After we were married and before we had kids, Amy and I went out one Friday night. Our plan was to try out this place we had never been, but when we got there it was obviously not what we thought so we both turned to each other for direction. What followed was a series of "I don't care, you decide-s" and "No you can choose-s" that eventually led to our biggest fight as a married couple. I don't know what or if I even ate that night as we returned home. Looking back, we laugh today at how silly that was.
My point is that not having an opinion means that you go nowhere, and from there, things deteriorate. One of the things I hate about politics is that it is a scramble to appear centrist. Candidates who represent far reaching ideologies put on the pretense that they are moderate, middle class types. Frankly, I get sick of the charade.
As a leader, I must realize that Cornerstone is counting on me to make decisions. The organization needs partisanship. Not everyone is going to agree with every one of my decisions as a pastor, but if my goal is to make everyone happy, then we will go nowhere, and eventually fight. What is more, is that God has placed our church in this community to make a difference. This task cannot be done while sitting on the sidelines waiting for "clear direction."
Imagine it's 4th and goal. There are 6 seconds on the clock and the team is down by 5. You have one play that will decide the outcome of the game. Do you run or pass? Frankly I don't know any better than you. But you can't wait until you know for sure. You must be partisan, pick one over the other and run that play with all you strength. If you get in, you win, if you don't you lose. But here is the kicker. If you wait until you know which one will work, the clock will run out and neither one gets you in the endzone.
This week it is my prayer that everyone at Cornerstone will study the candidates, know the issues and cast your vote on Tuesday. Politics aside, I believe in voting morality. I will always base my vote on morality first, politics second. I have already filled out my sample ballot. On that are candidates of at least three different political parties. Why should you vote morality? Because God, when honored, can make even the worst political decisions look brilliant.
Words of advice....
1. Liars can buy TV time too. Know the issues. Amendment 2 will not undo the domestic partner laws already on the books in the state of FL. Vote yes on 2 to protect the distinction of marriage.
2. Judges are "non-partisan" so they don't show up on many voter guides. you have to do some research to see who appointed them, and where they have sided on partisan issues. I personally came to the place where I am voting to not keep any of the judges on my ballot.
Last night at our prayer meeting I found out that there is a group of ladies who are specifically praying for God to give us 9 million dollars for the next stage of ministry here in Four Corners. I was amazed at the specificity of the prayer and its simplicity. I remember the days of the $25,000 pyramid, and Wheel of Fortune's cry of "Big Money Big Money!" One's idea of big money I guess changes with time and now I can clearly see God blessing our church with $9,000,000 and not blinking an eye. As I was driving earlier this morning I began thinking about the faith of those ladies, and pondered where and more specifically how God will answer that prayer. I truly believe that money does not grow on trees, but that God uses people to finance His work in our community.
What is amazing is that while we were not watching, God has already begun to answer that prayer. to date, God's people have given almost $950,000 to this community through Cornerstone Baptist Church. By January, that number will top 1 million dollars of ministry invested into this community! I think that is stinkin awesome!!! It is amazing to just pause and reflect on the goodness of God, and the faithfulness of His people. Meeting in rented facilities, it may appear to some that Cornerstone is some minor player in church world, but if the last 6 years are any indication, the people of Cornerstone believe in giving of themselves for not only changing our community, but the world. By the way, every investor will tell you, the first million is the most difficult. May we all stay faithful in our giving and in the use of those funds for the effective spread of the gospel around the world.
One of my pastor friends, Greg Peters from Parkview Baptist Church in Palm Coast Recently interviewed Matt Staver, the author of Amendment 2, to show in his church. I hope you find this informative.
One of my pastor friends, Greg Peters from Parkview Baptist Church in Palm Coast Recently interviewed Matt Staver, the author of Amendment 2, to show in his church. I hope you find this informative.
My good friend John Bogenschutz is one of the most creative people in our church. He is not only a good neighbor, but a great dad and has a daily comic strip that I truly enjoy. In what I hope to be a series, John has given me permission to reprint some of his work on the blog. I hope to take his humor and use it as an illustration of a practical thought for Fridays. Enjoy! Think! Apply!
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