This is the time of year when folks, myself included, look for mushrooms. The spring rain and warmer temps produce the Morel mushrooms that are excellent table fare. If you've never tried 'em, you should check it out! This last week I found some nice one's and Trish fried them up for me. Yummy!!
The thing about mushrooms is that when the conditions are just right, they pop up overnight. Almost as quickly, the mushroom season ends and they are gone. This scenario reminds me of many Christians that I have known. I'd like to think of them as 'Mushroom Christians'.
Mushroom Christians usually don't show up until conditions are just perfect to suit them. If it is a big event, or a service that involves a dinner afterward, or the weather is really nice, or, or, or.....they pop out for the occasion. But, Mushroom Christians disappear when the 'heat' is on and the conditions are unfavorable. When there is work to be done, or forgiveness to be handed out, or the weather is rainy and cold..or, or, or....they are no where to be found. "Mushroom Christianity" is weak and cannot make a real difference.
The folks who really matter to the Kingdom, are thick skinned, can bloom when conditions are unfavorable, are the same no matter whether things are perfect or horrible. These kinds of Christians don't have to be poked, stoked or provoked to be faithful month in and month out! Psalm 1 describes these Christians as trees and not mushrooms.
So much for mushrooms! They are for a short season and then they are gone. Trees stay rooted....remaining the same in the heat, cold, fair weather and through the storms of life. Lord, help us all to be trees and not meaningless mushrooms.
Be blessed.
Tim
Friday, April 17, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Great Weekend Despite the Rain
Easter Sunday was really special. I was afraid it would be a downer because of all the rain. It rained like crazy all morning and basically all day. Despite the weather, so many people turned out to worship the Lord and to celebrate the resurrection.
It was so gratifying to see the church filled with people from all walks of life. There were so many guests there. I truly hope they will return again and again after getting a taste of such inspirational worship. I heard a lot of positive remarks from many people.
They were impressed by the worship, the children's program and the kindness of the people. I can't say much for the preaching...ha!
Anyway, God is soooo good! I thank Him for the progress and the destiny of NLT. 375 people may not be the largest crowd in town...yet. But it is well on its way!! We are witnessing a miracle week after week as new people are coming and being blessed by a church full of genuine people, free from religious baggage and wanting only a relationship with the Lord. All the credit and praise belongs to God for His Grace to us all.
Let me know your thoughts on Sunday's service.
Pastor T
It was so gratifying to see the church filled with people from all walks of life. There were so many guests there. I truly hope they will return again and again after getting a taste of such inspirational worship. I heard a lot of positive remarks from many people.
They were impressed by the worship, the children's program and the kindness of the people. I can't say much for the preaching...ha!
Anyway, God is soooo good! I thank Him for the progress and the destiny of NLT. 375 people may not be the largest crowd in town...yet. But it is well on its way!! We are witnessing a miracle week after week as new people are coming and being blessed by a church full of genuine people, free from religious baggage and wanting only a relationship with the Lord. All the credit and praise belongs to God for His Grace to us all.
Let me know your thoughts on Sunday's service.
Pastor T
Friday, April 10, 2009
Dead 'In' or Dead 'To'
Scripture reminds that we were dead in our former life of trespasses and sins. In this context we understand that sinners are dead to the things of God. The natural man cannot receive the things of God because it carries within itself, the death of sin. Sinners cannot hear, feel, know, understand righteousness because they are dead to these things.
The flip side of this coin is the need for a child of God to be dead, but in a different sense. Instead of being dead in our sins, we are to be dead to our sins. Part of our faith in Christ is to identify with His death by repenting of our sins and 'dying' to all the things that displease God. We are instructed to take up our own cross and follow Jesus. That means there are some things unique to you and me that will destroy us if we do not destroy them.
I have witnessed so many people who profess righteousness, but obviously have not died to sin. They wear their righteous robes, as it were, but they also wear their gossiping tongue, their desire for revenge, their perpetual hatred none of which has been crucified with Christ. No amount of religious rhetoric is a substitute for actual life in Christ. Religion is a poor substitute for relationship. It really a matter of life and death.
This Easter, as we celebrate the life of Jesus, let me encourage you to become dead to the things of sin, and become totally alive to the things of God. At the end of the day we are either alive to God or... to ourselves and to sin. Let this resurrection be to Godliness, righteousness and true purity. What makes you active mentally, emotionally and spiritually? The answer to this may help you comprehend what makes you live. Your stimuli is a clue to whether or not you are alive and/or dead to the right things or not. Happy Easter.
Tim
The flip side of this coin is the need for a child of God to be dead, but in a different sense. Instead of being dead in our sins, we are to be dead to our sins. Part of our faith in Christ is to identify with His death by repenting of our sins and 'dying' to all the things that displease God. We are instructed to take up our own cross and follow Jesus. That means there are some things unique to you and me that will destroy us if we do not destroy them.
I have witnessed so many people who profess righteousness, but obviously have not died to sin. They wear their righteous robes, as it were, but they also wear their gossiping tongue, their desire for revenge, their perpetual hatred none of which has been crucified with Christ. No amount of religious rhetoric is a substitute for actual life in Christ. Religion is a poor substitute for relationship. It really a matter of life and death.
This Easter, as we celebrate the life of Jesus, let me encourage you to become dead to the things of sin, and become totally alive to the things of God. At the end of the day we are either alive to God or... to ourselves and to sin. Let this resurrection be to Godliness, righteousness and true purity. What makes you active mentally, emotionally and spiritually? The answer to this may help you comprehend what makes you live. Your stimuli is a clue to whether or not you are alive and/or dead to the right things or not. Happy Easter.
Tim
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Crucifixion Precedes Easter
The story of Easter is so thrilling. To think our Lord Jesus came back from the grip of death to proclaim eternal life forever more!
Before we celebrate Easter, we must look death in the face. Not just any death either. The death of Jesus was perhaps the most gruesome death know to man.
Crucifixion was a death by torture. Being stretched out on a rugged tree and nailed to it by your hands and feet is heinous at least. Such was the death of my Saviour. It was not the nails that killed our Lord, but He was asphixiated. He had to lift Himself on his feet to be able to breath. When He hung by His hands, the weight of His body would not allow Him to inhale. Slowly the carbon dioxide builds up in the blood stream.
At last a soldier came by and punctured the fluid sac that surrounds the heart. The Bible records that from that wound came forth blood and water. Such was the price of my salvation. The Lamb of God became the perfect remedy for sin. What a horrible death the Son of God submitted to in order to purchase those who would come to Him through faith.
Jesus, I thank you for your death. It was the ultimate ingredient for my salvation. Before their can be a resurrection, we must first go by the cross and remember the death of our Lord. Take some time to think about it, and to thank God for the plan of salvation. Jesus was willing to endure such hardship because He loves you so much. His blood took away all our sins!
God bless,
Tim
Before we celebrate Easter, we must look death in the face. Not just any death either. The death of Jesus was perhaps the most gruesome death know to man.
Crucifixion was a death by torture. Being stretched out on a rugged tree and nailed to it by your hands and feet is heinous at least. Such was the death of my Saviour. It was not the nails that killed our Lord, but He was asphixiated. He had to lift Himself on his feet to be able to breath. When He hung by His hands, the weight of His body would not allow Him to inhale. Slowly the carbon dioxide builds up in the blood stream.
At last a soldier came by and punctured the fluid sac that surrounds the heart. The Bible records that from that wound came forth blood and water. Such was the price of my salvation. The Lamb of God became the perfect remedy for sin. What a horrible death the Son of God submitted to in order to purchase those who would come to Him through faith.
Jesus, I thank you for your death. It was the ultimate ingredient for my salvation. Before their can be a resurrection, we must first go by the cross and remember the death of our Lord. Take some time to think about it, and to thank God for the plan of salvation. Jesus was willing to endure such hardship because He loves you so much. His blood took away all our sins!
God bless,
Tim
Thursday, April 2, 2009
My Basketball Days
Last week I did something I didn't think I would be doing at my age. I bought a brand new pair of Nike basketball shoes. The reason I bought them is because I have been playing in a church basketball league this winter. We will be wrapping up our season soon, but I have been having a blast with the guys who allowed the 'old guy' to play with them.
All my life I have loved basketball. I didn't play in high school because it was an 'evil, worldly, amusement'. I found it interesting that although my religion didn't allow us to play in school, it was fine to play on the playground, at youth camp, in the park, etc etc. So I took full advantage and played every chance I had. My dad bought a goal for me and put it at the end of a small patio in our backyard. He and my mother will never know how much fun I had and I owe them a lot of thanks. That little patio became 'barnhill arena' and I was the 'razorback team'. I mean in my mind I could be Sidney Moncrief, Marvin Delph, and Ron Brewer all at the same time. It was fun.
When I went to college, I played all the time. I was in top shape and often we ran eight to ten straight games of full court ball. I could jump and shoot back then. At 5' 11" I could dunk a volleyball and could dunk a basketball if someone 'ooped' it to me. Throughout my life I have enjoyed getting to play in various venues, with all types of people.
I cannot tell you how many pair of tennis shoes I have gone through. Let's just say many! I have always wondered when I would buy that last pair and when my playing days would be over. Having gone through a knee surgery and an ankle reconstruction, I figured it would have been before now. But guess what? I am blessed to still be playing.
My team-mates are great guys too. I owe them alot of thanks for letting me get out there with them and act like a teenager again. Let me introduce you to them....they are...Marvelous Matt Markle, Bradley Hangtime Hampton, Mitch MJ Hubbard, Mean Michael Garr, Alan Git-er-done Anderson, Billy Bad-boy Anderson, Allen 'Big Al', Josh Napster Napier, Jonathan Johnnnnny Branson,Tyrell Tatoo Shelly and yours truly. We have had a great time this season playing for NLT. Our record is about 500...meaning we have won as many as we lost. Considering this being our first go around, I think we did fine. There are some really good teams out there. I think on a good night we are capable of beating any of them.
This past week, with two of our guys out, we took on a good team. I felt good and even made about 13 points in the game. I think it must have been the shoes, or the fact that Trish was there to root for me. Anyway, when I took those new shoes off that night, I was grateful to still be having fun, and getting some exercise on the court. I don't know when I will unlace them for the last time, but for now, there is no end in sight. With a little luck, I'll buy a new pair next year when these are worn out.
I hope all my teammates know I appreciate being with them and I think they are all wonderful men. Good luck in the tourney guys.
Tim
All my life I have loved basketball. I didn't play in high school because it was an 'evil, worldly, amusement'. I found it interesting that although my religion didn't allow us to play in school, it was fine to play on the playground, at youth camp, in the park, etc etc. So I took full advantage and played every chance I had. My dad bought a goal for me and put it at the end of a small patio in our backyard. He and my mother will never know how much fun I had and I owe them a lot of thanks. That little patio became 'barnhill arena' and I was the 'razorback team'. I mean in my mind I could be Sidney Moncrief, Marvin Delph, and Ron Brewer all at the same time. It was fun.
When I went to college, I played all the time. I was in top shape and often we ran eight to ten straight games of full court ball. I could jump and shoot back then. At 5' 11" I could dunk a volleyball and could dunk a basketball if someone 'ooped' it to me. Throughout my life I have enjoyed getting to play in various venues, with all types of people.
I cannot tell you how many pair of tennis shoes I have gone through. Let's just say many! I have always wondered when I would buy that last pair and when my playing days would be over. Having gone through a knee surgery and an ankle reconstruction, I figured it would have been before now. But guess what? I am blessed to still be playing.
My team-mates are great guys too. I owe them alot of thanks for letting me get out there with them and act like a teenager again. Let me introduce you to them....they are...Marvelous Matt Markle, Bradley Hangtime Hampton, Mitch MJ Hubbard, Mean Michael Garr, Alan Git-er-done Anderson, Billy Bad-boy Anderson, Allen 'Big Al', Josh Napster Napier, Jonathan Johnnnnny Branson,Tyrell Tatoo Shelly and yours truly. We have had a great time this season playing for NLT. Our record is about 500...meaning we have won as many as we lost. Considering this being our first go around, I think we did fine. There are some really good teams out there. I think on a good night we are capable of beating any of them.
This past week, with two of our guys out, we took on a good team. I felt good and even made about 13 points in the game. I think it must have been the shoes, or the fact that Trish was there to root for me. Anyway, when I took those new shoes off that night, I was grateful to still be having fun, and getting some exercise on the court. I don't know when I will unlace them for the last time, but for now, there is no end in sight. With a little luck, I'll buy a new pair next year when these are worn out.
I hope all my teammates know I appreciate being with them and I think they are all wonderful men. Good luck in the tourney guys.
Tim
Sunday, March 29, 2009
In Memory of a Dear Brother...Donald Rose
Just a while ago I received word that a dear friend and brother in Christ had passed away. His name is Donald Rose. Don was in his eighty's and was quite vigorous until a year or more ago. When I think of Don many things come to mind I'd like to share with you.
Don was first and foremost a Christian. He was as devout a follower of the Lord as anyone you could imagine. He served, he gave, he cared and he was faithful to his local church when I was his pastor.
Don was a giver. He and his late wife, Irene, decided to give the proceeds of their mobile home and small acreage to start the building fund for the New Life. Their picture hangs in our church as a reminder of their generosity. The sum total was around $15,000 and was a great way to kick things off for us. Today, there is a thriving church there partially because of their love for the work of the Lord and their generosity.
Don was patriotic. He served in the United States Army and was awarded a purple heart. He was active in the American Legion and his vehicle was always decorated with flags, emblems etc. You didn't have to wonder if he was a veteran. He loved to tell stories of the war and of his time as a chef. He loved to use his skills at men's breakfasts...I think it reminded him of his old army days.
Don loved to laugh. He was always the happiest when he was at church. His favorite song was, "I'm glad I know who Jesus is...He is more than just a story, He is the King of Glory, I'm glad I know who Jesus is." He would wave his hand and sing with all of his heart.
Don was involved in the tape/video ministry. He had a room set aside in his home for the sole purpose of duplicating sermons and Bill Gaither videos. (Hope Bill don't find out!!!) He would send those sermons to young men in the military every week. There is no telling how much 'preaching' Don has done vicariously. He really loved to listen to good gospel singing and preaching.
When his darling wife died, Don was really lost for a while. I would visit him and try to cheer him up. Many are the times my dad and I would visit Don in the hospital. He had so much trouble with his intestines and then when his knee was replaced, it never was right. But Don kept on going. As soon as he could, he would be back at church. You could always find Don's Bible near his chair. He would read and study it faithfully. No doubt he and the Lord were best of friends.
Today his race is ended. He is in the presence of God and it is 'church' for eternity for him. There will be no more pain, no more tears, no more hospitals, no more separation from his beloved Irene. I celebrate with you old friend. I love you and miss you already.
I look forward to sharing heaven with you someday. Rest in peace.
Tim Estes
Don was first and foremost a Christian. He was as devout a follower of the Lord as anyone you could imagine. He served, he gave, he cared and he was faithful to his local church when I was his pastor.
Don was a giver. He and his late wife, Irene, decided to give the proceeds of their mobile home and small acreage to start the building fund for the New Life. Their picture hangs in our church as a reminder of their generosity. The sum total was around $15,000 and was a great way to kick things off for us. Today, there is a thriving church there partially because of their love for the work of the Lord and their generosity.
Don was patriotic. He served in the United States Army and was awarded a purple heart. He was active in the American Legion and his vehicle was always decorated with flags, emblems etc. You didn't have to wonder if he was a veteran. He loved to tell stories of the war and of his time as a chef. He loved to use his skills at men's breakfasts...I think it reminded him of his old army days.
Don loved to laugh. He was always the happiest when he was at church. His favorite song was, "I'm glad I know who Jesus is...He is more than just a story, He is the King of Glory, I'm glad I know who Jesus is." He would wave his hand and sing with all of his heart.
Don was involved in the tape/video ministry. He had a room set aside in his home for the sole purpose of duplicating sermons and Bill Gaither videos. (Hope Bill don't find out!!!) He would send those sermons to young men in the military every week. There is no telling how much 'preaching' Don has done vicariously. He really loved to listen to good gospel singing and preaching.
When his darling wife died, Don was really lost for a while. I would visit him and try to cheer him up. Many are the times my dad and I would visit Don in the hospital. He had so much trouble with his intestines and then when his knee was replaced, it never was right. But Don kept on going. As soon as he could, he would be back at church. You could always find Don's Bible near his chair. He would read and study it faithfully. No doubt he and the Lord were best of friends.
Today his race is ended. He is in the presence of God and it is 'church' for eternity for him. There will be no more pain, no more tears, no more hospitals, no more separation from his beloved Irene. I celebrate with you old friend. I love you and miss you already.
I look forward to sharing heaven with you someday. Rest in peace.
Tim Estes
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sometimes it Snows in March...Plan Accordingly
One thing for sure in life is, that nothing is for sure! Just when you think you have it all planned out, it snows in March, or June or September. To witness this amazing 'spring' snow is a reminder of the certainty of uncertainty. To see the redbuds in brilliant purple against a backdrop of white is gorgeous. To see yellow daphodiles surrounded by frost is a paradox of nature.
In life there are moments when you experience the best and the worst simultaneously. Like the man whose mother-in-law drove his new cadillac over the cliff. That is what you call bitter-sweet. Truly, as in the book entitled 'A Tale of Two Cities', you can have....the best of times and the worst of times.
Often difficulty brings out the best and worst in people. Difficulty causes some people to break, others to break records. Your true colors will show brilliantly against the backdrop of pain. Some in trials turn bitter, others turn golden. In reality it is the trials that reveal what is inside us. If we are full of grace and love, it will come spilling out. If we are full of bitterness and hellish idea's...they will be exposed as well. The same experience will make one bitter and makes the other better.
One would do well to plan for snow showers in March. While it is rare, some of the biggest snowfalls I have witness have occurred during this glorious month of bloom. Just the other day I was in Lowes and actually contemplated buying tomato plants. However, knowing the possibilities, I refrained and boy am I glad. Sometimes it snows in March...plan according. Sometimes your very best plans may not come to fruition...plan accordingly. Whether it rains, hails, snows or the sun shines bright, we know the Lord is in control of it all. Therein we place our hope and trust.
May you have a blessed day and enjoy the snow!
In life there are moments when you experience the best and the worst simultaneously. Like the man whose mother-in-law drove his new cadillac over the cliff. That is what you call bitter-sweet. Truly, as in the book entitled 'A Tale of Two Cities', you can have....the best of times and the worst of times.
Often difficulty brings out the best and worst in people. Difficulty causes some people to break, others to break records. Your true colors will show brilliantly against the backdrop of pain. Some in trials turn bitter, others turn golden. In reality it is the trials that reveal what is inside us. If we are full of grace and love, it will come spilling out. If we are full of bitterness and hellish idea's...they will be exposed as well. The same experience will make one bitter and makes the other better.
One would do well to plan for snow showers in March. While it is rare, some of the biggest snowfalls I have witness have occurred during this glorious month of bloom. Just the other day I was in Lowes and actually contemplated buying tomato plants. However, knowing the possibilities, I refrained and boy am I glad. Sometimes it snows in March...plan according. Sometimes your very best plans may not come to fruition...plan accordingly. Whether it rains, hails, snows or the sun shines bright, we know the Lord is in control of it all. Therein we place our hope and trust.
May you have a blessed day and enjoy the snow!
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