EMBERGLOW

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T15:12:00.000-08:00

Our world needs a lot of love! I have been reading much about love in the Bible this week. Romans 13:8-10 tells us that love is the fulfillment of God's law. We are being most like Jesus and most like what God desires for us to be when we love our neighbor. Love is the glue between the bricks of all our good works that erects a temple of God in our bodies. I Corinthians is a great source of looking for love in the exact, right places--Chapter 13! As you read each potential act of love as we know it, we will find ourselves on empty if the act is not preceded by genuine love of God and love for others! Love is the greatest! Happy Valentines Day!

Combating Temptation II

2012-02-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

In the Bible that I grew up with I discovered something I had cut out from a devotion when I was younger that helps us decide if something that tempts us sinful. Well, now that I am older, that answers it right there. If I am wondering, it probably is! But I hope these three tests help you. I wish I could identify the original author, but I didn't have the source. When in doubt, ask:
Test # 1--Universality Test
What would the world be like if everyone was doing what I am doing or tempted to do?
Test #2--Secrecy Test
What if everybody found out what I was doing or tempted to do?
Test #3--Blessing Test
Can God bless what I am doing or about to do?
These should lend all of us great clarity in fighting temptation.
Coach/PJ

Combating Temptation

2012-02-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

The other day I memorized a verse I addressed as "Combating Temptation" at 4:7-8 James. "Therefore, submit to God, but resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners; purify your hearts, double-minded people." This would be a good one for all to memorize. You will need it. I preached on combating temptation the last two weeks. I wanted to be really practical, you know, 3 points and four take homes. Here is the bottom line though folks. We have to love God more than we do our sin. We have to cherish God's Word and hide it in our hearts (Psalm 119:11). We must draw near to God and put distance between ourselves and the things that tempt us. In James 1:13-14 we discover that God doesn't tempt us but we set our own traps, pamper our pet desires and bait our own hooks that then entice us and draw us away from God. Do you want to resist temptation? That is the starting point. If our answer is yes, then I think the above advice is really practical and helpful. Strive!
Coach/PJ
More Later!!!!

Enduring Pain

2012-02-14T14:44:00.000-08:00

The other day I read a devotional by Adrian Rogers from II Corinthians 12:9 "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me." I have many friends enduring loss, pain and suffering right now. Three encouragements Adrian shared that I think will help us all: 1) Praying for Escape from the pain makes it your enemy, 2) Praying for endurance in your pain treats pain and suffering as your master, but when we are 3) Praying to enlist the pain for our good and God's glory, we make it our servant.
Love to all and hope this is comforting!
Coach/ PJ

Coffee Stains

2012-02-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

Recently I had the opportunity to preach the message at the funeral of a dear lady in our church, a saintly disciple of Jesus Christ. As is my habit, I like to ask the family for the Bible of the passed loved one. As I perused this lady's Bible, I turned the page to Proverbs 15. Go read it sometime! On this page, was a perfect circle and then some spill spots of coffee. I paused in great joy and wonder. Evidence of the morning custom of starting her day in God's Word was right there before me. I was reminded of Jesus' custom of rising early in the morning to pray and be with His Father. Have you the habit/custom of rising early, cup of coffee, God's Word and the day ahead prepared by aligning your life/will with God's? I was encouraged. Careful with the coffee, but no worry...someone just might learn from your mess!
PJ/Coach

Hmmmmmmmm! May I recommend?....Jesus!

2012-01-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

I just finished the book, Speaking of Jesus: the Art of Not Evangelism, by Carl Medearis. recommended by a dear friend, Thomas Davis, who works with sharing the gospel good news of Jesus (ISA) with Muslims. I was blown away. Thomas and i were trained together in sharing the gospel many years ago. We learned to pray, partner, share the gospel with our bibles, with tracts, with story. I with Medearis still believe there is a place for that training and for sharing the gospel in the way/method of many good and well-meaning "programs" Medearis proposes that we share JESUS. that is all. Not how to be a Christian. Not how to be religious. Not a ticket to heaven. Not any of the religious things we have fallen into. Share that you are following Jesus. Trying to live like Jesus. Is He making a difference enough in your life today that people would want to hear your story? Share that! back it up with sound knowledge of His word, that love letter you need to read again and again. I invite you to read this work. My eyes are open! Love people like God loves you!
Coach/PJ

2012-01-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

January 8, 2012

Last Sunday, on their way to church services, the Longstreet family from Lexington, encountered one of our social ills—a drunk driver. Many in the family and a third party were injured. Emma, the six year old daughter, was tragically killed, and others in the family are still in critical condition. And again the drunk driver was not injured.

We all know these days that any day of the week, any time of the day, the roads can become extraordinarily dangerous when alcohol consumption is added to the equation. I do not intend to offend anyone here who drinks socially, but it always bothers me how we approach this freedom in our country.

I hear remarks like, “Well, I am sure he did not intend to kill anyone.” Or someone will remark, “People should always designate a driver if they are going to party.” Being a victim of drunk driving myself, I am a bit harsher in my evaluation. I believe that once a person decides to drink excessively then they have already made the decision that human life is to some small degree less important than their desires. I have good friends who are really good people, who would never imagine being in a similar situation to the man who caused this accident. And I know of people who have experienced near misses with the same type of headline.

A simple wake-up call is due today. For just a moment, imagine your name in that headline. Imagine the cost to you, your family and the innocents. Is there any behavior being observed under control in your family that your children one day will practice and will not be able to control? Is the temporary buzz or whatever is experienced worth the loss and suffering forced on others who have no choice in the matter? I hope we can all receive this alarm with the love and concern with which it is offered.

Coach/PJ

He in Us

2012-01-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

January 1, 2012

I love to play the guitar. Many years ago I noticed how an FCA event was made special in the giftedness of one guitar in the hands of a talented leader. Our FCA was struggling in the area of music, so I vowed to God on the trip home to pick up my mother’s old nylon six string and try to learn in thirty minutes like the title of her book in the case promised. I learned the chords G, C and D, and I was off and running. I have never mastered it but take great pleasure in watching Josh play. I taught him those chords long ago and he is just amazing now.

Last week, I had struggled, but I managed to pick out “O Come, O Come Immanuel” on Mom’s old guitar. I had a hard time singing it so invited Lauren to come sing as I picked. All of the sudden I felt like a professional. A beautiful voice disguised all my stumbled strumming. It is amazing how that picture illustrates what Jesus Christ does in our lives, isn’t it? He comes into the likes of us, people who are broken, awkward, fumbling and lost and makes us new, useful, gifted and purposed.

Lauren has always wanted to learn to play and noticed that the chords for that song looked easy. “Daddy, can you teach me that song?” You can imagine my joy when just five minutes later; Lauren was strumming to “O Come, O Come Immanuel.” God multiplied my joy that night! He made three become one voice as His Spirit filled a moment for a father and daughter.

Happy New Year!

Coach/PJ

Christmas Greetings!!

2011-12-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!!! So enjoyed the Christmas Eve and Morning services at Crosspoint!!! You are a dear body of Christ to the Sorrells family! I love you all!!
Coach/PJ

2011-12-22T09:11:00.000-08:00

As we worship with one another the Lord Jesus, born in Bethlehem, we remember the joyous news of His birth. Immanuel means God is with us. The shepherds were the first to receive the announcement of His birth. Such ordinary people for such extraordinary news!

While observing the farmers back home in Tennessee, I learned something new about shepherding. Regardless of their efforts to curb the loss of sheep to coyotes, flocks were dwindling to numbers forcing many farmers to stop raising sheep and goats. It was alarming! Then one year I asked Bud how his flock was doing. He said, “They’re doing fine ever since I got that sheep dog. I haven’t lost a single one this year.” He further explained to me that this was no ordinary dog. The Pyrenees Sheep dog is huge, white and boasts a very deep bark.

When still a puppy, it is weaned from its mother and fed along with the sheep by the shepherd farmer in the safety of the barn. It sleeps with them and begins to live with them 24 hours a day until several months old. Then the farmer releases the flock onto the open range of the farm, ever accompanied by the Pyrenees shepherd. I have observed this in action and it is quite amazing. One cannot get near the sheep without a fierce encounter with the protective, ever-present guardian.

You see the picture I am sure. The dog left its world to live among the sheep. He protects them. In a way, he saves and holds them. That is a picture of what we celebrate at Christmas. God with us! God came to be with us in Christ Jesus, His Son. He saves us and holds us through the power of His will, grace and favor. Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace and good will to all men!

Merry Christmas Friends!

Coach/PJ

2011-12-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

Postponing Christmas?

Merry Christmas! The celebration of Christ’s birth is just over a week away!

This week I read in Wednesday’s paper the new and understandable decision by many families this year to postpone Christmas until later in the year 2012. One parent even shared her plan to write a note signed by Santa that he was just too busy, and that his helpers (Mom and Dad) would bring gifts later when the prices were more affordable. Given the cultural understanding of a holiday stripped of its pure meaning, one might concede that this is pragmatically wise. No doubt our economy has created situations that force these kind of decisions.

Joseph's and Mary's betrothal was threatened with being postponed. Their lives were demanding a time-out to figure things out, seek solutions, and make plans to make circumstances return to normal. Fortunately, their ultimate response gives us direction in handling circumstances outside of our control. Ultimately, Joseph listened to the wise counsel of God's angel over the cultural norms surrounding him. Because of his and Mary's faith and obedience, they were able to experience first-hand the joy of Christ's incarnation--God in human flesh.

For many in America this year, Christmas could be a revelation, an epiphany, a whole new change of perspective. I wonder if we all might need a check on the whole meaning of life, festivity, and celebration. This week, do not postpone Christmas. Continue Christmas. Being stripped of the material focus of Christmas in America is a wonderful alternative and opportunity. A common phrase we hear these days is “Return to Bethlehem.” Let’s do just that. Let’s return to Bethlehem. Let’s learn from the original event the real joy of Christmas-God with us! “See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us’” Matthew 1:23.

Coach/PJ

Faith Is Believing

2011-12-08T10:37:00.000-08:00

How I love the Christmas season! I still bask this time of year in the wonder of the lights, the manger scenes, and the scents of Christmas and the anticipation of joy. Our home is filled with decorations, Christmas delights that are tasty to the palate, and Christmas music. Tina always creates a wonderful Christmas feel in our home. She loves the many Christmas movies. Our favorite is The Polar Express! I am not sure there is a better movie that captures the wonder of Christmas from the Santa Claus perspective. Watching can really move your emotions to the memories of childhood and Christmas.

Some may criticize too far the whole Santa deal! But if you would bear with me, I was struck once again the other night by the theme of this and many Christmas movies. BELIEVE! Children as well as adults are challenged to keep the “spirit” of Christmas alive by continuing to believe in Santa Claus. Children fuel the spirit of Christmas by their unwavering belief in what parents and culture has taught them. It is easy as a child, but comes under attack by older siblings and know-it-all friends at school.

Jesus challenged man’s faith in the same way—that we are to come to Him with faith as a child. He even compared faith to a small seed. The little boy in The Polar Express is reminded near the end of the story to believe. It is a sad reality to see the adults no longer able to hear the sleigh bell ring for a lack of belief. This Christmas, let us be reminded that our faith is strengthened by belief. With each ringing of the bells, state your enduring belief in the Christ-child of Christmas. When your faith is weak, ask the Father to increase your unbelief. I believe!

The Very Best Christmas Present

2011-12-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

Today, I read a devotional from Voices of the Faithful, written by a foreign missionary among the Southeast Asian peoples. It encouraged me so I thought I would share it with you. Todd’s 9-year-old daughter, Anna, loved horses, singing, dressing up and playing the piano. She also loved her Jesus and wanted others to know Him. Although shy and handicapped by language skills, Anna befriended four girls. They went on walks, played in the rice fields, and picked leaves from trees. Innocent fun! Anna so wanted to share with her new friends the message of the gospel and Jesus’ love for them. She began praying earnestly for God to help her share with them. Just one week later, these missionaries lost Anna in a tragic bicycle accident. The four friends came to her memorial service and heard the gospel proclaimed in their own language. Todd then wrote, “What a privilege to have been entrusted with a daughter whose heart belonged to Jesus.”

As we enter this Christmas season, what is your perspective? Have you entrusted to Jesus your heart? What of your children? Have they trusted Jesus as Savior? Are they living for Jesus? Are they seeking a growing relationship with God? Are your children preparing for some American dream or are they seeking God’s perfect plan for their lives?

The very best Christmas present is to know Jesus as Savior and Lord and to know that those whom we love the most are living for Jesus also.

Coach/PJ

Saturday Anticipation

2011-11-12T08:22:00.001-08:00

Looking forward to worship tomorrow with my Crosspoint Family!
This is my first blog, so hang on fans!
Coach/PJ