Church in the Wildwood

All out for God!

I am looking forward to our Fellowship and Prayer time this evening.  Our prayer ministry is working hard to help WCC be a place of prayer.  Tonight is a great example of their desire to encourage you and help you be a prayer!  Tonight is dinner at 5pm, why don't you come out?
I am reading a book called Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom.  It tells the story of a Rabbi and an inner city pastor.  It is an interesting look at two men from dramatically different backgrounds, but had one thing in common - they submitted their lives to God.  No matter where it led them or through what struggles it brought them, they choose to honor God.  It has been inspirational to me, reading the stories of men who chose to follow God all out, holding nothing back. 
What about you, are you following God with everything you have?  Are you giving your all or holding something back?  Tomorrow we take a look at an area of our lives that we all struggle to give up to the Lord.  Yet promise after promise comes from God's word that when this area is surrendered, amazing things happen.  I hope to see you in the morning as we are challenged yet again, plus the great opportunity to worship.  Here is a link to provide more info about our series.
One last reminder to the guys.  Tomorrow evening at 5:30pm, we are having a BBQ for the men.  Andy McCollum is speaking to us about how to overcome the difficulties of living for the Lord.  Hope to see you!
Doug

Selfish or Lazy?

I read a multitude of blogs and came across one that hits the mark in a painful way for some.  This is from Josh Reich and his blog, “My World” He shares the following on October 5, 2009. 

Bob Franquiz in his book Zero to Sixty has a chapter on Church Hoppers. Here is his top 10 list to spot a church hopper and what they mean: 

1. “But my old church…” This usually means they want your church to be like their old church.
2. “I just need time to be fed.” This means, “I don’t want to do anything. I’m here just to sit and see what I can get out of this church, so don’t expect me to serve in any way, shape, or form.
3. “I’m looking for a church that teaches the Word.” This means, “I’m looking for a church that dispenses lots of information without challenging me to do anything.”
4. “We cam here because we are looking for deep teaching.” This usually means their last church focused too much on actually obeying the Word. They want a church that just talks about the Rapture, the Second Coming, who the Hittites were and the identity of Theophilus.
5. “I should know my pastor.” This means, “In my last church, I got to know the pastor, but when the church grew, and the pastor couldn’t have dinner with us every Tuesday night, I left and came here.”
6. “We want a church that’s focused on discipling people.” This means, “I want a church that’s focused on me, not people who are lost.”
7. “I wish you wouldn’t focus so much on what people need to do.” This means they don’t like commitment, they don’t like to be told the Bible actually tells them how to live and follow Jesus. They want to come to church, live in their sin and have no one tell them this is wrong.
8. “I wish you wouldn’t talk about money.” This is the best way to tell a pastor “I don’t give.”
9. “My old church/pastor was…” The way people come to your church is how they will leave. If your first conversation with them is all about their last church and pastor, that is how they will leave your church and how they will go to their next church.
10. “Pastor, I’ve been talking to a lot of people and they all say…” Translation: “Me, my spouse and my mother think…” If they start this way, 99.9% of the time they have no one else who thinks this way, it is just the best way to complain. If someone has a complaint and uses this line with me, they need to list all of the names or my best assumption is they talked to the same person 10 times.

Ouch, that is painful, but oftentimes true.  The real question I must ask is this, why am I at Wildwood Christian Church?  Is it for what I get out of church, or is it because God wants me here, or is it some other reason? 

Our purpose as a church is to connect people to Jesus.  The number one group we desire to connect are those outside of Jesus, who don’t have a relationship with Him.  So we often plan, organize, and direct our efforts with that group primary in our thoughts. 

My problem ... I can forget why we are here at times.  I get selfish and lazy, forgetting that our primary target group are those who don’t know Jesus.  So top 10 lists like the preceeding are good reminders to self-centered Doug ... it ain’t about me!!

From a recovering selfish guy,

Doug

Saying Goodbye

Our “One Month to Live” challenge is almost over.  Many of our small groups will be finishing up the study over the next couple of weeks.  This has been an inspiring time, as well as a frustrating one.  While many have been inspired to make important decisions, others have struggled with their current situations that seem to be almost impossible to change.  Let me encourage to follow the Lord’s leading in your life, no matter how “impossible” it seems to you.  As we discussed on Sunday, only what we do for the Lord lasts into eternity.

We had dozens of written commitments on Sunday, decisions that were made in honor of the Lord.  Let me share a few of those decisions.  My One Month to Live Commitment to Jesus is...

• To leave an incomplete and unhealthy relationship;
• To love my wife;
• Baptism;
• To pray daily for my wife and children;
• To make every second count with my family, not go, go, go, but stop and listen!
• Share the love of Jesus with my staff regardless of the way they treat me;
• To simplify my life so I can spend more time with God;
• To share my commitment to, and love for, God with others;
• Abstinence;
• And my favorite ... to take all my money and spend it in one day.

Sunday we say goodbye to Jason, Lisa, Jake and Alie.  It is difficult to have people leave that we love and appreciate.  As Jason and Lisa leave us, please be in prayer for their future, that God will open great doors of opportunity for them.  Sunday we will have a brief reception following the 2nd worship service, so plan on staying for a few moments and expressing your appreciation to them.

 

Sunday we begin a new series, “When God Doesn’t Seem Fair.”  We will be studying the Old Testament prophet, Habakkuk.  It is only three chapters long, so why don’t you read it before we study together on Sunday.

Thank you for your love for the Lord!  I love being your Pastor!
Doug

Beautiful!

Unbelievable weather we are enjoying here in Missouri.  To think that August would end in the 50’s isn’t something I remember happening too often.

I had breakfast with Tony French this morning as we worked on finalizing our small groups.  Thanks to everyone who signed up and made a commitment to connecting through a small group.  We will have 13 small groups starting in a couple of weeks, plus the Wednesday morning men and women’s bible study groups.  That is a significant number of our church family committed to growing in community together.  I really appreciate Tony and his leadership to our church family.

If you haven’t yet signed up for small groups, please go online and click on the small group page.  There you will find the form that you can fill out and submit.

Thanks for the comments about the message Sunday.  Several have inquired regarding the internet filters for accountability.  Here is the website http://x3watch.com/ this will give you three choices: x3watch, safe eyes, and w3pure.  The first is an accountability program, the second is filtering software, and the third adds a workshop element for those with addiction issues.  We personally use the x3watch program on our home computer.  If you have more questions, please email me.

This is a holiday weekend, so I know that some of you will be traveling.  Enjoy your time with family and friends.  We will finish up our study of King David this Sunday with “David: Cleaned Up” from 1 Chronicles 28-29.

By the way, thanks to that fun-loving group of young people who TP'd our house!

Blame, Run, or Attack?

Sunday we recounted David’s battle with the giant, Goliath.  Actually it wasn’t much of a battle; Goliath was just a blow-hard when confronted with a “man after God’s own heart.”  There were a couple of truths I just didn’t have time to share on Sunday, which means I get to blog them!
Not all the giants we face are a result of our own doing?  Saul battled with the Philistines 27 years prior to our story.  1 Samuel 13:3-5 records the attack of Jonathan (we will learn more about him on Sunday) and Saul on the Philistines.  They were greatly outnumbered, and they became fearful of defeat.  Apparently Samuel the prophet had prearranged with Saul to arrive at a certain time to offer sacrifice to God and enlist the Lord’s aid.  Saul got nervous because Samuel hadn’t arrived, so he took matters into his own hands and made the sacrifice himself.  Samuel’s delay was a test of Saul’s faith and obedience ... and Saul’s lack of trust in God was his down fall.  So here we arrive 27 years later, and David now has to confront the giant that came about as a result of Saul’s sin. 
Do you ever face giants that came about because of the sin of another?  David never placed the blame elsewhere; he just stepped out in faith and attacked the giant.  God gave him the victory, because the battle is the Lord’s!  Rather than blaming others for the giant you face, just put your trust in God and step out.
Another truth from our story is the reaction of David when he encounters the giant.  He doesn’t delay or endlessly prepare, he volunteers and then attacks.  He doesn’t run away from this challenge, or even just hold back, but he attacks!  The stone flies, the giant falls, and David uses Goliath’s own sword to remove the giants head!
“You might say that David knew how to get a head of his giant.  When was the last time you did the same?  How long since you ran toward your challenge?  We tend to retreat, duck behind a desk at work or crawl into a nightclub of distraction or a bed of forbidden love.  For a moment, a day, or a year, we feel safe, insulated, anesthetized, but then the work runs out, the liquor wears off, or the lover leaves, and we hear Goliath again.  Try a different tack.  Rush your giant with a God-saturated soul!" (Max Lucado, Facing Your Giants, 6)
So today, don’t retreat, don’t blame, just step towards the challenge in the power and strength of the Almighty God!  Read Psalm 89:5-8, and be encouraged by the Word of the Lord!  And remember that The Battle is the Lords!

Relationships

Patti and I met with Tony and Dana last night as we begin to finalize our Small Group plans for this fall.  First let me say how thankful I am for Tony and his commitment to our Small Group ministry at WCC. 
What is a Small Group at WCC?  8-12 people get together once a week for the purpose of studying the Bible, encouraging one another, and praying for one another.  It is a great opportunity to be connected to others who share a common love for Jesus. 
This fall we will have between 10 and 13 groups meeting on various nights of the week.  They meet in the homes of group members and are led by people who love Jesus and know the value of Small Groups.
Starting Sunday, August 16, we will be signing up for the newly forming small groups.  Our first meeting will take place the week of September 13, in conjunction with a new sermon series, "One Month To Live." 
Small Groups are a high value at WCC and we want you in a group.  So over the next few weeks we will be having people share testimonies of the value of a small group in their life.  We will also give you the opportunity to learn what they are all about.
Don't forget about the Back Yard Bashon Sunday evening.  It is an event for the entire church to enjoy!  More importantly, it is an opportunity to invite your friends to experience WCC!
See you Sunday,
Doug

David - A Man After Gods Heart

David is the most mentioned character in the Bible ~ over 1,000 times. He was the Babe Ruth or Albert Pujols of his day! But when you look at his stats, you don’t always see an MVP reflected there. There were homeruns like his encounter with the giant, stellar no-hitters as reflected in his kingship, and monumental strike-outs with the bases loaded as shown by his moral failure with Bathsheba. Yet through it all, David is the person referred to in Scriptures as the “man after God’s own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14) I don’t know about you, but when they record my stats at the end of the game, I think it would be really cool for someone to say “he was a man after God’s own heart.”

Get ready for Sunday by reading 1 Samuel 16:1-13 as we are introduced to David.  As you read through that passage make note of what God saw in this young man David.  This is going to be a great series that will take us through Labor Day weekend.

This Sunday evening is our BackYardBash ... a fun evening on the grounds at WCC.  I am asking each family to find a neighbor or family member that doesn't have a church home, and invite them to the bash.  I am looking forward to that evening and the opportunity to get to talk to you and your friends. 

See you Sunday!

Doug

They are Life!

I have finished reading through the One-year chronological bible.  It took 16 months to complete, but I feel great that I got through.  This is the first time to read the entire bible through chronologically. 

I was surprised the past two Sunday’s when I asked for a show of hands of those who have read through the book of James this summer.  There were only a few hands that went up both services.  How crucial and critical to our spiritual walk to have a regular time in the Word of God.  God’s word is the lifeblood of a believer.  We will never have the victory in our lives for the Lord if we aren’t spending time in the bible.
When Moses was giving his farewell speech to the Children of Israel, he knew the crucial importance of God’s Word.  Here are his words,

Deuteronomy 32:46-47, 46he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

David prayed this prayer in Psalm 119:36-37, 36Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 37Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

Are you neglecting the Word of God?  Take the challenge to read through the book of James.  We conclude our series on James over the next two weeks, so dig in and read it through!  We have the audio of the message online.  If you missed a week, then you can get the message here.

This Sunday our college age guys will be leading our worship.  It will rock, so don’t miss out ... in fact, why don’t you send an email and invite someone to our services on Sunday.

Thanks for allowing me to be your Pastor, I love serving the Lord together with you!

Doug

The Seriousness of Sin

I tweeted earlier about Mike Hailey, a pastor that fell to the depths because of sin in his life.  Stories like that scare me to death, because I too am a sinner.  All of us need to be reminded of the seriousness of the sin in our lives.

The seriousness of sin isn't founded upon the fear of being "found out." Rather the true seriousness of sin is found in Romans 8:7, "...the sinful mind is hostile to God...."  My sin is an insult to my Holy God, a slap in is face, and a contradiction of his very nature.  Here is how R.C Sproul sums it up:

"Sin is cosmic treason.  Sin is treason against a perfectly pure Sovereign.  It is an act of supreme ingratitude toward One to whom we owe everything, to the One who has given us life itself.  What are we saying to our Creator when we disobey Him at the slightest point?  We are saying no to the righteousness of God.  We are saying, 'God Your law is not good.  My judgment is better than Yours.  Your authority does not apply to me.  I am above and beyond Your jurisdiction' ... the slightest sin is an insult to His holiness .... what could be more serious than this?" (Sproul, R.C. The Holiness of God. 151-152)

Like you, I need to be reminded that even the slightest of my sins is open rebellion against my heavenly Father.  So recently, I have been praying this prayer straight from the mouth of David:

Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

I need the purity that can only come through the forgiveness of Jesus, (1 John 1:9) and I need His help to be steadfast in living faithfully for Him.  Why don't we commit to praying that prayer together for the next few days? 

If I Were A Rich Man

I am sitting in my sister's back porch this Saturday morning up in Chicago.  We are here because of fulfilling a final birthday present for Patti's birthday (back in April - some birthday's last longer than others!).  We went to the Broadway musical performance of "Fiddler on the Roof," at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago.  As musicals go, this one is very good (obviously not as good as a Cardinal's baseball game - but that is a different issue). 

The real reason we went was to see Chaim Topol, who played Tevye in the original 1971 movie.  This is billed as his farewell tour, and we enjoyed it emmensly.  Upon researching I discovered that he is 73 years old and has been performing his role as Tevye over 2500 times.  We went with my sister Denise and her husband Tim, their middle daughter Lauren (who is a Sophmore at Wheaton) and her boyfriend Tommy. 

Here is a sentence in the literature that I read, "It is notable however, that Topol is often replaced by an understudy for the performance, particularly the daytime showings."  Can you imagine the dissappointment of my wife if we had made plans, traveled up to Chicago, only to have an understudy? 

Thankfully, when we turn to God we are never dissappointed because He is sick or tired.  Whenever we call on the Lord, He is present and ready to meet our need.   Hebrews 86:5-7 shares this amazing truth that when we call upon the Lord, He answers our prayers.

Tomorrow is Father's Day and we are going to honor and challenge each Dad present.  Don't miss out!