Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Show Me Your Glory

A cry of desperation

Wanting More

Needing More

The longing in the heart that cannot be satisified by anything or anyone.....except Him.

God can do more in a moment that we can do in a lifetime.

Only he can truly satisfy the hunger in your heart that you try and fill with things and people.

Moses was at a crossroads.  God had called him to take the children of Israel to the Promised Land.  Moses was desperate. He knew within himself He was not capable of accomplishing the mission God had entrusted him with. Yet, he knew God was more than able.

So, he made one request.  If you're presence doesn't go with us, then do not send us from here. God granted His request.

Moses made one more request - "Show me Your glory."

That is the cry of my heart right now.  I want to be lost in the presence of God. 

God, Show me Your glory.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

I didn't get anything out of worship today!

Have you ever made the statement "I didn't get anything out of worship today" or something similar?

Rick Warren, in his book The Purpose Driven Life, said "If you have ever said, 'I didn't get anything out of worship today,' you worshiped for the wrong reason. Worship isn't for you.  It's for God....there are benefits to worship, but we don't worship to please ourselves. Our motive is to bring glory and pleasure to our Creator."

We should come to God with a desire to give, not a desire to get. My Jr. High discipleship group discussed this on Sunday night. We decided that if worship is about God and not us, then it shouldn't matter the songs we sing or the style of the music. If worship is about God, then our concern should be what songs does He like. I heard Lindell Cooley say that when he makes a worship list that he asks God what He would like to hear. I have adopted that prayer as a regular part of my worship list preparation. 

I challenge you the next time you are in a worship service to remember you are singing for God.  Be blessed, my friends. 

Rusty

Friday, July 8, 2011

The Tragedy at the Ballpark

I remember my first Major League Baseball game. My parents took us to see the Texas Rangers play in the old Arlington Stadium. I remember walking in and the giveaway was a pair of Rangers Shorts. I don't remember how old I was. I don't remember who won the game. I remember the moment. It is engrained in my subconscious. I remember other games with my parents as well. Like seeing Pete Rose and the Reds play in the Astrodome when I was 12....Pete Rose had less than 25 hits to go before he broke Ty Cobb's Hit Record. On my 16th Birthday, our church went to see the Rangers play. Nolan Ryan was the starting pitcher. How's that for a Birthday Present!

In May of this year, I took my girls to their first Major League Baseball game. We were in the Houston area for Sasha's graduation. So, we decided to take in a game at Minute Maid Park. We walked in and were given Pink Tote Bags (the Astros were promoting Breast Cancer Awareness). We found our seats. We enjoyed the Hot Dogs and Nachos...the sights and sounds of the game...the fight that broke out in the stands one section over from us...oh the Memories. The girls loved it. I loved watching them and soaking in the experience with them.

Last night, as the news of Shannon Stone's fall and subsequent death came across the twitter feeds and ESPN Bottom Line, my heart went out to his family. This child had a dream come true moment as the reigning MVP tosses the Ball into the stands and his Dad makes a move to get the ultimate in souveneirs for his son. I would've done it for my kids. My heart is broken today....for the loss of life....for the loss of a Father....for the loss of a husband.

Although I didn't know Shannon Stone or his family, I am compelled to pray for his wife and his Son. I believe in a God that brings a "peace that passes all understanding." I'm also praying for Josh Hamilton...who did something every Major League Baseball player does on a regular basis only to have it result in an accident that leads to a man's death.

Will you join me in praying for these families?

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

One Thing

What is the one thing that keeps you awake at night?
What is the one thing that you look forward to?
What is the one thing that makes you smile?
What is the one thing that captivates you?
What is the one thing that you would give your life for?

I believe we all have one thing. That one thing is a dream.

Something to pursue....to strive for....to live

Find your one thing and pursue it.

A couple of great books on dreams are "The Dream Giver" and "Dream Cycle"

What is your one thing?

Thursday, May 19, 2011

It's been awhile.....

First off, sorry for the lack of posts lately. I am looking at redesigning the blog in the next few days. Look for regular updates...

What's been happening.

1. Today's my 38th birthday! Love my family and friends that have helped made it special.

2. Thanks to my boss, Pastor Jimmy White, for taking me out to Buffalo Wild Wings for my birthday! :)

3. Sasha graduated last weekend from Lamar University. I'm super proud of her. She graduated with her Masters of Education in Administration.

4. We're gearing up for a busy summer.....camp, district council, vbs, vacation, etc. :)

5. Can't wait for the Mavs game tonight. :)

6. Kenzie is playing T-Ball...she has two more games left.

7. Mady made the A-Honor Roll for the entire year. I went to her end of the year assembly today where she received her medal for her achievement.

More to come soon.

Blessings on you all,
Rusty

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Cracking Your Church's Culture Code Blog Tour

I've been reading an incredible book by Dr. Sam Chand entitled "Cracking Your Church's Culture Code." Dr. Chand bring a vast array of experience and knowledge to the subject of Church Culture. This book is based on the premise that "Culture-not vision or strategy- is the most powerful factor in an organization." Dr. Chand presents his seven keys of culture. He also analyzes the five different types of cultures. He describes how you can begin to affect culture by starting with yourself.

This book is insightful. Dr. Chand's wit and humor along with his captivating story telling ability is permeated throughout the book. I highly recommend this to every pastor and church leader. This book also comes with a link to a free culture survey. The survey allows the senior leader of an organization to send out links to that organizations personalized survey. Then, after everyone has completed the survey, the senior leader will receive the results.

Great book, Dr. Chand! I've enjoyed reading it!