http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125 Steve began working with the Pitman church in August, 2007. He has brought a wealth of ministry experience to us: children's, youth, and adult ministries, Children's Home work, and teaching experience from the pre-school to university levels. Steve and his twelve (yes, twelve!) siblings were raised by parents who worked in Christian Children's Homes for over 35 years. Steve received his B.A. and M.A. in Education from Harding (1974, 1975). Later, Steve completed a master's equivalent and his PhD in Human Performance at Indiana University (IU). Steve has thirteen years of teaching experience at the college level for IU and York College, in York, NE. Steve's childhood and ministry experiences impressed on him that many families are in need of 'wounded healing.' So, in 1992, Steve obtained a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX. Steve and Patti Klein Sikes have been married for 39 years (December 30) and have four children and 3 grandchildren. Radiant WebTools Dear Mom, You may have been the first one I saw after I was born. If you were, I saw Jesus but I didn't know how to articulate it then. I do now. When I get to heaven, I'm thinking Jesus is the first one I'll see – Déjà vu! Mom, I've always seen Jesus in you! In your gentle spirit, your peace no matter what was happening, your love and forgiveness, your servant heart, your 'always room for one more' hospitality, your quiet times of prayer and study, and your on-going hard work efforts. You mentored me without knowing it; you disciplined me with much patience; and you constantly encouraged me. You believed in me long before I believed in myself and even before I believed in the God who believed in me. Thank you. I don't know how you continuously handled the pressures of life with such grace and mercy – but you did! Your positive and submissive spirit to my Lord and to Dad continues to model for me what Philippians 2 reveals. YOU ARE GOOD NEWS! Mom, your influence is world-wide. Many women, maturing in their faith, have set their eyes on the Christ in you. I know my wife, Patti, has long respected and looked up to you. Thank you for the multiple ways you have enriched my walk with Jesus and now Patti's walk. I remember our 'Estes Park Reunion Dates' – specifically, those outside of Mountain Side Lodge. Your wisdom, candor and unconditional love spurred me on many a time. Yes – you're my mother but you're my sister, my rock, my confidant, my prayer warrior, my friend, my mentor, my heroine, my 'Barnabas', my spiritual letter I read and re-read, and you are, above all, my earthly goal of 'surrender.' Not my will but Thy will be done. Mom, I praise God because of you!! I love you. To God be the glory, great things He has done! God is good. Mr. Steve Dear Mom, You may have been the first one I saw after I was born. If you were, I saw Jesus but I didn't know how to articulate it then. I do now. When I get to heaven, I'm thinking Jesus is the first one I'll see – Déjà vu! Mom, I've always seen Jesus in you! In your gentle spirit, your peace no matter what was happening, your love and forgiveness, your servant heart, your 'always room for one more' hospitality, your quiet times of prayer and study, and your on-going hard work efforts. You mentored me without knowing it; you disciplined me with much patience; and you constantly encouraged me. You believed in me long before I believed in myself and even before I believed in the God who believed in me. Thank you. I don't know how you continuously handled the pressures of life with such grace and mercy – but you did! Your positive and submissive spirit to my Lord and to Dad continues to model for me what Philippians 2 reveals. YOU ARE GOOD NEWS! Mom, your influence is world-wide. Many women, maturing in their faith, have set their eyes on the Christ in you. I know my wife, Patti, has long respected and looked up to you. Thank you for the multiple ways you have enriched my walk with Jesus and now Patti's walk. I remember our 'Estes Park Reunion Dates' – specifically, those outside of Mountain Side Lodge. Your wisdom, candor and unconditional love spurred me on many a time. Yes – you're my mother but you're my sister, my rock, my confidant, my prayer warrior, my friend, my mentor, my heroine, my 'Barnabas', my spiritual letter I read and re-read, and you are, above all, my earthly goal of 'surrender.' Not my will but Thy will be done. Mom, I praise God because of you!! I love you. To God be the glory, great things He has done! God is good. Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=41548 41548 Fri, 10 May 2013 10:03:00 +0000 Several weeks ago, Adriana, a young pre-teen, handed me a scripture she was memorizing. On the same day, an aspiring teenage lyricist handed me a poem she had written for me. I was amazed at how well the verse and the poem coincided! See what you think…. First the poem: 'Where does one go, when all hope is gone, when every door is shut, When all roads are blocked? How does one stay strong, when love is gone, when sin consumes your flesh, When your spirit is shattered, when your heart is broken? What do you do? Where do you turn? When the world screams, 'There. Is. No. God!' I'll tell you, collapse on your knees, bow your head, Because the Lord is present! Though the world is dark, though Satan prowls, He lives! In the eyes of a child, In the smile of a man, In the hands of the church! He lives through us all, what is there to deny, when it is on my soul? Jesus lives! He is the Savior! For this I smile! For this, I survive.' Stephanie Pierre-Jacques Now the Scripture: 'This is what the Lord says — your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'' Isaiah 48:17 The message I received from God through these two young ladies: 'No matter what is going on around us, no matter how bleak our future – we must never forget… Jesus lives! He has risen! And it is God, (even through pre-teens and teenagers), who teaches us what is best and directs our paths in the way we should go! Amen! Thanks, girls! God is good! Mr. Steve Several weeks ago, Adriana, a young pre-teen, handed me a scripture she was memorizing. On the same day, an aspiring teenage lyricist handed me a poem she had written for me. I was amazed at how well the verse and the poem coincided! See what you think…. First the poem: 'Where does one go, when all hope is gone, when every door is shut, When all roads are blocked? How does one stay strong, when love is gone, when sin consumes your flesh, When your spirit is shattered, when your heart is broken? What do you do? Where do you turn? When the world screams, 'There. Is. No. God!' I'll tell you, collapse on your knees, bow your head, Because the Lord is present! Though the world is dark, though Satan prowls, He lives! In the eyes of a child, In the smile of a man, In the hands of the church! He lives through us all, what is there to deny, when it is on my soul? Jesus lives! He is the Savior! For this I smile! For this, I survive.' Stephanie Pierre-Jacques Now the Scripture: 'This is what the Lord says — your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'' Isaiah 48:17 The message I received from God through these two young ladies: 'No matter what is going on around us, no matter how bleak our future – we must never forget… Jesus lives! He has risen! And it is God, (even through pre-teens and teenagers), who teaches us what is best and directs our paths in the way we should go! Amen! Thanks, girls! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=41499 41499 Mon, 6 May 2013 18:43:00 +0000 How do young adults across America see the world? How do you see the world? Dr. Joshua Graves, from Nashville, TN, was our guest speaker this past weekend. Among other things, Josh explored the work and writings of Dr. Robert Wuthnow, an internationally known sociologist from Princeton University, on young adults in America. The following are some of Wuthnow's observations: 1. 'The way that we see the world today is more about urban and rural than north and south.' 2. 'Young adults are 'social gypsies.' They have several different relationship groups where they get their identity.' 3. 'Young adults value diversity (racial, religious, socio-economic, etc.) more than their parents.' 'If you were having a party at your house – who are the last people you would want and expect to show up? These are the people God is passionate about! God is throwing a big party and all are invited!' Joshua Graves 4. 'Young adults want to be with people who have seen the world in many different varieties.' 5. 'Young adults don't trust organizations run by one group of people.' 6. 'Many young adults do not understand the split between Republican and Democrat. They are turned off by the enormous gap between the right and the left.' 'The church should be the ones leading the way in discussing and dealing with justice-life issues, such as: abortion, poverty, debt by government, etc.' Joshua Graves 7. 'Young adults in both society and in the church lack institutional support.' 8. 'There is such a thing as extended adolescents (ages 18—33,34,35).' Josh left us with many things to consider concerning seeing the world through the eyes of young adults, but the following quote really hit home: 'The question is not: 'How can we grow for the sake of the church to grow?' But… 'How can we grow in the shape of Jesus' life? …. We have to train ourselves to see the world as God sees it!'' God is good! Mr. Steve How do young adults across America see the world? How do you see the world? Dr. Joshua Graves, from Nashville, TN, was our guest speaker this past weekend. Among other things, Josh explored the work and writings of Dr. Robert Wuthnow, an internationally known sociologist from Princeton University, on young adults in America. The following are some of Wuthnow's observations: 1. 'The way that we see the world today is more about urban and rural than north and south.' 2. 'Young adults are 'social gypsies.' They have several different relationship groups where they get their identity.' 3. 'Young adults value diversity (racial, religious, socio-economic, etc.) more than their parents.' 'If you were having a party at your house – who are the last people you would want and expect to show up? These are the people God is passionate about! God is throwing a big party and all are invited!' Joshua Graves 4. 'Young adults want to be with people who have seen the world in many different varieties.' 5. 'Young adults don't trust organizations run by one group of people.' 6. 'Many young adults do not understand the split between Republican and Democrat. They are turned off by the enormous gap between the right and the left.' 'The church should be the ones leading the way in discussing and dealing with justice-life issues, such as: abortion, poverty, debt by government, etc.' Joshua Graves 7. 'Young adults in both society and in the church lack institutional support.' 8. 'There is such a thing as extended adolescents (ages 18—33,34,35).' Josh left us with many things to consider concerning seeing the world through the eyes of young adults, but the following quote really hit home: 'The question is not: 'How can we grow for the sake of the church to grow?' But… 'How can we grow in the shape of Jesus' life? …. We have to train ourselves to see the world as God sees it!'' God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=41328 41328 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 22:40:00 +0000 Our world is in need of more heroes! With all the tragedies, killings, bombings, and terrorism invading our privacy, fear bellows. We stand in need of someone, anyone, to step out of their comfort zone and INSPIRE! This week, TIME magazine released its list of the top 100 influential people. And although your name and mine were left off the list (again), I made up one of my own. The following is a sample from MY list of influential unlikely heroes: Phyllis and Corny Walker – faithfulness in facing the known and the unknown. Doc and Cathy Kistler – their multiple gifts of Bibles keep showing up in the hearts and minds of growing Christians. Tim and Melody Davis – a volunteer couple that continues to do so much for so many in the midst of their own jobs and raising family. Dottie Grillo – in all humility, the safe harbor for numerous souls in our community. Cathy McClelland – a mother, mother-in-law and grandmother extraordinaire who quietly raises children in the Lord and serves and serves and serves! Denise Rulli – a representative of many in this church family who have patiently and perseveringly suffered through years of daunting pain. Kelly Spencer – a wife, mother, and sister-in-Christ who rose up and made the decision to revive Laurelwood's 'Women Encouraging Women' ministry here at Pitman! And in the spirit of 'Women Encouraging Women', allow me to share my top influential story of unlikely heroes. It involves two pregnant women, the older with a former infertile diagnosis and the younger – a teenage virgin, encouraging one another's faith! But even more inspiring is when our Lord and Master, as an embryo, enters the room… 'And it came about that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice, and said, 'Blessed among women are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! … For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy (Luke 1:41-42, 44).' God is good! Mr. Steve Our world is in need of more heroes! With all the tragedies, killings, bombings, and terrorism invading our privacy, fear bellows. We stand in need of someone, anyone, to step out of their comfort zone and INSPIRE! This week, TIME magazine released its list of the top 100 influential people. And although your name and mine were left off the list (again), I made up one of my own. The following is a sample from MY list of influential unlikely heroes: Phyllis and Corny Walker – faithfulness in facing the known and the unknown. Doc and Cathy Kistler – their multiple gifts of Bibles keep showing up in the hearts and minds of growing Christians. Tim and Melody Davis – a volunteer couple that continues to do so much for so many in the midst of their own jobs and raising family. Dottie Grillo – in all humility, the safe harbor for numerous souls in our community. Cathy McClelland – a mother, mother-in-law and grandmother extraordinaire who quietly raises children in the Lord and serves and serves and serves! Denise Rulli – a representative of many in this church family who have patiently and perseveringly suffered through years of daunting pain. Kelly Spencer – a wife, mother, and sister-in-Christ who rose up and made the decision to revive Laurelwood's 'Women Encouraging Women' ministry here at Pitman! And in the spirit of 'Women Encouraging Women', allow me to share my top influential story of unlikely heroes. It involves two pregnant women, the older with a former infertile diagnosis and the younger – a teenage virgin, encouraging one another's faith! But even more inspiring is when our Lord and Master, as an embryo, enters the room… 'And it came about that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice, and said, 'Blessed among women are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! … For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy (Luke 1:41-42, 44).' God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=41205 41205 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:10:00 +0000 'During my junior year in college, I took a butter knife from my mother's kitchen and scraped the Christian fish decal off the back bumper of the Plymouth hatchback I'd inherited from my older brother. Stripping off that sticker foreshadowed the day, a few years later, that I would walk out of church.' These are the first sentences of an article I read last May by Andrea Palpant Dilley, entitled, 'MY FAITH: RETURNING TO CHURCH, DESPITE MY DOUBTS.' For years, Dilley wrestled with many faith questions, such as: 'Why does the church seem so culturally insulated and dysfunctional?' 'Why does God seem distant and uninvolved?' 'Why does God allow suffering?' Years later in her faith struggle, Andrea Dilley found peace in the following insights: 1) her doubt belonged IN church, and 2) her doubt was actually part of her faith! She goes on to say… 'With all its faults, I still associate the church with the pursuit of truth and justice, with community and shared humanity. It's a place to ask the unanswerable questions and a place to be on sojourn. No other institution has given me what the church has: a space to search for God. In Mark 9:24, a man says to Jesus, 'I believe, help my unbelief.' ….I pray that prayer often and believe that God honors my honesty.' Ironically, at the same time I'm writing this Mr. Steve, I'm listening to a song just e-mailed to me by Harry Ake. A song I led Easter Sunday: 'HE'S STILL WORKING ON ME!' God sure has a mountain-moving way of blessing and affirming, despite at times, our mustard-seed faith! '…. truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you (Matthew 17:20).' AMEN! GO GOD! God is good. Mr. Steve 'During my junior year in college, I took a butter knife from my mother's kitchen and scraped the Christian fish decal off the back bumper of the Plymouth hatchback I'd inherited from my older brother. Stripping off that sticker foreshadowed the day, a few years later, that I would walk out of church.' These are the first sentences of an article I read last May by Andrea Palpant Dilley, entitled, 'MY FAITH: RETURNING TO CHURCH, DESPITE MY DOUBTS.' For years, Dilley wrestled with many faith questions, such as: 'Why does the church seem so culturally insulated and dysfunctional?' 'Why does God seem distant and uninvolved?' 'Why does God allow suffering?' Years later in her faith struggle, Andrea Dilley found peace in the following insights: 1) her doubt belonged IN church, and 2) her doubt was actually part of her faith! She goes on to say… 'With all its faults, I still associate the church with the pursuit of truth and justice, with community and shared humanity. It's a place to ask the unanswerable questions and a place to be on sojourn. No other institution has given me what the church has: a space to search for God. In Mark 9:24, a man says to Jesus, 'I believe, help my unbelief.' ….I pray that prayer often and believe that God honors my honesty.' Ironically, at the same time I'm writing this Mr. Steve, I'm listening to a song just e-mailed to me by Harry Ake. A song I led Easter Sunday: 'HE'S STILL WORKING ON ME!' God sure has a mountain-moving way of blessing and affirming, despite at times, our mustard-seed faith! '…. truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you (Matthew 17:20).' AMEN! GO GOD! God is good. Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=41046 41046 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:16:00 +0000 Most of us, I think, would agree that the President of the United States is the 'face' of our nation to billions in our world. Because of his role as our country's leader, the commander of our armies, and the bearer of executive powers – he is held to a greater standard than the masses. Fair or not, the role of the President of the United States carries with it a high standard of excellence. Church elders, I believe, have an even greater role in being spiritual leaders of God's flock. Under the basileus (reign and rule) of God and within a church community, elders are to lead, feed, seek, nurture, teach, protect, rebuke, watch over, and shepherd their sheep! A church family's elders may not be the 'face' of the particular congregation they serve, but they are designed to be her spiritual heart (God's heart; Ezekiel 34:11-17). No matter how you slice it, the standard of maturity and leadership for elders is indeed high. Many souls depend on how they effectively place their sheep under the direct oversight of the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). Recently, I heard of a young father complaining about how many classes and sermons seem to put the majority of responsibility of marriages and families on men! 'Why doesn't someone teach about the equal responsibilities of women in marriages and families?' Of course, this is understandable if one were just looking at equality. But the Bible, whether we like it or not, DOES PLACE MORE RESPONSIBILITY OF HOUSEHOLD LEADERSHIP ON THE FATHER! God tells Malachi that He will restore father's hearts toward their children (Malachi 4:5-6). John the Baptist's preparation message was on repentance, specifically turning father's hearts back to their God and to their children (Luke 1:16-17). And Paul tells fathers, explicitly, '...do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).' Presidents, elders and fathers: Much responsibility! All in need of prayer! God is good. Mr. Steve Most of us, I think, would agree that the President of the United States is the 'face' of our nation to billions in our world. Because of his role as our country's leader, the commander of our armies, and the bearer of executive powers – he is held to a greater standard than the masses. Fair or not, the role of the President of the United States carries with it a high standard of excellence. Church elders, I believe, have an even greater role in being spiritual leaders of God's flock. Under the basileus (reign and rule) of God and within a church community, elders are to lead, feed, seek, nurture, teach, protect, rebuke, watch over, and shepherd their sheep! A church family's elders may not be the 'face' of the particular congregation they serve, but they are designed to be her spiritual heart (God's heart; Ezekiel 34:11-17). No matter how you slice it, the standard of maturity and leadership for elders is indeed high. Many souls depend on how they effectively place their sheep under the direct oversight of the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). Recently, I heard of a young father complaining about how many classes and sermons seem to put the majority of responsibility of marriages and families on men! 'Why doesn't someone teach about the equal responsibilities of women in marriages and families?' Of course, this is understandable if one were just looking at equality. But the Bible, whether we like it or not, DOES PLACE MORE RESPONSIBILITY OF HOUSEHOLD LEADERSHIP ON THE FATHER! God tells Malachi that He will restore father's hearts toward their children (Malachi 4:5-6). John the Baptist's preparation message was on repentance, specifically turning father's hearts back to their God and to their children (Luke 1:16-17). And Paul tells fathers, explicitly, '...do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).' Presidents, elders and fathers: Much responsibility! All in need of prayer! God is good. Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=40950 40950 Thu, 4 Apr 2013 17:15:00 +0000 Watching the TV mini-series, The Bible, has brought back a flood of memories. Especially the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in Daniel 3! When I was in the fifth grade I remember walking home from school and encountering a funeral procession of cars passing between me and my house. Unusual for the occasion, the mourners in the vehicles seemed overly-occupied with what was going on in our front yard. When the road was clear and I crossed the street, I quickly discovered their distraction. Sitting on the grass, clad only in a diaper, was my two year-old brother, Stewart, straddling a large, silver wash pan full of water. He was working with all his might to keep all of our three baby goslings (Biblically named: Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego) under water at the same time. But the harder he pushed two goslings under, one would pop up, and then the next one, etc. This week's re-visualization of our goslings 'popping up' to the water's surface jogged my memory of the following children's song: I Marvel at the Wisdom of my God!O they crucified the Father's only Son. When they laid Him in the tomb they thought they'd won. But just like the little lilies, He pushed up the heavy sod. I marvel at the wisdom of my God! Chorus: I marvel at the wisdom of my God. I marvel at the wisdom of my God. When I see the little lilies pushing up the heavy sod, I marvel at the wisdom of my God. The Psalmist prophesied almost 1000 years before Christ's death, burial and resurrection that God would not allow His Holy One to remain in the grave and undergo decay (Psalm 16:10)! No matter how hard death's hand worked at pushing and trying to keep our Jesus down – UP FROM THE GRAVE HE AROSE! God is good all the time and all the time God is good! Mr. Steve Watching the TV mini-series, The Bible, has brought back a flood of memories. Especially the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in Daniel 3! When I was in the fifth grade I remember walking home from school and encountering a funeral procession of cars passing between me and my house. Unusual for the occasion, the mourners in the vehicles seemed overly-occupied with what was going on in our front yard. When the road was clear and I crossed the street, I quickly discovered their distraction. Sitting on the grass, clad only in a diaper, was my two year-old brother, Stewart, straddling a large, silver wash pan full of water. He was working with all his might to keep all of our three baby goslings (Biblically named: Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego) under water at the same time. But the harder he pushed two goslings under, one would pop up, and then the next one, etc. This week's re-visualization of our goslings 'popping up' to the water's surface jogged my memory of the following children's song: I Marvel at the Wisdom of my God!O they crucified the Father's only Son. When they laid Him in the tomb they thought they'd won. But just like the little lilies, He pushed up the heavy sod. I marvel at the wisdom of my God! Chorus: I marvel at the wisdom of my God. I marvel at the wisdom of my God. When I see the little lilies pushing up the heavy sod, I marvel at the wisdom of my God. The Psalmist prophesied almost 1000 years before Christ's death, burial and resurrection that God would not allow His Holy One to remain in the grave and undergo decay (Psalm 16:10)! No matter how hard death's hand worked at pushing and trying to keep our Jesus down – UP FROM THE GRAVE HE AROSE! God is good all the time and all the time God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=40855 40855 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:53:00 +0000 This past week we were blessed to have witnessed the baptisms of Judy K. and nine-year-old Donovan S.! Reflecting on Judy and Donovan's conversions reminds me of the following 'D.L. Moody' story: 'Late one evening D.L. Moody, the premier American evangelist of the 1800s, arrived home from speaking at a meeting. Emma, his wife, was already asleep. As her exhausted husband climbed into bed, she rolled over and murmured, 'So how did it go tonight?' 'Pretty well,' he replied. 'Two and a half converts.' His wife lay silently for a moment pondering this response, then finally smiled. 'That's sweet,' she replied. 'How old was the child?' 'No, no, no,' Moody answered. 'It was two children and one adult! The children have their whole lives in front of them. The adult's life is already half-gone.' (Dr. Wess Stafford, Too Small To Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most) Donovan and Judy -- one and a half converts! O what great hearts, yet, greater futures in Christ Jesus our Lord! I love both of these new spiritual siblings of mine and look forward to their unending spiritual maturity in Christ. These two have something else in common. At their baptisms, not only was their spiritual church family present to welcome each into Jesus' love circle, (Judy is a part of three different LIFE Groups!), but their physical families and extended families were there as well! Witnessing each new babe in Christ, alongside their close physical and spiritual family network, made me think of the old Southern saying, 'If you find a turtle on a fence post, you know it didn't get there by itself.' Donovan and Judy, my two precious one and a half converts! You did not arrive at your conversion alone; neither will you be alone in your ongoing walk in the Lord! Praise God for His Holy Spirit's enduring work in calling us, preparing us, convicting us, indwelling us, empowering us, maturing us, and setting us apart for the cause of Christ! God is good! Mr. Steve This past week we were blessed to have witnessed the baptisms of Judy K. and nine-year-old Donovan S.! Reflecting on Judy and Donovan's conversions reminds me of the following 'D.L. Moody' story: 'Late one evening D.L. Moody, the premier American evangelist of the 1800s, arrived home from speaking at a meeting. Emma, his wife, was already asleep. As her exhausted husband climbed into bed, she rolled over and murmured, 'So how did it go tonight?' 'Pretty well,' he replied. 'Two and a half converts.' His wife lay silently for a moment pondering this response, then finally smiled. 'That's sweet,' she replied. 'How old was the child?' 'No, no, no,' Moody answered. 'It was two children and one adult! The children have their whole lives in front of them. The adult's life is already half-gone.' (Dr. Wess Stafford, Too Small To Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most) Donovan and Judy -- one and a half converts! O what great hearts, yet, greater futures in Christ Jesus our Lord! I love both of these new spiritual siblings of mine and look forward to their unending spiritual maturity in Christ. These two have something else in common. At their baptisms, not only was their spiritual church family present to welcome each into Jesus' love circle, (Judy is a part of three different LIFE Groups!), but their physical families and extended families were there as well! Witnessing each new babe in Christ, alongside their close physical and spiritual family network, made me think of the old Southern saying, 'If you find a turtle on a fence post, you know it didn't get there by itself.' Donovan and Judy, my two precious one and a half converts! You did not arrive at your conversion alone; neither will you be alone in your ongoing walk in the Lord! Praise God for His Holy Spirit's enduring work in calling us, preparing us, convicting us, indwelling us, empowering us, maturing us, and setting us apart for the cause of Christ! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=40712 40712 Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:32:00 +0000 WHAT IS A HOLY SPIRIT GRACE GIFTS MIX? Please allow Dan Knight to give you his explanation from his book, Grace Gifts: 'Many churches lack an effective strategy for getting people involved in meaningful service. Part of the lack is caused by the misperception that 'if we plug people into the slots, they are involved in ministry.' This kind of approach is institutional, and not ministerial. It is focused on the church's programs and not on the individual's gifts. What God has equipped you to do, He expects you to do; what God expects us to do, He has equipped us to do. This principle applies to churches as well as individuals.' 'What would happen if a congregation of God's family (like Pitman), began with people's gifts in determining that congregation's calling? …Such a church is sending a message to the Spirit saying, 'Here we are! We're ready to do Your will, oh God!' 'Here are seven important steps to consider in order to implement a gifts-based strategy: Engage in a season of prayer. God's people must be prepared to participate in a different approach than the traditional one. Know that an approach based on giftedness is not a new program. People must be given access to a method for measuring their giftedness. A person or a team needs to take responsibility for helping people find uses for their gift mix. Ministry leaders need to be open to any influx of gifted individuals to serve beside them. A list of people and their giftedness should be kept on hand so that when new opportunities arise, appropriate people will receive a contact about such opportunities.' Presently, (here at Pitman), we have a list of over 80 members and their 'inventoried' Holy Spirit gift or gifts (grace gifts mix). If you would like to learn more, come join John Peoples and me for our first 'HOLY SPIRIT GRACE GIFTS' class this Wednesday night (March 20, 2013)! God is good! Mr. Steve WHAT IS A HOLY SPIRIT GRACE GIFTS MIX? Please allow Dan Knight to give you his explanation from his book, Grace Gifts: 'Many churches lack an effective strategy for getting people involved in meaningful service. Part of the lack is caused by the misperception that 'if we plug people into the slots, they are involved in ministry.' This kind of approach is institutional, and not ministerial. It is focused on the church's programs and not on the individual's gifts. What God has equipped you to do, He expects you to do; what God expects us to do, He has equipped us to do. This principle applies to churches as well as individuals.' 'What would happen if a congregation of God's family (like Pitman), began with people's gifts in determining that congregation's calling? …Such a church is sending a message to the Spirit saying, 'Here we are! We're ready to do Your will, oh God!' 'Here are seven important steps to consider in order to implement a gifts-based strategy: Engage in a season of prayer. God's people must be prepared to participate in a different approach than the traditional one. Know that an approach based on giftedness is not a new program. People must be given access to a method for measuring their giftedness. A person or a team needs to take responsibility for helping people find uses for their gift mix. Ministry leaders need to be open to any influx of gifted individuals to serve beside them. A list of people and their giftedness should be kept on hand so that when new opportunities arise, appropriate people will receive a contact about such opportunities.' Presently, (here at Pitman), we have a list of over 80 members and their 'inventoried' Holy Spirit gift or gifts (grace gifts mix). If you would like to learn more, come join John Peoples and me for our first 'HOLY SPIRIT GRACE GIFTS' class this Wednesday night (March 20, 2013)! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=40565 40565 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:53:00 +0000 Dear Dad, I truly don't have the words to tell you how much you mean to me – my identity as a man, husband and father; my self-esteem as a child of God; my purpose in life to bring the heavenly Father all glory and praise; and my witness and advocacy for family. O how much you have taught me, and how powerful has been your modeling of all the above! I praise God because of you, Dad! I was only 13 when you stood up before our church family and handled with grace a certain delicate situation. But I was and remain so proud of you! I believe you prevented a split in that southern church and were a direct answer to Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17. When you told us boys to wash/hose off our pig boots because it was time to get in the pickup and go to Sunday evening service – I was, again, impressed on how much your life was in sync with your teaching. Dad, you've always been a strong tower of faith, stability, and wisdom for me. Losing you… just thinking about it… immediately brings me to tears; tears for me but joy for you! I know in probably a short time you will hear, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant, well done. Enter now into the joy of your Lord.' Amen!! I am so proud of you, Dad, in how you have lived your life! I love and respect you like no other man. Few can say that their dad is their hero in so many areas, but I can! I've watched you live and love and work and work some more. I've witnessed your worship and your devotion to God and your 65+ year covenant commitment to God and Mom. You instilled in me a reverent and awesome fear of my Lord that drives me to my knees in adoration and prayer. Jesus in you has paved the way for Jesus in me. Thank you, Dad! To God be the glory! Great things He has done! God is good! Mr. Steve Dear Dad, I truly don't have the words to tell you how much you mean to me – my identity as a man, husband and father; my self-esteem as a child of God; my purpose in life to bring the heavenly Father all glory and praise; and my witness and advocacy for family. O how much you have taught me, and how powerful has been your modeling of all the above! I praise God because of you, Dad! I was only 13 when you stood up before our church family and handled with grace a certain delicate situation. But I was and remain so proud of you! I believe you prevented a split in that southern church and were a direct answer to Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17. When you told us boys to wash/hose off our pig boots because it was time to get in the pickup and go to Sunday evening service – I was, again, impressed on how much your life was in sync with your teaching. Dad, you've always been a strong tower of faith, stability, and wisdom for me. Losing you… just thinking about it… immediately brings me to tears; tears for me but joy for you! I know in probably a short time you will hear, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant, well done. Enter now into the joy of your Lord.' Amen!! I am so proud of you, Dad, in how you have lived your life! I love and respect you like no other man. Few can say that their dad is their hero in so many areas, but I can! I've watched you live and love and work and work some more. I've witnessed your worship and your devotion to God and your 65+ year covenant commitment to God and Mom. You instilled in me a reverent and awesome fear of my Lord that drives me to my knees in adoration and prayer. Jesus in you has paved the way for Jesus in me. Thank you, Dad! To God be the glory! Great things He has done! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=40443 40443 Fri, 8 Mar 2013 18:46:00 +0000 Lately I've been writing a series of Mr. Steve articles on HEARING GOD and obeying Him. The following article, although an old one, by Annie Chapman, seized my undivided attention: 'All alone, she sat in the back of the church. The rest of the 500women at the women's conference that weekend had already exitedthe auditorium. I was gathering up my books, papers, and propswhen I saw her at the back of the room.I walked over to where she was sitting; her head was bowed low,and her shoulders were drooping. I sat down, and she began totell me her story.She was the mother of three. Her oldest son, suffering frommuscular dystrophy, had been confined to a wheelchair for most ofhis 17 years. Her other two children had a variety of learningand emotional challenges.With her head still bent, she whispered, 'I'm married to a mean,hateful man who makes my life miserable. He won't help me withour son. He even refuses to help while I hold our son when hegoes to the bathroom.'I buried my father this week,' the woman continued. 'At thefuneral I learned that my father had disinherited me from hisestate because he hated my husband.'Then she told me something that still haunts me: 'I came thisweekend with one prayer,' she said. 'I asked God to kill myhusband. I prayed, 'Lord, I need a way out! I feel like a bird ina cage.''Finally she lifted her eyes and said, 'When I prayed that prayer,God spoke to me as clearly as I've ever sensed His voice. Hesaid, 'Even a bird in a cage sings.' 'With tears running down her face she asked, 'What am I supposedto do with that? How do I live with that answer?'Feeling utterly impotent, I replied, 'If God says, 'sing,' youneed to find your song.'' ----- HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR SONG? 'Surrounded by my enemies … I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy;I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.' Psalms 27:6 God is good! Mr. Steve Lately I've been writing a series of Mr. Steve articles on HEARING GOD and obeying Him. The following article, although an old one, by Annie Chapman, seized my undivided attention: 'All alone, she sat in the back of the church. The rest of the 500women at the women's conference that weekend had already exitedthe auditorium. I was gathering up my books, papers, and propswhen I saw her at the back of the room.I walked over to where she was sitting; her head was bowed low,and her shoulders were drooping. I sat down, and she began totell me her story.She was the mother of three. Her oldest son, suffering frommuscular dystrophy, had been confined to a wheelchair for most ofhis 17 years. Her other two children had a variety of learningand emotional challenges.With her head still bent, she whispered, 'I'm married to a mean,hateful man who makes my life miserable. He won't help me withour son. He even refuses to help while I hold our son when hegoes to the bathroom.'I buried my father this week,' the woman continued. 'At thefuneral I learned that my father had disinherited me from hisestate because he hated my husband.'Then she told me something that still haunts me: 'I came thisweekend with one prayer,' she said. 'I asked God to kill myhusband. I prayed, 'Lord, I need a way out! I feel like a bird ina cage.''Finally she lifted her eyes and said, 'When I prayed that prayer,God spoke to me as clearly as I've ever sensed His voice. Hesaid, 'Even a bird in a cage sings.' 'With tears running down her face she asked, 'What am I supposedto do with that? How do I live with that answer?'Feeling utterly impotent, I replied, 'If God says, 'sing,' youneed to find your song.'' ----- HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR SONG? 'Surrounded by my enemies … I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy;I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.' Psalms 27:6 God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=40406 40406 Thu, 7 Mar 2013 09:29:00 +0000 I visited with a mother of a seven year-old boy recently. She said she heard her son singing in the shower that very morning. When she asked him about it, he said he was really upset over something and made a decision to just sing to God! Amen! I have a lot to learn from this seven year-old shower-singer! One of my favorite 'singing in the shower' passages is Psalm 35. The psalmist appears to be continually dealing with those who are: contending with him; fighting against him; pursuing him; devising evil against him; repaying him evil for good; rejoicing when he stumbles; slandering him without ceasing; hating him without cause; and rejoicing at his distress. Yet in all of this, the psalmist proclaims, '…my tongue shall declare Thy righteousness and Thy praise all day long (Psalm 35:28).' Wow! However, as impressive as Psalm 35 is, I find it equally encouraging to hear of a seven year-old boy, in the midst of difficulties, singing, 'The Lord Has a Will!' 'The Lord has a will, and I have a needTo follow that will, to humbly be stillTo rest in it, nest in it,Fully be blessed in it, following my Father's will. I need you Lord; in all I do. You're always there to see me through.I can't get by unless I lean on you, Lord. Your love, Lord, is in my heart. You wrote it there; it won't depart.It lights my way and keeps me out of the dark. I thank you, Lord, Your Word is sown into my life, and there it's grown;It's roots go deep where living waters are known. The Lord has a will, and I have a needTo follow that will, to humbly be stillTo rest in it, nest in it,Fully be blessed in it, following my Father's will.' Oftentimes we lead and pray our children follow, but sometimes children lead and we are convicted to follow! For such a time as this! God is good! Mr. Steve I visited with a mother of a seven year-old boy recently. She said she heard her son singing in the shower that very morning. When she asked him about it, he said he was really upset over something and made a decision to just sing to God! Amen! I have a lot to learn from this seven year-old shower-singer! One of my favorite 'singing in the shower' passages is Psalm 35. The psalmist appears to be continually dealing with those who are: contending with him; fighting against him; pursuing him; devising evil against him; repaying him evil for good; rejoicing when he stumbles; slandering him without ceasing; hating him without cause; and rejoicing at his distress. Yet in all of this, the psalmist proclaims, '…my tongue shall declare Thy righteousness and Thy praise all day long (Psalm 35:28).' Wow! However, as impressive as Psalm 35 is, I find it equally encouraging to hear of a seven year-old boy, in the midst of difficulties, singing, 'The Lord Has a Will!' 'The Lord has a will, and I have a needTo follow that will, to humbly be stillTo rest in it, nest in it,Fully be blessed in it, following my Father's will. I need you Lord; in all I do. You're always there to see me through.I can't get by unless I lean on you, Lord. Your love, Lord, is in my heart. You wrote it there; it won't depart.It lights my way and keeps me out of the dark. I thank you, Lord, Your Word is sown into my life, and there it's grown;It's roots go deep where living waters are known. The Lord has a will, and I have a needTo follow that will, to humbly be stillTo rest in it, nest in it,Fully be blessed in it, following my Father's will.' Oftentimes we lead and pray our children follow, but sometimes children lead and we are convicted to follow! For such a time as this! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=40036 40036 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:10:00 +0000 'Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday. Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam...' (Movie: The Princess Bride) Since this Thursday is Valentine's Day, and since our modern culture esteems romantic interlude higher than fidelity and marriage, the following research is presented for your consideration: Married people have a healthier lifestyle. People who are married tend to avoid more harmful behaviors than do single, divorced, or widowed persons. Married people live longer. Married people live several years longer than do single, divorced, or widowed persons. Married people have more satisfying sexual relationships than single or cohabiting individuals. Married people are happier. Married couples are happier than single men and women and report far less depression and anxiety than single, divorced, or widowed individuals. In addition, married women are much less likely to suffer abuse than cohabiting or never-married women. Married women also report less conflict and greater love and intimacy than their unmarried counterparts. Married people have more wealth and economic assets. Because married couples can pool their economic resources, they tend to be wealthier. Children generally do better in a two-parent home. Children from two-parent homes tend to be more emotionally healthy and achieve better academically than children from divorced homes. As teenagers, they are half as likely to drop out of school, they have higher grades, and they are less likely to have an unwed pregnancy. Society benefits when children are raised within a family. Communities with more married-parent families have lower rates of substance abuse and crime among their young people. David H. Olson, et al, Find Your Relationship Strengths: The Couple Checkup (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2008). Timothy Keller in his book, The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God, shares, 'The Bible begins with a wedding (Adam and Eve) and ends in the book of Revelation with a wedding (Christ and the church). Marriage is God's idea.' He defines marriage as, 'A lifelong, monogamous relationship between a man and a woman… to reflect (God's) saving love for us in Christ, to refine our character, to create stable human community for the birth and nurture of children, and to accomplish all this by bringing the complementary sexes into an enduring whole-life union.' Let's hear it for the difficult… the refining… yet wondrously rewarding mystery of…'Mawage!' God is good! Mr. Steve 'Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday. Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam...' (Movie: The Princess Bride) Since this Thursday is Valentine's Day, and since our modern culture esteems romantic interlude higher than fidelity and marriage, the following research is presented for your consideration: Married people have a healthier lifestyle. People who are married tend to avoid more harmful behaviors than do single, divorced, or widowed persons. Married people live longer. Married people live several years longer than do single, divorced, or widowed persons. Married people have more satisfying sexual relationships than single or cohabiting individuals. Married people are happier. Married couples are happier than single men and women and report far less depression and anxiety than single, divorced, or widowed individuals. In addition, married women are much less likely to suffer abuse than cohabiting or never-married women. Married women also report less conflict and greater love and intimacy than their unmarried counterparts. Married people have more wealth and economic assets. Because married couples can pool their economic resources, they tend to be wealthier. Children generally do better in a two-parent home. Children from two-parent homes tend to be more emotionally healthy and achieve better academically than children from divorced homes. As teenagers, they are half as likely to drop out of school, they have higher grades, and they are less likely to have an unwed pregnancy. Society benefits when children are raised within a family. Communities with more married-parent families have lower rates of substance abuse and crime among their young people. David H. Olson, et al, Find Your Relationship Strengths: The Couple Checkup (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2008). Timothy Keller in his book, The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God, shares, 'The Bible begins with a wedding (Adam and Eve) and ends in the book of Revelation with a wedding (Christ and the church). Marriage is God's idea.' He defines marriage as, 'A lifelong, monogamous relationship between a man and a woman… to reflect (God's) saving love for us in Christ, to refine our character, to create stable human community for the birth and nurture of children, and to accomplish all this by bringing the complementary sexes into an enduring whole-life union.' Let's hear it for the difficult… the refining… yet wondrously rewarding mystery of…'Mawage!' God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=39810 39810 Thu, 7 Feb 2013 18:40:00 +0000 For almost 50 years, the NFC and AFC champions have played each other to determine the best team in professional football. This football game has come to be known as the SUPER BOWL! Winterfest is a three-day youth event held in Gatlinburg, TN specifically focused on helping teens grow in their faith. It is the largest gathering of teens from the Churches of Christ. NOW WHAT DO THESE TWO EVENTS HAVE IN COMMON? BOTH ARE HELD (this year) IN FEBRUARY! SUPER BOWL XLVII is today, February 3, and Winterfest is the weekend of the 15th -17th! BOTH HAVE COACHES (this year) WHO ARE BROTHERS! SUPER BOWL XLVII has the Harbaugh brothers: John Harbaugh, coach of the Baltimore Ravens, is the older brother of Jim Harbough, coach of the San Francisco 49ers; Brother Tim Davis, and his lovely 'assistant', Melody, have long been the 'coaches' of the Pitman Road Teen Group! BOTH HAVE A PRICE TAG! The average cost of one CBS SUPER BOWL XLVII 30-second ad spot this year is 4 million dollars!; the average cost to send one teen to Winterfest this year is $148. (FREE AD: 'If you can help with $ in any way, see Tim!') BOTH PLAYERS AND PARTICIPANTS WILL ARRIVE ON A BUS! We of course have the best bus driver ever! For many years, Dwight Thompson, one of our shepherds, (supported by his lovely bride, Mary Lea) has driven our teens and adult sponsors to Gatlinburg, TN and back! BOTH HAVE A THEME! Winterfest 2013's theme is centered on Jesus: 'THE WAY'; On the other hand, the theme for this year's Super Bowl will (again) NOT be centered on Jesus (or football, for that matter) and will portray many things that are NOT THE WAY! Who says, 'Sex, pleasure and a few laughs can sell about anything?' Just watch a few Super Bowl commercials and the halftime show! I applaud our teens and adults who annually make the Winterfest trip to TN in February! You are my SUPER BOWL HEROES OF FAITH! To the rest of us: 'Oh, be careful little eyes what we see!' God is good! Mr. Steve For almost 50 years, the NFC and AFC champions have played each other to determine the best team in professional football. This football game has come to be known as the SUPER BOWL! Winterfest is a three-day youth event held in Gatlinburg, TN specifically focused on helping teens grow in their faith. It is the largest gathering of teens from the Churches of Christ. NOW WHAT DO THESE TWO EVENTS HAVE IN COMMON? BOTH ARE HELD (this year) IN FEBRUARY! SUPER BOWL XLVII is today, February 3, and Winterfest is the weekend of the 15th -17th! BOTH HAVE COACHES (this year) WHO ARE BROTHERS! SUPER BOWL XLVII has the Harbaugh brothers: John Harbaugh, coach of the Baltimore Ravens, is the older brother of Jim Harbough, coach of the San Francisco 49ers; Brother Tim Davis, and his lovely 'assistant', Melody, have long been the 'coaches' of the Pitman Road Teen Group! BOTH HAVE A PRICE TAG! The average cost of one CBS SUPER BOWL XLVII 30-second ad spot this year is 4 million dollars!; the average cost to send one teen to Winterfest this year is $148. (FREE AD: 'If you can help with $ in any way, see Tim!') BOTH PLAYERS AND PARTICIPANTS WILL ARRIVE ON A BUS! We of course have the best bus driver ever! For many years, Dwight Thompson, one of our shepherds, (supported by his lovely bride, Mary Lea) has driven our teens and adult sponsors to Gatlinburg, TN and back! BOTH HAVE A THEME! Winterfest 2013's theme is centered on Jesus: 'THE WAY'; On the other hand, the theme for this year's Super Bowl will (again) NOT be centered on Jesus (or football, for that matter) and will portray many things that are NOT THE WAY! Who says, 'Sex, pleasure and a few laughs can sell about anything?' Just watch a few Super Bowl commercials and the halftime show! I applaud our teens and adults who annually make the Winterfest trip to TN in February! You are my SUPER BOWL HEROES OF FAITH! To the rest of us: 'Oh, be careful little eyes what we see!' God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=39704 39704 Sun, 3 Feb 2013 20:58:00 +0000 It was spring, 1973, and I was just returning to my college dorm room after a day of classes. Waiting at my door for my arrival was one of my college professors, Dr. Nyal D. Royse. After greeting one another he asked, 'Steve, may I talk to you about something personal?' 'Sure' I said, 'Come on in.' After entering, Dr. Royse almost whispered, 'Steve, I don't want to embarrass you or hurt your feelings in any way, but I would really like to take you downtown and buy you a brand-new pair of shoes.' Somewhat confused, I replied, 'That's really nice of you, Dr. Royse, but why would you want to do that?' He explained that since I sat on the third row, three chairs back in his Educational Psychology class, he had a perfect view of what I wore. And every Thursday I was dressed in an old COOP cap, green coveralls, and a dilapidated pair of green tennis shoes! I walked over and pulled back my Harding closet door revealing several nice pair of shoes, and a rack of slacks and shirts, to which he exclaimed, 'Steve why don't you wear these to class?' I readily explained to him that every Thursday was my self-proclaimed 'Farmer's Day' in which I wore the same timeworn outfit in honor of being raised on a farm. Dr. Royse gave me that big ol' smile of his and just said, 'Ahhhh.' A little over a year later, Dr. Royse heard that Patti and I had married and were looking for a refrigerator. He loaned us his antique frig with a wheel for a handle. Praise God! Dr. Royse seemed to always be there for me with his servant heart and positive encouragement. While meditating this morning I asked God to bring to mind someone in my past, besides my family, whose life had pointed me to Him! The first name that surfaced: Dr. Nyal D. Royse! WHO POINTED YOU TO GOD? God is good! Mr. Steve P.s. Dear church family, like Dr. Royse, your ongoing servant hearts and positive encouragements, plus, your over-the-top generosity (always at just the right time) point the Sikes' to God! We love you!! It was spring, 1973, and I was just returning to my college dorm room after a day of classes. Waiting at my door for my arrival was one of my college professors, Dr. Nyal D. Royse. After greeting one another he asked, 'Steve, may I talk to you about something personal?' 'Sure' I said, 'Come on in.' After entering, Dr. Royse almost whispered, 'Steve, I don't want to embarrass you or hurt your feelings in any way, but I would really like to take you downtown and buy you a brand-new pair of shoes.' Somewhat confused, I replied, 'That's really nice of you, Dr. Royse, but why would you want to do that?' He explained that since I sat on the third row, three chairs back in his Educational Psychology class, he had a perfect view of what I wore. And every Thursday I was dressed in an old COOP cap, green coveralls, and a dilapidated pair of green tennis shoes! I walked over and pulled back my Harding closet door revealing several nice pair of shoes, and a rack of slacks and shirts, to which he exclaimed, 'Steve why don't you wear these to class?' I readily explained to him that every Thursday was my self-proclaimed 'Farmer's Day' in which I wore the same timeworn outfit in honor of being raised on a farm. Dr. Royse gave me that big ol' smile of his and just said, 'Ahhhh.' A little over a year later, Dr. Royse heard that Patti and I had married and were looking for a refrigerator. He loaned us his antique frig with a wheel for a handle. Praise God! Dr. Royse seemed to always be there for me with his servant heart and positive encouragement. While meditating this morning I asked God to bring to mind someone in my past, besides my family, whose life had pointed me to Him! The first name that surfaced: Dr. Nyal D. Royse! WHO POINTED YOU TO GOD? God is good! Mr. Steve P.s. Dear church family, like Dr. Royse, your ongoing servant hearts and positive encouragements, plus, your over-the-top generosity (always at just the right time) point the Sikes' to God! We love you!! http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=39535 39535 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:25:00 +0000 When I was in the 5th or 6th grade, our Hollis, Oklahoma church family invited a well-known radio broadcast speaker to come and hold a week-long gospel meeting. The speaker's name was Verna Elisha (V.E.) Howard. I don't recall a lot of what Brother Howard said, but I do remember him repeating the same phrase throughout all his lessons, 'Are you listening?' In fact, Brother Howard's biography states that the words, 'Are you listening?' are even engraved on his tombstone under his name! Now, almost 50 years later, I'm still asking myself the question, 'Steve, are you listening?' And, Steve, 'Are you hearing what the Spirit is saying to you?' 'Have you prayed for bigger spiritual ears and a more tender heart to hear?' 'Are you growing indifferent or are you becoming more open and transparent in listening to the Lord?' Even yesterday I asked, 'What did Dan Knight share this past weekend in his seminar that you, Steve, especially needed to hear?' The answer: 'WHEN I PASS THROUGH THE FIRE, I WILL NOT BE CONSUMED! Like a burning bush that is not consumed, 'God's grace is a strong and compelling thing that will take us THROUGH the fire!' Amen! Our class on Wednesday night, 'Hearing God,' has been a shot in the arm for me. I so want to be more open in what God wants me to hear and know. In all the noise around me, my desire is to grow in the discipline of being quiet and still before my Father (Psalm 46:10). Of course the most necessary step after hearing God is to obey! 'And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32).' What is God saying to you right now? 'Are you listening?' God is good! Mr. Steve When I was in the 5th or 6th grade, our Hollis, Oklahoma church family invited a well-known radio broadcast speaker to come and hold a week-long gospel meeting. The speaker's name was Verna Elisha (V.E.) Howard. I don't recall a lot of what Brother Howard said, but I do remember him repeating the same phrase throughout all his lessons, 'Are you listening?' In fact, Brother Howard's biography states that the words, 'Are you listening?' are even engraved on his tombstone under his name! Now, almost 50 years later, I'm still asking myself the question, 'Steve, are you listening?' And, Steve, 'Are you hearing what the Spirit is saying to you?' 'Have you prayed for bigger spiritual ears and a more tender heart to hear?' 'Are you growing indifferent or are you becoming more open and transparent in listening to the Lord?' Even yesterday I asked, 'What did Dan Knight share this past weekend in his seminar that you, Steve, especially needed to hear?' The answer: 'WHEN I PASS THROUGH THE FIRE, I WILL NOT BE CONSUMED! Like a burning bush that is not consumed, 'God's grace is a strong and compelling thing that will take us THROUGH the fire!' Amen! Our class on Wednesday night, 'Hearing God,' has been a shot in the arm for me. I so want to be more open in what God wants me to hear and know. In all the noise around me, my desire is to grow in the discipline of being quiet and still before my Father (Psalm 46:10). Of course the most necessary step after hearing God is to obey! 'And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32).' What is God saying to you right now? 'Are you listening?' God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=39439 39439 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 16:12:00 +0000 Last month, the day after our Crystal was married, our family gathered in a Michigan motel room and sang and worshipped our Lord together. Near the end of our time, Jordan turned to me and said, 'Dad, do you have anything you would like to say?' The Spirit moved me to open my journal and read aloud 5 letters – one to Patti and to each of our four children, that I had written several months prior to the December wedding. It was truly humbling to see how powerfully those letters of blessing impacted my family and to know beyond a doubt that God willed it so! If God were to take you home today…. what would your wife and children hold in their hands tomorrow that would let them know that they were the treasures of your life? You are invited on a journey… a journey to leave a legacy of Faith, Hope and Love through the lost art of letter writing. All Dads and 'wannabe's' are invited to join us on Saturday, February 2, at 3:00 pm here at the Pitman Road church building! This is OUR KICKOFF date (a day before the Super Bowl), filled with hamburgers and hotdogs and some important information on how you can get started on the Letters from Dad curriculum. The Plan: following our kickoff grill-meal and information get-together (2/2/13), we will meet once a month for four months. During these four sessions, you will learn how to write 5 specific types of letters, and how to give the 'Spoken Blessing' to your wife, children and grandchildren. In addition you will: Learn to write and say the things you have always wanted to say but just didn't know how. Leave treasured letters of love that will be read long after you are gone. Build deep and lasting relationships with other men. Our heavenly Father left us a book of love letters called the Bible. We invite you to leave your book of love letters called… Letters from Dad! God is good! Mr. Steve 'Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love (1Cor 16:13-14).' Last month, the day after our Crystal was married, our family gathered in a Michigan motel room and sang and worshipped our Lord together. Near the end of our time, Jordan turned to me and said, 'Dad, do you have anything you would like to say?' The Spirit moved me to open my journal and read aloud 5 letters – one to Patti and to each of our four children, that I had written several months prior to the December wedding. It was truly humbling to see how powerfully those letters of blessing impacted my family and to know beyond a doubt that God willed it so! If God were to take you home today…. what would your wife and children hold in their hands tomorrow that would let them know that they were the treasures of your life? You are invited on a journey… a journey to leave a legacy of Faith, Hope and Love through the lost art of letter writing. All Dads and 'wannabe's' are invited to join us on Saturday, February 2, at 3:00 pm here at the Pitman Road church building! This is OUR KICKOFF date (a day before the Super Bowl), filled with hamburgers and hotdogs and some important information on how you can get started on the Letters from Dad curriculum. The Plan: following our kickoff grill-meal and information get-together (2/2/13), we will meet once a month for four months. During these four sessions, you will learn how to write 5 specific types of letters, and how to give the 'Spoken Blessing' to your wife, children and grandchildren. In addition you will: Learn to write and say the things you have always wanted to say but just didn't know how. Leave treasured letters of love that will be read long after you are gone. Build deep and lasting relationships with other men. Our heavenly Father left us a book of love letters called the Bible. We invite you to leave your book of love letters called… Letters from Dad! God is good! Mr. Steve 'Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love (1Cor 16:13-14).' http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=39138 39138 Fri, 4 Jan 2013 16:10:00 +0000 'LIVING, HE loved me DYING, HE saved me BURIED, HE carried my sins far away; RISING, HE justified freely forever ONE DAY HE'S COMING…………….OH GLORIOUS DAY!' (John Wilbur Chapman 1859-1918) According to Larry Point, the Bible can be summarized by the words: 'SOMEONE IS COMING; SOMEONE CAME; SOMEONE IS COMING BACK!' OH GLORIOUS DAY!!! GOD IS GOOD! Mr Steve 'LIVING, HE loved me DYING, HE saved me BURIED, HE carried my sins far away; RISING, HE justified freely forever ONE DAY HE'S COMING…………….OH GLORIOUS DAY!' (John Wilbur Chapman 1859-1918) According to Larry Point, the Bible can be summarized by the words: 'SOMEONE IS COMING; SOMEONE CAME; SOMEONE IS COMING BACK!' OH GLORIOUS DAY!!! GOD IS GOOD! Mr Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=39016 39016 Wed, 26 Dec 2012 17:18:00 +0000 I've loved our study these past few months in Romans! One passage especially stands out reminding me of our own church culture: Romans 12:9-21!1.It's OK to have and share your problems with others2. How you look on the outside is not as important as how you are on the inside3. You can talk about your feelings because our church is a safe place4. There is an emphasis on John 4:24 (doctrinally pure but also Spirit-filled)5. You are expected to be close to someone6. There is not a division between clergy and laity7. There is not an expectation of the preacher's wives and families8. Your service to God is expected to be joyful and pleasurable9. You are allowed to make your own decisions about a lot of things 10.We expect to be a loving church and do things in a loving way 11.We expect people to come to faith when we live and interact with them 12.We celebrate/affirm others as much as possible 13.Women's role as leaders is celebrated 14.If God is calling you to ___________ – we want you to have the opportunity 15.We encourage a team leadership concept 16.There are no boundaries/lines drawn; acceptance of everyone no matter their worldly status 17.All of our leadership is highly accessible 18.New comers are assimilated as quickly as possible so that they feel they belong and feel some sense of ownership 19.New comers are not a 'threat' to the family; leaders model immediate acceptance 20.We sponsor people (i.e. 'Have you met so and so; she/he does _________')' 21.Older women are expected to teach younger women 22.We don't focus on church growth; we focus on church health 23.We give volunteers all the time they need 24.We major in the majors and minor in the minors 25.We are a great commission church known for her love, service and giving (This list was shared with me over five years ago by Dan and Katherine Cooper after Patti and I first moved to Pitman.) God is good! Mr. Steve I've loved our study these past few months in Romans! One passage especially stands out reminding me of our own church culture: Romans 12:9-21!1.It's OK to have and share your problems with others2. How you look on the outside is not as important as how you are on the inside3. You can talk about your feelings because our church is a safe place4. There is an emphasis on John 4:24 (doctrinally pure but also Spirit-filled)5. You are expected to be close to someone6. There is not a division between clergy and laity7. There is not an expectation of the preacher's wives and families8. Your service to God is expected to be joyful and pleasurable9. You are allowed to make your own decisions about a lot of things 10.We expect to be a loving church and do things in a loving way 11.We expect people to come to faith when we live and interact with them 12.We celebrate/affirm others as much as possible 13.Women's role as leaders is celebrated 14.If God is calling you to ___________ – we want you to have the opportunity 15.We encourage a team leadership concept 16.There are no boundaries/lines drawn; acceptance of everyone no matter their worldly status 17.All of our leadership is highly accessible 18.New comers are assimilated as quickly as possible so that they feel they belong and feel some sense of ownership 19.New comers are not a 'threat' to the family; leaders model immediate acceptance 20.We sponsor people (i.e. 'Have you met so and so; she/he does _________')' 21.Older women are expected to teach younger women 22.We don't focus on church growth; we focus on church health 23.We give volunteers all the time they need 24.We major in the majors and minor in the minors 25.We are a great commission church known for her love, service and giving (This list was shared with me over five years ago by Dan and Katherine Cooper after Patti and I first moved to Pitman.) God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=38883 38883 Sat, 15 Dec 2012 13:32:00 +0000 I told my youngest daughter it wasn't a good idea, but she wouldn't listen. I expressed to her I wouldn't be able to handle it, but she planned it anyway! THE PLAN? As the father of the bride, I was to be ushered into a private room and witness our Crystal in her pre-wedding radiance and glory before walking her down the aisle! I was led to her dressing room and encouraged to enter. As I opened the door and beheld my little girl adorned in all her wedding attire, I lost it! I absolutely fell apart. I cried. I sobbed. And then, to make matters 'worse,' Crystal handed me a gift and a hand-written letter of love, friendship and thankfulness – and I cried some more! Why all the emotion? Years of praying, years of planning, years of journeying through various ups and downs, joys and heartaches – all collided into one packed moment in time! My love and cherished feelings for my daughter surpassed and overwhelmed me! I found myself jubilant in her joy of marrying such a godly man, a close friend… long before a bridegroom! And I was proud of their realized commitment to sexual purity and holy oneness. William Shakespeare is quoted as saying, 'God, the best maker of all marriages, combine your hearts in one.' Amen! Ten minutes later, thru blurred vision, rubbery legs and quivering chin, I walked my daughter down the aisle. Behold the Bride! As the unveiling of Revelation explodes to its climax, the reader is invited into a special 'room' to behold the bride of the Lamb! Listen to the invitation: 'Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb…The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost …The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.' Revelation 21:9; 22:17, 21 God is good all the time! Mr. Steve I told my youngest daughter it wasn't a good idea, but she wouldn't listen. I expressed to her I wouldn't be able to handle it, but she planned it anyway! THE PLAN? As the father of the bride, I was to be ushered into a private room and witness our Crystal in her pre-wedding radiance and glory before walking her down the aisle! I was led to her dressing room and encouraged to enter. As I opened the door and beheld my little girl adorned in all her wedding attire, I lost it! I absolutely fell apart. I cried. I sobbed. And then, to make matters 'worse,' Crystal handed me a gift and a hand-written letter of love, friendship and thankfulness – and I cried some more! Why all the emotion? Years of praying, years of planning, years of journeying through various ups and downs, joys and heartaches – all collided into one packed moment in time! My love and cherished feelings for my daughter surpassed and overwhelmed me! I found myself jubilant in her joy of marrying such a godly man, a close friend… long before a bridegroom! And I was proud of their realized commitment to sexual purity and holy oneness. William Shakespeare is quoted as saying, 'God, the best maker of all marriages, combine your hearts in one.' Amen! Ten minutes later, thru blurred vision, rubbery legs and quivering chin, I walked my daughter down the aisle. Behold the Bride! As the unveiling of Revelation explodes to its climax, the reader is invited into a special 'room' to behold the bride of the Lamb! Listen to the invitation: 'Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb…The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost …The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.' Revelation 21:9; 22:17, 21 God is good all the time! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=38775 38775 Sat, 8 Dec 2012 16:34:00 +0000 I AM SO THANKFUL for the blessing of having been able to co-teach (with Charlie Peterson) the High School Sunday morning Bible Class these last three months! Our teens are definitely some of the best servant-hearted people on the planet! As a class, we each committed to read a certain section of the Bible so that together we could cover the entire Bible in three months! Our primary purpose was not, however, to read the entire Bible in ¼ of a year. Our major mission was to come to a better understanding of the nature of God – no matter what section of Scripture we were studying, New or Old Testament! Knowing God and His Son more fully IS an eternal life (John 17:3) experience! Below is a sample of what the teens shared from their readings on the nature of God: GOD IS… A MIRACLE WORKER (Matthew); RIGHT (Psalms); SPIRIT (John); AN ANSWERER OF PRAYER (1 Chronicles); PEACE (Philippians); ALMIGHTY! SOVEREIGN! OMNIPOTENT! (Revelation); A LOVER OF HUMILITY (Philippians); A GOD WHO REMEMBERS! OMNISCIENT! (Hosea); WISE! (Ecclesiastes); JUST (Hosea/2Kings); A GOD OF UNITY (Ezra); CARING (2 Corinthians); PROTECTING (Daniel); JEALOUS (Isaiah); FAITHFUL (Deuteronomy); LOVE (Psalms/1 John); FORGIVING (Isaiah/Jeremiah); PURPOSEFUL (Ecclesiastes); A GUIDE TO THE HUMBLE (Psalms); THE LEADER (Micah); MIGHTY TO SAVE (Zephaniah); MAGNIFICIENT! A TESTER (2Timothy); TEACHER/DIRECTOR (Isaiah 48:17); TRUE (Psalm 97:9); BLESSER/BLESSES (2 Chronicles); HOLY (Leviticus); RELIABLE (Isaiah); A REDEEMER A HEALER (Matthew); A PLANNER (1 Thessalonians); OUR STRONGHOLD (Psalms); THE KEEPER OF PROMISES (Genesis/1Chronicles); WRATHFUL (Psalms/Jeremiah); COMING SOON (I Thessalonians); ENTHRONED FOREVER (Psalms); THERE FOR YOU (Matthew); OMNIPRESENT (Isaiah); WEIRD (Jonah); MYSTERIOUS (Colossians); FAIR (Genesis); FAMILY ORIENTED (Colossians); A DISCIPLINARIAN (Numbers); GRACE (1Peter); JUST (Isaiah); PRESENT IN HIS HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians/Philippians); SLOW TO ANGER (Minor Prophets); GREAT IN POWER (Nahum); IMMORTAL! INVISITBLE! THE ONLY WISE GOD! (1 Tim 1:17); A FORWARD THINKER (Ruth); A REFUGE (Nahum); WITH US/OUR HELP (Isaiah 41:10); GOOD! (Psalms); TRIUNE (Genesis/John); RELATIONAL (John); KIND & SEVERE (Romans 11:22); A CONNECTOR (Ephesians); A SERVANT (John 13); ABLE (Daniel 3/Ephesians 3:20/Jude 24). 'GOD IS DEEPER THAN OUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HIM, GREATER THAN OUR THEOLOGY OF HIM, AND BETTER THAN OUR EXPERIENCE IN HIM!' GOD IS GOOD! Mr. Steve I AM SO THANKFUL for the blessing of having been able to co-teach (with Charlie Peterson) the High School Sunday morning Bible Class these last three months! Our teens are definitely some of the best servant-hearted people on the planet! As a class, we each committed to read a certain section of the Bible so that together we could cover the entire Bible in three months! Our primary purpose was not, however, to read the entire Bible in ¼ of a year. Our major mission was to come to a better understanding of the nature of God – no matter what section of Scripture we were studying, New or Old Testament! Knowing God and His Son more fully IS an eternal life (John 17:3) experience! Below is a sample of what the teens shared from their readings on the nature of God: GOD IS… A MIRACLE WORKER (Matthew); RIGHT (Psalms); SPIRIT (John); AN ANSWERER OF PRAYER (1 Chronicles); PEACE (Philippians); ALMIGHTY! SOVEREIGN! OMNIPOTENT! (Revelation); A LOVER OF HUMILITY (Philippians); A GOD WHO REMEMBERS! OMNISCIENT! (Hosea); WISE! (Ecclesiastes); JUST (Hosea/2Kings); A GOD OF UNITY (Ezra); CARING (2 Corinthians); PROTECTING (Daniel); JEALOUS (Isaiah); FAITHFUL (Deuteronomy); LOVE (Psalms/1 John); FORGIVING (Isaiah/Jeremiah); PURPOSEFUL (Ecclesiastes); A GUIDE TO THE HUMBLE (Psalms); THE LEADER (Micah); MIGHTY TO SAVE (Zephaniah); MAGNIFICIENT! A TESTER (2Timothy); TEACHER/DIRECTOR (Isaiah 48:17); TRUE (Psalm 97:9); BLESSER/BLESSES (2 Chronicles); HOLY (Leviticus); RELIABLE (Isaiah); A REDEEMER A HEALER (Matthew); A PLANNER (1 Thessalonians); OUR STRONGHOLD (Psalms); THE KEEPER OF PROMISES (Genesis/1Chronicles); WRATHFUL (Psalms/Jeremiah); COMING SOON (I Thessalonians); ENTHRONED FOREVER (Psalms); THERE FOR YOU (Matthew); OMNIPRESENT (Isaiah); WEIRD (Jonah); MYSTERIOUS (Colossians); FAIR (Genesis); FAMILY ORIENTED (Colossians); A DISCIPLINARIAN (Numbers); GRACE (1Peter); JUST (Isaiah); PRESENT IN HIS HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians/Philippians); SLOW TO ANGER (Minor Prophets); GREAT IN POWER (Nahum); IMMORTAL! INVISITBLE! THE ONLY WISE GOD! (1 Tim 1:17); A FORWARD THINKER (Ruth); A REFUGE (Nahum); WITH US/OUR HELP (Isaiah 41:10); GOOD! (Psalms); TRIUNE (Genesis/John); RELATIONAL (John); KIND & SEVERE (Romans 11:22); A CONNECTOR (Ephesians); A SERVANT (John 13); ABLE (Daniel 3/Ephesians 3:20/Jude 24). 'GOD IS DEEPER THAN OUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HIM, GREATER THAN OUR THEOLOGY OF HIM, AND BETTER THAN OUR EXPERIENCE IN HIM!' GOD IS GOOD! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=38544 38544 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:47:00 +0000 This month has been a good month of reading for me, not just the Bible but other books as well. Dr. Timothy Keller has become one of my favorite modern-day authors! Reading 'The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism' has blessed me greatly as has another book of Keller's, 'The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian faith.' I've always associated the word 'prodigal' with the youngest son in Luke 15 or more recently (8 years ago) with the older brother. But I had never associated this word with God! GOD AS A PRODIGAL? No way! Yet, Keller has convinced me that WE DO HAVE A PRODIGAL GOD! The word 'prodigal' literally means reckless and extravagant. The youngest son was reckless and extravagant with his decision to ask for his inheritance before his Father was even dead! He was reckless and extravagant with the way he spent his (Father's) money. Yes. The younger son was definitely a reckless and extravagant son and so was his older brother in his abundance of pride and self-righteous piety! But, how was the Father reckless and extravagant? With his giving! With his love! With his girding himself and running toward and embracing and kissing his wayward scented son! The Father was extravagant with his forgiveness, and even with his pursuing and petitioning the older son to join in on the celebration of his lost, now found, younger brother! Extravagant! PRODIGAL is also the word I would use for our youngest daughter's Bridal shower last Sunday! The decor was extravagant! The set up and food were extravagant! The individually boxed, hand-made 'Designs by Francine' chocolates were extravagant! The entire shower of love and gifts was extravagant! Thank you, Andrea, for taking the lead in giving our Crystal an extravagant shower, and for all of you ladies who helped, served, sacrificed to honor our daughter and family. We are humbled, indebted and so, so thankful! Pitman Road Church of Christ – A 'PRODIGAL' (EXTRAVAGANT) CHURCH! God is good! Mr. Steve This month has been a good month of reading for me, not just the Bible but other books as well. Dr. Timothy Keller has become one of my favorite modern-day authors! Reading 'The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism' has blessed me greatly as has another book of Keller's, 'The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian faith.' I've always associated the word 'prodigal' with the youngest son in Luke 15 or more recently (8 years ago) with the older brother. But I had never associated this word with God! GOD AS A PRODIGAL? No way! Yet, Keller has convinced me that WE DO HAVE A PRODIGAL GOD! The word 'prodigal' literally means reckless and extravagant. The youngest son was reckless and extravagant with his decision to ask for his inheritance before his Father was even dead! He was reckless and extravagant with the way he spent his (Father's) money. Yes. The younger son was definitely a reckless and extravagant son and so was his older brother in his abundance of pride and self-righteous piety! But, how was the Father reckless and extravagant? With his giving! With his love! With his girding himself and running toward and embracing and kissing his wayward scented son! The Father was extravagant with his forgiveness, and even with his pursuing and petitioning the older son to join in on the celebration of his lost, now found, younger brother! Extravagant! PRODIGAL is also the word I would use for our youngest daughter's Bridal shower last Sunday! The decor was extravagant! The set up and food were extravagant! The individually boxed, hand-made 'Designs by Francine' chocolates were extravagant! The entire shower of love and gifts was extravagant! Thank you, Andrea, for taking the lead in giving our Crystal an extravagant shower, and for all of you ladies who helped, served, sacrificed to honor our daughter and family. We are humbled, indebted and so, so thankful! Pitman Road Church of Christ – A 'PRODIGAL' (EXTRAVAGANT) CHURCH! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=38428 38428 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 05:52:00 +0000 Your mother and I have prayed for you since before you were born. Yes, we prayed for your health, having two hands and two feet, etc., but we also began a 25-year prayer for your spiritual health, for you to fall in love with the LORD. At the same time, we began praying for your mate-to-be (if you chose to marry), that he would also love the Lord, be a man of strong faith, and high moral character. Well, your health has thrown you a few curve balls, but your future mate, is a grand slam! Shane truly is above and beyond our asking! Of course, God tells us that 'He is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think…' and He did! We are elated in your (God's) choice of your husband-to-be and have already seen Shane's gentle, guiding influence in your life and decisions. I never thought you would be able to live with a Dave Ramsey envelope containing a monthly allowance of only $5 spending on clothes! Go God! Today is your bridal shower! Tables with pink and gray (elegant country) table cloths and arrangements are already set up in the foyer, all signifying your wedding on the near horizon. I'm already getting nostalgic and teary-eyed thinking about it. I'm glad your older brother is performing the ceremony and not me; I wouldn't make it through. I want you to know how much I love you and am so proud to be your daddy! You've grown up into a beautiful woman of faith. I love your passion to serve, teach and assist children in their living and learning, especially those with special needs; truly a God-thing. My last bit of advice before you marry: continually give God your heart, trusting Him and His timing; be kind to your man; major in serving others; and come back and sit on my lap every now and then! I may even put another $5 in your envelope! GIGATTAATTGIG! Mr. Steve Your mother and I have prayed for you since before you were born. Yes, we prayed for your health, having two hands and two feet, etc., but we also began a 25-year prayer for your spiritual health, for you to fall in love with the LORD. At the same time, we began praying for your mate-to-be (if you chose to marry), that he would also love the Lord, be a man of strong faith, and high moral character. Well, your health has thrown you a few curve balls, but your future mate, is a grand slam! Shane truly is above and beyond our asking! Of course, God tells us that 'He is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think…' and He did! We are elated in your (God's) choice of your husband-to-be and have already seen Shane's gentle, guiding influence in your life and decisions. I never thought you would be able to live with a Dave Ramsey envelope containing a monthly allowance of only $5 spending on clothes! Go God! Today is your bridal shower! Tables with pink and gray (elegant country) table cloths and arrangements are already set up in the foyer, all signifying your wedding on the near horizon. I'm already getting nostalgic and teary-eyed thinking about it. I'm glad your older brother is performing the ceremony and not me; I wouldn't make it through. I want you to know how much I love you and am so proud to be your daddy! You've grown up into a beautiful woman of faith. I love your passion to serve, teach and assist children in their living and learning, especially those with special needs; truly a God-thing. My last bit of advice before you marry: continually give God your heart, trusting Him and His timing; be kind to your man; major in serving others; and come back and sit on my lap every now and then! I may even put another $5 in your envelope! GIGATTAATTGIG! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=38288 38288 Fri, 9 Nov 2012 12:15:00 +0000 A week ago Saturday night, I was doing my best impression of my remarkable wife, Patti. I was multi-tasking three things at once, two of which were checking on World Series' updates and typing the closed captioning to Dr. Charles Stanley's lesson on 'HOW TO PRAY FOR A PRESIDENT.' The Tigers could have used more prayers, but I was greatly encouraged by the following points by Dr. Stanley: PRAY FOR THE PRESIDENT… 1. To realize that he has been placed in this position by God's choice or the permissive will of God. 2. To recognize his personal inadequacy for the task and look to God for wisdom, knowledge and courage. 3. To restore dignity, honor, trustworthiness and righteousness to the office of the presidency. 4. To be ready to forsake his political career and his personal ambitions if to do so would be in the best interest of the country. 5. To reverse the destructive trends of humanism and atheism which attempt to dethrone God and deify man resulting in an ungodly society. 6. To respect, honor and obey the Constitution of the United States, the protector of our freedoms. 7. To reject all counsel that would weaken our defenses against any and all aggressors. 8. To refuse to promote a way of life in which the citizens become increasingly dependent upon the government for their needs. 9. To remember that he is accountable to almighty God for his attitude, motives, behavior and decisions. You may be wondering the third task I was doing while typing Dr. Stanley's closed captions and keeping up with the World Series' score. Patti and I were using her laptop to view a 2 and ½ hour funeral online of one of our college classmates. A Godly woman, Laura Reppart, devoted much of her life as a missionary in Cameroon, and Narobi, Kenya, alongside her husband, Jim. Even back when we first met Laura 42 years ago, she was known as a young woman who was serious about her accountability to our almighty God for her attitude, motives, behavior, and decisions. Since life is short and GOD STILL REIGNS SUPREME… please exercise your right to vote this coming Tuesday and the power of prayer! Go God! God is good! Mr. Steve A week ago Saturday night, I was doing my best impression of my remarkable wife, Patti. I was multi-tasking three things at once, two of which were checking on World Series' updates and typing the closed captioning to Dr. Charles Stanley's lesson on 'HOW TO PRAY FOR A PRESIDENT.' The Tigers could have used more prayers, but I was greatly encouraged by the following points by Dr. Stanley: PRAY FOR THE PRESIDENT… 1. To realize that he has been placed in this position by God's choice or the permissive will of God. 2. To recognize his personal inadequacy for the task and look to God for wisdom, knowledge and courage. 3. To restore dignity, honor, trustworthiness and righteousness to the office of the presidency. 4. To be ready to forsake his political career and his personal ambitions if to do so would be in the best interest of the country. 5. To reverse the destructive trends of humanism and atheism which attempt to dethrone God and deify man resulting in an ungodly society. 6. To respect, honor and obey the Constitution of the United States, the protector of our freedoms. 7. To reject all counsel that would weaken our defenses against any and all aggressors. 8. To refuse to promote a way of life in which the citizens become increasingly dependent upon the government for their needs. 9. To remember that he is accountable to almighty God for his attitude, motives, behavior and decisions. You may be wondering the third task I was doing while typing Dr. Stanley's closed captions and keeping up with the World Series' score. Patti and I were using her laptop to view a 2 and ½ hour funeral online of one of our college classmates. A Godly woman, Laura Reppart, devoted much of her life as a missionary in Cameroon, and Narobi, Kenya, alongside her husband, Jim. Even back when we first met Laura 42 years ago, she was known as a young woman who was serious about her accountability to our almighty God for her attitude, motives, behavior, and decisions. Since life is short and GOD STILL REIGNS SUPREME… please exercise your right to vote this coming Tuesday and the power of prayer! Go God! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=38140 38140 Fri, 2 Nov 2012 08:55:00 +0000 'When Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. on April 14, 1865, he was carrying a pocketknife, a linen handkerchief, a sleeve button, a fancy watch fob, two pairs of spectacles, a lens polisher, a tiny pencil, and a brown leather wallet (one section was engraved 'U.S. Currency' and another section was engraved 'Notes'). The wallet contained a Confederate five dollar bill, and nine old newspaper clippings. Included among these clippings were two articles of praise and five others dealing with the issues that were on Lincoln's mind during his final months. These items are now in the Library of Congress.' Did you get that? In the midst of great opposition and strain, President Lincoln carried on his person TWO ARTICLES OF PRAISE! Years ago I came across information stating these positive articles concerning the President revealed much handling, reading, folding, unfolding, re-reading, etc! I still don't know the author or authors of these articles of encouragement, but I do understand the strength renewed by words of grace and praise! Over five years ago, I received a card from a high school student that ministered to me again and again for several years. Indeed there is something about the grace-scripted word that makes a person feel loved and appreciated! In fact, I have a stack of encouraging letters and cards stashed away at the head of my bed specifically to be re-read for just this reason! God knows we need more words of encouragement! 'But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called 'Today,' lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end (Hebrews 3:13-14)…' One of the writers of my stash is the focus of this article. I call him 'The Card Writer.' Not 'Four score and seven years ago,' but four and one-half years ago I received in the mail the following: Steve, 'It is a blessing for me to wish you a Happy Birthday for the first time. I already feel like I've known you forever and the way you have blessed me is remarkable…' The card continued with several more paragraphs of encouragement and exhortation. Wow! Who told this person I needed to hear words of appreciation? Who whispered, 'Steve needs to be spurred on to love and good deeds today?' Who? The Holy Spirit, that's WHO! But the amazing part of all of this is – MY CARD WRITER LISTENED AND DID IT! AND HE REGULARLY CONTINUES TO WRITE! As Christians we are all gifted by the Holy Spirit. Some of you are gifted in showing mercy, some in hospitality, some in giving and/or serving, leading, shepherding, evangelism, teaching, preaching, etc. And some of you are gifted in exhortation; a special kind of encouragement that motivates others to action by urging them to pursue a certain course of conduct! 'The Card Writer' is such a person. He is not only a gifted exhorter, but a man of wisdom and shepherding as well. And I know that when he or any of us share words of grace to one another, the Holy Spirit is behind it! On the other hand, when we gossip and/or cut another brother or sister down, not only does the Holy Spirit know about it, He is grieved by it! 'Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:29-32).' Many of you reading this article have received a card or cards from 'The Card Writer' or someone like him. My encouragement: wait on the Lord (Psalm 46) and listen closely to the Holy Spirit within. Perhaps He is urging you to take up pen and paper and write some notes of exhortation & encouragement! It is highly possible someone may end up reading your cards again and again! President Lincoln obviously believed his 'notes of praise' were worth keeping till his dying day! God is good! Mr. Steve 'When Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. on April 14, 1865, he was carrying a pocketknife, a linen handkerchief, a sleeve button, a fancy watch fob, two pairs of spectacles, a lens polisher, a tiny pencil, and a brown leather wallet (one section was engraved 'U.S. Currency' and another section was engraved 'Notes'). The wallet contained a Confederate five dollar bill, and nine old newspaper clippings. Included among these clippings were two articles of praise and five others dealing with the issues that were on Lincoln's mind during his final months. These items are now in the Library of Congress.' Did you get that? In the midst of great opposition and strain, President Lincoln carried on his person TWO ARTICLES OF PRAISE! Years ago I came across information stating these positive articles concerning the President revealed much handling, reading, folding, unfolding, re-reading, etc! I still don't know the author or authors of these articles of encouragement, but I do understand the strength renewed by words of grace and praise! Over five years ago, I received a card from a high school student that ministered to me again and again for several years. Indeed there is something about the grace-scripted word that makes a person feel loved and appreciated! In fact, I have a stack of encouraging letters and cards stashed away at the head of my bed specifically to be re-read for just this reason! God knows we need more words of encouragement! 'But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called 'Today,' lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end (Hebrews 3:13-14)…' One of the writers of my stash is the focus of this article. I call him 'The Card Writer.' Not 'Four score and seven years ago,' but four and one-half years ago I received in the mail the following: Steve, 'It is a blessing for me to wish you a Happy Birthday for the first time. I already feel like I've known you forever and the way you have blessed me is remarkable…' The card continued with several more paragraphs of encouragement and exhortation. Wow! Who told this person I needed to hear words of appreciation? Who whispered, 'Steve needs to be spurred on to love and good deeds today?' Who? The Holy Spirit, that's WHO! But the amazing part of all of this is – MY CARD WRITER LISTENED AND DID IT! AND HE REGULARLY CONTINUES TO WRITE! As Christians we are all gifted by the Holy Spirit. Some of you are gifted in showing mercy, some in hospitality, some in giving and/or serving, leading, shepherding, evangelism, teaching, preaching, etc. And some of you are gifted in exhortation; a special kind of encouragement that motivates others to action by urging them to pursue a certain course of conduct! 'The Card Writer' is such a person. He is not only a gifted exhorter, but a man of wisdom and shepherding as well. And I know that when he or any of us share words of grace to one another, the Holy Spirit is behind it! On the other hand, when we gossip and/or cut another brother or sister down, not only does the Holy Spirit know about it, He is grieved by it! 'Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:29-32).' Many of you reading this article have received a card or cards from 'The Card Writer' or someone like him. My encouragement: wait on the Lord (Psalm 46) and listen closely to the Holy Spirit within. Perhaps He is urging you to take up pen and paper and write some notes of exhortation & encouragement! It is highly possible someone may end up reading your cards again and again! President Lincoln obviously believed his 'notes of praise' were worth keeping till his dying day! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=37962 37962 Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:26:00 +0000 This past week, my parents, Jack and Robbie Sikes, were given York College's Legacy Award. All 13 children and their spouses and many grandchildren were present. Words of honor where shared. Here are a few: 'For the past six decades, one family has made a deeper impact on the York College campus than any other. For size and longevity alone, the Sikes family is significant—42 members of the family have attended classes at YC, and many of those also served as faculty or staff over the years. More important is the family's contribution to the spiritual life at YC and how they continue to bless the college as ambassadors all around the world. Many bearing the name of Sikes were campus leaders during their college years. On athletic teams, in choirs, and in clubs, they could be counted on as friends and classmates, known for their good nature and infectious joy. After college, they went on to honor their alma mater as they worked in ministry in foreign and domestic fields, became doctors, educators, church elders and Bible class teachers, bank managers, and more. In recognition of all that this family has done for York College, the school, on this day, October 13, 2012, now honors the Jack and Robbie Sikes family with the York College Legacy Award. In 1973, Jack and Robbie were recognized as York College Parents of the Year. At that point, six of their children had attended YC. Since then, the Sikes' footprint on the campus has grown exponentially. Robbie says that she and Jack were very intentional about raising a Christian family. They did their best to plant seeds of faith in their children and they were pleased when each chose to attend YC when they were ready to leave home.' BE ENCOURAGED! ANYONE CAN BEGIN A SPIRITUAL FAMILY LEGACY! It just has to start and continue in God! Thank you, Papa and Mama Sikes! God is good! Mr. Steve This past week, my parents, Jack and Robbie Sikes, were given York College's Legacy Award. All 13 children and their spouses and many grandchildren were present. Words of honor where shared. Here are a few: 'For the past six decades, one family has made a deeper impact on the York College campus than any other. For size and longevity alone, the Sikes family is significant—42 members of the family have attended classes at YC, and many of those also served as faculty or staff over the years. More important is the family's contribution to the spiritual life at YC and how they continue to bless the college as ambassadors all around the world. Many bearing the name of Sikes were campus leaders during their college years. On athletic teams, in choirs, and in clubs, they could be counted on as friends and classmates, known for their good nature and infectious joy. After college, they went on to honor their alma mater as they worked in ministry in foreign and domestic fields, became doctors, educators, church elders and Bible class teachers, bank managers, and more. In recognition of all that this family has done for York College, the school, on this day, October 13, 2012, now honors the Jack and Robbie Sikes family with the York College Legacy Award. In 1973, Jack and Robbie were recognized as York College Parents of the Year. At that point, six of their children had attended YC. Since then, the Sikes' footprint on the campus has grown exponentially. Robbie says that she and Jack were very intentional about raising a Christian family. They did their best to plant seeds of faith in their children and they were pleased when each chose to attend YC when they were ready to leave home.' BE ENCOURAGED! ANYONE CAN BEGIN A SPIRITUAL FAMILY LEGACY! It just has to start and continue in God! Thank you, Papa and Mama Sikes! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=37847 37847 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 16:11:00 +0000 This past weekend we were amazingly blessed to have Dr. Rich Little from Malibu, CA, speak to us. I believe the Lord used Rich in an extraordinarily powerful way! The following are some of my top statements Rich shared: 10. On the Spiritual Discipline of Detachment: 'In order to believe in God, we have to detach ourselves from things that keep us from knowing God.' 9. On the Spiritual Discipline of Confession: 'Why is confession so powerful? Because when something is hidden in the dark, Satan still has power and control.' 8. On the Spiritual Discipline of Submission: 'Submission is freedom; you must relinquish things that pull you away from God.' 7. On the Bible: 'The Bible doesn't tell us all there is about God, but only what humans can fathom; the Bible is a window to God. The Bible is not for our information but our transformation.' 6. On the power of a transformed life: 'You are the 67th book in the Bible; you are the Spirit-filled living testament of Jesus Christ!' 5. On Truth: 'ALL truth is God's truth; the term 'Christian scientist' should be a redundant term.' 4. On Spiritual Formation: 'We don't form people; the Holy Spirit forms people.' 3. On Shepherding: 'If an eldership's highest value is peace – they won't go far because the tyranny of those easily offended will control. If you're going to be a good shepherd, you're not going to model laws, traditions and customs, but a Christ-centered life!' 2. On how to reach young adults: 'Three things young adults are seeking: Authenticity, Transparency and Community.' Dr. Little then quoted Rick Richardson from his book 'Reimagining Evangelism' where he shared this generation needs to … 'Experience the love of Christ before Explanation; Belong before Believe; Identify before Influence; and Image comes before Word.' 1. On Leadership: 'Leadership has to come from the overflow of a spiritually formed heart. As a leader, am I praying that God's name be hallowed not mine?' God is good all the time! Mr. Steve This past weekend we were amazingly blessed to have Dr. Rich Little from Malibu, CA, speak to us. I believe the Lord used Rich in an extraordinarily powerful way! The following are some of my top statements Rich shared: 10. On the Spiritual Discipline of Detachment: 'In order to believe in God, we have to detach ourselves from things that keep us from knowing God.' 9. On the Spiritual Discipline of Confession: 'Why is confession so powerful? Because when something is hidden in the dark, Satan still has power and control.' 8. On the Spiritual Discipline of Submission: 'Submission is freedom; you must relinquish things that pull you away from God.' 7. On the Bible: 'The Bible doesn't tell us all there is about God, but only what humans can fathom; the Bible is a window to God. The Bible is not for our information but our transformation.' 6. On the power of a transformed life: 'You are the 67th book in the Bible; you are the Spirit-filled living testament of Jesus Christ!' 5. On Truth: 'ALL truth is God's truth; the term 'Christian scientist' should be a redundant term.' 4. On Spiritual Formation: 'We don't form people; the Holy Spirit forms people.' 3. On Shepherding: 'If an eldership's highest value is peace – they won't go far because the tyranny of those easily offended will control. If you're going to be a good shepherd, you're not going to model laws, traditions and customs, but a Christ-centered life!' 2. On how to reach young adults: 'Three things young adults are seeking: Authenticity, Transparency and Community.' Dr. Little then quoted Rick Richardson from his book 'Reimagining Evangelism' where he shared this generation needs to … 'Experience the love of Christ before Explanation; Belong before Believe; Identify before Influence; and Image comes before Word.' 1. On Leadership: 'Leadership has to come from the overflow of a spiritually formed heart. As a leader, am I praying that God's name be hallowed not mine?' God is good all the time! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=37566 37566 Mon, 8 Oct 2012 12:57:00 +0000 I found myself on my knees on an office floor surrounded by three godly men, all 'Aaron's' and 'Hur's' to me (Exodus 17:10-13). For years, these three men had been my main source, outside my own family, of encouragement and support. Now at my darkest hour they had come together to lay their hands on me and pray over me. Each one poured out his heart to God on my behalf. I was humbled yet so thirsty for their advocacy. When the third brother began praying he started with the following six words: 'God have mercy! Christ have mercy!' Over and over he prayed the same six words…. 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes! 'God have mercy! Christ have mercy!' Years later I look back on this particular moment as my 'Red Sea' experience. I was trapped – hemmed in from in front and behind – with no foreseeable way out. But at just the right time, MERCY CAME RUNNING! The waters parted and my family and I walked through our 'valley of the shadow' on dry land! 'God have mercy! Christ have mercy!' 'MERCY CAME RUNNING'by Phillips Craig & Dean Once there was a holy place evidence of God's embraceAnd I can almost see Mercy's face pressed against the veilLooking down with longing eyes Mercy must have realizedThat once His blood was sacrificed freedom would prevail And as the sky grew dark and the earth began to shakeWith justice no longer in the way Mercy came running like a prisoner set freePast all my failures to the point of my needWhen the sin that I carried was all I could seeAnd when I could not reach Mercy Mercy came running to me 'And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him.' Luke 1:50 God is good! Mr. Steve I found myself on my knees on an office floor surrounded by three godly men, all 'Aaron's' and 'Hur's' to me (Exodus 17:10-13). For years, these three men had been my main source, outside my own family, of encouragement and support. Now at my darkest hour they had come together to lay their hands on me and pray over me. Each one poured out his heart to God on my behalf. I was humbled yet so thirsty for their advocacy. When the third brother began praying he started with the following six words: 'God have mercy! Christ have mercy!' Over and over he prayed the same six words…. 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes! 'God have mercy! Christ have mercy!' Years later I look back on this particular moment as my 'Red Sea' experience. I was trapped – hemmed in from in front and behind – with no foreseeable way out. But at just the right time, MERCY CAME RUNNING! The waters parted and my family and I walked through our 'valley of the shadow' on dry land! 'God have mercy! Christ have mercy!' 'MERCY CAME RUNNING'by Phillips Craig & Dean Once there was a holy place evidence of God's embraceAnd I can almost see Mercy's face pressed against the veilLooking down with longing eyes Mercy must have realizedThat once His blood was sacrificed freedom would prevail And as the sky grew dark and the earth began to shakeWith justice no longer in the way Mercy came running like a prisoner set freePast all my failures to the point of my needWhen the sin that I carried was all I could seeAnd when I could not reach Mercy Mercy came running to me 'And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him.' Luke 1:50 God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=37374 37374 Mon, 1 Oct 2012 02:21:00 +0000 Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me (Matthew 16:24).' True or False: _____One of the easiest things in the world to do is…… FOLLOW! _____One of the hardest things in the world to do is……FOLLOW! Which one is TRUE? YES! It is so easy to follow the crowd and do what everyone else does and say what everyone else says. It is so hard to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and go where He leads and do what He says! AS THE GREATEST LEADER OF ALL TIME, JESUS MAJORED IN BEING LED …. FOLLOWSHIP! 'Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matt 4:1).' '…Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner (John 5:19).' 'I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me (John 5:30).' In 1890, Ernest W. Blandly wrote the words to the old song 'Where He Leads Me I Will Follow.' Sing the first verse and refrain with me: I can hear my Savior calling,I can hear my Savior calling,I can hear my Savior calling,'Take thy cross and follow, follow Me.' Where He leads me I will follow,Where He leads me I will follow,Where He leads me I will follow;I'll go with Him, with Him, all the way IF YOU ASKED JESUS WHERE LEADERSHIP BEGINS, I BELIEVE HE WOULD SAY, 'FOLLOWSHIP!' But not just any kind of followship; a HOLY SPIRIT FOLLOWSHIP! 'For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Romans 8:14).' God is good! Mr. Steve Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me (Matthew 16:24).' True or False: _____One of the easiest things in the world to do is…… FOLLOW! _____One of the hardest things in the world to do is……FOLLOW! Which one is TRUE? YES! It is so easy to follow the crowd and do what everyone else does and say what everyone else says. It is so hard to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and go where He leads and do what He says! AS THE GREATEST LEADER OF ALL TIME, JESUS MAJORED IN BEING LED …. FOLLOWSHIP! 'Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matt 4:1).' '…Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner (John 5:19).' 'I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me (John 5:30).' In 1890, Ernest W. Blandly wrote the words to the old song 'Where He Leads Me I Will Follow.' Sing the first verse and refrain with me: I can hear my Savior calling,I can hear my Savior calling,I can hear my Savior calling,'Take thy cross and follow, follow Me.' Where He leads me I will follow,Where He leads me I will follow,Where He leads me I will follow;I'll go with Him, with Him, all the way IF YOU ASKED JESUS WHERE LEADERSHIP BEGINS, I BELIEVE HE WOULD SAY, 'FOLLOWSHIP!' But not just any kind of followship; a HOLY SPIRIT FOLLOWSHIP! 'For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Romans 8:14).' God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=37373 37373 Mon, 1 Oct 2012 02:07:00 +0000 Our High School students have embarked on a quest to read the entire Bible in 3 months! Almost every student has committed to reading a chapter a day for the next 90 days. Several are beginning their readings in the Old Testament, some in the New Testament. One student chose to read Exodus, Numbers and the Gospel of John for their 90 day commitment. I love this selection because the 'I AM' in Exodus becomes flesh and blood in the Gospel of John; 'I Am: the Bread of Life; the Light of the world; the Door; the Good Shepherd; the Resurrection and the Life; the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; and the True Vine!' Another student chose to read IPeter through Revelation, followed by the book of Genesis! Imagine the spiritual gold mine this student will uncover via reading, among other books, the last and the first books of the Bible! The list of readings goes on and on: Isaiah and the Gospel of Mark; the Book of Psalms; Luke, Acts, Romans and 1 Corinthians; Deuteronomy through Ruth; etc.! However, our MAIN objective is NOT to read the Bible in one quarter! Surprise you? Our main pursuit in the next three months is to come to a better understanding of the true nature of God! Each student has been asked to come prepared every Sunday to share what they have discovered concerning God's character from their particular weekly Bible reading. I believe this three-month experience has the possibility of being life-changing! Please be in prayer that nothing will hinder us from coming to know God more fully! Many young adults leave the church and their faith after completing their High School education. Why? There are a variety of reasons, but one of them is certainly a misunderstanding of God's nature and character! May we all grow deeper in knowing God! 'And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent (John 17:3).' GOD IS GOOD! Mr. Steve Our High School students have embarked on a quest to read the entire Bible in 3 months! Almost every student has committed to reading a chapter a day for the next 90 days. Several are beginning their readings in the Old Testament, some in the New Testament. One student chose to read Exodus, Numbers and the Gospel of John for their 90 day commitment. I love this selection because the 'I AM' in Exodus becomes flesh and blood in the Gospel of John; 'I Am: the Bread of Life; the Light of the world; the Door; the Good Shepherd; the Resurrection and the Life; the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; and the True Vine!' Another student chose to read IPeter through Revelation, followed by the book of Genesis! Imagine the spiritual gold mine this student will uncover via reading, among other books, the last and the first books of the Bible! The list of readings goes on and on: Isaiah and the Gospel of Mark; the Book of Psalms; Luke, Acts, Romans and 1 Corinthians; Deuteronomy through Ruth; etc.! However, our MAIN objective is NOT to read the Bible in one quarter! Surprise you? Our main pursuit in the next three months is to come to a better understanding of the true nature of God! Each student has been asked to come prepared every Sunday to share what they have discovered concerning God's character from their particular weekly Bible reading. I believe this three-month experience has the possibility of being life-changing! Please be in prayer that nothing will hinder us from coming to know God more fully! Many young adults leave the church and their faith after completing their High School education. Why? There are a variety of reasons, but one of them is certainly a misunderstanding of God's nature and character! May we all grow deeper in knowing God! 'And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent (John 17:3).' GOD IS GOOD! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=36908 36908 Sat, 8 Sep 2012 13:04:00 +0000 (The following story was posted on Facebook recently by one of my nephews, Steven Langley.) 'An anthropologist proposed a game to children in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told the kids that whoever got there first won the sweet fruits.When he told them to run they all took each other's hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats. When he asked them why they had run like that as one could have had all the fruits for himself, they said: 'UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?'UBUNTU in the Xhosa culture means: 'I am because we are.'Message: we are one ... we are all connected. A simple gesture carried out by one person creates a ripple effect through the fabric of mankind. Something I do will somehow affect you someday so it is of utmost importance that we are mindful of what we say and how we behave.' ---The Apostle Paul takes this 'Ubuntu' concept even deeper. Not only is our humanity caught up and bound together, but so is our mental and spiritual connectedness in Christ! We are ONE and are to be Jesus to each other and the world! 'For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another (Romans 12:4-5)' LIFE Groups are a wonderful way to practice UBUNTU! Becoming closer and more connected with one another is part of God's grand plan in presenting Jesus' Body to the world! Running together, hand in hand, is only part of the sweet fruit you will enjoy! God is good! Mr. Steve (The following story was posted on Facebook recently by one of my nephews, Steven Langley.) 'An anthropologist proposed a game to children in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told the kids that whoever got there first won the sweet fruits.When he told them to run they all took each other's hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats. When he asked them why they had run like that as one could have had all the fruits for himself, they said: 'UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?'UBUNTU in the Xhosa culture means: 'I am because we are.'Message: we are one ... we are all connected. A simple gesture carried out by one person creates a ripple effect through the fabric of mankind. Something I do will somehow affect you someday so it is of utmost importance that we are mindful of what we say and how we behave.' ---The Apostle Paul takes this 'Ubuntu' concept even deeper. Not only is our humanity caught up and bound together, but so is our mental and spiritual connectedness in Christ! We are ONE and are to be Jesus to each other and the world! 'For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another (Romans 12:4-5)' LIFE Groups are a wonderful way to practice UBUNTU! Becoming closer and more connected with one another is part of God's grand plan in presenting Jesus' Body to the world! Running together, hand in hand, is only part of the sweet fruit you will enjoy! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=36751 36751 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:28:00 +0000 YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE and several other adults took a group of our teenagers to Arizona last month to minister to the needs of many Indian children and their families. The work was hot and tiring, yet they emphasized that it was very rewarding just to plant the seed of Jesus and see the expressions of thanksgiving on many faces. This ministry team returned home and immediately YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE and over 60 others from the Pitman church family volunteered their services at Camp Manatawny for a week under the direction of Aaron Pearl. Plus, several of this group and new volunteers took their vacation days and served a second week under Manny Vander-Vennen at CM! Amazing! After YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE dropped their oldest daughter off at a Christian university they returned home, and several days later participated in a LIFE Group brunch, prepared by Judi Campbell. This particular Saturday was also moving day for the Tim and Kristi Hall family. Among many other servants, guess whose family volunteered their entire afternoon to help? YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! Then the very next day, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, the Olley boys, Bill Wills, Charlie Peterson, and Troy Spencer spent part of their Sunday helping the Bates family get their new store ready for move-in day! On Monday, my wife needed to move her office to another Rowan University office, and the People's and YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE families came to help! What can I say? Jesus said it best in Mark 10:45, 'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.' Some servants serve and serve and serve and their names are never mentioned. That's OK. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE…. and so does JESUS! God is good!Mr. Steve YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE and several other adults took a group of our teenagers to Arizona last month to minister to the needs of many Indian children and their families. The work was hot and tiring, yet they emphasized that it was very rewarding just to plant the seed of Jesus and see the expressions of thanksgiving on many faces. This ministry team returned home and immediately YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE and over 60 others from the Pitman church family volunteered their services at Camp Manatawny for a week under the direction of Aaron Pearl. Plus, several of this group and new volunteers took their vacation days and served a second week under Manny Vander-Vennen at CM! Amazing! After YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE dropped their oldest daughter off at a Christian university they returned home, and several days later participated in a LIFE Group brunch, prepared by Judi Campbell. This particular Saturday was also moving day for the Tim and Kristi Hall family. Among many other servants, guess whose family volunteered their entire afternoon to help? YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! Then the very next day, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, the Olley boys, Bill Wills, Charlie Peterson, and Troy Spencer spent part of their Sunday helping the Bates family get their new store ready for move-in day! On Monday, my wife needed to move her office to another Rowan University office, and the People's and YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE families came to help! What can I say? Jesus said it best in Mark 10:45, 'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.' Some servants serve and serve and serve and their names are never mentioned. That's OK. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE…. and so does JESUS! God is good!Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=36565 36565 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:02:00 +0000 'We were created to worship. It is not an option. If it is not the Lord of Heaven, then it is someone or something else… but we all worship.' Rick Foulds Who or what do you worship? I have to confess that I worship other gods. At times I place myself, others and other things before my God! Do you? Worshipping other gods opposes Exodus 20:3, 'You shall have no other gods (good, bad or neutral) before Me.' …. gods such as self, family, friends, money, things, power & control, comfort zones, lust, food, alcohol, drugs, TV, music, computers, cell phones, iPods, iPads, Facebook, Twitter, texting, sexting, laziness, work, pleasure, shopping, gambling, alone time, party time, having the last word, sports, travel, fiscal security, happiness… For the past 6 weeks I've been spending more and more time in four Old Testament books – 1 & II Kings and I & II Chronicles. I have re-discovered that most of the kings in Judah and Israel worshipped other gods! They even built HIGH PLACES for their different gods! Very few kings worshipped the one and only God; even fewer tore down their HIGH PLACES! In fact, the epitaph for most of the GOOD kings read: 'Only the HIGH PLACES were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the HIGH PLACES.' (2 Kings 12:3; 14:4; 15:4; 15:35; etc.) This last week has found me meditating more and more on the song, HIGHEST PLACE, by Ramon Pink. 'We place You on the highest place,For You are the great High Priest.We place You high above all else, all else;And we come to YouAnd worship at Your feet' Let us encourage one another to place God, and Him alone, on the HIGHEST PLACE! 'In essence, there is only one thing God asks of us – that we be the people for whom God is everything and for whom God is enough.' Brennan Manning, author. God is good. Mr. Steve 'We were created to worship. It is not an option. If it is not the Lord of Heaven, then it is someone or something else… but we all worship.' Rick Foulds Who or what do you worship? I have to confess that I worship other gods. At times I place myself, others and other things before my God! Do you? Worshipping other gods opposes Exodus 20:3, 'You shall have no other gods (good, bad or neutral) before Me.' …. gods such as self, family, friends, money, things, power & control, comfort zones, lust, food, alcohol, drugs, TV, music, computers, cell phones, iPods, iPads, Facebook, Twitter, texting, sexting, laziness, work, pleasure, shopping, gambling, alone time, party time, having the last word, sports, travel, fiscal security, happiness… For the past 6 weeks I've been spending more and more time in four Old Testament books – 1 & II Kings and I & II Chronicles. I have re-discovered that most of the kings in Judah and Israel worshipped other gods! They even built HIGH PLACES for their different gods! Very few kings worshipped the one and only God; even fewer tore down their HIGH PLACES! In fact, the epitaph for most of the GOOD kings read: 'Only the HIGH PLACES were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the HIGH PLACES.' (2 Kings 12:3; 14:4; 15:4; 15:35; etc.) This last week has found me meditating more and more on the song, HIGHEST PLACE, by Ramon Pink. 'We place You on the highest place,For You are the great High Priest.We place You high above all else, all else;And we come to YouAnd worship at Your feet' Let us encourage one another to place God, and Him alone, on the HIGHEST PLACE! 'In essence, there is only one thing God asks of us – that we be the people for whom God is everything and for whom God is enough.' Brennan Manning, author. God is good. Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=36419 36419 Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:23:00 +0000 He came into the room carrying a heavy heart and a fresh vase full of yellow and white flowers. His mother was dying and the family had gathered near. After placing the vase on the small table by his mother's bed, he sat down and wept. While his mother lay in unconscious sleep, one of his sisters cut away the plastic that enwrapped the vase of flowers. Immediately a sweet aroma filled the room! How fresh! How pleasant! How soothing! It was like the fragrance danced before us as we read scripture and sang songs of faith: Amazing Grace; It Is Well with My Soul; and I Come To The Garden Alone. The sweet aroma didn't stop there! It stirred my mind of personal memories of this sister-in-Christ – our times of dialogue, prayer and study. We had laughed together. We had sung together. We had even cried together. Then the aroma rose up the following words of Paul: 'But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).' Here in a room filled with family waiting a loved one's impending exit from this life and entrance into the next – the flowers' sweet aroma sang of this sister's fragrance in Christ! A life led in triumph; an aroma from life to life! To the family of Florence Rickenbach, I offer my sincerest condolences and leave you and all followers of Christ with these words of exhortation: 'Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma (Ephesians 5:1-2).' God is good. Mr. Steve He came into the room carrying a heavy heart and a fresh vase full of yellow and white flowers. His mother was dying and the family had gathered near. After placing the vase on the small table by his mother's bed, he sat down and wept. While his mother lay in unconscious sleep, one of his sisters cut away the plastic that enwrapped the vase of flowers. Immediately a sweet aroma filled the room! How fresh! How pleasant! How soothing! It was like the fragrance danced before us as we read scripture and sang songs of faith: Amazing Grace; It Is Well with My Soul; and I Come To The Garden Alone. The sweet aroma didn't stop there! It stirred my mind of personal memories of this sister-in-Christ – our times of dialogue, prayer and study. We had laughed together. We had sung together. We had even cried together. Then the aroma rose up the following words of Paul: 'But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).' Here in a room filled with family waiting a loved one's impending exit from this life and entrance into the next – the flowers' sweet aroma sang of this sister's fragrance in Christ! A life led in triumph; an aroma from life to life! To the family of Florence Rickenbach, I offer my sincerest condolences and leave you and all followers of Christ with these words of exhortation: 'Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma (Ephesians 5:1-2).' God is good. Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=36141 36141 Sat, 4 Aug 2012 10:23:00 +0000 This article is dedicated to My Redeemer, to the One who has always been with me through the rivers and the fire. (Isaiah 43:1-3) 'To worship is to experience reality, to touch life. It is to know, to feel, to experience the resurrected Christ in the midst of the gathered community. It is a breaking into the Shekinah (glory or the radiance) of God, or better yet, being invaded by the Shekinah of God.' Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline What is worship, but to serve, to adore, and in holy reverence – to bow the knee! Romans 12:1-2 presents our lives as worship unto a merciful God; a 24/7 way of life! Our entire beings consecrated unto God – 'All that I am and have are Yours, O Lord!' However, as Foster puts it, 'If we are accustomed to carrying out the business of our lives in human strength and wisdom, we will do the same in gathered worship.' In other words, if individual worship is not happening throughout the week, we should not expect community worship to happen either. On the other hand, imagine multiple consecrated saints, filled with the Holy Spirit and led by our worship leader, Jesus Christ – all gathered in one place to lift up, adore and praise the One and only, true and living God! Extraordinary! The object of our worship is not us! It is not about us, although we reap multiple benefits! Foster looks at the greatest commandment (loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength) as the 'divine priority' – worship first, service second. How many times do we get these reversed? We gather this Sunday morning to worship God, in body, mind, spirit, faith, and emotions. We lay our hearts, our desires, our futures, our fears, and all our needs upon His altar of grace and mercy. We have come to worship the One who is able! And by God's grace and power, leave changed, transformed, empowered, and encouraged to daily live out our 'spiritual service of worship!' God is good! Mr. Steve This article is dedicated to My Redeemer, to the One who has always been with me through the rivers and the fire. (Isaiah 43:1-3) 'To worship is to experience reality, to touch life. It is to know, to feel, to experience the resurrected Christ in the midst of the gathered community. It is a breaking into the Shekinah (glory or the radiance) of God, or better yet, being invaded by the Shekinah of God.' Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline What is worship, but to serve, to adore, and in holy reverence – to bow the knee! Romans 12:1-2 presents our lives as worship unto a merciful God; a 24/7 way of life! Our entire beings consecrated unto God – 'All that I am and have are Yours, O Lord!' However, as Foster puts it, 'If we are accustomed to carrying out the business of our lives in human strength and wisdom, we will do the same in gathered worship.' In other words, if individual worship is not happening throughout the week, we should not expect community worship to happen either. On the other hand, imagine multiple consecrated saints, filled with the Holy Spirit and led by our worship leader, Jesus Christ – all gathered in one place to lift up, adore and praise the One and only, true and living God! Extraordinary! The object of our worship is not us! It is not about us, although we reap multiple benefits! Foster looks at the greatest commandment (loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength) as the 'divine priority' – worship first, service second. How many times do we get these reversed? We gather this Sunday morning to worship God, in body, mind, spirit, faith, and emotions. We lay our hearts, our desires, our futures, our fears, and all our needs upon His altar of grace and mercy. We have come to worship the One who is able! And by God's grace and power, leave changed, transformed, empowered, and encouraged to daily live out our 'spiritual service of worship!' God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=35995 35995 Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:50:00 +0000 As most of you know, the 2012 Summer Olympic Games open this Friday, July 27, and go through August 12; two and ½ weeks of competition between the worlds' strongest, fastest, and most talented of athletes! Many of us will root for certain individuals, our home countries, and at times for the decided underdog. Watching the Olympics is a special occurrence in the Sikes' house. Jessica and I especially bond during these games. She loves the sports of swimming and gymnastics and I love what she loves! According to historical records, the first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. They continued for nearly 12 centuries, until they were banned in 393 A.D. only to be revived in 1896. In other words, the Olympics were happening when the Apostle Paul was alive and spreading the good news about Jesus Christ! I believe his 'take' on the Olympics and other games happening around him is revealed in his first letter to the Corinthian church: 'And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.' 1Corinthians 9:25 Paraphrasing Paul, 'The Olympics are great, but you and I are in a race far greater than any game and our prize (Heaven) is more precious than any wreath or medal. So run with self-control!' The Hebrew writer adds to Paul's game metaphor by telling us who is rooting for us in the 'stands' and where our focus should be during the race: 'Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…' Hebrews 12:1-2 So let us encourage each other to put aside any sin that keeps tripping us up and keep on running! O VICTORY IN JESUS! God is good. Mr. Steve As most of you know, the 2012 Summer Olympic Games open this Friday, July 27, and go through August 12; two and ½ weeks of competition between the worlds' strongest, fastest, and most talented of athletes! Many of us will root for certain individuals, our home countries, and at times for the decided underdog. Watching the Olympics is a special occurrence in the Sikes' house. Jessica and I especially bond during these games. She loves the sports of swimming and gymnastics and I love what she loves! According to historical records, the first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. They continued for nearly 12 centuries, until they were banned in 393 A.D. only to be revived in 1896. In other words, the Olympics were happening when the Apostle Paul was alive and spreading the good news about Jesus Christ! I believe his 'take' on the Olympics and other games happening around him is revealed in his first letter to the Corinthian church: 'And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.' 1Corinthians 9:25 Paraphrasing Paul, 'The Olympics are great, but you and I are in a race far greater than any game and our prize (Heaven) is more precious than any wreath or medal. So run with self-control!' The Hebrew writer adds to Paul's game metaphor by telling us who is rooting for us in the 'stands' and where our focus should be during the race: 'Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…' Hebrews 12:1-2 So let us encourage each other to put aside any sin that keeps tripping us up and keep on running! O VICTORY IN JESUS! God is good. Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=35942 35942 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:42:00 +0000 Dear Pitman church family: if you ask me – YOU'RE A LITTLE BIT SPOILED! 1. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to be part of such a mission-minded church family who supports missionaries and mission works around the world. Plus, many of you take your vacation time to travel across the globe to serve and say a good word for Jesus! 2. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to be part of a church family that emphasizes prayer, honors women, teaches children to focus on Jesus, practices hospitality, gives beyond her ability, radiates mercy and acceptance, understands wounded-healing, and is actually known by her love! 3. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to have such wise and godly shepherds who love the Lord, love you, love the lost, and truly care about smelling like sheep! 4. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to have had Dan and Katherine Cooper minister with you for over 27 years 'running.' They never stop ministering and they are two of the most hospitable people I know. 5. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to have an office manager (she prefers the title 'secretary') in Dottie, who has served this church family so lovingly, sacrificially and joyfully for over 26 years! 6. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to have an abundance of ministry-leading deacons and others who are effectively making a difference for God's kingdom through their specific ministries. 7. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to have the cream of the crop of outside speakers come your way, year after year, to encourage, exhort and challenge you to grow spiritually. (Patrick Mead just left and Rich Little is on his way this September!) 8. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to be part of a church family that is filled with servant-hearted volunteers who major in LOOKING FOR WAYS TO SERVE! Yes. You are a little bit spoiled but you don't act like it! You are one of the most thankful, loving, humble church families I know and the praise all goes to God! God is good! Mr. Steve Dear Pitman church family: if you ask me – YOU'RE A LITTLE BIT SPOILED! 1. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to be part of such a mission-minded church family who supports missionaries and mission works around the world. Plus, many of you take your vacation time to travel across the globe to serve and say a good word for Jesus! 2. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to be part of a church family that emphasizes prayer, honors women, teaches children to focus on Jesus, practices hospitality, gives beyond her ability, radiates mercy and acceptance, understands wounded-healing, and is actually known by her love! 3. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to have such wise and godly shepherds who love the Lord, love you, love the lost, and truly care about smelling like sheep! 4. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to have had Dan and Katherine Cooper minister with you for over 27 years 'running.' They never stop ministering and they are two of the most hospitable people I know. 5. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to have an office manager (she prefers the title 'secretary') in Dottie, who has served this church family so lovingly, sacrificially and joyfully for over 26 years! 6. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to have an abundance of ministry-leading deacons and others who are effectively making a difference for God's kingdom through their specific ministries. 7. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to have the cream of the crop of outside speakers come your way, year after year, to encourage, exhort and challenge you to grow spiritually. (Patrick Mead just left and Rich Little is on his way this September!) 8. You're a Little Bit Spoiled to be part of a church family that is filled with servant-hearted volunteers who major in LOOKING FOR WAYS TO SERVE! Yes. You are a little bit spoiled but you don't act like it! You are one of the most thankful, loving, humble church families I know and the praise all goes to God! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=35689 35689 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 12:31:00 +0000 'and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).' Humility is such a rare trait these days. It requires submission and deference. Most of us want what we want, when we want it – and we generally want it now! Humility requires putting our wants back in line and doing what is best for the other person. It seems odd to say, but one of the best examples of humility back in the 1960's was found in the person and character of Sheriff Andy Taylor on the Andy Griffith show. Oh, Sheriff Taylor wasn't perfect – far from it. But when he did have to 'eat crow' he did it with grace and humility! Andy's close friend, Deputy Barney Fife, played a quite different role – proud and blundering, yet very protective of the town and people of Mayberry. Together they made quite the pair, along with many other unforgettable characters such as Aunt Bee, Opie, Gomer, Goober, Floyd, Otis, Clara, etc. In 'real' life, Andy Griffith had his difficulties as the rest of us. But the following two quotes (attributed to Griffith) give some insight into his views and direction in life. 'I was baptized alongside my mother when I was 8 years old. Since then I have tried to walk a Christian life. And now that I'm getting older I realize that I'm walking even closer with my God.' 'You know when you're young you think you will always be. As you become more fragile, you reflect and you realize how much comfort can come from the past. Hymns can carry you into the future.' Perhaps hymns such as 'HAVE THINE OWN WAY, LORD!' (Andy Samuel Griffith was an American actor, producer, writer, director, and southern gospel singer. He died this past Tuesday at the age of 86.) God is good all the time! Mr. Steve 'and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).' Humility is such a rare trait these days. It requires submission and deference. Most of us want what we want, when we want it – and we generally want it now! Humility requires putting our wants back in line and doing what is best for the other person. It seems odd to say, but one of the best examples of humility back in the 1960's was found in the person and character of Sheriff Andy Taylor on the Andy Griffith show. Oh, Sheriff Taylor wasn't perfect – far from it. But when he did have to 'eat crow' he did it with grace and humility! Andy's close friend, Deputy Barney Fife, played a quite different role – proud and blundering, yet very protective of the town and people of Mayberry. Together they made quite the pair, along with many other unforgettable characters such as Aunt Bee, Opie, Gomer, Goober, Floyd, Otis, Clara, etc. In 'real' life, Andy Griffith had his difficulties as the rest of us. But the following two quotes (attributed to Griffith) give some insight into his views and direction in life. 'I was baptized alongside my mother when I was 8 years old. Since then I have tried to walk a Christian life. And now that I'm getting older I realize that I'm walking even closer with my God.' 'You know when you're young you think you will always be. As you become more fragile, you reflect and you realize how much comfort can come from the past. Hymns can carry you into the future.' Perhaps hymns such as 'HAVE THINE OWN WAY, LORD!' (Andy Samuel Griffith was an American actor, producer, writer, director, and southern gospel singer. He died this past Tuesday at the age of 86.) God is good all the time! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=35550 35550 Sat, 7 Jul 2012 20:34:00 +0000 When I came to my office Tuesday morning, I logged onto my computer and checked my e-mail. I was drawn like a magnet to one of my unread entries: 'I lost her.' Opening up the document, I began weeping uncontrollably. The news was from a long-time friend who shared he had just lost his wife to liver cancer at 1:50 that very morning. I had followed the weekly updates of his wife's battle since early January. I was stunned. Yes, I knew she had been losing weight. Yes, I knew she had undergone bad reactions to certain meds. Yes, I knew she was exceptionally weak. But…. my friend's news still took me by surprise. It was shocking! I immediately sent my love and condolences. I fervently prayed for him and his two children in the men's prayer time an hour later. After prayer, Sherwin and I took off for Deborah hospital to visit 'Doc'. We knew we would most likely get no visual response from him, but we wanted to pray, read and sing over him and tell him how much we loved him. Upon returning from Deborah, and less than 9 hours after reading my friend's alarming news of his wife's death, I received a call from my oldest son, Jordan. He said, 'Dad, have you read your e-mail in the last couple of minutes? You need to read the latest news from Mama Sikes.' While remaining on the phone with my son, I double-clicked my mom's e-mail and read the following about Dad: 'THE CT SCAN SHOWED NO COLON CANCER AND NO SPOTS ON THE LIVER!!! OUR PRAYERS HAVE BEEN HEARD AND ANSWERED. He still doesn't feel good but it's WONDERFUL NEWS.' Again, I uncontrollably wept. Yes, I had prayed for Dad's healing. Yes, I believe God can and does miraculous things. Yes, I was hoping against all hope for Dad's recovery. But…my mother's news still took me by surprise. It was shocking! 6/26/12 – I can't say I fully understand life; I do know it is hard and rarely fair. But through it all, I assuredly know one thing….. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME! Mr. Steve When I came to my office Tuesday morning, I logged onto my computer and checked my e-mail. I was drawn like a magnet to one of my unread entries: 'I lost her.' Opening up the document, I began weeping uncontrollably. The news was from a long-time friend who shared he had just lost his wife to liver cancer at 1:50 that very morning. I had followed the weekly updates of his wife's battle since early January. I was stunned. Yes, I knew she had been losing weight. Yes, I knew she had undergone bad reactions to certain meds. Yes, I knew she was exceptionally weak. But…. my friend's news still took me by surprise. It was shocking! I immediately sent my love and condolences. I fervently prayed for him and his two children in the men's prayer time an hour later. After prayer, Sherwin and I took off for Deborah hospital to visit 'Doc'. We knew we would most likely get no visual response from him, but we wanted to pray, read and sing over him and tell him how much we loved him. Upon returning from Deborah, and less than 9 hours after reading my friend's alarming news of his wife's death, I received a call from my oldest son, Jordan. He said, 'Dad, have you read your e-mail in the last couple of minutes? You need to read the latest news from Mama Sikes.' While remaining on the phone with my son, I double-clicked my mom's e-mail and read the following about Dad: 'THE CT SCAN SHOWED NO COLON CANCER AND NO SPOTS ON THE LIVER!!! OUR PRAYERS HAVE BEEN HEARD AND ANSWERED. He still doesn't feel good but it's WONDERFUL NEWS.' Again, I uncontrollably wept. Yes, I had prayed for Dad's healing. Yes, I believe God can and does miraculous things. Yes, I was hoping against all hope for Dad's recovery. But…my mother's news still took me by surprise. It was shocking! 6/26/12 – I can't say I fully understand life; I do know it is hard and rarely fair. But through it all, I assuredly know one thing….. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=35329 35329 Fri, 29 Jun 2012 06:40:00 +0000 (At the writing of this letter to God, DOC Kistler is in critical care in Deborah Hospital. No matter the prognosis, we as DOC and Cathy's church family continue to praise our Father for DOC's life and cry out for God's intervention of mercy and grace to help in time of need. To God be the glory!) Dear God, I want to thank You this morning for Charles 'DOC' Kistler! Thank You for forming in him a heart of service, a heart of giving, and a heart of compassion and passion for people – from the very young to the very old! It is so easy to see You in him and in his life. My reverence for You and my faith in You are both stronger from knowing and being around DOC Kistler. Thank You! Thank You for Your Holy Spirit being the idea and the strength behind: DOC and Cathy's sacrificial giving of countless personal Bibles to anyone baptized into Christ or in need of any comfort from Your Spirit! DOC's heart for little children and senior saints. Little children follow him around and senior saints sit at his feet when he sings. DOC's love for music and his insatiable desire to write songs of praise to You and songs of encouragement for Your people. DOC's servant heart for others. Most of us who have come to know and love DOC have been served by him in many different ways. Thank You! DOC and Cathy's ongoing faith in You, that You will see them through the toughest of times. That no matter what – they will trust You! Their faith has resulted in many blessings; one of the greatest of these is our growth in trusting the Lord! 'And He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear, and will trust in the Lord. How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust…(Psalm 40:3-4)' God is good! Mr. Steve (At the writing of this letter to God, DOC Kistler is in critical care in Deborah Hospital. No matter the prognosis, we as DOC and Cathy's church family continue to praise our Father for DOC's life and cry out for God's intervention of mercy and grace to help in time of need. To God be the glory!) Dear God, I want to thank You this morning for Charles 'DOC' Kistler! Thank You for forming in him a heart of service, a heart of giving, and a heart of compassion and passion for people – from the very young to the very old! It is so easy to see You in him and in his life. My reverence for You and my faith in You are both stronger from knowing and being around DOC Kistler. Thank You! Thank You for Your Holy Spirit being the idea and the strength behind: DOC and Cathy's sacrificial giving of countless personal Bibles to anyone baptized into Christ or in need of any comfort from Your Spirit! DOC's heart for little children and senior saints. Little children follow him around and senior saints sit at his feet when he sings. DOC's love for music and his insatiable desire to write songs of praise to You and songs of encouragement for Your people. DOC's servant heart for others. Most of us who have come to know and love DOC have been served by him in many different ways. Thank You! DOC and Cathy's ongoing faith in You, that You will see them through the toughest of times. That no matter what – they will trust You! Their faith has resulted in many blessings; one of the greatest of these is our growth in trusting the Lord! 'And He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear, and will trust in the Lord. How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust…(Psalm 40:3-4)' God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=35315 35315 Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:01:00 +0000 Dear Father, YOU ARE GOOD! Thank You for never giving up on me; for being a Father who is so patient and kind. Thank You for NOT being a boastful and proud Father and for never, ever being rude or self-seeking! Thank You for NOT being easily angered, even though I've given you plenty to be angry about. I especially thank You, Father, for not keeping a record of my wrongs; for NOT delighting in evil but always rejoicing with the truth! Thank You, Father, for always, always protecting me, even at times when I did not feel protected. Thank You for being trustworthy, so forever faithful! Thank You, Father, for being the vessel of my hope and perseverance, and for never, ever failing me! YOU ARE LOVE (1 John 4:8; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! In addition, Father, thank You for giving me a dad like you. A father who has faithfully followed in Your footsteps for more than four-score years now. Thank You, Father, for filling my father with your Holy Spirit and giving him the strength to live each day in and by Your grace and power! I have truly come to see You as a Father more clearly because of Your gift of him to me. I am a blessed son. TWICE BLESSED! God, You are good all the time and all the time You are good! Mr. Steve Dear Father, YOU ARE GOOD! Thank You for never giving up on me; for being a Father who is so patient and kind. Thank You for NOT being a boastful and proud Father and for never, ever being rude or self-seeking! Thank You for NOT being easily angered, even though I've given you plenty to be angry about. I especially thank You, Father, for not keeping a record of my wrongs; for NOT delighting in evil but always rejoicing with the truth! Thank You, Father, for always, always protecting me, even at times when I did not feel protected. Thank You for being trustworthy, so forever faithful! Thank You, Father, for being the vessel of my hope and perseverance, and for never, ever failing me! YOU ARE LOVE (1 John 4:8; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! In addition, Father, thank You for giving me a dad like you. A father who has faithfully followed in Your footsteps for more than four-score years now. Thank You, Father, for filling my father with your Holy Spirit and giving him the strength to live each day in and by Your grace and power! I have truly come to see You as a Father more clearly because of Your gift of him to me. I am a blessed son. TWICE BLESSED! God, You are good all the time and all the time You are good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=35073 35073 Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:40:00 +0000 My wife, Patti, and I remember the job interview weekend of June 8-10, 2007, with the Pitman church so clearly! It was my first visit ever to NJ! It was filled with: meetings with families, Dan and Dottie, the elders and their wives, the search committee, class and worship on Sunday – all followed by an open Q & A session Sunday afternoon at the Krinks. Whew! Interestingly enough, after much singing and communing together, our first Sunday morning service centered on the appointment of seven deacons. Five years later, to the day (June 10, 2007 – June 10, 2012), our service this morning will focus on Christ-like serving and the appointment of seven more deacons! The following are my journal excerpts from five years ago: SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2007 (5:30 am) 'Good morning, Lord! The birds are singing Your praises! You are good! You are holy! Whatever happens to Patti and me – thank You for doing something very wonderful with this Pitman church family. They're open, honest, relational, loving, loving, loving! I can't get over how much they love one another! Plus, I hear and see 'unity' through and through! Love and Unity – what we are to be known for; Love and Unity – what Jesus prayed for (John 13:34-35; 17:20-23). Thank You! Your prayers are being answered here in a small hamlet in South Jersey! Give me strength and wisdom today, O God! Anoint me with your power and grace. Move in and through Patti and me so that You alone may be glorified… I need Your wisdom, foresight, insight, Holy Spirit sight…. Help me! Empower me for cross-life victory today!' SATURDAY NIGHT, JUNE 9, 2007 'What an amazing evening! You are doing something so special here in Pitman! Love, Unity, Mission, Encouragement! More than I've ever seen anywhere!' God's work, God's people, God's glory! God is good! Mr. Steve My wife, Patti, and I remember the job interview weekend of June 8-10, 2007, with the Pitman church so clearly! It was my first visit ever to NJ! It was filled with: meetings with families, Dan and Dottie, the elders and their wives, the search committee, class and worship on Sunday – all followed by an open Q & A session Sunday afternoon at the Krinks. Whew! Interestingly enough, after much singing and communing together, our first Sunday morning service centered on the appointment of seven deacons. Five years later, to the day (June 10, 2007 – June 10, 2012), our service this morning will focus on Christ-like serving and the appointment of seven more deacons! The following are my journal excerpts from five years ago: SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2007 (5:30 am) 'Good morning, Lord! The birds are singing Your praises! You are good! You are holy! Whatever happens to Patti and me – thank You for doing something very wonderful with this Pitman church family. They're open, honest, relational, loving, loving, loving! I can't get over how much they love one another! Plus, I hear and see 'unity' through and through! Love and Unity – what we are to be known for; Love and Unity – what Jesus prayed for (John 13:34-35; 17:20-23). Thank You! Your prayers are being answered here in a small hamlet in South Jersey! Give me strength and wisdom today, O God! Anoint me with your power and grace. Move in and through Patti and me so that You alone may be glorified… I need Your wisdom, foresight, insight, Holy Spirit sight…. Help me! Empower me for cross-life victory today!' SATURDAY NIGHT, JUNE 9, 2007 'What an amazing evening! You are doing something so special here in Pitman! Love, Unity, Mission, Encouragement! More than I've ever seen anywhere!' God's work, God's people, God's glory! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=34948 34948 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:11:00 +0000 Thank you for all the personal greetings, texts, cards, e-mails, phone calls, etc. wishing me a happy 60th birthday! It indeed was one of the best 'Birthday weekends' I can ever remember. The 'weekend' all started with a text from the boyfriend of our 25 year-old daughter: 'Hey there, Sir! Hope your Friday morning (May 25) is off to a great start! I was hoping that you could give me a time when it would be convenient to call you while Patti was also with you. Maybe sometime this afternoon or even tomorrow morning…' I immediately got this big lump in my throat. Did I hear wedding bells? Here I was already crying and I didn't even know for sure why he wanted to talk to us! But sure enough, the following day, Shane called and asked us for our blessing! He said that he was a little nervous, but wanted to get our blessing before asking Crystal on Monday to marry him. We gladly gave him our unreserved approval! Shane is such a godly young man and definitely an answer to over ¼ century of prayers! God is good! When Monday (May 28) rolled around, we went to the church picnic at the Walkers, and then made our way home to await our daughter's telephone call. When Crystal did contact us, she just kept screaming, 'I'M ENGAGED! I'M ENGAGED! Can you believe it? I'M ENGAGED!' We laughed, we cried and we affirmed she indeed was engaged to the man of our answered prayers! God is good! On Wednesday (May 30) our oldest son called and said he and his wife, Jacqueline, had made an offer on a house in Omaha, Nebraska, close to his future clinic of podiatry; later that evening their offer was accepted! Again, I couldn't help but reflect, after four years of medical school and three years of residency, Jordan and family were living in the midst of answered prayers! God is good! Mr. Steve Thank you for all the personal greetings, texts, cards, e-mails, phone calls, etc. wishing me a happy 60th birthday! It indeed was one of the best 'Birthday weekends' I can ever remember. The 'weekend' all started with a text from the boyfriend of our 25 year-old daughter: 'Hey there, Sir! Hope your Friday morning (May 25) is off to a great start! I was hoping that you could give me a time when it would be convenient to call you while Patti was also with you. Maybe sometime this afternoon or even tomorrow morning…' I immediately got this big lump in my throat. Did I hear wedding bells? Here I was already crying and I didn't even know for sure why he wanted to talk to us! But sure enough, the following day, Shane called and asked us for our blessing! He said that he was a little nervous, but wanted to get our blessing before asking Crystal on Monday to marry him. We gladly gave him our unreserved approval! Shane is such a godly young man and definitely an answer to over ¼ century of prayers! God is good! When Monday (May 28) rolled around, we went to the church picnic at the Walkers, and then made our way home to await our daughter's telephone call. When Crystal did contact us, she just kept screaming, 'I'M ENGAGED! I'M ENGAGED! Can you believe it? I'M ENGAGED!' We laughed, we cried and we affirmed she indeed was engaged to the man of our answered prayers! God is good! On Wednesday (May 30) our oldest son called and said he and his wife, Jacqueline, had made an offer on a house in Omaha, Nebraska, close to his future clinic of podiatry; later that evening their offer was accepted! Again, I couldn't help but reflect, after four years of medical school and three years of residency, Jordan and family were living in the midst of answered prayers! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=34736 34736 Fri, 1 Jun 2012 12:14:00 +0000 In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul encourages us to major in a couple of things that seem contradictory: forget and remember! FORGET what lies behind (Philippians 3:13), and REMEMBER (let your mind dwell on) whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, of excellence, and anything worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8)! The above exhortations are easier to say than do! Many have a tendency to do the opposite: forget our blessings and remember our sin, grief and/or dwell on our accolades! FORGET: How do I possibly forget what lies behind? I believe Paul's encouragement is to not let anything (good or bad) in our past, divert our attention from pressing on to know Christ, live Christ, and be with Christ forever! REMEMBER: There are two events that we hosted here at Pitman Road in the last month that keep playing in my mind: The performance of the Rochester University Chorus, and our own Pitman Road musical – The Tale of The Three Trees. Both events were 'Philippians 4:8' events; both events pointed me to the cross! In The Tale of The Three Trees, directed by Diana Hutchinson, Andrew Holden did a superb job portraying the third tree that eventually was cut down, hewn and made into the cross upon which our Savior and our sins were nailed! Powerful! And I loved the singing of the Rochester University Chorus! Especially one of the songs sung by Autumn: Where Joy and Sorrow Meet. Remember the song's last words? 'There's a place of thirst and hunger where the roots of faith grow deep And there is rain and rolling thunder when the road is rough and steep There is hope in desperation there is victory in defeat At the cross of restoration where joy and sorrow meet' Wow! Both of these events have encouraged me to press on! Now, what do you need to FORGET and what do you need to REMEMBER? God is good! Mr. Steve In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul encourages us to major in a couple of things that seem contradictory: forget and remember! FORGET what lies behind (Philippians 3:13), and REMEMBER (let your mind dwell on) whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, of excellence, and anything worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8)! The above exhortations are easier to say than do! Many have a tendency to do the opposite: forget our blessings and remember our sin, grief and/or dwell on our accolades! FORGET: How do I possibly forget what lies behind? I believe Paul's encouragement is to not let anything (good or bad) in our past, divert our attention from pressing on to know Christ, live Christ, and be with Christ forever! REMEMBER: There are two events that we hosted here at Pitman Road in the last month that keep playing in my mind: The performance of the Rochester University Chorus, and our own Pitman Road musical – The Tale of The Three Trees. Both events were 'Philippians 4:8' events; both events pointed me to the cross! In The Tale of The Three Trees, directed by Diana Hutchinson, Andrew Holden did a superb job portraying the third tree that eventually was cut down, hewn and made into the cross upon which our Savior and our sins were nailed! Powerful! And I loved the singing of the Rochester University Chorus! Especially one of the songs sung by Autumn: Where Joy and Sorrow Meet. Remember the song's last words? 'There's a place of thirst and hunger where the roots of faith grow deep And there is rain and rolling thunder when the road is rough and steep There is hope in desperation there is victory in defeat At the cross of restoration where joy and sorrow meet' Wow! Both of these events have encouraged me to press on! Now, what do you need to FORGET and what do you need to REMEMBER? God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=34633 34633 Mon, 28 May 2012 11:25:00 +0000 Last Sunday, I presented a Mother's Day lesson on Mary, the mother of Jesus. The morning service was bursting with activity: the handing out of carnations to mothers, gifts to various moms, and calling up three of our young families to receive the family blessing. A point I wanted to make and didn't have time to develop was Mary's unique relationship with Jesus! Many mothers have unique relationships with their children, but none more than Mary with Jesus. Max Lucado best illustrates this fact in his book, God Came Near, via his 'TWENTY –FIVE QUESTIONS FOR MARY.' Here's a sampling: 1. What was it like watching Him pray?2. When He saw a rainbow, did He ever mention a flood?3. Did you ever feel awkward teaching Him how He created the world?4. When He saw a lamb being led to the slaughter, did He act differently?5. Did you ever see Him with a distant look on His face as if He were listening to someone you couldn't hear?6. How did He act at funerals?7. Did the thought ever occur to you that the God to whom you were praying was asleep under your own roof?8. Did you ever try to count the stars with Him....and succeed?9. Did He ever have to ask a question about Scripture?10. What do you think He thought when He saw a prostitute offering to the highest bidder the body He made?11. Did you ever catch Him pensively looking at the flesh on His own arm while holding a clod of dirt?12. When someone referred to Satan, how did He act?13. Did you ever accidentally call Him Father?14. What did He and His cousin John talk about as kids?15. Did you ever think, That's God eating my soup? Thank you again, Christian moms, for being salt and light! This world is a better place because of your godly influence! God is good. Mr. Steve Last Sunday, I presented a Mother's Day lesson on Mary, the mother of Jesus. The morning service was bursting with activity: the handing out of carnations to mothers, gifts to various moms, and calling up three of our young families to receive the family blessing. A point I wanted to make and didn't have time to develop was Mary's unique relationship with Jesus! Many mothers have unique relationships with their children, but none more than Mary with Jesus. Max Lucado best illustrates this fact in his book, God Came Near, via his 'TWENTY –FIVE QUESTIONS FOR MARY.' Here's a sampling: 1. What was it like watching Him pray?2. When He saw a rainbow, did He ever mention a flood?3. Did you ever feel awkward teaching Him how He created the world?4. When He saw a lamb being led to the slaughter, did He act differently?5. Did you ever see Him with a distant look on His face as if He were listening to someone you couldn't hear?6. How did He act at funerals?7. Did the thought ever occur to you that the God to whom you were praying was asleep under your own roof?8. Did you ever try to count the stars with Him....and succeed?9. Did He ever have to ask a question about Scripture?10. What do you think He thought when He saw a prostitute offering to the highest bidder the body He made?11. Did you ever catch Him pensively looking at the flesh on His own arm while holding a clod of dirt?12. When someone referred to Satan, how did He act?13. Did you ever accidentally call Him Father?14. What did He and His cousin John talk about as kids?15. Did you ever think, That's God eating my soup? Thank you again, Christian moms, for being salt and light! This world is a better place because of your godly influence! God is good. Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=34442 34442 Sat, 19 May 2012 10:49:00 +0000 'Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor (Romans 13:7).' So many people to congratulate! So many graduates and recipients of honor! But for this particular article I want to lift up and celebrate Derrick Busch, who graduated yesterday with honors in completing his second Master's degree! Way to go, D.B.! Derrick, husband to Brenda Busch, father of Derrick II and Brianna, and long-time Special Education teacher (MEd), received another Master's degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling (MPC) from Neumann University yesterday. His MPC degree is a clinical counseling degree with an added 'spiritual' emphasis. Derrick we are so proud of you! Those of you who have worked full time, gone to school full time and tried to raise a family full time, have some idea the 'joys' and challenges Derrick has faced over the past several years. Plus, Derrick and Brenda's marriage is less than a year old! So, we say to you, Derrick, a heart-felt congratulations for not just hanging in there – but for finishing strong! Our prayers are for God's plan to continually unfold in your life, for you are indeed, God's man! For any reading this article who do not know Derrick Busch, let me share with you several other items of special interest: Derrick is one of our finest Bible class teachers – to young and old alike; he possesses a compassionate and passionate spirit for visiting and seeing to the needs of many of our shut-ins; he is wise beyond his years and most importantly, Spirit-filled! Derrick is a servant of servants and WE ARE HONORED TO CALL HIM BROTHER! '… if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it (1Corinthians 12:26-27).' Amen! God is good! Mr. Steve 'Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor (Romans 13:7).' So many people to congratulate! So many graduates and recipients of honor! But for this particular article I want to lift up and celebrate Derrick Busch, who graduated yesterday with honors in completing his second Master's degree! Way to go, D.B.! Derrick, husband to Brenda Busch, father of Derrick II and Brianna, and long-time Special Education teacher (MEd), received another Master's degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling (MPC) from Neumann University yesterday. His MPC degree is a clinical counseling degree with an added 'spiritual' emphasis. Derrick we are so proud of you! Those of you who have worked full time, gone to school full time and tried to raise a family full time, have some idea the 'joys' and challenges Derrick has faced over the past several years. Plus, Derrick and Brenda's marriage is less than a year old! So, we say to you, Derrick, a heart-felt congratulations for not just hanging in there – but for finishing strong! Our prayers are for God's plan to continually unfold in your life, for you are indeed, God's man! For any reading this article who do not know Derrick Busch, let me share with you several other items of special interest: Derrick is one of our finest Bible class teachers – to young and old alike; he possesses a compassionate and passionate spirit for visiting and seeing to the needs of many of our shut-ins; he is wise beyond his years and most importantly, Spirit-filled! Derrick is a servant of servants and WE ARE HONORED TO CALL HIM BROTHER! '… if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it (1Corinthians 12:26-27).' Amen! God is good! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=34328 34328 Tue, 15 May 2012 10:09:00 +0000 By definition, INDISPENSABLE means: 'extremely necessary, desirable, essential; not to be done without.' DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE CALLED INDISPENSABLE? Without question, each of us, according to God, is INDISPENSABLE. But even more so are our families and children with exceptional needs! I challenge you to read the following description of the Body of Christ like you are reading it for the first time: 'But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'; or again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which SEEM to be weaker are necessary (INDISPENSABLE); and those members of the body, which WE DEEM less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor… But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it (1 Corinthians 12:20-27).' FAMILIES AND CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS ARE THE INDISPENSABLE ONES! WITHOUT THEM AND THEIR CHALLENGES WE AREN'T FULLY FUNCTIONING AS A BODY! WE NEED FAMILIES AND CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS TO BECOME THE BODY OF CHRIST! IT IS THE DIVINE PLAN AND WISDOM OF GOD TO PLACE IN OUR MIDST THOSE WHO 'SEEM' TO BE THE WEAKEST IN ORDER TO HELP US GROW IN BECOMING MORE LIKE HIM! GOD FOSTERS MATURITY IN US ALL THROUGH FAMILIES AND CHILDREN OF EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS! 'THE LORD LOVES THE LOWEST, THE LAST, THE LEAST, AND THE LOST!' 'Making Sense of Autism' by Joni Eareckson Tada GOD IS GOOD! Mr. Steve By definition, INDISPENSABLE means: 'extremely necessary, desirable, essential; not to be done without.' DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE CALLED INDISPENSABLE? Without question, each of us, according to God, is INDISPENSABLE. But even more so are our families and children with exceptional needs! I challenge you to read the following description of the Body of Christ like you are reading it for the first time: 'But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'; or again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which SEEM to be weaker are necessary (INDISPENSABLE); and those members of the body, which WE DEEM less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor… But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it (1 Corinthians 12:20-27).' FAMILIES AND CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS ARE THE INDISPENSABLE ONES! WITHOUT THEM AND THEIR CHALLENGES WE AREN'T FULLY FUNCTIONING AS A BODY! WE NEED FAMILIES AND CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS TO BECOME THE BODY OF CHRIST! IT IS THE DIVINE PLAN AND WISDOM OF GOD TO PLACE IN OUR MIDST THOSE WHO 'SEEM' TO BE THE WEAKEST IN ORDER TO HELP US GROW IN BECOMING MORE LIKE HIM! GOD FOSTERS MATURITY IN US ALL THROUGH FAMILIES AND CHILDREN OF EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS! 'THE LORD LOVES THE LOWEST, THE LAST, THE LEAST, AND THE LOST!' 'Making Sense of Autism' by Joni Eareckson Tada GOD IS GOOD! Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=34327 34327 Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000 True or False: 1. ____ In a grocery store or Walmart or in some other public place, I have given a parent the 'STARE' that communicates, 'Can't you get control of your child?!' 2. ____ Just loving and reaching out to families with exceptional needs is key. 3. ____ There are no disabled souls. 4. ____ Jesus chose to spend much of His time with 'outcasts.' 5. ____ Everyone needs the Lord. 6. ____God works through people with exceptional needs to teach us many valuable lessons. 7. ____ Everyone is disabled in some way. 8. ____ To many in the world, children with exceptional needs and their families are INVISIBLE; they are present but not seen or recognized. 9. ____ I would like to grow in facing my fear of ministering to children with exceptional needs and their families. 10.____ Jesus is personally calling me to provide help, hope and a safe haven to those families with exceptional needs. Perhaps, like me, you answered 'TRUE' to every one of the above statements. I so much want Jesus to help me grow in ministering to children and families with exceptional needs! If you feel the same, join me in prayer this week and then come heart-prepared to listen to His teaching on this extremely important subject: '…for one of the least of these.' May God have His say and His way! It is our plan, next Sunday after our worship time together, to go out to our church parking lot, gather in a circle of prayer, and then blow multi-colored bubbles into the air to represent our prayers for children and families of exceptional needs; those we know, and those we have yet to meet. Please invite your friends to join us next Sunday for this special time of worship and celebration! 'The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).'' God is good. Mr. Steve True or False: 1. ____ In a grocery store or Walmart or in some other public place, I have given a parent the 'STARE' that communicates, 'Can't you get control of your child?!' 2. ____ Just loving and reaching out to families with exceptional needs is key. 3. ____ There are no disabled souls. 4. ____ Jesus chose to spend much of His time with 'outcasts.' 5. ____ Everyone needs the Lord. 6. ____God works through people with exceptional needs to teach us many valuable lessons. 7. ____ Everyone is disabled in some way. 8. ____ To many in the world, children with exceptional needs and their families are INVISIBLE; they are present but not seen or recognized. 9. ____ I would like to grow in facing my fear of ministering to children with exceptional needs and their families. 10.____ Jesus is personally calling me to provide help, hope and a safe haven to those families with exceptional needs. Perhaps, like me, you answered 'TRUE' to every one of the above statements. I so much want Jesus to help me grow in ministering to children and families with exceptional needs! If you feel the same, join me in prayer this week and then come heart-prepared to listen to His teaching on this extremely important subject: '…for one of the least of these.' May God have His say and His way! It is our plan, next Sunday after our worship time together, to go out to our church parking lot, gather in a circle of prayer, and then blow multi-colored bubbles into the air to represent our prayers for children and families of exceptional needs; those we know, and those we have yet to meet. Please invite your friends to join us next Sunday for this special time of worship and celebration! 'The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).'' God is good. Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=33833 33833 Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:16:00 +0000 This past week I was asked to speak at a friend's funeral. I drove my Dodge truck across Pennsylvania; on to Columbus and down through Cincinnati, Ohio; continued on to Louisville, Kentucky; and over to southern Indiana and back again. The weather was pleasant; the traffic was mostly 18-wheelers and drivers steering large tankers. Since my plan was to be on the road for over 24 hours, I took the Message version of the Bible on CD and a passel of Louis L' Amour westerns on my I-pod. Between recordings, I reflected on Dan's challenge to count at least 1,000 of my blessings. Driving thru the night, I rediscovered that sleep (#856) is such a huge blessing! My respect and appreciation for our own professional bus driver and shepherd, Dwight Thompson, mounted minute by minute – (# 857)! Well, I made it to southern Indiana, visited with spiritual family, spoke at my friend's funeral, and am presently in a motel on my way home. Now what was my most memorable moment? At the gravesite, a lady whispered in my ear that over 25 years ago, a woman came to me for counseling and I encouraged her not to have an abortion. She said that baby was grown up now and had a child of her own and she wanted to meet me! You have to understand all of this was happening minutes after finishing the gravesite service of a close friend! I still get goose bumps when I reflect on what happened next. A woman I had never met stepped forward shook my hand and said 'thank you.' We hugged and prayed together on the spot, just a few feet away from my friend's casket. The goodness and mercy of God and His impeccable timing continue to amaze me – (#'s 999 & 1,000)! I'm back on the road again; New Jersey here I come! God is good. Mr. Steve This past week I was asked to speak at a friend's funeral. I drove my Dodge truck across Pennsylvania; on to Columbus and down through Cincinnati, Ohio; continued on to Louisville, Kentucky; and over to southern Indiana and back again. The weather was pleasant; the traffic was mostly 18-wheelers and drivers steering large tankers. Since my plan was to be on the road for over 24 hours, I took the Message version of the Bible on CD and a passel of Louis L' Amour westerns on my I-pod. Between recordings, I reflected on Dan's challenge to count at least 1,000 of my blessings. Driving thru the night, I rediscovered that sleep (#856) is such a huge blessing! My respect and appreciation for our own professional bus driver and shepherd, Dwight Thompson, mounted minute by minute – (# 857)! Well, I made it to southern Indiana, visited with spiritual family, spoke at my friend's funeral, and am presently in a motel on my way home. Now what was my most memorable moment? At the gravesite, a lady whispered in my ear that over 25 years ago, a woman came to me for counseling and I encouraged her not to have an abortion. She said that baby was grown up now and had a child of her own and she wanted to meet me! You have to understand all of this was happening minutes after finishing the gravesite service of a close friend! I still get goose bumps when I reflect on what happened next. A woman I had never met stepped forward shook my hand and said 'thank you.' We hugged and prayed together on the spot, just a few feet away from my friend's casket. The goodness and mercy of God and His impeccable timing continue to amaze me – (#'s 999 & 1,000)! I'm back on the road again; New Jersey here I come! God is good. Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=33661 33661 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:35:00 +0000 I was intrigued by Jim Daly's Focus on the Family article this week, 'Who's Your Caddy in Life?' http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2012/04/11/whos-your-caddy-in-life If you've ever watched golf on TV, you've seen the person carrying the golf clubs for the professional golfer. That club carrier is called a 'caddy.' Daly shares in his article that 'in professional golf, the caddy usually does more than just carry a bag. He serves as a counselor, and encourager, a sounding board, or even a coach.' He tells of the positive impact caddy Ted Scott has had on the life of professional golfer and recent Masters Champion, Bubba Watson. Ted has been Bubba's caddy since 2006 and made the decision years ago to tell 'his boss' what he needed to hear – even if it got him fired! I can relate. I've got my own caddy! She was born with 'congenital nystagmus' (dancing eyes) and underwent two major eye surgeries by the time she was six years old. She grew up loving to ride horses, swim, play basketball and softball, and 'W-E-S-T-L-E' with her Daddy! But by age 12, she began developing headaches at school and had to finish her 7th grade year at home. She was home-schooled for the rest of her junior high and senior high years. By the time she was 16 she had finished her GED and started taking one or two classes a semester at a local Christian college. Because of her headaches, it took her four years to complete two years of college, and five more years to finish her last two years of school at ACU and Indiana University. When her headaches became more debilitating, she moved to South Jersey in August, 2007. Like several of you, she is extremely light and sound sensitive and is greatly affected by South Jersey's vacillating changes in barometric pressure and high number of allergens. She pays for her own bills by buying and selling online. She is a woman of extreme character in perseverance and fortitude. She is also exceptionally gifted in analyzing situations and personalities, partly because she has been a life-observer most of her 28 and ½ years. She knows me through and through – and still loves me! She tells me like it is and helps keep me accountable and on track. I thank God for my daughter, Jessica, – THE DADDY CADDY IN MY LIFE! 'Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed (Proverbs 27:5).' God is good. Mr. Steve I was intrigued by Jim Daly's Focus on the Family article this week, 'Who's Your Caddy in Life?' http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2012/04/11/whos-your-caddy-in-life If you've ever watched golf on TV, you've seen the person carrying the golf clubs for the professional golfer. That club carrier is called a 'caddy.' Daly shares in his article that 'in professional golf, the caddy usually does more than just carry a bag. He serves as a counselor, and encourager, a sounding board, or even a coach.' He tells of the positive impact caddy Ted Scott has had on the life of professional golfer and recent Masters Champion, Bubba Watson. Ted has been Bubba's caddy since 2006 and made the decision years ago to tell 'his boss' what he needed to hear – even if it got him fired! I can relate. I've got my own caddy! She was born with 'congenital nystagmus' (dancing eyes) and underwent two major eye surgeries by the time she was six years old. She grew up loving to ride horses, swim, play basketball and softball, and 'W-E-S-T-L-E' with her Daddy! But by age 12, she began developing headaches at school and had to finish her 7th grade year at home. She was home-schooled for the rest of her junior high and senior high years. By the time she was 16 she had finished her GED and started taking one or two classes a semester at a local Christian college. Because of her headaches, it took her four years to complete two years of college, and five more years to finish her last two years of school at ACU and Indiana University. When her headaches became more debilitating, she moved to South Jersey in August, 2007. Like several of you, she is extremely light and sound sensitive and is greatly affected by South Jersey's vacillating changes in barometric pressure and high number of allergens. She pays for her own bills by buying and selling online. She is a woman of extreme character in perseverance and fortitude. She is also exceptionally gifted in analyzing situations and personalities, partly because she has been a life-observer most of her 28 and ½ years. She knows me through and through – and still loves me! She tells me like it is and helps keep me accountable and on track. I thank God for my daughter, Jessica, – THE DADDY CADDY IN MY LIFE! 'Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed (Proverbs 27:5).' God is good. Mr. Steve http://www.pitmanroadchurchofchrist.org/index.cfm?i=12530&mid=25&blogid=5125&comments=33498 33498 Fri, 13 Apr 2012 06:57:00 +0000