Have you enjoyed the weather this weekend or what? We were blessed with a great day Sunday. The Ladies Ministries raised over two thousand dollars. The lunch was great and the fellowship was awesome!
Let me give you a quick peek into what is happening at the church. Beginning June 1st, we will have a new ministry developing with our youth. This is going to be an exciting development and I am believing 2009 will be the year of youth ministry at the Hendersonville Church of God. Stay tuned for further info....
Again I want to express my appreciation to Jane, Brandi, Chrystal and all who went with the R.O.C.K. Starz to the competition in Knoxville. Sometimes we shortchange these events but these are much more than just to find out who is best. It is a challenge to excellence and to allowing our children to make friends with other Christian young people. Our children have made life-long friends from competitions and Christian camp. I am thankful that our church provides such opportunities for our children and youth to grow, to develop and to grow closer to the Lord in a healthy and safe environment.
Speaking of which, Summer Camps and Camp Meeting is just around the corner. I hope we will have a huge turn-out for both this year.
It is nearing the end of another school year. Mother's Day and Memorial Day are just around the bend. Vacations are already being planned. Its kind of odd for a preacher but I would encourage you to take that vacation. You need to know that your church is happy for you when you are able to relax and get away from it all for a short while. Make some memories with your family. Enjoy the time you have together. The course I teach calls this celebrating our life together. It is a vital part of developing greater intimacy and enriching your family life. Take every advantage you can. BTW, if the budget is strained this year, consider a camping trip. You can literally rent equipment for a wildlife adventure and save bucks. Not a bad idea. I couldn't do it, but you might...
Speaking of children and school; there is much that will be offered for your family this Summer. From Vacation Bible School to camp to special events - even right here in Hendersonville! - take advantage of every event and opportunity. I suspect this could be a great Summer. God has blessed us with all things great, let us enjoy them.
Let me wax philosophical a moment. Wisdom is, according to Solomon, the chief thing. Proverbs eight is the great tribute to wisdom and declares that wisdom was there with God before the world was made. Wisdom is the knowing of how to choose rightly.
I am aware that wisdom is hardly touted as important today. After all, you can learn how to ride a bike and how to cut hair but wisdom is rather difficult to grasp. How can you know for sure whether you are making right choices? Is there some guidance for attaining wisdom? I'm glad you asked.
James tells us we can ask God for wisdom if we lack it. Lacking wisdom is much easier to see than having it. When you lack wisdom, you make bad choices again and again. Solomon tells about how a city was being attacked and a man of wisdom saved the city by his wisdom but afterward no one remembered the wise man who saved them. Wisdom makes all the difference in outcomes but don't expect an award for wisdom. The value of wisdom is literally priceless but the rewards of wisdom are often few.
Is it therefore worth your while to find and attain wisdom? Absolutely. It will make the difference in your family, in your workplace and in all your life. Attain it!
May God richly bless you and your family this week.
Pastor and Adrell Stacey
www.HendersonvilleCOG.org
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Hero of Heroes
I'm still rejoicing this morning over the wonderful move of the Spirit of God we enjoyed yesterday morning. God worked miracles in our midst! One young man received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit yesterday.
Next Sunday is Palm Sunday, the remembrance of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem signaling the final week of His earthly ministry; Jesus was welcomed as a conquering hero. My niece sent me a note this morning that her four year old son loves the song about heroes. He sang it for her, "Heroes, Heroes, Heroes from the dead..." In fact, He is the Hero of Heroes. Those who welcomed Him had no full appreciation for what a Hero He was. We will celebrate His coming and His resurrection over the next two Sundays. Let's celebrate with all our might and with all our heart. He deserves our praise!
Two quick reminders: no services for two more sunday nights (I miss them already although it was like church for me last night) and choir practice and dancing practice next Sunday night. We will resume Sunday night service April 19th.
Monday, March 23, 2009
All Good Gifts
Resurrection Sunday will be a great celebration. Jane is planning a parade with bonnets and banners and all sorts of good things. The choir is preparing a wonderful presentation along with Jane's dancing darlings and the Rock Starz. I'm hoping to talk them into doing the program Saturday night for the community as well.
There will be several Good Friday services around town. I am unaware of any Maundy Thursday services but you might want to attend one of the Good Friday services. They will be advertised in the Hendersonville paper.
Don't forget, there will be no Sunday evening services over the next three weeks. The choir will be rehearsing at 4:45 for the next two weeks as will the girls' dancing troupe. It will be important for our young ladies to be sure and be at these rehearsals. Also, our sewing class is beginning. See Sister Jane for more info.
Do you know what neuropathy is? Its a disease of the nerves. All of us diabetics have to be very aware of losing touch and sensitivity in our extremities. The Bible speaks of a similar malady. It is called 'past feeling'. Now, I have joined the chorus of many who have encouraged saints to not build their faith on their feelings. What our chorus has neglected too often is that God has given you feelings. The pop culture would encourage you to use your feelings to make decisions. That is truly a dumb idea. According to Jeremiah, our heart is deceitful and desperately wicked.
What do we do about feelings? I would suggest you enjoy them. There are those who try to hold feelings in check so that nothing hurts them but if nothing gives you pain nothing can give you joy. We've invested billions in pills that insulate us. God gave you nerve endings so that they would be of use to you. If it is burning - get your finger out of the socket! Feelings are a useful gauge but not a useful direction finder. Find joy, love and peace and enjoy them. They are God's personal gift to you. Oh, and accept the pain hurt and heartache because they are God's gift to you as well.
May God richly bless you and your family this week.
Pastor and Adrell Stacey
Monday, February 2, 2009
Spring Activities in Bloom
Adrell and I just got home a short while ago (maybe an hour or two). We have settled in for a short winter's nap. Unfortunately, Puxatauney Phil has seen his shadow so there will be six more weeks of winter.
We had a business meeting last night. I wanted to share with the rest of you who were distracted by the Steelers and Cardinals (sympathies to all of you Warner fans).
I shared with the church why I will not be wearing ties to preach. In our culture, it is my impression today that a tie carries some negative connotations with it. Now, I'm not recommending this to anyone, I'm just trying to explain why I will likely wear one only on more formal occasions (such as a wedding, a funeral or a church picnic).
Second I reiterated my intent to search in the future for opportunities to put our building to use. It is a stewardship nightmare to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in a building and use it for six hours each week. Third, I shared what I believe is the key ingredient to church growth and that is when the church gets excited about this church. I said that we need to put greater enthusiasm in our fellowship. We have a unique fellowship and we are blessed in so many ways, it would be grand if this facility became a hub of activity for our community.
Finally, I passed along a suggestion from Todd Creasy who suggested to the Elders that we should keep our eyes open for small continuing repairs that need to be done, make note of them and even fix them if we can. Little things like the floor in the gym is ready for a good scrubbing and the, what is it called, the little rubber side wall at the bottom of the wall next to the floor - that needs to be repaired. Sometimes neglect says volumes about our church. Let's pitch in together and keep it looking great!
Sunday night week, the fifteenth, will be our Kids Night of Praise. Please make plans to attend. This is not just about supporting our childrens ministry but it is about helping them to be nurtured in leading people in worship.
My Master's Thesis was entitled 'Pastoring Eighty: Excellence and Advancement in Small Churches'. The main thrust of my paper was that often times you could do in a smaller church what you could not do in a larger church. Teachers often began teaching in a smaller congregation. Vocal soloists could be found with roots in a small church. A larger church expects quality of experience before you can begin involvement. The small church is a great launching pad for learning craftsmanship. There is no greater launching pad than in a childrens ministry group. Launched well, it could be a satellite put in orbit forever.
We have had two couples resond to our Couple's Communication Seminar. I will be giving the seminar myself. The question you may have is whether I am capable of such an ostentatious presentation. Well I have over twenty years active counseling experience, I lack only two classes and a Disertation in completing my Doctorate with an emphasis in marriage and family and I have been trained to present these workshops. Is that enough? I'm also married with children and grandchildren and that puts me a leg up on the armchair theoretician. I think some of the leaders in contemporary marriage and family were married at one time but it helps if they have stayed married. OK, that's enough of my qualifications.
It has been a great joy to vent here. Perhaps not for you but it certainly has been for me. Have a great week and may God richly bless you and your family this week.
Pastor and Adrell Stacey
Monday, January 5, 2009
New Year: Embracing Discipline & Avoiding Discouragement
Happy New Year!
This has been a great time of holiday celebration for our family. Adrell and I stayed up late last night with our kids. We played games and chatted a bunch. It was great fun.
One of the highlights of the season for me was our foot-washing service last Wednesday night. I don't recall a foot-washing service where the entire church attended. It is seldom a popular service but few disciples seem to have an appreciation for the service. Its their loss really.
What other service provides the one single opportunity to resolve old conflicts in the church. Perhaps it is the neglect of this one ordinance, which the Church of God declares it still believes in doing, that is at the heart of church conflict and disunity. I wonder if the Council of Nicea would have ended in such a major church split if they had taken the time to wash one anothers feet.
What other service provides the one single opportunity to resolve old conflicts in the church. Perhaps it is the neglect of this one ordinance, which the Church of God declares it still believes in doing, that is at the heart of church conflict and disunity. I wonder if the Council of Nicea would have ended in such a major church split if they had taken the time to wash one anothers feet.
I am very excited about the direction our childrens ministry is heading right now. I am aware it is a temporary solution and I will commit to doing everything in my power to safeguard against the temporary becoming permanent. I do want to express appreciation to each of you who have stepped forward to provide ministry to our children. May God richly bless each of you. Let me also send out a special thanks to Kendra, Christie and Alicia for providing the initial leadership that was so needed. God bless you ladies!
Next Sunday we will be announcing a shift in our church events next Sunday. Be sure to tune in for what is on the horizon.
A new year brings fresh opportunities and new impetus to strive toward fresh goals. All our family have been inspired to be active in exercise and watching our food intake. Fresh new perspectives are being taken toward devotions and many are making fresh choices in family dynamics. To you who are making such choices, allow me to suggest a couple of things.
The first is that it will be regular discipline that help to build new habits. Discipline, which is at the heart of discipleship, comes from a choice of the will. The more firmly you commit the more likely you will be to build new behaviors.
The second suggestion is that you not get discouraged. My son Phil is astounding at being able to lose weight (not to even begin to mention Amanda who not only can lose it but keep it off!) and he always provides opportunities to have a break. We also need to find a means to not be discouraged.
Remember the goal is progress not perfection. You are building new habits and new habits a re formed from consistency. Old habits die hard and need to be sometimes re-framed in a negative light. Come to think of it, this seems to be good advice for witnessing!
The first is that it will be regular discipline that help to build new habits. Discipline, which is at the heart of discipleship, comes from a choice of the will. The more firmly you commit the more likely you will be to build new behaviors.
The second suggestion is that you not get discouraged. My son Phil is astounding at being able to lose weight (not to even begin to mention Amanda who not only can lose it but keep it off!) and he always provides opportunities to have a break. We also need to find a means to not be discouraged.
Remember the goal is progress not perfection. You are building new habits and new habits a re formed from consistency. Old habits die hard and need to be sometimes re-framed in a negative light. Come to think of it, this seems to be good advice for witnessing!
May God richly bless you and your family this week.
Pastor and Adrell Stacey
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tragedy for the holidays? - I believe...this is Yours!
I have been watching the dramatic rescue in Bethesda this morning and praying for the rescue workers and the people they are rescuing. Thankfully, it seems right now that all have been rescued safely with only hypothermia. When we are caught in the middle of the wonderful celebation of Christmas, life continues. Workers show up for the jobs and shocking news happens.
Last night, I received a phone call that my sister had either a stroke or a heart attack and was taken to the hospital and is right now in Intensive Care. You are never really prepared for shocking news. Our family is praying for Pat and I would appreciate your prayers for her as well. It was just last year we received news that Pat was diagnosed with cancer. They finally found no tumors in her body and we breathed a sigh of relief but we were not prepared for distressing news from her this year.
It happens in each of our families and it is difficult to handle our emotions in such a time as this. Perhaps we need to remember that when someone smiles it is not phony that they are also hurting or in distress. Some feel that is a hypocritical place. That is not the case. Life is hard and emotional difficulties complicate our hearts. I can smile knowing that no matter what happens my sister is prepared to face eternity.
There is a peace that buoys my spirit when I am reminded that the reason Jesus came to us is that we might have peace. Peace is a useless commodity in a world where there are no problems. Such a world would put a high premium on escape from boredom. In a world where there are constant surprises and amazing difficulties, peace is a precious commodity more priceless than gold. It accompanies those who have found 'peace on earth' in the person of Jesus. A smile for them is not phony.
How about those who are unsure about the final destiny of a loved who lost their life? How can they smile? I can only vouch for my smile. I can smile because I trust the great mercy of God. I have been instructed by my Lord not to judge. Some use that as a weak shield to allow them to continue to act like there is no tomorrow but those who know the Lord know that the Lord made that principle vital as much for our benefit. If we know we are not the ones who will determine eternity we can smile knowing the one who holds eternity will alone be accountable for eternity. He is just and He is merciful.
How about those who are estranged during such a season? Well, again I can only speak for me but I am confident always that the Holy Spirit is at work. I am not solely responsible for reconciliation but I am a minister of reconciliation. The Holy Spirit is at work in the heart and life of those who are not reconciled making the possibilities of reconcilation a great hope of the season. I can smile knowing that I have hope that somehow the Holy Spirit will accomplish His work and I don't have to know how.
In the middle of tragedy, bad news and conflict we can smile. It is because of a child born in a manger. Our hope springs from Him as does our help. There is an interesting paralel in the wonderful illustrated story of the Polar Express. The young man finally meets Santa. He holds a small bell, one of the jingle bells, in his hand but he can't hear it ring. He says 'I believe...' and turns toward the imposing fgure behind him. Santa asks, "What did you say?" He replies, 'I believe..., I believe..., I believe...this is your's.'. I can almost see myself standing in the presence holding my cares and worries as I hold them up to Him and say, "I believe...this is Your's." And then I smile.
I trust that each of you and your family members will the merriest of Christmases and that God will bless you with abundant peace and joy in the year to come.
Pastor and Adrell Stacey
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Evangelism the Lord's Way
Greetings.
It is Summer again and we are in the middle of a heated Presidential election year. In fact, its hard to decide which is hotter – the wonderful sunshine or the hot air coming from the campaigns. I trust you found that more humorous than the campaigns have been…
I read an article in our recent Church of God Evangel written by a ministerial colleague in Kentucky. The article is entitled, “Looking for an Opening”. In the article, Mark says that he conducted a survey of his church members and found they were doing very well in all areas of discipleship such as regular prayer, Bible reading and church attendance but there was one area they felt lacking. They were having trouble witnessing (evangelizing).
Mark suggests that we focus more on building relationships and making real friends of people. Spending time to build a relationship is much more costly than investing in tracts. Then he says that we need to look for an opening. There are many that will be given. We cannot afford to be ‘pushy’ or ‘preachy’. Remember, the idea is to be a friend. This strategy could take years and even then the person may never give their heart completely to the Lord. The key is that you will be able to stand before God and know you gave your very best.
Finally, Mark suggests finding your own evangelism style. That might be hosting a block hot dog grill or volunteering to help at a nursing home. Your evangelism needs t be more than a memorized formula but a genuine relationship you build with those who will one day go into eternity.
Let’s face it: Evangelism is not all that popular an idea down here. In heaven, God thought it worth sending His Son. Let’s get heavens value system into our hearts and treat souls the way the Lord would.
Pastor Stacey
It is Summer again and we are in the middle of a heated Presidential election year. In fact, its hard to decide which is hotter – the wonderful sunshine or the hot air coming from the campaigns. I trust you found that more humorous than the campaigns have been…
I read an article in our recent Church of God Evangel written by a ministerial colleague in Kentucky. The article is entitled, “Looking for an Opening”. In the article, Mark says that he conducted a survey of his church members and found they were doing very well in all areas of discipleship such as regular prayer, Bible reading and church attendance but there was one area they felt lacking. They were having trouble witnessing (evangelizing).
Mark suggests that we focus more on building relationships and making real friends of people. Spending time to build a relationship is much more costly than investing in tracts. Then he says that we need to look for an opening. There are many that will be given. We cannot afford to be ‘pushy’ or ‘preachy’. Remember, the idea is to be a friend. This strategy could take years and even then the person may never give their heart completely to the Lord. The key is that you will be able to stand before God and know you gave your very best.
Finally, Mark suggests finding your own evangelism style. That might be hosting a block hot dog grill or volunteering to help at a nursing home. Your evangelism needs t be more than a memorized formula but a genuine relationship you build with those who will one day go into eternity.
Let’s face it: Evangelism is not all that popular an idea down here. In heaven, God thought it worth sending His Son. Let’s get heavens value system into our hearts and treat souls the way the Lord would.
Pastor Stacey
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Greetings.
For the month of July, I have a guest article I'd like to share. This was written by my Brother-in-law, Jim Moses. I believe it will be a blessing to you.
Pastor Stacey
"Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars." (Prov 9:1 NIV) Have you ever wondered as you read those words: What are the seven pillars of wisdom? Psalm 110:10 (KJV) tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments:..." This thought is repeated in Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10.
However, Psalm 110:10 does not mean that the fear of the Lord is a pillar of wisdom but that it is foundational. One cannot build anything that will last without choosing the right foundation. Eternal things must have an eternal foundation. John Bevere gives an excellent explanation of this foundation in chapter 7 of his book Driven by Eternity.
Bevere reminds us that the fear of God is intended to bring us to God. It is sin that drives us away. We need to realize that He can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:28) but that is not His purpose. Moses told Israel (Ex 20:20), "... do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." (NIV) Bevere points out the contrast between the "do not be afraid" and the fear of the Lord that will keep them from sinning. We serve a loving and holy and mighty God. We can say with David, "O taste and see that the Lord is good...!" (Ps 34:8 NASB)
Once we are born into His kingdom, we have the privilege to come boldly into His presence (Heb 4:16). However, no one dare come presumptuously. It is presumptuous to think that we may come any other way except through faith in Jesus and His death and resurrection (Acts 4:12). The cross speaks both of God's love and also His judgment on sin. It is presumptuous to think we can come into His presenc e with unconfessed sin. We come there only with clean hands and a pure heart (Ps 24:4).
The fear of the Lord is the right foundation both individually and collectively. The house that wisdom builds (Prov 9:1) is the church. "... God's purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places." (Eph 3:10 NLT) He also uses it to reveal Himself to the world (Matt 5:14; John 13:35). The church is precious in His sight. It cost Him everything. The apostle Paul warns the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:28), "...take heed to yourselves and to the flock ... the church of God which He purchased with His own blood..." The psalmist says, "Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him." (Ps 33:8 NKJV)
If having reverential awe of the Lord is foundational to wisdom, what are its pillars? There are seven things presented here for the reader to ponder as pillars of wisdom. Others may come up with a different list, similar list, even a longer or shorter list. As we read Proverbs chapter 6:16-19 (the six, yes seven things that God hates), the fear of the Lord which instructs us to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21, Ps 7:11 NKJV) will teach us things that God loves. When we consider the list in Prov 6:16-19, we find seven things, opposites of the things listed, that we will consider as pillars of wisdom:
Things God hates Pillar of Wisdom
1. A proud look 1. Humility
2. A lying tongue 2. Truth
3. Hands that shed innocent blood 3. Mercy
4. A heart that devises wicked plans 4. Purity/Righteousness
5. Feet that are swift in running to evil 5. Love
6. A false witness who speaks lies 6. A faithful witness
7. One who sows discord among the brethren 7 . Peace/Peacemakers (Unity)
For the month of July, I have a guest article I'd like to share. This was written by my Brother-in-law, Jim Moses. I believe it will be a blessing to you.
Pastor Stacey
"Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars." (Prov 9:1 NIV) Have you ever wondered as you read those words: What are the seven pillars of wisdom? Psalm 110:10 (KJV) tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments:..." This thought is repeated in Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10.
However, Psalm 110:10 does not mean that the fear of the Lord is a pillar of wisdom but that it is foundational. One cannot build anything that will last without choosing the right foundation. Eternal things must have an eternal foundation. John Bevere gives an excellent explanation of this foundation in chapter 7 of his book Driven by Eternity.
Bevere reminds us that the fear of God is intended to bring us to God. It is sin that drives us away. We need to realize that He can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:28) but that is not His purpose. Moses told Israel (Ex 20:20), "... do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." (NIV) Bevere points out the contrast between the "do not be afraid" and the fear of the Lord that will keep them from sinning. We serve a loving and holy and mighty God. We can say with David, "O taste and see that the Lord is good...!" (Ps 34:8 NASB)
Once we are born into His kingdom, we have the privilege to come boldly into His presence (Heb 4:16). However, no one dare come presumptuously. It is presumptuous to think that we may come any other way except through faith in Jesus and His death and resurrection (Acts 4:12). The cross speaks both of God's love and also His judgment on sin. It is presumptuous to think we can come into His presenc e with unconfessed sin. We come there only with clean hands and a pure heart (Ps 24:4).
The fear of the Lord is the right foundation both individually and collectively. The house that wisdom builds (Prov 9:1) is the church. "... God's purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places." (Eph 3:10 NLT) He also uses it to reveal Himself to the world (Matt 5:14; John 13:35). The church is precious in His sight. It cost Him everything. The apostle Paul warns the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:28), "...take heed to yourselves and to the flock ... the church of God which He purchased with His own blood..." The psalmist says, "Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him." (Ps 33:8 NKJV)
If having reverential awe of the Lord is foundational to wisdom, what are its pillars? There are seven things presented here for the reader to ponder as pillars of wisdom. Others may come up with a different list, similar list, even a longer or shorter list. As we read Proverbs chapter 6:16-19 (the six, yes seven things that God hates), the fear of the Lord which instructs us to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21, Ps 7:11 NKJV) will teach us things that God loves. When we consider the list in Prov 6:16-19, we find seven things, opposites of the things listed, that we will consider as pillars of wisdom:
Things God hates Pillar of Wisdom
1. A proud look 1. Humility
2. A lying tongue 2. Truth
3. Hands that shed innocent blood 3. Mercy
4. A heart that devises wicked plans 4. Purity/Righteousness
5. Feet that are swift in running to evil 5. Love
6. A false witness who speaks lies 6. A faithful witness
7. One who sows discord among the brethren 7 . Peace/Peacemakers (Unity)
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