Our Last Great Hope

“At some point, the discussion of the Great Commission has to stop being about theology, mission philosophy, and the like; it must become personal.” – Ronnie Floyd

I wonder when that point will come? I’m no church historian, but I am fairly certain that the Great Commission was always supposed to be a personal call to share Christ around the world. Yet, look how far we’ve come.There are pockets of churches that are advancing the Gospel, and there are pockets of churches that are extremely inward and closed in their thinking. Between those two extremes lies the vast majority of churches, who know the power of great commission living, yet do little to make that power a reality. It is that large group in the middle that Ronnie Floyd hopes to awaken through his book, Our Last Great Hope.

On one hand the book is very inspiring. After all, who wouldn’t get excited about the great commission? On the other hand, I couldn’t wait to put it down so I could get back to living my life for Christ. In a way I felt like I’d heard it all before by Steven Furtick, Ed Stetzer, Stovall Weems, Mark Driscoll, Perry Noble, David Platt, and a host of others who in the past year or 2 have produced mountains of work on the subject of mission. That being said, the book was enjoyable and definitely motivating. You can pick up a copy here.

(The folks at Thomas Nelson gave me a copy of this book for review.)

Shut up.

It has been said that actions speak louder than words. Some have even said that nonverbal language is often the most received communication in the world.  My mom had this look that I call the “word of God” look. You know, it’s the kind of look that is sharp enough to dived bone and marrow and cut right into you. When I saw that look I knew bad things where about to happen! Little children learn that the farther they poke out their bottom lip, the more likely they are to get their way. Not in my house though, we don’t negotiate with terrorsist ; )

We’ve all probably heard the saying,”What you do speaks so loud that I can’t understand what you are saying.” We hear those statements and yet the facts are that we say more than we do. Our nonverbal communication is in conflict with the words that are coming out of our mouths. Everyone has an opinion on politics, and yet close to half of those old enough to vote don’t. Everyone has an opinion on how to do church and yet, so many ignore the poor, judge the seeker, and neglect widows and orphans. If actions speak louder than words then why do we spend so much time sitting and listening, standing and talking, instead of going and doing?

Maybe we all need to drink a big glass of “shut up and do something.”

This Sunday

Missionary Rich Farthing will be our special guest. Rich and his wife Sandee do an amazing work in Bolivia. If you are in the area you must come and hear about what God is doing at the BHC! Click the pic for more info.

Bike for the Light Fireworks

Hungry

Something about church makes me hungry. Don't know what it is. I am
usually starving after church. One of the toughest decisions we make
as a family is what to eat after church. Makes me think about how
blessed we are. There are people who have no food…who would give
anything to have "options". God help us to remember the hungry
whenever our stomachs start to rumble!

Sent from my iPhone

Take time…

…to hang with friends. Had a great lunch with a good friend yesterday. He came out of his way and my schedule was super slammed. Yet after lunch I felt like I didn’t lose one minute of my day.

…to talk to neighbors. I talked to my neighbor across the street yesterday. He mentioned how busy everyone on our street was. I felt very convicted that I don’t slow down enough for conversation with him.

…to pick up the phone. There’s no better time than to connect with a friend or someone you are trying to reach then when you are on the road. Redeem your drive time.

…to pray. Far be it from me to sin against God by failing to pray…1 Samuel 12:23

…to hear from God. read the Bible before you check facebook, twitter, or email. make His Word first in your life.

…to think. Unplug every now and then and meditate, process, dream, and grow.

…to chill. Even God rested on the 7th day. Honor your day off by honoring God and chilling out.

Bike for the Light in Bama

Bike for the Light in Clarksville

We had a blast with Johnny and Josh!

Late Night Blog

Had a great time at U-Turn youth with Johnny Kelley. This students where challenged, worship was great (even though the power kept going out), and we had fun. One great thing is that MCC wasn’t preaching or doing human vids. We definitely needed a service where we could just relax and enjoy. Not that we don’t enjoy other services…its just different when you aren’t leading. Anyway, I’m up super late because I don’t have to get up early for Kid’s Crusade. I’m looking forward to sleeping in!

Tonight in Clarksville

Tonight at U-Turn Youth

First A/G Clarksville

7pm