Warning Signs

I am not sure about your life, but in my life I have typically always had "Warning Signs" that helped to protect me - Of course they only protected me WHEN I WAS OBEDIENT! Hello!

For example the sign above is saying that you are likely to get stung if you go into these waters. So when someone comes out of the water screaming in pain we can (lovingly say) "you read the sign you numb-nut ... you knew what was coming and you went in anyway... hello!" Right? And if we were the warning we say, "I told you so!"

I think many times (not always, sometimes we are blindsided) this is the way life is ... constantly giving us warning signs, and as a Christian I am convinced that God is the author of those warning signs to help lead and guide us through this life.

Warning Signs Come in 6 Ways

1) Word of God (there are many things in the good book that if we would only live by would save us from so much heartache and pain)

2) Prayer (asking for God's guidance is so important ... then listening to His voice)

3) Good Friends (Must be real careful here, not all friends are "good" for advice! Just because someone is around doesn't mean you should seek their counsel)

4) Pastoral Guidance (this doesn't mean that you seek your pastors thoughts for every little thing ... but your pastor may just be a great sounding board when considering something, especially something major)

5)Spouse (I don't do anything without consulting with Jana ... and if she feels a NO, then it's a NO for me too ... you would be wise to listen to me on this one)

6) Your Own Heart (have you ever done something because you wanted to do it so bad, and you knew the whole time you shouldn't? We've all done this! And then we later regret it ... so why not listen to your own heart and follow! Many times this takes quieting yourself so you can listen and get clear on it ... but worth it)

I've seen many people through the years destroy their life all because they wouldn't "Listen and Obey" to the many Warning Signs that God, Friends, Pastors, their own hearts were giving them! Just like the little illustration I gave at the start of this blog entry; the person shouldn't be surprised he was stung, he saw the sign and should have heeded it's instructions.

Now let me speak to you the reader: What warning signs are posted on your road of life? Are you obeying? Or do you think you'll skate by without getting stung? Just a warning from me A PASTOR... you WILL BE STUNG! Sins pay wages! Every time! This is one reason I teach and preach with such passion and will do it til the day I die ... to help people read and heed the signs!

And here's the deal ... I don't want to hear your lame excuses about how painful the sting is ... you knew it going into the water... you made the choice ... now you suffer the consequences.

Please read your Warning Signs!

Addiction, Choice or Disease?

First I'd like to say that I am no expert on the subject of "addiction", nor have I read everything that is out there on the subject. But, as a Pastor I have come in contact with many who have addictions.

To start, my biological father was an alcoholic and died at the age of 37 from it. I have several family members who struggle with addictions. I have several friends who have gone through AA and found it to be very helpful. I also drank and did various drugs as a teenager, but found them to be vices rather than virtues, so I quit.

I realize there are many opinions out there on this subject, and there is no way we can all agree on every facet of addiction, but I do believe there are two things that we can agree on and that is that our CHOICES play a critical role in where our lives end up and that GOD is a key factor in recovery and being free. And whether you believe, like so many do, that addiction is a disease or, like me, believe that addiction is a choice, it's a real issue that many people, even family members, face and it's hurtful and sad and it's destroying lives.

I believe that we are responsible for our deliberate and conscious behavior. And when we say that people AREN'T responsible for their actions we error greatly. We live in a culture where we do not want to take responsibility for our destructive actions ... we want to blame anyone and everyone and anything other than ourselves.

Many people on facebook commented on my question on whether addiction is a choice or a disease? by saying that "it's a choice that turns into a disease" ... or "begins as a choice then becomes a disease" ... I think that addiction can lead to having a disease, which is much different than saying that addiction IS a disease. I agree with what one person said better, "It begins as a choice then becomes a habit.. it is not a disease. It is a habit..."

The bottom line for me is not to get you to see it how I do! Trust me! But to challenge you to make healthy choices for you, and those you love around you! And pray for those you know who are making unwise, unhealthy choices.

"but for the grace of God there go I"

Did Jesus Change Your Life?

I do hope that on this particular blog entry I get a bunch of comments! (hint, hint)

I was recently thinking about how my life has changed, and how different I am because of my relationship with Christ; how my life has been so influenced (in a good way) by Christ. But what bothers me, or is at least disconcerting is how so many people's lives aren't better.

Before you get upset with me, let me explain: I see people who have done a 180 if you will ... leaving a life of crime, drug use, hurting people, lies, etc. etc. and when they encounter this Jesus that I serve and follow they become better people, better in every way. Then on the other hand there are people right in the church, who claim to love this same Jesus I love, but they are unaffected by their relationship with Him. Why? How? I do not know all the answers why this is, but I would like to take a peek in the window and give a thought or two.

Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

The key word there I believe is the word LET ... we are to LET the words of Christ DWELL in us, or one translation uses the word LIVE ... let the words of Christ LIVE in you. I know this to be at least one key element ... along with others.

If I am honest it really bothers me that I know way too many mean, ugly (I don't mean physically unattractive) Christians. I know Christians who have glow in the dark personality disorders and they hurt people all the time, yet they continue to be UNCHANGED by this Jesus I love and serve. Why? How? I know Christians who cheat on their spouses, lie to their kids, lie to their friends ... why? How can this be?

How has my relationship with Christ kept me from so many destructive things (I am far from perfect ... but you understand what I am saying I hope)? How is it that a relationship with Christ compels so many to live a better life, a life of honor, honesty and love for mankind ... and with so many others it doesn't seem to help them?

I do feel this is a mole, or a flaw on the face of Christianity though ... so many people claim to be Christians and when someone sees them doing things that are contrary to what they claim to believe in ... it's confusing.

What about you; how has your relationship with Christ changed you? Helped you? Influenced you? Encouraged you?

More on Words

I am sharing from Proverbs 13:2,3 on the importance of guarding our words.

A Thought From Proverbs 12

Hypocrite (2 of 2)

Everyone of us is a hypocrite on some level! I think the important thing is that we are working to close the gap between knowing what we should do, and then actually doing it. Living it!

Hypocrisy is all about being a pretender! We all want to appear to others better than we really are, I know that I struggle with this at times, but the older I get and the more secure I have become in my relationship with Christ I don't care as much what other people think. I do care about what God thinks! And one day I will stand before Him and give an account for my life ... now that is what compels me to close the gap!

How is the gap in your life?

Hypocrite (1 of 2)

Matthew 23:27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness."

hypocrite [hip-oh-krit]Noun: a person who pretends to be what he or she is not [Greek hupokrinein to pretend]

As I have talked to agnostics, or even Atheists about church, God, Religion, or anything to do with faith ... this is the subject that comes up most often as their frustration or lack of faith in, or their "problem" with God and religion, saying "it's full of hypocrites!"

I see their point, and do share in their frustration at times. And honestly I think the church has contributed to this dilemma honestly. And here is how I see it; when we (the church ... or a pastor like me) start preaching letter of the law stuff (what I refer to as preaching from the "tree of knowledge of good & evil" rather than preaching from the "tree of life") AND preaching stuff that's NOT really even in the Bible (adding to scripture is dangerous Revelation 22:18)i.e. How people should dress, how people should eat, what music people should listen to, no tattoos, no drinking, no bowling, no dancing, no long hair (on guys), no makeup (on girls), no jewelry, etc. Rather, we should be teaching on loving God, loving others, how to be kind - tenderhearted and forgiving of one another, what does it mean to live a live of worship, social justice issues, how to be free from fear, sharing God's love to those around us, teaching how to live a life character, how to be a person of integrity, how to be a good father or mother, how to love your spouse, etc.

I think we majored on what we should do to LOOK like Christians, rather then what we should do to BE Christians. Because let's just face it, teaching only and primarily on what NOT to do only drives people to NOT do certain things in public where people can see, but it drives them to do it privately so no one can see ... which makes them APPEAR holy, or righteous when in fact they are a HYPOCRITE!

Living for Christ isn't about LOOKING like a Christian, it's about BEING a Christian! You know what you are ... so does God, so be real!

Coming soon ... pt2 of Hypcrite

Finding a Church Home

I get asked fairly often, "how do you know when you have found the right church?" This is easy I think, and here are a few things to consider, or ask:

1) Do you like it? (style, feel, people, etc)This is hugely important! Who wants to be in a church they do not like? Interestingly enough ... far too many!

And I am going to step out on a limb here because I have dealt with this very issue often; Parents like it but the kids don't, what to do then? Great question! And let me just say that "kids not liking it, doesn't mean that it isn't good ... hello, their KIDS for pete-sakes! They say that about school all the time, and when they do you don't just up and move to another school!

My son and daughter have through the years said, "I don't like school, or church, or football, or dance, or soccer..." or whatever ... they are kids and all they want to do is play,have fun and eat candy, which is totally fine on occasion, BUT in church it should be all of those things; FUN, PLAY, and most importantly LEARNING LIFE CHANGING PRINCIPLES from the BIBLE, not playing PlayStation 3!

One more thing - the reason I believe it's SOOOOO very important for the PARENTS to like (actually love) the church is because they (parents) are the ones who should be TEACHING and TRAINING their children in the things of GOD! And when parents are excited about God and church ... wham, the kids will be also! Trust me, kids loving God and following God as they grow older is 90% up to the parents and their HOME life!

I remember when I was a kids sitting in Sunday School surrounded by 4 white walls, seating on maroon chairs, Bible in hand, while the teacher used a felt board to tell stories from the Bible. What is important is WHAT IS BEING TAUGHT, not a cool wall mural (though when we have a church building we will have that).


2) Do they *teach the Bible? (real important ... though there are many different styles ... different strokes for different folks ... none are better then another)
a) Verse by verse teaching (using lots of Greek and Hebrew)
b) Topical (pick a topic, then teach on it using scripture as a support or foundation, i.e. 3 ways to conquer fear)

*I would say that these are the two primary teaching styles ... a third would not we worth talking about because that would be a church that hardly teaches the bible, nor uses much scripture ... I wouldn't really consider that a church really. That's just me though)

Here is the bottom line when it comes to teaching styles; do you learn something? Are you moved? Challenged? Encouraged? Called to action? Touched? Do you relate, or connect to the message? Do you like it? Do you feel God? (now this also can be based on what "you" think "God moving" is. For a pentecostal "God moving" is different then what a Methodist would think "God moving" is. And here's the deal ... DO NOT JUDGE another on the "God moving" deal ... again, for one it's dancing down the isle with uplifted hands, yet for another it's quiet stillness, for another it's candles and hymns, for another it's organ and burning incense ... for another something else completely! Stop being so narrow-minded to think that "what you were taught, or what you think" is "God moving" is the only way God moves! God can move through a Donkey if He so chooses.

Know this; when we get to heaven there will be NO DENOMINATIONS ... just the people of God! Nothing wrong with Denominations! I'm just sayin!

3) Do they encourage, and allow anyone to be involved in leadership? (giving opportunity for people to use their gifts for God as they fit within the church.)

4) Do they challenge you spiritually? (a church should challenge your walk, encouraging you to live holy, make right choices, forgive, love, be kind, etc.)

5) I think this one is very important; do they have a non-judgmental welcoming feel? Meaning, are people friendly, open-armed to NEW people, people who may not fit the typically "look" of a church going person ... a church that permeates love and acceptance? If so, this is truly a great church!

I want a church I can bring my friends to, and know that they'll be accepted no matter what their social status, lifestyle, religious background may be, or not be.

6) Is the worship passionate, heartfelt ... and let's be honest ... good? I want quality too! It's hard to worship with bad music, and off pitch singing! Ouch! Jesus enjoys it, but not me!

7) Are the children's programs solid ... meaning, are they teaching the life-giving truths of the bible to my children and having fun while doing it? If so, then I am happy!

8) Are they inward focused or outward focused? Do they only circle the wagon; "our four and no more?" Or are they supporting global missions, local community groups, etc.

If I was looking for a church right now for my family I would look for those 8 things and I would ask the question; is this a place I feel at home? And if so, then that is my church ... I'd jump in with both feet giving of my time and resources to help make it succeed!

What Does a Pastor Look Like?

I had someone tell me the other day that their friend won't come to our church because, "the pastor doesn't look like a pastor." Lol! I asked this person if her friend went to church somewhere ... the answer was "no, she didn't go anywhere." So I would assume it's actually not an issue of what the pastor looks-like, but rather just another excuse.

I think this brings up a valid question, I suppose; so what does a pastor look like ... or what should a pastor look like?

Like this... (serial killer)



What about this ... (serial killer)



Or this ... (a convicted rapist)



Here is another ... (serial killer, rapist)



Here is another normal looking guy ... (Ted Bundy)



I will move on from the clean cut, nice guy look of the serial killers. Here are some pastors ... do they have the look? (not picking on any of them, just random pictures of some ministers I found on google image search)



What about this pastor ...



Or this one ...



Or this one ...



Here is another ... (diggin his hair)



This one ...



My personal favorite ... (truly the look of a pastor)



On a serious note ... why would we think that a pastor should "look" a certain way, or dress a certain way? Isn't the heart what really matters? I think so, and I believe this is what God looks at ... and we see this in the scripture below here when God was talking to the prophet Samuel about picking a king from among Jesse's kids ... you know him now as King David... apparently he didn't have the king "look" his brothers did look more like kings ... but God chose David.

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Don't get me wrong here, I think there is a balance in this, but I think we as people must be true to ourselves and how God wired us. I know for me, I just couldn't wear my hair parted and combed just so, high and tight ... ya da ya da. Nothing wrong with that ... this is how my pastor Alan Clayton, from the Ark Family Church) in Houston wears his hair, and has since Jesus was just a baby. Here is his picture ... nothing wrong with his hair ... but I would look really strange like that. Lol! And he has told me, "Timmy if I was to wear my hair like yours, I'd look ridiculous ... but looks good on you."


Here is the bottom line ... what really matters is our hearts before God; we should pray as David did, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Oh, and by the way ... it doesn't bother me that I don't "look" like a pastor ... I know that Jesus and my wife loves me just the way I am! Of course my kids too!

God bless!

Sorry, one more thing ... if you are a pastor out there ... BE YOU!

I Have Bad Thoughts

I had someone ask me the other day in a counseling session, "do you ever have bad thoughts?" And they asked it like my answer would be that I didn't. I laughed and answered; "yes I have bad thoughts ... but what I believe is even more important is what we do WITH those thoughts."

2 Corinthians 10:5 "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ..."

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is fair, whatever is pure, whatever is acceptable, whatever is commendable, if there is anything of excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy-keep thinking about these things."

I explained that from my experience we all have bad thoughts from time to time ... even the holiest of people have bad thoughts. Though what is very critical in life is how we handle those thoughts, what we do with them when they come.

I guess being raised in church I learned the importance of the practice of the 2 scriptures above.

The Corinthians scripture encourages us to take every thought captive, and if that thought is contrary to "godly living" then we toss is out, get rid of it. Where I believe our "bad" thoughts become problems is when they're allowed to linger and live un-accountably (if that's even a word) in our minds and hearts. Meaning we have thoughts of lust, and we allow our minds to dwell on those thoughts, then we feed those thoughts with things that further agitate and even fortify the lust. Then ultimately we end up DOING what not too long ago we only THOUGHT about.

Then the scripture in Philippians talks about WHAT we should be thinking about ... things that are true, lovely, fair, honorable, pure, etc. And Paul wrote this knowing that that is the seed to our actions in life.

There is a quote I have heard before and it goes something like this; "Watch your thoughts, for they become words, watch your words, for they become actions"

We can't just allow our minds to think whatever they want to think ... we must control our thoughts or one day they will control us!