Jim Elliot Quotes

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."

"Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me."

Jim Elliot
1927-1956

First Baptist Conroe Easter 2008

God Can Do Great Things with Small Things

John 6:1-13

Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Feast was near. When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

Isn’t it amazing to read about the way our Savior turned such a small meal into an abundant feast? Think for a moment about the loaves of bread and the fish. In the boy’s hands…it was one meal. In the disciples’ hands…it was merely an appetizer. But in the Lord’s hands…it was a miracle! God can do great things with small things.

I am sure there have been times in your life when you have also seen God do great things with small things. Maybe it was a time when your child sang “Jesus Loves Me” for you in front of some friends that were not believers. Maybe it was the joy you experienced when you first made the commitment to the Lord to tithe. Or maybe it was the time you invited someone to Sunday School, and they became a devoted follower of Christ. God can do great things with small things.

One of my favorite verses states that “[God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Eph. 3:20). Right now, what are you asking God to help you with, and what are you thinking God is capable of doing with your life, faith, family, and so forth? Today, open up your hands to God and freely give Him all you are holding on to. Trust Him to do what only He can do in and through you. Then someday in heaven you’ll be able to speak with the boy from our Bible story, and you, too, can say that God truly can do great things with small things.

You Have Never Washed A Rental Car

You have never washed a rental car. Why is this? Quite simply it is because you do not own it. Over time I have had the privilege of owning a few new vehicles, and I do my best to take care of them so they will last and look nice. If you ask our church staff about this they will tell you I am the type that parks long distances from the entrance of a store or restaurant to protect against door dings. While this may drive some people crazy, the bottom line is that it is mine…I own it.

Now let me ask you how you feel about your Sunday School class. Would you say that you treat it like a rental or more like something you own? Do you consider the health of the class something for which you are responsible? If you view Sunday School as something you show up for on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. then you may be treating it like a rental. However, if you think about it, which leads you to pray about it, which leads you to do something about it during the other six days of the week, then you truly value and take responsibility for the results of your department.

Is your group growing in membership, maturity, ministry, missions and magnification of our Savior? If the answer is yes, that is awesome. Would you start a new group and help others to do the same? If you say your group is not currently growing, I want to encourage you to stop right now, thank God for grabbing your attention, take responsibility for His call to disciple making, and go.

I once heard a wise preacher say, “It is easier to make excuses than it is to make things happen, but it is infinitely more fun to make things happen.” I believe it is God that makes things happen, and I also believe it is God’s church to begin with. But for some reason, He has chosen to hand us the keys. Do we see our Sunday School class as a rental, or something special from God’s showroom floor?

Quotes to Consider

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing."
Abraham Lincoln

"I am looking for a lot of men who have an infinite capacity to not know what can't be done."
Henry Ford

Looking For A Friend

People are not looking for a friendly church. People are looking for a friend. Sunday School provides a tremendous opportunity for you and me to be a friend to someone as we help move them closer and closer to Christ. Consider the acrostic F.R.I.E.N.D.

F – First impressions are very important. Each Sunday School Department should have Greeters that welcome everyone to class. When guests arrive, Greeters should assist with registration, introduce them to other members, and even offer to sit with them in Sunday School and worship.

R – Remember their name. A hit song from 1982 said, “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.” We all notice when someone is able to call us by name. I have heard it said that an individual is effectively assimilated into a class when their name is scribbled on the back of at least six members’ telephone books.

I – Invite every member and every prospect to every class party. A party environment can seem less threatening to someone that is not familiar with church or Bible study groups. Parties provide you with the necessary time needed to talk, listen, and discover one another’s life stories.

E – Encourage class members to consider people they meet in everyday life as a potential friend. This includes your child’s soccer coach, the person that cuts your hair, the coworker in the cubicle next to you, and on and on. Maybe, just maybe, God has us crossing paths with these people to ask the question “How are you doing?” and then to actually take the time to stick around and listen.

N – Never remove a member or a prospect from your Sunday School role unless they ask you to. I’ve never understood why groups would do this unless they were trying to increase their attendance percentage. Most of us have experienced times when our involvement with a Bible study group was not where it should have been on our priority list. I am sure it is safe to say you appreciated knowing you were not forgotten.

D – Daily, not just on Sundays, implement F.R.I.E.N.D. in your life.

The Young Pastor

A young pastor was asked by the local funeral director to hold a grave-side burial service for someone with no family or friends. He was told this would be the first funeral at that particular cemetery. The preacher started early but quickly got lost, making several wrong turns on the country roads.

Eventually, a half-hour late, he saw a backhoe and its crew, but the hearse was nowhere in sight, and the workmen were eating lunch.

The diligent young pastor went to the open grave and found the vault lid already in place.

Taking out his Bible, he read the service. Feeling guilty because of his tardiness, he preached an impassioned and lengthy service, kicking up dust and working up a sweat.

As he was returning to his car, he overheard one of the workmen say: "I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years and I ain't never seen anything like that."

You Know You're An OKIE If...

1. You can properly pronounce Eufaula, Gotebo, Okemah, Sapulpa and Chickasha.

2. You think people who complain about the wind in their states are sissies.

3. A tornado warning siren is your signal to go out in the yard and look for a funnel.

4. Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor on the highway.

5. You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "AC" in the same day.

6. You know the true value of a parking space is not determined by the distance to the door but by the availability of shade.

7. You see people wear bib overalls at funerals.

8. You refer to the capital of Oklahoma as "The City."

9. It doesn't bother you to use an airport named for a man who died in an airplane crash.

10. Little smokies are something you serve only on special occasions.

11. Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding date.

12. You have known someone who has at least one belt buckle bigger than your fist.

14. You didn't realize that I skipped a number.

15. You know in which state Miam-uh is and in which state Miam-ee is.

16. You aren't surprised to find movie rental, ammunition, and bait all in the same store.

17. Your "place at the lake" has wheels under it.

18. You know everything goes better with Ranch.

19. You actually get these jokes and are "fixin" to send them to your friends.

20. Finally, you are 100% Oklahoman if you have ever heard this conversation:
"You wanna coke?"
"Yeah."
"What kind?"
"Dr. Pepper."

Brayden's Eight Point

Once again some good friends blessed my son and I by allowing us to deer hunt on their property during the special youth weekend. It was a cold, wet morning, and the deer were moving. Brayden was patient, and it paid off. He is a great hunter and a GREAT SON!

Will Rogers

Over the Christmas holiday, my family and I visited my parents and extended family. I am a native of Claremore, Oklahoma. It was a great place to grow up, and I always love our visits "home." Claremore has much to offer to its residents and guests. If you ever traveled very far on Route 66 you may have even passed through it at one time or another.

Claremore is probably best known as the home of Oklahoma's favorite son, Will Rogers. Will was born between Claremore and Oologah on November 4, 1879. "He rose from a vaudeville career as a sideshow rope‑tricks artist to become one of the most popular humorists in America."[1] This famous cowboy was loved by so many, and I would encourage you to visit the Will Rogers Memorial if you are in the vicinity.

If you have a few moments, let me share a few of my favorite Will Rogers quotes with you:

"There are two theories to arguing with a woman...neither works."

"Never miss a good chance to shut up."

"If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging."

"If you're riding' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there."

"Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier'n puttin' it back."

"Diplomacy is the art of saying "Nice doggie" until you can find a rock."

"Live your life in such a way that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip."

"I never yet met a man that I didn't like."

[1] http://www.legendsofamerica.com/OK-Claremore.html

Hunting With My Son

On December 14th and 15th, Brayden and I joined another father and son at their ranch. Don and Cam were so kind to us and allowed me to take Brayden hog and deer hunting. Brayden, and another young man that joined us, shot a hog the first evening. Brayden shot a doe the following morning.

While hunting is a major component of trips such as this, it is actually not the most important part. You see, each time I am with my son hunting, I have the incredible privilege of being just that ... with him. We laugh together, talk together, learn together, and have fun together. Even the challenges we encounter are dealt with together (see the truck in the mud below). My son is a great hunter, but more importantly he is a great Christian, young man.

I want to thank our friends for sharing the blessing of this trip with us, and I thank God for my son and my entire family.

How Many Bears Does It Take To...

How many Bears does it take to get a truck out of the mud? Actually it takes two Baylor Bears, one Oklahoma State Cowboy, one University of Houston Cougar, and one Kubota tractor. (The tractor did most of the work.)

Hermanos De España

On Saturday, December 1, our friends from Spain and some of our friends from First Baptist Conroe joined us at our home. We had a great time together eating, talking, laughing, and singing.

In these photos you see people from Spain, Mexico, and the United States. It is so amazing to me that, because of Jesus Christ, we are family. Sometimes the language differences prevent us from completely understanding what each other is trying to say. But someday, in Heaven, God will take care of that, and we will know Him and each other completely!

Cowboys Heading To The Valley Of The Sun

The Oklahoma State football team will make its fifth bowl appearance in six years when it meets Indiana University on Dec. 31 in the 19th edition of the Insight Bowl.

The game will kick off at 4:30 p.m. (central) from Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium and will be televised live by The NFL Network.

For more information click on the OSU logo.

From Spain to Austin

On Wednesday, November 28, friends from Albacete, Spain flew into Houston. So the following day we decided to take them to Austin to experience our State Capitol, The University of Texas, chicken fried steak at Threadgill's, and Blue Bell Ice Cream in Brenham. We had a great time together.

Okay, okay...I know the hyperlink for The University of Texas actually takes you to the website for Oklahoma State University. But this is my blog. What did you expect?

My Passport

I recently traveled to Guatemala with several friends from my church. Each day leading up to our mission trip involved "to do lists" and various items that each of us needed to accomplish prior to our departure. On one such day I received a phone call from a member of our group. I was asked about the location of our airline tickets. So I got on the phone and called our friend at Buckner International that was assisting with the coordination of the trip. When I asked Jon about the tickets he said, "Your passport is everything." I thought that was great...one less item to have to keep up with on the trip.

Later, my friend's statement, "Your passport is everything" continued to go around and around in my thoughts. If a passport is EVERYTHING when departing for an international destination, what is the EVERYTHING we need regarding our eternal destination. According to the Bible our "everything" is Jesus. In John 14:6 we read the Words of Jesus where He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." And in John 3:16 we read "...God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Notice that God's Word did not say "Be a good person and you'll go to heaven," or "There are many ways to God and what's important is that you are sincere." No, no, no! Acts 4:12 says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Just as your passport secures your entrance into another country, so too does Jesus secure our entrance into God's Kingdom.

So remember the words of my friend when traveling abroad and know that your passport really is everything. Don't leave home without it. If you do, well let's just say that I hope you purchased trip insurance because you will not be going where you want to. But, an even greater truth is this: Jesus...don't leave earth without Him!

Guatemala Mission Trip Thoughts

I've been back in Conroe for a few days now, but as you can imagine my thoughts frequently return to our time in Guatemala...and specifically to the children I encountered. They were such a delightful group. A few seemed a little distant, but the majority of the children were all about giving and receiving love.

The team of people I traveled with were such a tremendous blessing to me personally and to the children of Fundación Salvación. I witnessed this group functioning in the various ways in which God had uniquely "wired" them up. Each person placed their spiritual gifts and God given natural abilities back in the hands of our Lord, and in doing so little lives were touched and the Good News of our Savior was proclaimed.

As we were preparing to leave and everyone was making their way back to the bus, I found myself sitting next to Santos...my newest best friend from Guatemala. Santos is seven years old and a smiling bundle of energy. The two of us played soccer for what seemed like hours during the course of our trip. As Santos and I were saying goodbye, I wondered what was going on in his thoughts. As he began to speak he asked if I would be back the next day. What do you say at a time like that? I can assure you that the word "no" did not come easy. While it was not possible for me to return the next day, I tried to explain that I hope to return again...maybe next year.

If you feel God nudging you right about now, I would be happy to share with you the details of how you too can love on some children in Guatemala that will love you in return. And if God should lead you specifically to Fundación Salvación, please do me a favor and play a little soccer with my friend Santos and give him a big hug for me.

¡En el nombre de Jesucristo!

Dale

Guatemala Update

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31: Tonight I am logging on from the city of Huehuetenango in Guatemala. Our mission team is serving in the orphanage Fundación Salvación. We flew to the city of Guatemala on Saturday where we met our translators and connected with our transportation. The drive which followed was very long and tiresome, but we made it safely.

On Sunday, we began the day with a brief church service for the children. This was followed by lunch and playing with the children. In fact, most of the day was dedicated to playing with the children.

The next day, Monday, began the work project phase of our trip. Everything from plumbing to painting and playgrounds to electrical work has been involved.

In the afternoons, our team has been dividing the children into three groups and offering something very similar to Vacation Bible School.

Tuesday we became aware of the fact that two of our team members were celebrating a birthday this week. This turned into a great excuse to have a party with the children...complete with three clowns and multiple piñatas.

It would be very difficult for me to explain in black and white the way that God has worked and the manner in which my heart has been touched. I could not begin to count the number of hugs and kisses I have received. Nor could I add up all the times a little child has called me (in Spanish) friend, teacher, and even daddy.

Tomorrow, Thursday, is our last day with the children. We will work until lunch. Then our plan is to have a pizza party and play games until evening with the children.


I miss my family, and God continues to remind me of how He has blessed me with my wonderful wife and three awesome children. I thank God for this opportunity to serve these children in Guatemala, and I thank my family for their encouragement and prayer support for us while here. I also thank God for the awesome team of people I have had the blessing to travel here with. They have blessed the children and me personally.

Ambassador Madison

Conroe Independent School District
NEWS RELEASE
From the Office of Communications

October 2007 Ambassadors Honored
Conroe Independent School District Trustee Mr. John Husbands and Superintendent Dr. Don Stockton visited several campuses on Friday, October 12, 2007 to award an outstanding teacher, student, and paraprofessional from each campus with the prestigious Ambassador Award. The honor is bestowed only once a year on each campus. The recipients are chosen because they exemplify outstanding character and integrity and are committed to excellence. The recipients are paid a surprise visit when the award is announced and presented to them. CISD Board of Trustees will take turns each month until all fifty campuses are visited once each school year to announce the award winners. Student Ambassadors honored include ... Madison Talbert, Peet Junior High.

Way to go, Madison! Your Mom and I are so proud of who you are!

The Big "Cover Up"

When you hear the phrase "cover up" what comes to mind? If you ask someone around you they may list one of the following:
* An attempt to hide criminal or immoral activity.
* An article of clothing you wear at the beach over your swimsuit.
* Make-up to cover a blemish.
But is this list really complete? Do the words "cover up" ever direct your thoughts toward the idea of love?

Over the past several days the words of 1 Peter 4:8 have been turning over and over in my mind and on several occasions finding their way into my conversations (sometimes even during committee meetings). God's Word says, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." In the previous verse (4:7) Peter calls attention to the fact that, "The end of all things is near." Knowing that our time on this earth is brief should lead all of us to make proper life changes and focus on those issues recorded in this chapter. Regarding this passage and its context Matthew Henry writes:

"Our approaching end, is a powerful argument to make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religion. There are so many things amiss in all, that unless love covers, excuses, and forgives in others, the mistakes and faults for which every one needs the forbearance of others, Satan will prevail to stir up divisions and discords."[1]

So let me ask you the following: In your marriage, have you been exercising love through forgiveness? What about in your parenting, your friendships, your workplace, or even with your mother-in-law...have you been exercising love through forgiveness?

This forgiveness must also be proactive in nature. This is the example set by our Savior. The Bible makes it clear that Christ took the first step regarding our forgiveness, and in Romans 5:8 we read, "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

I am pretty sure that today you and I are going to need someone to be a little forgiving toward us. Let's be thankful that God, in Christ Jesus, has forgiven us, and with humility, gratitude, and thankfulness let's "love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).

[1] Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible. "Chapter 4" 16 Oct. 2007 <http://bible1.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/MatthewHenryConcise/mhc-con.cgi?book=1pe&chapter=4#1Pe4_7>.