Bishop's Blog

Church Life!

2011-10-25T05:47:00.001-07:00

Church life is actually the only life I've ever known; I can't imagine living without the church. The church family is special and it is a privilege and an honor to be involved in the lives of those in the church family.

There is a kindred spirit and fellowship developed in the church over the years that the world can't understand or comprehend. The very fact that we are indeed "brothers" and "sisters" in Christ creates a wonderful bond.

We laugh together and we cry together because we are of the same spirit and body.

2 Corinthians 4:13 a

"We having the same spirit of faith"

Romans 12:5

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

The burden of ministry never goes away and you never feel adequate in helping others.

Numbers 4:47 b

"The service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation"

We face many challenges in the church today because people are facing things that they never dreamed they would ever face. Divorce, sickness, disease, job loss, relationship problems and caring for aging parents are all issues facing everyone from the pulpit to the pew.

The responsibility to care for the flock and protect the flock as a pastor is overwhelming to say the least. We face attacks from within and from without!

The enemy is always on the prowl and he will use whatever means to get at the shepherd and the flock, especially in times of such great vulnerability.

I am encouraged from the Word of God that Jesus is coming soon; yes I'm still a believer in the pre-tribulation rapture of the church! I believe that the demonic attacks are increasing just as the turmoil in nature represents birth-pains. The closer we get to the coming of the Lord the more intense the pains are going to be.

Fasten your seat-belts and get a good grip on your faith because we are living in perilous times. Don't be shocked or surprised by what you see or hear. Don't be caught off guard by the attacks of the enemy.

1 Peter 4:12 (CEV)

"Dear friends, don't be surprised or shocked that you are going through testing that is like walking through fire."

Jesus warned that because of the spread of iniquity that the love of many would grow cold. People will hate you without a cause even those of your own family; brothers against brothers, parents against children and children against parents.

There are seducing spirits, doctrines of devils and a departure from the faith. While some are forsaking the ancient landmarks others are embracing the attitudes and lifestyles of the world.

Needless to say, the one thing that we need to know is that everything is alright between us and God.

2 Peter 1:10

"Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall"

Time Flies!

2011-09-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize that it had been so long since I had last written; boy, time really does fly!

God has been so good to me and my family; I stand amazed at His incredible mercy, love and grace. The Psalmist rejoiced that God loaded him up with benefits everyday. David couldn't write the songs fast enough to praise God for all His blessings.

We rejoiced in the fact that God blessed us with our very first grandson in Alex. Then along came a second in Logan; I must tell you it is great having a couple of boys around after living with three females for all these years. But there's always room for another female and God blessed us with Skylar; she is adorable with double dimples. Our family has grown and I pray that it doesn't stop growing; grand-kids are truly grand!

I'm so very proud of my girls; they have turned into wonderful wives and mothers. They have had a great role model in their mother, to teach and train them to be that way.

There have been many things said about preacher's kids (PK'S) in a negative way but I want to set the record straight. Not all preacher's kids have gone astray because of what they have experienced through church life. Some of the greatest hurts you will ever experience is in the church. The church is usually where you let your guard down and become more vulnerable because of the love that exists between church families. Our family has not been immune to attacks; as the Apostle Paul said, "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." Although our marks and scars are not physical they are still very real. There are not many pastors that have their children involved in ministry especially after they leave home. Abby and Beth are still in the church working for the Lord. Abby loves kids and who knew that God would place here in the children's ministry to use that gift of love for children. Beth has a magnetic personality and people seem drawn to her; especially young people. She serves as a great mentor and communicator leading the youth.

I love my wife Gayle; I don't know where I would be today without her! She can juggle so many different things at one time and I don't know how she does it.

Psalm 127:3 (ESV)

"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward."

Proverbs 17:6 (ESV)

"Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
and the glory of children is their fathers."

Proverbs 18:22 (ESV)

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the LORD."

SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE!!

2010-07-02T05:53:00.001-07:00

The storks have been flying around our family lately; that's for sure!

January 2009 brought us a precious little boy by the name of Alex; he is all boy and our first grandchild! Alex is such a delight and we have learned that grand-parenting can be very tiring. It is so exciting to see him discovering everything for the first time.

December 2009 brought us another delightful little boy by the name of Logan; Alex is going to be an adventurer but Logan is going to be a philosopher. Logan is very observant and laid back and it is not difficult to get a smile out of him; that's the Brackett in him!

Well, now we are waiting on stork # 3! Logan is about to get a little sister named Skylar sometime around the end of October. I can't begin to imagine what it is going to be like around the Brackett house come Christmas time; well for that matter, any time!

We are so blessed!

I am so proud of my daughters; they have become great mothers. I never had to worry about that because they have had a great role model in their own mother; she's the best!

It's one of the many blessings that God has given to us.

Proverbs 17:6

"Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers."

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE!

2009-12-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

December 4, 2009 at 4:41 pm little Logan Cleveland Salsedo was born. Logan is our second grand-baby and the second grand-baby born this year; talk about doubling your pleasure! Logan has a full head of hair and weighs 8.2 lbs and is 20 inches long. He is the son of our oldest daughter Abigail and her husband Troy.

This has been a very, very busy year! Our first grand-baby, Alex, was born a month early on January 5th and boy did he bring a rapid change into our lives.
We finally completed our new sanctuary after four years of planning and dealing with all the aggravations that go along with building these days. We had our first service on May 10th which was Mother's Day. It was so exciting and emotionally overwhelming to finally get into our building. We had the dedication of our new building on August 9th, which was the anniversary of the Matthews Church of God celebrating 55 years of ministry. The church was packed with members, friends, and former pastors. Our State Administrative Bishop, Jerry Chitwood, preached the morning service. We were able to have dinner in our newly renovated fellowship hall; formerly our sanctuary.

I must confess that I am having a hard time trying to relax; I feel that I have aged a great deal in the last two years. I lost a father and brother and gained two grandsons. I've had to deal with burials, births, buildings and budgets. We have had a number of church members that have had their own crises to deal with from the death of family members to surgery. The weekly toll of sermon preparation, visitation, counseling along with family responsibilities is a heavy load to bear.
But I am so thankful to have the Matthews Church of God as my church family! I don't know of another congregation that I would want to be sharing my life with during these momentous times. I can't say enough about the love, care and support that our church provides.

I am thankful that I serve a God who is all knowing and before we ever face anything He has already prepared a place and a people for us.

Two grandsons have doubled our pleasure but when I think about it our pleasure is multiplied with all the wonderful friends we have. God just keeps blessing and blessing!

Psalm 68:19

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."

REFRESHING!

2009-08-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

Incredible; I guess that's the word that first comes to mind. It has been awhile since my last blog.So much has happened and is happening and it finally seems like things are slowing down somewhat. How refreshing!

First of all Gayle and I are brand new grandparents and boy is it fun! Alexander Edward Baker was born January 5, 2009 and he has had our undivided attention ever since. Alex is now almost eight months old and it is such a joy to see him smile. He loves to eat and you don't have to wonder when that is; he will definitely let you know.
It has been a long time since we've had a little one. I had my first experience in changing a pamper; I didn't have a clue whether big bird was supposed to be on the front or back; well, which ever way it was supposed to be I didn't get it right. They make them that way for a reason as I found out the hard way. We love Alex!

Then...we learned that our oldest daughter Abby is expecting in December; another boy! It looks like the empty nest didn't stay empty for long! What a great Christmas this will be; in fact I've already starting celebrating Christmas!

Finally...our new sanctuary is complete and we moved in on Mother's Day. I can't tell you how that feels because words can't describe it. We had our big dedication day on August 9, 2009 and the house was filled to capacity.
I am still in awe at what God has done; it doesn't seem real. I know I am somewhat biased but it has to be one of the most beautiful sanctuaries around. Even though the building is beautiful; nothing compares to our wonderful congregation. The members and friends of the Matthews Church of God are by far the best group of people that any pastor could ask for. I love our people!!!

"I'M SO DIZZY!"

2008-07-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

"WOW!" That's one word that I've been using a lot lately. It is a word that is used to express surprise, admiration, wonder, or pleasure.

Life is filled with a lot of 'WOWS'.
When I watch the progress of our new sanctuary being built I continually find myself saying, "Wow". When I see our congregation working so well together I say, "Wow". When people are hurting and in need of help and I see our church rally behind them, I say, "Wow". When the Spirit of God moves in our services and people start coming to the altar out of their own volition, I say, "Wow". When Beth, our daughter, informed us that she was pregnant, I said, "Wow", I'm going to be a "Grandpa". Everyday there seems to be another "Wow".

In the midst of all the "wows" of life do you ever get the feeling that you are like the guy that missed his stop and jumped off a moving bus? You are doing everything in your power to keep from falling down, but your legs can't keep up. The centrifugal force is too overwhelming for you keep your balance.

"BALANCE", now that's another great word; it means: EQUILIBRIUM, POISE, STEADINESS, STABILITY. It would be wonderful to be able to get our balance and stop reeling to and fro.

Do you ever have trouble keeping your balance? We often talk about the "Good Old Days" when life was much simpler, or at least much slower.
We are definitely in the "jet-age" and the "space-age" when everything comes zooming right at us! Our day is described with words such as: Multi-tasking, Headline News, Instant or Text Messaging, Cell Phones, Voice Mail, Broadband Internet for Instant Information, Fast Cars and Fast Food.

We are running so fast until we've lost sight of things that really matter. Our bodies are at risk from all the stress. Our frazzled minds have lost the ability to think at all.

A psychologist in Las Vegas recently did an experiment in which he gave 2,000 people bleepers and told them to write down exactly what was in their heads when the bleepers went off.

One woman thought about Christmas tree decorations. Another spent the whole day silently repeating to herself the names of two snacks - Twinkies and Granola.

It is so easy to lose our balance in such hectic times. "We" need to do more than just slow down; we need to stop and reassess our priorities.
There are so many things clamoring for our attention and we can get caught up in all the activities of life until we miss out on what is really important. We can be just as sincere and busy as Martha was when she was laboring in the kitchen. Yet how insignificant was that in comparison to being able to sit at the feet of Jesus.

"We" don't sit enough at the feet of Jesus! Sitting at the feet of Jesus will help us to keep balance in our lives. We will be able to say, "WOW" as we stand in awe of His presence.

LIFE GOES ON!

2007-08-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

LIFE - There it is, do you see it? Right in the middle of life is a big "IF". I am not a philosopher and I don't profess to have all the answers. I know that I'm not the only one who has ever faced heartache and disappointment. I notice things differently now and as I look over my shoulder I see a lot of "ifs" in life. I suppose that everyone goes through life wondering about the "ifs". But it's like the old saying, "If ifs and buts were candy and nuts we would all have a Merry Christmas" The what ifs of life can't change a thing. We live our lives learning from mistakes and learning to appreciate all things we took for granted.

I am 53 years old and on this date, thirty six years ago, I felt the call on my life to preach the gospel. I preached my very first sermon the next night on August 8, 1971 at the young age of seventeen. I remember it like it was yesterday and I even remember the text and the sermon title. I also remember that my brother Bob, who recently passed away, along with his wife Joyce went with me to the church and heard me preach my first sermon.

I find it incredible how quickly life on this earth is passing by and how before you know it the biggest part of it is over. Like a race horse out of the gate we take off with a blast and it seems the finish line is so far down the road. Yet we suddenly find ourselves going down the stretch the last leg of the mile.

One thing it does for you is to make you slow down and smell the roses. You learn not to take anything for granted. You learn who your friends truly are. You learn that a lot of things are not worth the time or effort to worry about or to lose sleep over.

Someone recently sent me an email that I thought summed things up so well.

"As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.

You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You’ll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken.

You’ll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love.

So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin."

DEVASTATED!

2007-04-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

Today is April 19, 2007 and we just buried my oldest brother. I cannot describe the emotional roller coaster our family has been on this past week. This has been the most heart wrenching and devastating experience that I have ever had in my life. The hurt is beyond description and the emptiness cannot be explained.

Bishop Bobby Stephen Brackett age 61 went home to be with the Lord this past Monday morning. It was just last Tuesday (10th) that my dad passed away and to have Bob die in less than a week's time is like a nightmare. My heart is like wax after being broken and crushed. Just when I think I'm getting a handle on everything it hits me again and I cannot hold back the tears. It's unexplainable and unimaginable.

I was with Bob when he died and it will be forever embedded in my mind. I wanted so much to help him but there was nothing that I, my brother David, my sister Darlene or the paramedics could do; he was gone. I cried out to God and I said, "God I don't understand, how can this be happening? We just lost dad, please don't take Bob" I don't have any answers or any explanation for why this has happened. But I do know that God is God and He always will be God! I went back to the church and got on my face before God and I prayed. I said, "God you don't owe me an explanation and you don't have to answer to me. I know that you are sovereign and your ways are above my ways. I will praise you in the midst of my grief and my sorrow" I've never felt God anymore powerful than during this time when I have been crushed and broken.

I will miss Bob because we labored together in the ministry. I'll miss calling him on Monday morning and asking him how he is doing and hearing him say, "I'm a clicking!" He was my golfing partner and I will miss playing golf with him and talking shop.

My heart goes out to his wife Joyce, daughters Karen & Madessa. I cannot imagine how it will be when they realize that he is never coming home again. The East Belmont Church of God has lost a great pastor and they will be hard pressed to find a better man than Bob Brackett. My dear 81 year old mother has lost a husband and a son in less than a week's time.

So, what do you do? How do you respond and react to such devastating events in life? What do you do; you keep holding on to the faith! You keep trusting God to see you through. You keep looking up because you know that they cannot come home but we will soon be going home.

HEARTBROKEN!

2007-04-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Today is April 13, 2007 and we just buried my dad;it hurts so bad! I have been in the ministry for almost 36 years and I've preached many funerals but today more than ever I felt death as never before. It hurts so bad to feel the loss and finality of death. I keep saying over and over to myself, "My dad is gone", and each time tears well up in my eyes. It's amazing at how many memories come rushing back to me, even little things. I remember "moments" and in my mind there are these little vignettes playing over and over again.

Kermit Cleveland Brackett, known as "Babe", was a great man! I've never heard anyone ever say an unkind word about my dad. He worked hard all of his life; with great ingenuity he could tape, glue, strap, fix or repair just about anything. We never had much but he always found a way to stretch things or to make them work. He was a quiet man and "gentle man". He loved God and the church and would do just about anything that was asked of him.

Dad had such a great sense of humor and loved to tease. He enjoyed life and God blessed him with 82 years. It came as a great shock this past Tuesday when I received the call that things didn't look good for him. When we arrived at the hospital and we went back to the room to where they had taken his body it didn't seem real. He looked like he was sleeping and at anytime he would wake up and say, "how's it going?" I'm going to miss calling home on Sunday afternoon and hearing mom say, "Babe, Rick's on the phone" and hearing him say, "how's it going?" or "did you have a good one today?", because he always wanted to know about the church.

Dad and Mom have been married for 64 years and I know it's going to be tough on all of us but especially her. Yet we all know that this is temporary and we will have a glad reunion day.

It's spring time and we just celebrated Easter. Easter means "RESURRECTION" and I know that dad will be getting up real soon and we will be together again. I am so thankful for all he taught me but especially about the Lord.

Dad had grown tired but now he is resting in peace; he is with the Lord! I am heartbroken yet I rejoice in knowing that he is now in the presence of the Lord.

FEELING SO MUCH BETTER!

2007-03-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I just had my first ever experience with kidney stones, ouch! It is not an experience that I will soon forget. I got up Thursday morning and my back was hurting and I thought that maybe I had pulled a muscle or something - wrong! It wasn't long before I was very uncomfortable. When you have a kidney stone (s) it doesn't matter what position you get into it doesn't help. I tried standing, sitting and lying down but the pain continued to get worse. I don't like to go to the doctor and it was something that I put off as long as I could and only after the insistence of my precious wife did I agree to go to Urgent Care. The doctor gave me a shot to ease the pain and told me that I had blood in my urine that was plus 3. He sent me to the hospital for a sonogram and there I was told that I had one kidney stone in my left ureter that was 6 mm and that I had two in my right kidney that were 1 to 2 mm. They also discovered some gallstones - WOW! I was prescribed some medication and sent home. It was a rough couple of nights but I survived.

Now the good news! I went to the urologist on Monday and told him there was no more pain. He couldn't understand how I had passed a 6 mm stone and sent me back to the hospital for an additional ex-ray. Yesterday he called and said there was no sign of kidney stones! HALLELUJAH!

Thank God for touching me and for a praying church!

"I'm feeling so much better talking about this good old way. Feeling so much better talking about the Lord!"

CHANGING TIMES

2007-02-06T06:05:00.000-08:00

We are living in changing times, in fact things are changing so fast until it seems surreal. I think there is a longing in each of us for things to be solid, lasting and sure. Years ago it seemed like everything lasted forever but not anymore. The seasons, the fashions, the times and even people seem to be changing more rapidly than ever. You can't get used to anything because it doesn't stay around long enough to get used to.

Maybe that explains the loneliness we feel today! It used to be that you could count on your friends but even your friends change into enemies before your very eyes. What's happening to us? Why is there so much turmoil and unrest? Why do we feel like there's nothing that we can trust in or depend upon anymore? Marriages that seemed solid yesterday are falling apart today. Churches that used to be solid and growing yesterday are dividing and falling apart today. Families that used to be solid and loving yesterday are scattered today.

The silver lining behind it all is that we learn that we can trust in Lord, who changes not!

Psalm 118:8 "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Jeremiah 17:5 "Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD."

People will let you down but the Lord will lift you up! People will change and disappoint you but Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever!

SLOW AS CHRISTMAS?

2006-12-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

"You're slow as Christmas", that's one expression that we seldom if ever hear anymore. It seems like Christmas gets here faster and faster each year. I love Christmas with all the decorations, sights, sounds, smells and fellowship. This is one of the most unusual times of the year as the pace picks up everywhere; people are busy shopping, decorating and planning parties. It's so easy to get caught up in all the activities that we don't take the time to enjoy what it's all about.

The song says, "It's the most wonderful time of the year" and I couldn't agree more. Many of the sights, sounds and smells bring back fond memories of Christmas past that seem like only yesterday. It's time to sing and celebrate the fact that God so loved the World that He gave His only Son for us.

It's wonderful and we should offer "Thanksgiving" to God from whom all blessings flow. It's wonderful because "Christmas" is about Christ and His willingness to become flesh and dwell among us. It's wonderful because we can look forward to the "New Year" with hope and joy.

We might not hear "Slow as Christmas" because now we need to "Slow down in order to enjoy Christmas".

SWEET SORROW!

2006-10-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

Well, it's finally over! Our baby got married Saturday leaving us with an empty nest. It's so easy to reminiscence and wonder where the years have gone. It seems like your kids will be kids forever under your constant care until one day you see them walking down the aisle. It's tough being not only the father but also the preacher! It's not easy having to walk your daughter down the aisle to give her away and then turn around and perform the ceremony. The range of emotions is incredible and right now I'm still reeling; yes there have been tears and lumps in my throat. It's been thirty years since we've had an empty nest and it's going to take some time to get used to. Our lives are forever changed and there's no going back to the way we were.

We take so much for granted and don't realize how precious every day and every moment is. There are way too many people living their lives with anger, bitterness and resentment. We must never forget that everyday is a gift and we must treat it so. Love everybody, be kind, be forgiving, and be longsuffering because life on this earth is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

It has been said, "No one is so powerful that they can stop the march of time". It's incredible, whoever said that time flies knew what they were talking about. When I go to visit my parents it's like visiting my grandparents and when I look in the mirror it's like seeing my dad; talk about "The Twilight Zone". You never know, maybe soon I will hear a little voice calling me "Grandpa".

Well, life goes on and that's the way its supposed to be; In the words of William Shakespeare: "Parting is such sweet sorrow!"

DIFFICULT DAYS!

2006-09-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you can be traveling down the road of life and all of a sudden something will come at you from out of nowhere and leave you stranded by the road.This has been one of those weeks in which I have been on an emotional rollercoaster. It started last Friday afternoon when I visited Carolina Medical Center to visit an infant that was in intensive care and dying. A precious little boy named Samuel that started life with way too many problems to survive. I was asked to officiate at a grave side funeral this past Saturday. The family and friends were so precious and I was touched by their love for God as they sang songs in the Swahili language. The little boy was dressed in a suit and tie and looked like a little doll.

Then on Saturday morning I received a call from the wife of one the men in our church. The wind was knocked out of my sail when she informed me that her husband had died from a massive heart attack. I couldn't believe my ears; it was incredible that a man in good health, who worked out in the gym and who was only 54 years old had died so soon. He had served for one year on our board of elders, taught Sunday school, sung in the choir and was head of our world missions board. He will be greatly missed. There was well over two hundred people that attended his funeral and it was obvious that he had touched many lives.

Then on Tuesday evening I was called upon to officiate at the funeral for the mother of one our men who serves on our board of elders. She had lived to be 86 years old and was well known in the area. She had worked at a hot dog cafe and was loved and respected throughout the city. She rode in parades and was known as the "hot dog queen". I felt honored to officiate at her funeral.

Three funerals in one week along with church services, a district meeting, a women's ministries fund raiser and "Senior Adult Day" with special guests to be entertained and cared for. This is not to mention getting ready for my daughter's wedding in less than two weeks, counseling with those who are troubled and dealing with the county office in securing a permit for work to begin toward our sanctuary.

When you add all of this to the burden and care of the church it makes for difficult days. So when someone complains about their pastor or the church not meeting their expectations maybe you should challenge them to pray more and complain less; it might just help him through another difficult day!

A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH!

2006-08-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

This month our church was given an opportunity to be a New Testament Church. I can't express how overjoyed I am and how proud I am of our congregation. There are many churches today that fall short of the New Testament example for expressing love and forgiveness but the Matthews Church of God has come through with flying colors. Our congregation was given the opportunity to forgive and restore someone who had fallen into sin. Everyone that was in that particular service said they had never seen anything like it. The tears and expressions of love, tenderness and concern filled the sanctuary. The church was at its best as it sought to restore rather than condemn.

Then once again there was an opportunity to practice what we preach when a couple in the church were faced with a heavy financial burden. The congregation responded with more than double the amount that was asked for.

I believe that God is about to bless the Matthews Church of God in ways it has never dreamed. When the church operates like the New Testament Church operated then it will experience signs and wonders once again.

Today I am a very proud pastor!

NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

2006-08-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

Well, we just got back from the Church of God General Assembly in Indianapolis, Indiana. We had a wonderful trip and a great time. It is such a blessing to be able to be a part of the decision making processes of our denomination. It is so enlightening to sit in on the discussions concerning the business of the church and to hear the various viewpoints. I really enjoy being able to see brothers and sisters in Christ from all around the world coming together in one place. It is so nice to go to restaurants, the mall, and to walk down the street and see church people everywhere. It's going to be wonderful when we all get to heaven and have fellowship forever more. I am forever grateful to our wonderful congregation for allowing my wife and I to attend these meetings.

It was relatively cool in Indiana but boy we came home to some heat!!! It feels like an oven outside with the heat index soaring over a hundred. But inspite of the heat its good to be back home and to see our wonderful congregation. I never cease to be amazed at how blessed I am to serve at such a great church. I love the Matthews Church of God dearly! We have laughed together and we have cried together. We have seen miracles and we have experienced difficulties but through it all we are closer together as a congregation than we have ever been before.

I am expecting God to bless our church even greater than He already has. The enemy never lets up and he continues to fight us from within in and from without. The longer I pastor the more I'm learning to love people with the love of God, to be longsuffering and compassionate.

Then again why shouldn't I since God has been all of that to me.

I LOVE OUR CHURCH!

2006-07-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy with Vacation Bible School (Son Treasure Island). My wife, Gayle, goes all out in writing scripts, decorations, planning, practicing, etc. WHEW!!! We have had great fun and I couldn't be more pleased with the unity and fellowship of our church. There are men that have pastored their entire lives and have never had the opportunity to pastor such a great group of people as I do. If I were to describe the Matthews Church of God in one word it would be: 'LOVE'. The love and unity in our church is greater right now than I've ever seen it. The people genuinely love one another and look forward to fellowship. I preach to our people all the time that its not like this everywhere you go and that's why we have to work so hard to protect it. It doesn't take much to bring division and dissension into a church. There are churches that are hindered and bogged down because as few as eight people, (according to John Maxwell), have caused strife and have brought destruction. I have come to realize that if people aren't happy in a church the best thing they can do for themselves and that church is to either pray through or go somewhere else. The church is precious and I agree whole-heartedly with someone who recently signed our guestbook, "I love our church"!

We had our first softball team this year and it blessed me to see how the guys came together with a winning attitude and had such fun even though they had a losing season. We continue to see new people come into the church and the Lord has blessed us with people that have such great attitudes and talent.

The church is doing better now in every category than it ever has in its history and we give God all the praise, honor and glory!

CHANGE !!!

2006-07-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

Erwin M. Soukup has compiled what he terms
"The Seven Steps to Stagnation":

1. We've never done it that way before.
2. We're not ready for that.
3. We are doing all right without trying that.
4. We tried it once before.
5. We don't have money for that.
6. That's not our job.
7. Something like that can't work.

Soukup admits that "there's probably an eighth step, but we've never looked it up before." (Martin E. Marty, "Context," April 15, 1985)

I've often found that resistance to change is mostly because of laziness. Change requires work, sacrifice and expense so we use one of these seven excuses to resist change.
The Bible has a lot to say about laziness:

Proverbs 18:9 (King James Version)
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Proverbs 19:24 (King James Version)
A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

We are admonished to look at the ant and see how industrious. We are warned by our Lord to be occupied when He returns.

We need to find motivation to fulfill our dreams and to accomplish God's will in our lives. It seems that no matter how much I do, I always feel like I can do more. It is my desire to keep striving to accomplish more and never to become satisfied with the status quo. I believe that we become miserable when we lose our vision and stop dreaming.