Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Books I'm Reading This Month

The older I get the more I enjoy reading.  Some of the books I read are required reading for a Men's Bible Study group I'm a part of.  Our Pastor will share books with our staff from time to time to help us grow as leaders.  There are some books that I read because the subject captivates me.  There are also books I read simply because I enjoyed previous books by the author.

Here are the books I've read this month.

1. All In - All In is a great book by Mark Batterson.  It declares we are only one decision away from a different life.  This book takes a journey through scripture as it challenges the reader to go All In and allow God to have control of your life so you can fulfill your eternal destiny.

2. Under Cover by John Bevere - Every believer needs to read this book.  In America, we have a democratic view of Christianity.  Christianity is the Kingdom of God with Christ as the head of the church.  This book will challenge your Americanized concept of the Kingdom of God.  It is powerful.  I am reading this book as a part of our Men's Bible Study group.

3. How to help your Pastor succeed by Dave Williams - This was an easy read that gives great advice to help you help your Pastor achieve the vision God has given him for the church.  It shares some real practical advice in the areas of Spiritual Warfare and Encouragement.


Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Why did I say that?

Have you ever thought to yourself "Why did I say that?" Yeah, I have to. Unfortunately, there are times in life when we say things that we can't take back and wish we could.

I wish there was a filter like a TV Guardian for our mouths.  Only this filter would not only block out curse words, it would also block out anything that was not pleasing to God or edifying for others.  

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) "29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Our words should benefit those that listen and be uplifting to others according to their needs.  Unfortuantely, we do not have a filter that will do that automatically.  However, we have the Holy Spirit.  We can bear the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.  

One of my favorite scriptures is a prayer.

Psalm 19:14 (NLT) "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer."

God, may the words of my heart and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you. Amen.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Life is a lot like......Fantasy Football

I am a football junkie.  I love this time of the year.  About 15 years ago, I discovered Fantasy Football.  At times, it is aggravating.  At times, it is exciting.  I've been in a couple of leagues for over ten years with groups of friends.  It has helped me to stay connected to guys that I may not have stayed connected with otherwise.

One thing for sure about Fantasy Football is it is unpredictable.  Every summer, publishers release their Fantasy Football predictions for the upcoming season.  Teams are drafted based on the rankings of these so-called experts.  Experts can't predict mid-season trades like the Trent Richardson deal.  Experts can't predict injuries to top level talent like Doug Martin.  Experts can't predict huge turnarounds like the Kansas City Chiefs or huge flops like the Atlanta Falcons.

Life is unpredictable.  We never know what is around the corner. Our guest speaker last Sunday said people are in three stages of life.  They are either going into a trial, in a trial or coming out of a trial. We all face trials and struggles in life.  In John 16:33, Jesus promised that we would have trouble in this world, but He also gave the disciples assurance that He had overcome the world.

James 1:2-4 (NLT) "Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."

Whatever life throws at you, let it be an opportunity for you to grow in your faith.  Ask God to shape you through the trial you are in.  You may be in a trial, but you soon will be coming out of it.  Don't give up!  

  

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Happy Birthday Mackenzie!


7 years ago, November 13, 2006, God blessed Sasha and me with Mackenzie Alexis Posey. She is a smart, loving and creative child.  She keeps us laughing. She loves music, art, softball and gymnastics. She is learning the word of God through Junior Bible Quiz. I love to hear her creative prayers.  

In his book, Praying Circles around Your Children, Mark Batterson profoundly writes, "Make sure the heavenly Father hears about your kids daily!" He discusses praying scripture over your kids.  

Here are a few of the verses that I pray over my girls.

1. Luke 2:52 (NLT) "52 Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people."

I pray that my girls will be like Jesus and grow in wisdom, in stature and in favor with God and all people.

2. Ephesians 5:15 (NIV) "15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,"

I pray that my girls live as those who are wise not as those who are unwise.  I want them to have wisdom in their choices and in their relationships.

3. Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT) "For this reason, since the day we heard about you,we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,"

I pray that God will fill my girls with the knowledge of His will, that they would live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way, that they would bear fruit in every good and grow in the knowledge of God.  

Friday, November 8, 2013

This Time

Last December, I got to live out one of those once in a lifetime moments.  Back in college, my friend, Brian, and I took off on an "excellent adventure" to Nashville, Tennessee.  Our goal simply was to meet our favorite singer, John Elefante.  Long story short.....we were successful.  In fact, we ended up with an invite to John's house to watch a Guardian recording sessions.

Fast forward to last year, this same friend and I were again invited to John's house, but this time we got to sing background vocals on a song for John's latest CD.  We sing the "whoa's" on the first song on the record.  Hey, don't laugh, it's my five seconds of fame.  LOL


On the CD, John has a song called "This Time." It is a powerful story song based on what may have happened with John's adopted daughter, Sami. Sami's biological mom was about to abort her when she made the decision to give Sami to a loving and caring family.  This song is touching lives around the world.  It has been made into a powerful video.

I want you to watch this video.


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Do I have something to say?

In an effort at full disclosure, I have failed to blog for several reasons.

1. Time - other things get in the way and I forget to take the time to blog.

2. Is anybody listening? Am I wasting my time by blogging? Is anybody reading what I have to say?

3. Do I have anything of value to add? Am I wasting someone else's time by writing and promoting a site that doesn't serve a purpose.

Today, I am renewed with purpose and passion to make my blog a place that adds value to the world.  It has always been and always will be somewhat of a journal for me.  It will be a place I can share memories with my wife and kids.

In addition, it will be a place where I can provide resources, including devotional thoughts and/or ministry/leadership tips.  It may also include a music review or two.

As always, I may offer a hot sports opinion or two.  :)