-05:00

Here we are another evening at home with thunder storms going on around us. We've had some pretty good storms come through here. The Lakeside building flooded around four windows and four classrooms. The walls and the carpets got soaked and we had to call a restoration service to come in and dry the carpets and the walls. It was a pretty penny. Its raining again pretty good now. I hope and pray that the water doesn't get into the building again tonight.
The lights flashed a few times, but we never lost electricity. Speaking of electricity I signed up for Ignite, a division of Stream Energy. I get cheaper electricity plus I'm an associate now and can help others get started. If you are interested in cheaper electricity or making a little money on electric bills that you have others to sign up, check out my web sight:
http://shawnwilliams.igniteinc.biz/ (yes, I have no shame) but if this could help you save money I would not have said anything. Besides I needed something for today's post and my cards are right here.

Tomorrow I travel to Wills Point. Joy Hare, one of the sweetest ladies in all the world passed away. I will do the funeral on Friday at 1:00 PM. Bill & Joy Hare where some of the best folks I've ever known. They are both with the Lord and I rejoice because of that.

A Recovering Legalist

2008-04-22T09:23:00.006-05:00

I've heard the phrase a few times here lately about being a recovering legalist. I have to smile a bit when I hear this because I know that is what I am. Can you imagine in the same way that AA and other types of recovery meetings take place that one would be held for recovering legalists.
I was talking with Debby about how such a meeting might proceed. At the beginning of every meeting you have people who introduce themselves and then they have to tell for what purpose they are there, for example at AA meeting you hear that a person will introduce themselves and say, "hello, my name is so and so and I'm an alcoholic." The idea is to openly admit to yourself and others what your addiction is so that you can face the need for recovery.

Here are some of the introductions you might hear at a legalist recovery meeting:
...Hello my name is Sherry and I judge people.
...Hello my name is Bart and I think I'm the only one going to heaven.
...Hello my name is Jane and I choose to be right over being kind.
...Hello my name Joe Bob and I think the KJV is the only inspired translation of the Bible.
...Hello my name is Billy Joe and I decide what truth is and you must believe the way I see it.
...Hello my name is Mary and I love people because I have it to, but I don't have to like them.
...Hello my name is Johnny and I worked hard to earn my salvation.
...Hello my name is Steve and I've never heard a sermon on grace.
...Hello my name is Debbie and what's love got to do with it.
...Hello my name is George and I prefer sacrifice and never mercy.
...Hello my name is John and I write everybody up.
...Hello my name is Betty and I keep a record of all your wrongs.
...Hello my name is Bill and I believe there is no excuse for ever missing a Sunday service.

Just a fun little approach to help us see the need for more grace in our lives. I wouldn't be opposed to such recovery meetings.

Kids & Grandkids

2008-04-21T10:57:00.003-05:00

Kids and grandkids. You can't help but love em.

You love them because:

...they are yours.

...you watched them grow-up.

...a little part of you is in them.

...they love you back.

...they laugh at your bad jokes.

...they trust you.

...they listen to your stories no matter how boring.

...they are always calling to see how you are doing.

...they sing with you.

...they accept your love.

The Beautiful Fight

2008-04-09T14:54:00.003-05:00

Here is what I'm currently reading. This is a great book for anyone trying to find out more to Christianity that just mere keeping of rules, or just going to church. This book is very good and helping you find meaning to your faith.

It seems like we get so board these days with the tiresomeness of going to worship and Bible class. It always seems to be the same ole, same ole. But there is more to being a Christian than just going to church and being told what you can and can't do. Being a Christian is to experience the presence of God in you life, it is to be filled with the joy of salvation. It ought to transform us into the image of Jesus and make us zealous, exuberant, and happy Christians.

I like this paragraph from the second chapter, "When Jesus rose from the dead and ascended back into heaven and then sent his Holy Spirit to indwell believers. Christianity became a dynamic, supernatural faith of God's touching the world through us. It is not merely a list of beliefs. While rooted in history, it is a living kingdom that spreads even as we speak. This Christianity has a pulse; Paul tells the Corinthians, 'To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.' (1 Cor. 12:7)"

I'm thankful to find something that makes being a Christian exciting and worth while. Christianity is a livin growing breathing power. I'm glad I'm reading this book.

The Fool Says in His Heart, There is No God

2008-04-04T11:44:00.004-05:00

This story was given to me not to long ago and I found it amusing to say the least.

In Florida, an atheist became incensed over the preparation of Easter and Passover holidays. He decided to contact his lawyer about the discrimination inflicted on athiests by the constant celebrations afforded to Christians and Jews with all their holidays, while atheists had not holiday to celebrate.
The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the long passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel and declared--Case dismissed!
The lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling and said, "Your Honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and many other observances. Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah...yet my client and all other atheists have no such holiday!
The judge leaned forward in his chair and simply said, 'Obviously your client is too confused to even know about, much less celebrate, his own atheists' holiday!
The lawyer pompously said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any such holiday for athiests. Just when might that holiday be, your Honor?"
The judge said, "Well it comes every year on exactly the same date--April 1st! Since our calendar sets April 1st as 'April Fools Day,' consider that Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, in my opinion, if your client says there is no God, then by scripture, he is a fool, and April 1st is his holiday! Now have a good day and get out of my courtroom!!

Now I don't know if this story is true or not, but..you know... it makes a lot of sense. I'd like to think its true at least the overall premise is true.

EXPELLED

2008-04-02T13:35:00.007-05:00

Here is something that I think many of you might be interested in going to see. It is a documentary movie hosted by Ben Stein dealing with the issue of Creationism vs Darwinism. The movie is to open in various theaters on April 18th. The trailer itself will show you how the current Darwinist mentality has generally pervaded the scientific community, the media, our educational systems, and businesses. It is a dangerous thing to question the Darwinian stance. Watch this trailer and then go see the movie. As Christians we need to stand up on this issue and lift up the Creator God for all see.

A Recommended Blog Site

2008-04-02T11:09:00.004-05:00

Blogging is indeed an interesting experience. You are always thinking in terms of what you would like to post and how you would post it. Just about every experience or situation you come across you are thinking whether or not it would make a good or interesting post for others to read.
I was able to attend part of the Tulsa International Soul Winning Workshop in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Debby was with me and so were Amy & Robby (my middle daughter and son-in-law). It was good to see some old friends. I enjoyed the workshop and got a little fired up and renewed again by the Spirit. I was grateful for being able to get away.
I missed the Thursday night gathering where Patrick Mead and Josh Graves spoke. I will catch the taped version of it later.
I want to make a recommendation to those of you who enjoy surfing the Internet for interesting information and for spiritual messages to uplift and inform you. It is the blog site for Patrick Mead. Patrick preaches for the Rochester church of Christ in Rochester Hills, Michigan. He also has a couple of degrees in stuff that has to to with the brain (wasn't that technical sounding). He is an excellent writer and you can find information on his blog from things having to do with the Bible, spirituality, Alzheimer's, the new atheists, etc.
Go to http://www.patrickmead.net/. I think you will enjoy it. I do.

What's It All About?

2008-04-01T09:50:00.000-05:00

I've been in ministry now for over 26 years. That's just so hard to believe. I've been around the proverbial "ministry block" a few times. I've been hundreds of places; on mission trips, retreats, camps, lectures, workshops, universities. I've done what seems like thousands of weddings (an exaggeration), hundreds of funerals (not an exaggeration), elders meetings, counseling sessions, etc, etc, etc. Yet, after all of this I still feel like I'm just starting out, just starting to get my ministry going and having good things happen.

I do keep asking myself, "what is it all about?" I believe deeply in the grace of God and his awesome love for us in that he gave his son to die for us. But when you go through all the motions and with earnestness and sincerity--I still step back and ask "what is ministry all about?"

I've focused in on a whole bunch of stuff thinking I had what ministry is about:
...preserving doctrine. But doctrine is already pure, God made sure of that.
...discovering new doctrine. But that was only tradition I was trying to preserve.
...making sure that the one hour on Sunday morning was correct. But worship and living the Christian life is about my whole life, not just that hour on Sunday morning.
...teaching the lost. But then you have to worry about keeping the faithful faithful.
...visiting the sick, the elderly. No doubt great ministries, but elders failed in this task and letting (or demanding) the preacher do it so that they didn't have too. Yet, Biblically it's there primary responsibility.

I've come to this conclusion now and believe this is what ministry is about--it's about relationship!
Relationship with God.
Relationship with Christians.
Relationship in my family.
Relationship in my marriage.
Relationship to the lost and those without Christ.
Relationship to those struggling, hurting, and searching for relationships.

I believe it's about relationship and relationships. To have a vision of tomorrow and the future--building, preserving, keeping, and maintaining spiritual relationship covers everything.

What's the greatest commandment? - Love God
What's the second greatest commandment? - Love your neighbor as yourself.
Relationship!

Family

2007-10-29T15:20:00.000-05:00

I'm not doing a very good job at keeping up with a posting every day. Everything is really busy and I forget about it. I'm working on doing better.

We had a great Fall Festival at church yesterday, Oct. 28th. We had over 35 families attend that do not attend this church or church anywhere come and participate in our community centered Fall Festival. It was great. Our people here at Lakeside did an awesome job. They went above and beyond in service. I was very proud of them. I was very proud to be here at Lakeside yesterday. God really blessed us. I praise him for his blessings and for the great day yesterday.

Here are the grandkids:

Forgiveness

2007-10-12T12:34:00.001-05:00

I'm sitting here thinking about all the church problems that I have seen and have been associated with. I'm thinking hard about why we have such a hard time forgiving each other when problems arise. It just seems we want to devour each other instead of loving, caring, and forgiving each other. I've seen church members and church leaders try and do God's work and dole out punishment for someone rather than loving them. They do it for the sake of the purity of the church, as if God hasn't already purified his church through his Son.
I came up with 11 reasons why we fail to forgive our brother. Here they are. There are many more I'm sure, but I've actually seen these reasons practiced in the places I've been. (How Sad!)

Reasons we have such a hard time forgiving a brother or sister:
1. We like to hold on to our grudges to make us feel superior.
2. We want to have something to hold over the head of another.
3. We have already decided that they are not worthy of forgiveness.
4. Because we are so angry and/or so mean.
5. We want some satisfaction from others before we forgive.
6. It will make me look weak in the eyes of others if I forgive someone.
7. We seem to thrive on the turmoil of the situation.
8. We focus in too much on the sin and not the sinner.
9. We are so caught up in a legalistic system that we want an eye for an eye.
10. The way of the world is to seek revenge and the world means more to me than God.
11. We haven’t let Love for others be our primary motivation as Christ Taught us. 1 Peter 4:8

Shawn