Gathering Moss » Religion

God of Second Chances

Rick — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:39:38 +0000

If you have ever questioned that God is a God of second chances, this video from Pete Wilson and the guys at Cross Point Church will take away any doubt! Thanks Pete for sharing Sheila’s Story!

Sheila’s Story from Cross Point Church on Vimeo.

All About The Team

Rick — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:23:36 +0000

I was reading in 2 Samuel Chapter 10 the other day. David has just received word that the Ammonites hired Syrian soldiers to wage war against Israel. He sent Joab and “all of the host of mighty men” to meet them. Here is where the story picks up in verse 9:

“When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother and arrayed them against the Ammonites. And he said, ‘If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to Him.” – 2 Samuel 10:9-11

Here are some things God showed me:

Joab saw the need and acted: Joab assessed the need to meet the enemy on two fronts and then assigned the people and resources accordingly.

Joab never forgot about the team: Both Joab and Abishai had armies to lead and duties to carry out but not at the expense of the team. If one needed help, the other was to going be there.

Joab stayed focused on the vision: This was not about personal glory, but for the protection of God’s people and His cities. He was doing what was pleasing to God.

Joab showed great character in how to work together as a team. Does your church or ministry show the same character?

It’s The People, not the Steeple

Rick — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:10:46 +0000

Have you ever heard the rhyme “Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open the door and there’s the people?” It is usually accompanied by acting out the words with your hands. It takes me back to when I was younger.

When you ask most people to define the word church, they will tell you that it is a building, usually with a steeple, where Christians meet. When you look at the word Church in the New Testament, however, it is referring to the body believers, not a structure. This week, I have seen God’s church in action.

Sunday, Daniel Dulaney baptized his neighbor Jordan who he led to Christ and Jordan’s wife. Jordan didn’t become a believer because he walked into a building. It began with neighbor’s talking over a fence about a mutual love for BBQ.

In the same service, two handmade shawls were prayed over. They are being given to a woman given less than 6 months to live and to a woman who just lost her husband. Prayer for these two was happening as each stitch was made.

Last week a good friend named Brad found out that he has prostrate cancer. He is 34 years old. Monday night a group of friends gathered around Brad and his wife to pray for healing.

It is not the buildings that make a church. It is people caring enough about other people to invest their time, treasures and talent so that others can see the love of Christ.

Yeah B.O.I.!!!!

Rick — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 21:55:01 +0000

Here is the first installment of YEAH B.O.I.!!! for 2009

Raising Your Kids In A Fishbowl: Craig Groeschel of LifeChurch.TV. gives insight into how Ministers can help their Kids survive minstry life

Forever and Ever: Watch an interview with David Crowder on how the song was made.

Teenage Boys in Tight Girls Pants…NOT COOL!: Tim Stevens shares Granger Community Church’s shares opener from their first mid-week service of the year. This is VERY COOL!

Live Free: Good thoughts from Scripture and Lacrae on the subject shared by Daniel Dulaney at Better Than I Deserve!

Be The Church: Hear Pete Wilson’s thougths on why we need to stop playing church and be the church.

Kickin It Old School

Rick — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:52:38 +0000

At Southside Baptist, we kick it old school on Sunday nights and sing from the hymnals. I typically pick Hymns that I am familiar with that will match Jim’s sermons. Every once and awhile, I’ll let the congregation pick some of their favorites. Most people will pick what I would call the “Old Stand-By’s”. These are songs that everyone is familiar with. Every once and awhile I’ll get thrown a curve ball and someone will call out one that I am unfamiliar with. Well I found myself stretched more than usual this past Sunday. I am glad I was stretched, otherwise, I may never have sung these words:

“And Can It Be”

And can it be that I should gain

An interest in the Savior’s blood?

Dies for me, who caused His pain?

For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be that

Thou, my God should die for me?

“All That Thrills My Soul Is Jesus”

Who can cheer the heart like Jesus

By His presence all divine?

True and tender, pure and precious,

O how blest to call Him Mine!

All that thrills my soul is Jesus, He is more than life to me;

And the fairest of ten thousand in my blessed Lord I see.

Aren’t you thankful for Amazing Love? How does Jesus thrill your soul?

Anne Jackson is giving away $6100!!!

Rick — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:23:51 +0000

Anne Jackson is giving away bible software valued at $6100!!! Want to see how you can get in on the action? Check it out at flowerdust,net!

What do you Pandora?

Rick — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:03:23 +0000

I am sitting in my office listening to Classical Christmas Music via Pandora. If you have not discovered the bliss that is Pandora, you can check it out here. It allows you to set up online radio stations based on favorite artists and the genre of music they fall in. It is absolutely free which makes it all the better. Besides Christmas, here are some of my favorite stations:

1. Hillsong
2. Passion
3. Michael Buble
4. James Taylor
5. Def Lepoard

If you Pandora, what are some of yours?

Keeping Out Of The Dog House

Rick — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:45:08 +0000

This is a hilarious video that I found at Dave Anderson’s blog MoviePastor.com

Anyone but me been there? My anniversary is tomorrow. 14 years!

Sharing Musical Opinions

Rick — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:00:53 +0000

Bob Kauflin is a worship Guru. His insights on worship are off the chain.

Do you ever find yourself making snap judgements the first time you hear a song? Are you quick to share your opinion about a song you don’t like? Kauflin has a great post about this subject. You can read it here. What are some of your favorite styles of music?

Straight, No Chaser

Rick — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:10:54 +0000

I love acapella music. Especially when sung by a group of guys. One of my band members told me about this group “Straight, No Chaser” out of the University of Indiana. I love their take on the 12 Days of Christmas. Only version I know of to incorporate the band “Toto”. Enjoy!

They also do an amazing arrangement of “Silent Night”.