Real People at Christmas

This month as we've examined Luke's account of the birth of Jesus Christ, it has occurred to me on several occasions that Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the Wise Guys, Simeon & Anna, were all ordinary people. Just like you. Nothing magical or mystical about them, flesh and blood human beings. And God in his grace used them to be the parents of Jesus. He used outcast shepherds to spread the word.

If the Christmas story reveals anything of the heart of our Lord, it shouts out loud- God is full of Grace and loves us one and all. No matter what our birthplace, or past mistakes, or label placed on us by others, God sees through it all to reach us right where we find ourselves.

How about you? Are you ready to receive the message of the shepherds? Have you come to the place of realizing God's love for you was revealed in the birth of His Son, Christ the Lord? Jesus is still looking for hearts to receive him in. Is yours available?

One of those days…

Thought I would let you in on one of those days...

Tuesday, I was reflecting on the Smith family who was baptized Sunday. What a neat opportunity for this mom & dad to share together with their daughter as they all were baptized together. It reminded me of what it may have been like when the Philippian Jailer trusted Christ and the text reads “ he and all his family were baptized" (Acts 16). What a privilege for me as a pastor to be in the pool with this family and share in this moment with them. This is the 3rd occasion this summer where a dad has been an active participant in baptizing his child as they acknowledge Jesus as Savior. And I'm so grateful to Alan & Lori Godby for opening up their home & pool for us all to come over. In the past year 11 have given their profession of faith and been baptized in the Godby backyard pool. How neat is that??!!

At lunch today with a couple of our men I had the opportunity to encourage a woman who attended StoneBridge a while back but has been out of church a long time. God has been speaking to her about her need to return to church & worship him, but she has a checkered past and stuggles with what people might say. We laughed together as she confessed she's been struggling with coming back to chruch and then lo & behold I walk in for lunch. I tried to assure her others at SBCC won't know who she is and those who do will be glad she is with us. And even if not SBCC she needs to find a place to worship the Lord with her two children. She tells me she was glad to see me & thanks me for speaking with her & as I tell her “I’ll see you Sunday”, she agrees. Hopefully she’ll come and continue to find the God of all Grace.

As for the Rummage Sale this past weekend, God gave us a great weather, especially when mid week there was talk of showers in the forecast. Yet the Rummage Sale was great. The results of the rummage sale- SBCC raised $ 359.00 towards 5th grade camp. We met a lot of great people and had the opportunity to speak with a few about what kind of church we are and what motivated us to host the sale. That was exciting. Also Tuesday the SBCC leadership approved an additional $ 641.00 towards the schools making our gift an even $ 1,000.00. Steve Estes & I took a check to the principal of Ostmann Elementary on Tuesday afternoon. He was very appreciative of your generosity as a church for these kids. On Wednesday, Cayce Warman, a 5th grader at Twin Chimney’s will present her principal with a 500.00 check on behalf of the church for the students at her school. Many thanks to Carrie Gibbs who spearheaded this project and the number of folks who gave of themselves and their stuff to make the Love of Jesus known to the families in our neighborhood!!

Tuesday night I call Eric at college. He’s very excited because he made the travel roster for his collegiate soccer team and they’re traveling to San Diego this Labor Day weekend for 2 games. He tells me he’s been getting up a little early for his quiet time and “really enjoying it”. As a dad you’re always thrilled when good things happen in the lives of your kids- right dads!! Pray for them as travel, for safety, bonding & a good trip.

Then Tuesday night, I have misplaced my wallet after attending a meeting at the elementary school. Ugggghhhhh. Please pray with me that someone turns it in Wednesday. No cash in it, just plastic. I’ve revisited the school almost immediately and the office is advised. I’m hoping someone picked it up and intends to turn it in.
Just one of those days. The good and the frustrating, all part of following Jesus.

UPDATE ON WEDNESDAY AUG 27- My fantatic wife Patti found my wallet while doing a thorough cleaning of the van. Seems the dog left his calling card in the van, and having stepped in it made Patti have to look everywhere to clean. In cleaning, she found it had slipped down between the seat & center console. I guess we can be thankful even for dog droppings eh??

Summer College Study

This summer we had 12-15 students meeting weekly to study the lessons Jesus taught his first followers. It's been really neat to be with these guys (ladies too). I've enjoyed the time spent and will miss them as many head back to school. We had students from Missou, SCCC, Murray State, CMU and Lindenwood to name a few. At first I really debated whether I would be able to relate to them or if I should even try. After all, it's been almost 10 years since my time in student ministry and longer than that with college students.

Yet the pass the couple weeks I've sensed the satisfaction that comes with knowing God has used me. Great one vs one conversations, good group dialogue and insight into the Word. After our last time together last night I'm definitely glad I took the risk.

I can only encourage you that if you believe God might be asking you to trust him in some area of your life, well as the Nike ad says "Just Do It". Choose This Day!

Our VBS

Back in March we began to ask God for a person to lead a ministry to children this summer. We weren't sure what it would look like, but we knew if the Lord provided the right person we'd be alright. During the week of July 7-11 SBCC held it's first VBS and Jayna did a FANTASTIC job in leading over 30 adults in loving and teaching kids about the love Jesus has for each of them. We had 40 different kids, there were some who came to know Jesus for the first time and others who grew up just a little bit.

The week was full of choices. The children were encouraged to choose Jesus, to choose to forgive, to choose to encourage others. Our adults chose to believe God would use them if they'd give up a week of their time. It was truly an awesome week of seeing what God can do when people decide to "taste and see that the Lord is good".

Check out some of the pic's from this historic week

StoneBridge Picnic

We had a great day this past Sunday with over 100 attending our kick off picnic for the upcoming Vacation Bible School coming next week July 7-11. If you've not registered please contact the church office at 272-7222.

Baptisms June 8

Sunday June 8 we had 3 who identified themselves as Christ followers. Sometimes in our culture today the significance gets lost of what it means to be baptized as a follower of Jesus Christ. It is an act of obedience. Jesus asks us to do this and so we do. It is publically stating before the Lord, family and friends that you want to be identfied as a Christ One. As a pastor it is a special honor to step into the water with those who are ready to declare their allegiance to Christ. On Sunday the 8th it was also a honor to have the fathers of those being baptized join me. What a special thrill for a dad who has sought to raise their child to follow Jesus participate in baptizing them.

StoneBridge has had 8 come forward in the past year and we praise God for allowing us to share this special moment with them!!

Choose This Day...

I chose this name because I'm been thinking of late how often I find myself looking forward to the next BIG thing or living in the previous moment and thereby miss what is happening NOW. I'm not advocating a life lived for JUST THIS MOMENT. I believe God wants me to learn and appreciate the past and to anticipate what tomorrow may bring with a sense of curiosity and joy.



But my thoughts are drawn to the scriptures where God wants me to live for this moment and choose today to do right and follow after Jesus:

**Joshua reminds Israel of their need to Choose this Day who you will serve (Joshua 24:15)

**The Psalmist reminds us THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE-REJOICE AND BE GLAD (Ps 118:24)

**Jesus taught us to ask God for his help in providing for our needs "give us THIS DAY our daily bread" (Matt:6:11)

** Paul reminds us in Eph 5 how difficult life can be so we need to make the most of every opportunity that God sends our way, to not waste life. In essence to make good choices THIS DAY.



So you know I'm not a professional blogger, simply an ordinary guy that would like to encourage others along the journey.

So for today- choose this day- to live out God's purposes for your life this day. Don't worry about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough issues of it's own (Matt 6:34). So TODAY- Choose to do the right thing. TODAY- choose to love. TODAY- choose to forgive. TODAY make a choice to put the needs of others before yourself. TODAY- Choose Life!