The Solid Rock Journey

Your Personal Growth

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

I love new beginnings. I love the beginning of a new month, the start of a new year school, the beginning of a new sports season--all these beginnings come with a clean slate and new hope for success. That's why I believe this time of the year is a great time to do some recalibrating and some serious planning.

For most of us, setting new goals for 2012 will probably involve addressing finances and health/exercise. Those are definitely two important categories that should not be left to chance. It's a good idea to determine to get our financial house in order and to actually institute some action steps toward that end. Same thing with our health. We must begin a plan for healthy eating and regular exercise.

But an area that is often overlooked when people set their goals at the beginning of a new year is the area of personal development. To me, personal growth is about learning and developing skills for succes in life. Regardless of our age, we must all determine to keep growing personally.

One of the best ways to position ourselves for consistent and effective personal growth is by developing strong daily habits which allow us to be successful the next day and the days after that. Your personal growth and your over-all success in life will be determined by the things your do daily.

So develop helpful daily habits, such as taking time to talk to God and to hear from Him through Bible reading. Develop the habit of getting things done without putting them off for the next day. Develop the habit of reading daily to learn from the wisdom of others.

Your daily habits will determine your personal growth. Your daily habits will determine your future success.

Peace on earth?

2011-12-14T14:47:00.000-06:00

Christmas is a beautiful time of year, isn't it? Why is it, then, that many people face a tremendous amount of stress that keeps them from truly enjoying this season?

Christmas should be a time of learning to rest in the Lord. It should be a season of embracing all that Jesus came to give us: our salvation, abundant life and eternal life, and the promise of eternity with Jesus. But when we spend the Christmas season worried about shopping, parties, an over-emphasis on food, and the whole man-made ambience of Christmas, we begin to gravitate toward stress and anxiety.

Let me just encourage you to stay focused on Jesus this Christmas season. One of the most obvious ways to do this is to be in church every week worshiping Jesus. Plan to be in church on Christmas Eve as part of your family's Christmas celebration. That should be a no-brainer! Christmas is about Jesus, not just about family!

But don't wait until Christmas Eve to go to church. Be regular in attendance. Quiet your spirit in God's presence.

And take advantage of a Christmas Bible Reading plan offered by several Bible publishers to stay focused on Jesus through your Bible reading.

Let's all keep our eyes on the Jesus during this Christmas season!

Sunday Night Reflections

2011-09-11T18:17:00.000-05:00

My wife and I just returned from one of the most restful and relaxing trips we've ever taken. We spent a weekend in Orlando FL (combination business and pleasure) and then a five day cruise to the Bahamas. Priceless!

It was great being back at Solid Rock after missing last Sunday's service. I truly love worshiping with our church family.

I've been teaching a series since July titled Grounded and Growing. It's been a fascinating look at 1 Thessalonians. Next Sunday will be the last week of this series.

Next Sunday is National Back to Church Sunday. Do you know a church dropout? Bring them with you to church this coming Sunday.

Have a great week!

This fleeting summer!

2011-07-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe we're about to start the last week of July. Where has summer gone?

I always seem to convince myself that I'll use summer to catch up on projects at home as well as at the church, but it doesn't always work out that way. Still, it's been a rewarding summer on both fronts.

We're about to take our youth to youth camp where they will spend a week of concentrated focus on seeking God. Truly life-changing! Then the following week, we'll have our annual MEGA Sports Camp. That's always a fun-filled week of sports instruction and solid Bible teaching.

After the MEGA Sports Camp, it'll be time to give our attention to back-to-school preparation!

In the midst of this roller coaster we call life, it's good to slow down and reflect on these words:

Show me, LORD, my life’s end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is. (Psalm 39:4)

and these:

Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

Take time to pray daily. And go to church each Sunday. It'll help you keep the right perspective.

Coming up at Solid Rock!

2011-01-24T06:00:00.002-06:00

I'm really looking forward to the next three weeks!

We're scheduled to have guest speakers at Solid Rock for the next three Sundays. First, Dr. Doyle Jones will speak at the 10:30 service next Sunday, January 30th. The week after that, Benny Ferguson will be here from Springfield, MO to speak at the 6:00 service. Then on February 13th, Sam and Rose Molina will be at the 6:00 service to speak to our couples.

It's gonna be a great stretch!

Don't Stand Still

2011-01-17T22:39:00.005-06:00

Many people like to take advantage of a new start to make resolutions and set goals at the beginning of the year. Personally, I think that's smart. We become what we're committed to.

I think we should use this time of year to evaluate our spiritual life and decide that we're going to to grow spiritually. That is probably the biggest resolution we can make.

But as we all know, it's not easy to persevere through all the obstacles that daily living brings. That's why I really appreciate the book of Hebrews, which has a recurring theme of "don't give up, continue to move forward".

Hebrews warns us not drift, slip, or shrink back in our spiritual walk. That's a serious warning because if we're not moving forward, we're falling back.

In other, words, there's no standing still with God.

Make a determination that 2011 will be a year of spiritual growth for you.

Follow me

2010-10-14T06:00:00.002-05:00

When I first started using Twitter, my wife said that Twitter sounded like a cult because I was trying to get people to follow me. Well, I'm still looking for followers, but in a very different platform.

My family and friends know that I love using YouVersion. For those of those of you who may not know, YouVersion is an online Bible with many outstanding features. One of my favorite ones is the ability to interact with other YouVersion users around the Scriptures.

Any YouVersion user can contribute a comment, a devotional thought, or a link to a song or video pertaining to a verse or passage of Scripture. The neat thing is that you can follow other users and be notified when they make a contribution. This allows for social and spiritual interaction around the Word of God. I find this very exciting!

So if you find yourself spending a lot of time on Facebook or Twitter, why not redirect some of that time to a more useful interaction around the Bible. Create a free account today and get started.

Look me up on YouVersion and follow me, and I'll follow you. You'll find me here.

Let's meet around God's Word.

Back from Nicaragua

2010-08-01T23:31:00.006-05:00

I finally got back home last night after having to spend a few extra days in San Antonio after arriving from Nicaragua. I haven't had much time to rest, but I'm still very excited about my trip.

While in Nicaragua, we spent much of our time in Esquipulas, where Missionary Nathan Alfaro is planting a church. In fact, he's actually planting two churches, Casa de Mi Gloria in Managua, and Casa de Mi Gloria-Esquipulas.

The church plant in Esquipulas is being planted by way of a six-week (or perhaps longer) crusade. Services are being held every night of the week, except for Monday. The missionary-evangelist for this crusade is Dr. Doyle Jones. He is preaching every service of the crusade!

I had a great time in Nicaragua. We've partnered with Missionaries Nathan and Christine Alfaro for many years, now, but after visiting Nicaragua, I understand why they love that country so much. I've learned to love them, too, after spending a week there.

I especially enjoyed going out into the streets of Esquipulas and inviting people to the crusade, and praying with them for their needs. It didn't take long for me to learn to love those precious people.

Let's continue to pray for Nathan and Christine Alfaro, and for the "Casa de Mi Gloria" churches. And who knows, maybe we can take another trip there next year.

Sunday Night Reflections

2010-07-18T21:46:00.003-05:00

What a great day we had today at Solid Rock Church! Good things always happen when we come together to worship God.

It was great having my wife in church today. She's been gone most of the summer (since late May) tending to her mom. She's been missed at home and at church.

Spoke about Prayer Prompts in tonight's service. We're prompted often to pray by the Holy Spirit but we've learned to fight off the prompts. I hope tonight's teaching helps us to recognize and respond to these prayer prompts.

Taking a quick trip to Maypearl TX tomorrow to take our youth to youth camp. We're praying for God to do great things. You can follow the youth camp here.

I'm going to Nicaragua this Wednesday with a group from Bethel AG. We'll be doing some street ministry in conjunction with a crusade led by Doyle Jones and Missionary Nathan Alfaro. Keep us in your prayers.

Have a great week!

YouVersion

2010-06-16T22:37:00.006-05:00

There are several excellent online Bibles available but my favorite, without a doubt, is YouVersion.

YouVersion is an online Bible, but it's really much, much more. It allows individuals to contribute their thoughts on the Scriptures. It allows for community interaction around the Scriptures. It provides several reading plans which can be read and tracked on the web and on a mobile device simultaneously. It provides a way for churches or Bible study groups to follow the message outlines and Scripture readings live on their mobile devices. It truly is an amazing resource!

My smartphone of choice is the Palm Pre. YouVersion has an excellent app for the Palm Pre and Palm Pixi that allows access to the same features on the smartphone that are available on the YouVersion website.

Of course, YouVersion has excellent apps for the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, and Android phones, but it's the Palm YouVersion app that I want to feature.

Here's why:

Currently, Palm is running a contest to see which app is downloaded the most by the end of June. YouVersion is trying to win $10,000 or maybe even $100,000. They would like to win the money so they can put it right back into development of all their mobile platforms.

If you have a Palm Pre or Palm Pixi, you can help by downloading the YouVersion app from the App Catalog. Not only will you be enriched spiritually by this app, but you will also help the Bible to reach more and more people all over the world.

There's not much time left in this contest, so if you have a Pre or Pixi, download it today. It's totally free!

iVALUE: Second Coming

2010-06-08T22:24:00.001-05:00

iVALUE: Divine Healing

2010-05-30T23:15:00.001-05:00

iVALUE: Baptism in the Holy Spirit

2010-05-23T20:30:00.000-05:00

There is wealth of excellent teaching in this video concerning the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Take the time to watch this hour-long video, even if you have to watch it in segments. You'll be glad you did!

iVALUE: Salvation

2010-05-16T22:39:00.004-05:00

Today we started a new series titled iVALUE. This series will help us better understand the four core beliefs of our church: Salvation, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Divine Healing, and the Second Coming of Jesus.

Today's message was on Salvation. Here's a video of the Executive Leadership Team of the General Council of the Assemblies of God discussing various elements of salvation. It's 33 minutes long, but well worth the time it takes to listen.

Aborting the "wrong" baby?

2010-04-18T15:45:00.003-05:00

I read this shocking post on Dr. Albert Mohler's blog.

The news out of Sarasota, Florida caught many people by surprise. A doctor in the city has lost his license because he aborted what is now described as the “wrong” baby. Back in 2006, Dr. Matthew Kachinas had been asked to perform an abortion on a baby that had been identified as having Down syndrome and other congenital defects. Instead, the doctor aborted that baby’s healthy twin.

Sadly, I surprised myself by responding to the fact that the doctor had aborted the wrong baby. Then I realized, "Wait a minute--even if it had been the "right" baby, it's still wrong!"

Click here to read the rest of the post.

Easter Reflections

2010-04-04T22:47:00.003-05:00

We had a great day at Solid Rock today! The weather was beautiful, and the service was powerful.
Today, we started a new sermon series based on Max Lucado's latest book, FEARLESS. It's going to be a great series!
We're having a five-week Wednesday night Bible study starting this week as a part of the the FEARLESS series. Every Wednesday, we'll follow up on the previous Sunday's sermons in a little more detail. Combined with some fellowship time, Wednesdays are going to be great during the FEARLESS series.
I've really loved reading all the reports on Twitter and Facebook about the great Easter services at churches all over the country. To God be the glory!
By the way, we're celebrating the Resurrection again next Sunday!
Have a great week, Rockies! See you Wednesday at the FEARLESS Bible Study.

The Prayers of Many

2010-04-01T22:42:00.002-05:00

I read an interesting verse in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians:

Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. (1 Cor, 1:11)

The prayers of many--what a powerful phrase!

I want to encourage you to continue to join together in prayer for our Easter service this weekend. We need the prayers of many in order to see the great things that God wants to do!

Be one of the many!

I Love Easter!

2010-03-19T12:15:00.004-05:00

Without a doubt, Easter is my favorite celebration! I love to preach about the cross and the resurrection. And I love to sing songs about the cross and the resurrection. I love to celebrate the fact that because Jesus conquered death, it validated everything He taught and did. And because he conquered death, my future is always bright!

Another reason I love Easter is because it gives us as a church a HUGE opportunity to reach out the unchurched. Many people who don't attend church regularly are open to an invitation to go to church on Easter because...well, because it's Easter, and they have a sense that it's a day to go to church even if they don't know exactly why.

I believe we are being negligent if we don't take advantage of this opportunity to invite people to church on Easter!

Who are you inviting to Solid Rock Church for Easter?

Sunday Night Reflections

2010-03-07T21:34:00.004-06:00

We had great services today! Loved seeing people seeking God this morning during our post-sermon prayer time. And tonight's service was just an exciting time of praise! I hadn't danced that way in a long time!

I know I've said this before, but we have some outstanding musicians at Solid Rock! The bad news is that we're losing our drummer. Time to start praying for God to send another one!

I'm really getting excited about Easter! I love celebrating the Resurrection, and I love having the opportunity to reach people who don't normally go to church.

I'm listening to Petra as I write this. Great music!

Praying for all the Rockies to have a great week! Press on!

The Seven Stages of a Married Cold

2010-02-24T06:00:00.001-06:00

I shared this during week two of the series we just concluded called The Vow. That week I spoke about how we should continue to pursue our spouses even after we get married. So often, the pursuit stops soon after the wedding ends.

The Seven Stages of a Married Cold

Year One: (the husband says) "Sugar, I'm really worried about my girl. You've got a bad sniffle. So, I'm putting you in the hospital this afternoon for a few days' rest. And since I know you don't like hospital food, I've arranged to have your meals catered."

Year Two: "Listen, darling, I don't like the sound of that cough. I've called the doctor to rush over here. Now, go to bed and get some rest."

Year Three: "Maybe you better lie down, honey. There's nothing like a little rest when you feel lousy. I'll bring you something. Have we got any canned soup?"

Year Four: "Now look, dear. Be sensible. After you feed the kids and wash the dishes and sweep the floor, you should lie down."

Year Five: "You look awful. Why don't you take some aspirin?"

Year Six: "Look, I wish you'd gargle or something, instead of sitting around barking like a seal all evening."

Year Seven: "For crying out loud, stop sneezing! Are you trying to give me pneumonia?"

Youth Praise Team

2010-02-23T11:25:00.004-06:00

Sunday night was the debut of our new youth praise team. They did a great job!

Sunday Night Reflections

2010-01-31T16:27:00.005-06:00

We started a new sermon series today called The Vow. Looking forward to learning Biblical principles to strengthen marriages.
We tried out YouVersion's live feature this morning. It allows listeners to interact during the sermon and to follow the message on their web-enabled phones. Pretty cool!
I decided that John Lindell, lead pastor of James River Assembly, is just good! His teaching on the Lord's Prayer (via video) was outstanding.
Tomorrow is week 2 of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. We had a great start last week. Now it's on to lesson 2-Relating to Money.
Have a great week! Don't forget InterMission this Wednesday.

Why I Hate Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

2010-01-24T13:00:00.001-06:00

Today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. President Reagan designated the third Sunday in January as such, being that it is the Sunday closest to the January 22nd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.

Interestingly enough, the only Presidents who have not issued this annual proclamation since the initial proclamation are President Clinton and President Obama.

I had the opportunity to preach a Sanctity of Life sermon this morning, but I'm grieved that I had to do it. I think that's what Russell Moore had in mind when he wrote this blog post last year.

Why I Hate Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

Sunday Night Reflections

2010-01-17T23:20:00.002-06:00

What beautiful weather we had today! Perfect for going to church.
John Lindell continues to bless us via his video teaching on the Lord's Prayer!
Enjoyed some great fellowship after tonight's service with part of our church family. Lunch was great, also, with another group from Solid Rock. It's all about eating and fellowship!
We sang some new (to us) praise and worship music tonight by Leeland and Paul Baloche/Lincoln Brewster. Loved it!
We start Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University a week from tomorrow night. Can't wait!
Have a great week! Be blessed!

Haiti

2010-01-14T21:26:00.002-06:00

It's impossible for anyone to see the images that are coming out of Haiti after the horrific earthquake earlier this week and not be moved to compassion. As I lay in bed last night, I thought of the people who were still waiting to be rescued amid the rubble of the fallen buildings. I thought of children looking for their parents, and parents looking for their children.

We should be praying fervently every single day for the many hurting people of this nation. But we can also do more.

This Sunday at Solid Rock, we are going to receive an offering for Convoy of Hope. They are among the ministries and organizations that are on the front lines right now working arduously to meet the massive need.

So continue to pray. And come prepared to give a generous offering this Sunday for disaster relief in Haiti. It's the very least we can do.

Sunday Night Reflections

2010-01-10T22:18:00.004-06:00

Thoroughly enjoyed tonight's message. We watched a teaching video by John Lindell, Lead Pastor of James River Assembly in Missouri. Some of the things he said that stuck with me:

If you don't pray, you will experience a very limited working of God in your life.
Prayer only works if you do it.
We don't have time to pray. We have to take time from other things. (via Oswald Chambers)

Our Sunday morning series may not be the most exciting topic, but it can lead to a very exciting life. Fuel for the Soul has to do with establishing spiritual disciplines in our lives. Today we talked about fasting. I'm praying for all you Rockies that indicated a commitment to fast this week.

Tomorrow night at 7:00 pm is the free preview night for Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. You can change your life by being a part of this class. I hope you'll come to the free preview to see what it's all about. The actual 13-week class will begin January 25th.

Have a great week!

Brit Hume on Tiger Woods

2010-01-04T13:52:00.002-06:00

Wow! This is what I call a bold witness! Way to go, Brit!

In the Bleak Midwinter

2009-12-13T21:32:00.003-06:00

This is the song we sang tonight in the Evening Service. Love it! One of my favorites.

In the Bleak Midwinter

My dad

2009-11-22T22:53:00.007-06:00

Today would've been my dad's birthday. He's been on my mind a lot this past week, especially after a friend gave me this picture of my dad with a group of ministers taken in the late 1960's. My dad is on the far right.

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-11-01T21:34:00.003-06:00

How can I know if I committed the unpardonable sin? Is it ever OK to tell a lie? What should I tell my children about Santa Claus? Those are three questions that we addressed tonight in the first week of a series called Q & A. Each week of this series, we will address questions that people ask about the Bible or about life in general.

I had another birthday a couple of days ago. It was a time for me to reflect and realize that God sure has blessed me! I'm healthy, I have a great wife and four healthy and blessed children, and I pastor a great church!

We love poorly. That's why we have broken relationships in our lives. Find out how to repair them in your small groups this week.

I pray you'll have a great week as you adjust to the time change. I don't adjust as quickly as I used to; I think I'll be ready for bed by 8 or 9 each evening.

Blessings!

Life's Healing Choices

2009-09-26T09:21:00.004-05:00

I'm so looking forward to the start of our Fall campaign tomorrow morning!

This year's campaign is "Life's Healing Choices: Freedom from Hurts, Hang-ups, and Habits", based on John Baker's book by the same title. John Baker is the founder of Celebrate Recovery, a ministry that teaches God's healing power through Biblical principles.

The campaign will be a church-wide study of the Beatitudes of Jesus. The small groups will be directly tied in to the Sunday message through a video teaching by Rick Warren. If you haven't sign up for a small group, it's not too late! You can still do it tomorrow morning.

It's going to be a great Fall campaign. And it all starts tomorrow!

Lessons from a cross country meet

2009-09-20T11:00:00.007-05:00

This past Saturday morning, Lillian, Ryan, and I went to Ballinger for a cross country meet. Ryan and Micah are part of the Cornerstone team that came in second place in their division. It was a great meet, but the the real drama came at the end of the race.

There was a young man running in the race that was so far back from the rest of the pack that he came in about 10 minutes after the rest of the field had finished. In fact, most of the people watching the meet had already left, thinking the last runner had finished. Several of the workers had already put some of the equipment away, and the water girl was rolling the water containers away when she was told to come back because there was one more runner still out.

Finally, the young man came into view as he entered the stadium for the final few yards. As he approached the finish line, the few people who remained, including me and my wife, encouraged him with applause and tears. Why tears? Because we knew the background story.

Just one week earlier, this young man's father was killed in a car accident. Three miles is not an easy run for anyone, but especially for someone who is consumed by grief. Yet, it was apparent that this young man was running with his dad in mind. I'm not sure how much distance running he had done previously, but I could tell he was determined to run this race and finish it.

When he did finish, he pointed to the sky with both hands, and ran to his mother for an emotional embrace.

I don't think there was a dry eye among those watching this scene. At this point, I returned to our vehicle, reflecting on what I had just witnessed. Little did I know there was more to come. My wife stayed behind a few more minutes and filled me in later on what happened after I left.

It seems that a runner from another school was so moved by what he saw that he gave his hard-earned medal to the young man who had lost his father.

It was quite an emotional ending to a beautiful morning. Even as we left the parking lot, we saw people wiping tears from their eyes as they drove away.

What did I take away from that morning? I learned about determination from a young man who would not be denied his goal, no matter how painful and difficult it was for him to complete it. And I learned about selflessness from another young man who had worked hard to earn a medal that was only given to a select few, yet was willing to give it up in order to offer comfort and encouragement to someone in need.

I don't know the young man who lost his father, but I pray that he and his family would be comforted and strengthened by God's grace. And I pray that the young man who responded with compassion and selflessness would be rewarded by God, who sees all things.

It was a beautiful Saturday in Ballinger, Texas.

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-09-13T21:54:00.004-05:00

Wow! This rain has been amazing. We took a trip to San Antonio and Corpus Christi this weekend, and it rained most of the time we were on the road. I really do like rainy days. This is exactly the kind of weather I like to have on my birthday. Too bad it isn't my birthday!

Tonight, we started a three-part video teaching by Dave Ramsey. In this first session, Dave taught "The Basics of Biblical Finance". Great stuff! Looking forward to the next two weeks of this teaching.

I spoke this morning about being devoted to the teaching of God's Word, and being devoted to fellowship. One of the ways you can show devotion to fellowship is by being a part of a small group. If you haven't sign up for a small group for the fall semester, do it soon. Small groups start Sept. 30.

This morning, I had the privilege of dedicating a baby to the Lord. That is absolutely one of my favorite things to do! I'm not sure the feeling was mutual.

Rain or shine, have a great week! See you Tuesday at the Mega Sports Camp!

EQUIP Conference

2009-08-27T21:40:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow afternoon, a group of us Rockies are making a 750 mile round-trip trek to Corpus Christi for the EQUIP conference. This conference is being hosted at Solid Rock Worship Center, but is being taught by Pastor Sergio De La Mora of Cornerstone Church (San Diego, CA) and his staff.

I think we're a little crazy to travel this far for an overnight trip, but I truly believe it'll be worth our time and effort. I also think it'll be a lot of fun to travel with the group that is going.

I'm expecting to receive substantial and significant teaching about doing the Lord's work at this conference. It's gonna be good!

Pray for us this weekend. We'll be back late Saturday night so we can be in church Sunday morning. See you then!

Free from Tomorrow's Pessimism

2009-08-24T19:38:00.004-05:00

There are a lot of pessimistic people today. They’re pessimistic about government, about schools, about religion and churches. They’re pessimistic about the economy, and their jobs.

The truth is, people have lost faith in a lot of things.

But really when you get down to it, most people are discouraged about personal issues. And some are very pessimistic and cynical.

The reality is that when you are pessimistic, you are unhappy. And being unhappy is a terrible way to live.

Pessimism causes unhappiness, but that is where a lot of people are. They are without hope.

What is it that causes people to lose hope? Why is it that we lose hope so quickly?

When it comes down to it, there are two reasons why people lose hope.

People lose hope when they face a situation that needs to be changed and they can’t change it.

It might be a circumstance you wish you could change, or maybe a person in your life, or maybe yourself. But whatever it is that needs to be changed, when you realize it’s not happening, it’s easy to lose hope.

Have you ever heard someone say, “My marriage is hopeless. I have tried to make this thing work, but it isn’t working. We’ve tried everything: talking it over, going to a counselor. It’s still not working.” And the hope starts to drain out.

Or parents will say, “I’m watching my kids make wrong decisions, and hang out with the wrong crowd. I see them headed for destruction, and I am helpless to get them back on track. I feel a sense of despair.”

Or people say, “No matter what I do my finances are getting worse and worse. I'm getting further and further behind.”

Or “I see things in my life that I’d really like to change. I don’t want to stay the same. I want to grow. I want to develop. I want to be different. But I just can’t get it together no matter what I do.”

There’s another reason people lose hope and become pessimistic: when they don’t know their purpose in life.

The Bible is very clear that God made everyone on earth for a purpose. The sad thing is many people go all through life never discovering either: (a) a relationship with God, or (b) the purpose for their lives.

If you don’t know your purpose in life, life is pointless.

Have you ever wondered, “What does God think of me?” Maybe you’ve even wondered, “Does God even think about me?” The truth is God thinks about you all the time far more than you think about Him.

The Bible tells us that God is constantly thinking about you. What does He think about you? Does He think about how bad you are? No. Does He think about what a disappointment you are? No. Does He think about how you just don’t measure up to His standard of perfection? No.

The Bible tells us what God thinks about you.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The Hebrew word translated “plans” is machashabah. It means “a thought, a plan, or an invention or design”.

Have you ever accused anyone of not ever having an original thought? Well, God has nothing but original thoughts. And He has original thoughts about you! He invents things for you. He invents your future. And his inventions are good, and prosperous, and filled with hope!

The word translated “prosper” is the word shalom. It means completeness, soundness, welfare, and peace. No reason for pessimism in that definition.

The word translated “hope” is tiqvah. It literally means “a cord”; i.e. something to hold on to. It refers to an expectation of a desired outcome; something you long for.

God spoke these words to a group of people whose situation was the exact opposite of prosperity, peace, and hope. They were in captivity, with no apparent hope for freedom.

The Jews had no thoughts of peace and prosperity for themselves. They had no hope of a blessed future. But God gave them hope.

You’ve got to have hope. Hope is essential for life. You’ve got to have hope to cope.

When inevitable tough times come into your life who are you going to turn to? Where is your source of hope? Where is your rock?

What are your spiritual anchors? Do you have them? Do you have a relationship to God? Have you made that kind of commitment to Him?

Psalms 125:1 (NIV)
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

Where do you get the source of hope when things are going wrong? One thing you can know for sure is that no matter what happens, God’s never going to stop loving you.

Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Maybe you’ve felt unworthy. Maybe you felt, “I can’t come to God because of all the stuff I’ve done in my life.” You’re wrong. God has a gift for you through Jesus Christ. It is freedom—freedom from yesterday pain, the today’s pressures, and the pessimism about your future: all the worry, doubt, and fear.

But a gift is worthless if you never receive it. You’ve got to take it.

Illustration: I have here a twenty-dollar bill. Would anybody like this twenty-dollar bill? If I crumple it, does anybody still want it? If I step on it, stomp on it, does anybody still want it? No matter what I did to it, it did not lose its value. I could even tear it in two, and you would all still want it because it still hasn’t lost its value.

You’ve had some hard knocks in life. You’ve made some really bad decisions in life. You’ve turned your back on God at times but you have not lost your value to God. You may have some scars, some hurts. You have not lost your value to God. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been. What matters is what decision you make today.

I know all of us are careful to clean our houses when we’re expecting company, if it’s not already clean. Some people would rather hire someone to do the cleaning. But what’s funny is when you hire someone to clean your house, and you decide you need to clean up first so it’ll be ready for the person you hired to clean up. Where’s the logic in that?

Here’s the good news. When Jesus Christ comes into your life, you don’t have to clean up your house first. He doesn’t say, “Get your act together and then come to God.” He doesn’t say, “Clean up your act and be perfect and then come to God.” No, He says, “Let me into your life and I’ll help you clean it up. I’ll help you get it together. In fact there are areas of your life you’re never going to get together on your own. You’ve tried but you’ve failed. You need God’s power in your life and He says, “Just let me in.”

What do you have to lose? Yesterday’s pain, today’s pressures, and tomorrow’s pessimism.

Free from Today's Pressures

2009-08-22T19:57:00.003-05:00

Life is getting more complex; it seems to be is speeding up. It certainly isn’t as simple as it used to be. Steve Farrar says that we no longer have alarm clocks; now we have starter pistols.

We’ve even come up with a whole new vocabulary of terms to describe our stress and the pressures of today’s living. We say, “I'm worn out, stressed out, burned out, run down, used up, bushed, exhausted, frazzled, bone weary and dead tired. I'm on my last leg, at the end of my rope. I'm about to come unglued. I'm ready to throw in the towel.”

Sometimes the stress gets so heavy you feel like you’re at a breaking point. You feel like you’re going to go under for the last time. And you wonder, “How can I handle this pressure?”

When you’re under pressure you need two things. You need strength and you need stability. God offers them both to you.

Isaiah 40:28-29 (NIV)
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

God gives you power when you’re worn out.

The reason you’re so tired all the time is because you were never meant to live life simply on your own power. God meant for you to have a relationship with Him, to be plugged in to Him, to gain power from God

Illustration: a power strip connected to itself makes no sense

Isaiah 40:30 (NIV)
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

The young men God is talking about in this verse are young men who were picked for their youthful strength and vigor; but even they get tired and weary. You’re not designed to be plugged in to yourself!

Jesus has all the power you need. He proved it at the resurrection. But the best news is that the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead can raise you up from your problems. It’s available to you.

If God can raise a dead person, He can raise a dead marriage. He can raise a dead career. He can raise a dead relationship. He can do anything. He’s got all the power you need.

Illustration: Julio Franco set many records for longevity in professional baseball.

· Oldest player to hit a Grand Slam (47, 2005, breaking his own record set in 2004 at 45)

· Oldest regularly-playing non-pitcher player in MLB history (48)

· Second-oldest player to appear in MLB postseason play (48, during the 2006 postseason)

· Oldest player in Major League history to hit a home run (48)

· Second-oldest player to steal a base (48, during the 2007 season)

He played for such a long time that Billy Wagner, one of his team mates called him Moses. But also, because of his longevity, a retired baseball player, Andy Van Slyke, accused him publicly of taking steroids. Here was Franco’s response:

Tell Andy Van Slyke he's right—I'm on the best juice there is. I'm juiced up every day, and the name of my juice is Jesus. I'm on his power, his wisdom, his understanding. Andy Van Slyke is right, but the thing he didn't mention was what kind of steroids I'm on. Next time you talk to him, tell him the steroid I'm on is Jesus of Nazareth.

But how do you get God’s power in your life?

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Hope, trust, rely…that’s what it takes to gain strength. Place all your trust in the God who never grows weak or weary.

How do we do that? Are you spending time seeking him? Are you spending time in His presence daily? Are you praying? Do you interact with His Word, allowing it to do its work in your life?

The first step today is to admit, “I’m plugged in to myself. I’m trying to do it all by myself, without even acknowledging God, much less seeking Him.”

Another thing God gives us is stability.

In the Bible, God is compared 42 times to a rock. He’s called the Rock of Ages. He’s called our Eternal Rock. He’s called the Rock of our salvation and many other terms. Why would God compare Himself to a rock?

Rocks are steady and strong. Rocks don’t give into pressure. They don’t crumble easily. That’s the kind of stability and strength God can put in your life if you’ll let Him be the rock of your life.

If you build your life on Jesus, the Solid Rock, and you make Him the cornerstone of your life, you can handle anything.

If we could do an X-Ray of everybody’s heart today, we would probably see that many of you are running on empty. Emotionally, physically, and spiritually empty.

Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Jesus says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me for real rest and you’ll recover your life and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” He will set you free from today's pressures.

Free from Yesterday's Pain

2009-08-15T10:10:00.006-05:00

This past week, two American journalists were set free from captivity in North Korea. I can only imagine their joy and relief at being released from their imprisonment. It was truly a moment to celebrate, not just this week but for the rest of their lives.

Can there be anything scarier than to be imprisoned? Yet, that describes our lives without Jesus. But Jesus came to set us free!

In John 8, Jesus made an incredibly profound statement. He said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free. And if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:32, 36)

You’ll be really free. What was He talking about? What does He set me free from?

Today, we will talk about how Jesus sets us free from yesterday’s pain.

For the most part, we like to remember the past. We remember difficult days, but what we really like to do is celebrate past victories.

This summer, my family and I went back to Corpus Christi, and did a lot of reminiscing. What we didn’t do was remember the failures. We don’t generally like to do that.

Yesterday’s pain has a way of crippling us. That’s why David prayed in Psalm 25:7:

Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O LORD.

There were aspects of David’s past that brought him pain.

Peter recalled an immediate past, when he denied Jesus three times, and he wept bitterly at this thought.

Some of you today might be in the same boat. There is a part of your past that is painful. You don’t want to think about it, but it’s crippling you. It’s keeping you from enjoying God’s goodness and love. It might even be keeping you from enjoying your family, and your job, and other blessings that God has given you.

But Jesus came to set you free from yesterday’s pain!

First, He wants to set you free from the pain of resentment. Everyone has been hurt by other people. You’ve been hurt many, many times. Sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally. What you do with that hurt will determine whether you live freely or whether you live in a prison of pain.

Jesus Christ wants to set you free from the pain of resentment so you can get on with your life. So you can get unstuck and get going forward.

Isaiah 43:18-19

Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland.

God says don’t dwell on the past. Let it go. Give up your grudges. Let God settle the score.

Why don’t you just let God handle the people who’ve hurt you and you get on with your life? God says “Don’t think about the past. Don’t dwell on it. Let it go.” Give up your grudges and let Him handle it.

You say, “I’d like to but I can’t. You don’t know how they hurt me. I can’t just let it go. It hurts too bad. I can’t forgive and forget.” And you know what? You’re right. That’s why you need Jesus.

Humanly it is impossible to forget the past. You need supernatural power. You need God’s love in your heart. You’re never going to get free from your past until God’s in your life. You’ll just keep reacting to things in the past that keep you from moving on in the future. You need Jesus Christ.

I don’t know how you’ve been hurt but God does. God knows how you’ve been hurt and He’s aware of it. And He can help, if you’ll give it to Him.

Psalm 34:18

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Has your spirit been crushed? He’s close to you. You say, “I don't feel close to God.” It’s because you’re not plugged in. It’s not because He’s distant. You’re not aware. God is close to the brokenhearted. He wants to comfort you.

He also wants to help you get over the pain of regret. Not only have people hurt you in life, you’ve done some dumb stuff too. You’ve blown it. You’ve hurt other people. And as a result of that, because nobody’s perfect and we’ve all made mistakes, we all carry regret.

And guilt is a terrible thing to carry around. It leaves you miserable. It saps your energy. You end up punishing yourself.

God specializes in new beginnings. If you don’t get anything else, get this. God does not want you walking around with a load of guilt. That’s why He came up with a plan to relieve it.

He sent Jesus Christ to earth to die for all the dumb things you’ve done, all your stupid decisions, all the bad things. To die for that and pay for all my sin and yours so you don't have to pay for it. What a deal!

Romans 3:23-24

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

What a deal! If we trust in Christ, He pays for all our mistakes and we get away free. That’s called freedom from the pain of your past. What a deal!

Would you like to be free from resentment and regret? Here’s what you do.

Job 11:13-16

Yet if you devote your heart to him

and stretch out your hands to him,

if you put away the sin that is in your hand

and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,

then you will lift up your face without shame;

you will stand firm and without fear.

You will surely forget your trouble,

recalling it only as waters gone by.

Are you still punishing yourself for your past? Jesus Christ was hung on the cross so you could stop hanging yourself on the cross. He’s already paid for all your wrongs. Don’t you think you’ve been in misery long enough? Don’t you think it’s time for a little relief from the past, the resentments and regrets? Jesus Christ wants to set you free from yesterday's pain.

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-08-09T23:51:00.002-05:00

We had lots of people wearing the new Solid Rock shirts tonight. They looked good!

I started a new series this morning which I'm calling "Free!" Today I spoke about how Jesus came to set us "Free from Yesterday's Pain". I was glad to see people reaching out to God at the altar looking to be set free from the prison of past pain. Next Sunday: Free from Today's Pressures.

We're not even halfway through August, but I'm already looking forward to September at Solid Rock. It's going to be a great month. More on that later.

I'm looking forward to going to a conference in Corpus Christi at the end of August. Solid Rock Worship Center is hosting the EQUIP Conference. Should be good!

Have a great week! I'm praying for your prayer requests.

Wedding Anniversary Reminder

2009-08-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Did you know there is a website that allows you to sign up to receive a reminder email about your wedding anniversary? Men, are you listening?

No kidding. You can find it here.

Fortunately, I haven't needed it for the past 27 years. But maybe I'll book mark it for future reference.

Oh, by the way, today is our 27th wedding anniversary. I remembered it all on my own!

Happy anniversary, Lillian!

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-08-02T22:53:00.003-05:00

It's been five weeks since my last Sunday Night Reflections. Where did July go?

It showed this morning that it's vacation season. Several families were taking well-deserved trips. They sure were missed in church. It's not unlike having a family get-together without one of my children. Might be fun but not the same unless everyone is there.

We're having the August InterMission this Wednesday at 7:00 pm. It's time to start preparing and positioning ourselves for ministry opportunities this fall.

The Assemblies of God is having their General Council this week in Orlando. I so wish I were there, but since I'm not, I plan to watch webcasts of the proceedings as much as possible. You can watch the live webcasts here.

That's it...have a great week!

Christmas is almost here!

2009-07-27T20:45:00.003-05:00

Well, not really, but it'll be here before we know it.

Since you already know Christmas will be here in five months, why wouldn't you start saving now for Christmas presents? That makes more sense than going into debt to buy Christmas gifts.

Determine today: "I will not go into debt to buy Christmas presents. I will save my money starting today and use only cash to buy gifts this Christmas!"

Have a Merry Christmas--start saving today.

Benjy's accident

2009-07-24T23:46:00.004-05:00

My brother, Benjy, was in a scary accident Friday afternoon. His suburban was hit by another vehicle, causing it to spin and flip over before finally ending up upside down. Miraculously, Benjy escaped with no serious injuries. He has several cuts and bruises, and he'll be in pain for several days, according to the doctor, but there is no doubt that God protected him from serious injury, and even death.

To God be the glory!

Conversations

2009-07-24T16:06:00.004-05:00

My day today wasn't quite as productive as I had planned, but it was a good day. Why? Because I had four conversations.

My first conversation was with the Terminix guy. We sat and talked for about 30 minutes about finances, traveling, family, schools. Then we got around to business.

Then I had a conversation with a person who always wants to talk, but I never seem to have the time. She understands how busy I am, so she doesn't press the issue. Today, when I saw her, I started to give her a quick greeting, but then decided to sit and talk with her for awhile. It was somewhat of a one-sided conversation, but I enjoyed listening.

Immediately after that, I saw someone I hadn't seen in a while and had a 20 minute work-related conversation. Fifteen minutes later, I was deep into my third conversation with another person I always enjoyed talking to about her grandchildren and places to go camping.

I've come to realize that life isn't always about to-do lists. Sometimes, you just have some and talk to people. It's what makes life great.

A Little Bit of Everything

2009-07-15T22:41:00.003-05:00

Ryan was feeling creative yesterday, and put together this video.

Change your routine

2009-07-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've been jogging for many years, now. I do most of my jogging in the summer and into the fall. Since I don't jog year round, I have to start from scratch every summer in terms of getting into shape.

These past couple of years, it's taken longer than usual to get in shape. This summer, especially, it's been slow going. So I decided to change my routine.

I"ve started using a training schedule that is very different from the one I've used in the past. Boy, it's really made a difference as far as infusing new energy and accelerating my conditioning.

Sometimes, you just have to change the routine.

I've had this happen before in the area of spiritual disciplines. There have been times that I've gotten into a rut with my quiet time. I've learned to change my routine every once in a while. Maybe it means having my quiet time at night instead of the morning. It could be that I change the room where I have my quiet time. Other times, I've changed to a Bible translation that I don't normally use. Changing my routine helps.

If your quiet time leaves much to be desired, try changing your routine.

Kelli's tender side

2009-07-09T22:35:00.004-05:00

My mom found this picture of Kelli when she was about 18 months old. Who knew she would be taking care of newborn babies as a young adult.

Obama hopes to persuade Americans to accept homosexuality

2009-07-01T09:03:00.002-05:00

This is not the type of change we need in our country!

If this doesn't cause you to become an fervent intercessor for our President, Congress, and our country, then it could be your priorities are all mixed up! Is this the kind of world you want your children to know?

Be devoted to prayer!

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-06-28T23:10:00.005-05:00

What a great day we had today at Solid Rock! We had water baptisms in both services. I believe this is the only time I've ever baptized only men. That's awesome!

Tonight was the conclusion of the One Prayer series. We were blessed to watch a sermon by Steven Furtick of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. His message was great--a very timely message delivered under a great anointing. God is great, God is good!

We had a great time of fellowship tonight with the Sel and Esperanze Trejo after the Evening Service. Esperanza was the first person who was saved when we planted Solid Rock 20 years ago. She was the first person I baptized. Tonight, it was my privilege to baptize Sel.

Have a great week, Rockies! I'll see you at InterMission this Wednesday at 7:00 pm.

Prepare to meet your God...

2009-06-25T21:59:00.002-05:00

...that phrase from Amos 4:12 is the first thing that came to mind when I heard about the sudden death of Michael Jackson late this afternoon. Combined with the death of Farrah Fawcett this morning and Ed McMahon earlier this week, this has been a sobering last few days.

I never really followed Michael Jackson's career, except when he was in the news for his record-breaking music or his eccentric behavior. I was always aware, however, that he and I were almost exactly the same age, so that gave me reason to stay mildly interested in his life.

His death is a reminder that life is fragile, and that we must be spiritually prepared to meet our maker.

Are you ready?

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-06-21T22:43:00.003-05:00

I had a great Father's Day because I spent it with the kids. The girls cooked a great lunch--beef tips over rice! And we got to hang out for most of the weekend! It was great!

We're having water baptisms next Sunday! That's always one of my favorite services. Celebrating changed lives!

This morning's One Prayer service was by John Siebeling of The Life Church of Memphis: God is Unshakeable. Great message! One more week of One Prayer.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD turn his face toward you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:22-26

Have a great week!

Blogging insurance?

2009-06-18T19:47:00.002-05:00

I learned a couple of weeks ago that there are insurance companies that are now offering blogging insurance. What? Really? Why?

So I asked myself, "Why would I need blogging insurance? In case somebody sues me for a lack of blogging activity?"

Actually, there are issues (such as copyright and defamation) that are surfacing as areas of concern. If nothing else, the availability of blogging insurance is a reminder that everything we put on the internet is open to scrutiny.

The truth about empathy

2009-06-17T06:00:00.003-05:00

We've heard a lot about empathy in recent weeks with the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor for Supreme Court Justice. In nominating her, President Obama stressed that he was looking for a judge who demonstrated empathy. Most conservatives have reacted against that qualification, but Joel Belz presents an interesting angle in the latest issue of WORLD Magazine.

He says, in part:

...we conservatives are silly when we disparage the role of empathy in the pursuit of justice. If by no other principle than that of the Golden Rule, we should take empathy seriously. And those of us who tend to call ourselves both conservatives and Christians have special reason to take empathy seriously. The writer of Hebrews makes a point of reminding us that "we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." You want a little understanding next time you're up against the wall? Remember the very character of Jesus, who was an expert at showing empathy. So let's resolve: No more making fun of empathy.

Take the time to read the entire article. The above quote is not the whole story.

Read it here.

One Prayer, week 2

2009-06-12T21:33:00.002-05:00

I'm totally excited about this weekend's One Prayer message! We will watch a video of Dino Rizzo from Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, LA preaching a message titled "God is Here and Anything Can Happen!" I can only tell you that I was truly blessed when I previewed it.

Can't wait for Sunday!

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-06-07T22:20:00.005-05:00

We had another great Sunday at Solid Rock Church. Both services today were characterized by people seeking God whole-heartedly. That's very encouraging!
I bought a new phone yesterday. I did something I've never done before--I stood in line for two hours waiting for the Sprint store to open so I could get a Palm Pre. I was there a little after 6:00 and I was the second one in line. Got beat by a guy who was there at 5:15. The good news is that I got the Pre, and I made some new friends standing in line for two hours.
I've started jogging again, finally. Although my surgery is a distant memory, I've got other aches and pains. But I'm determined to exercise again.
We started the One Prayer series today. I'm really looking forward to seeing the video messages. My biggest problem is deciding which one to show because there are so many good ones. I'm praying that God will show me what we need to hear.
Bed time! Gotta get up early for my morning jog.

A different kind of Memorial Day

2009-05-25T21:52:00.002-05:00

Most Memorial Days, I'm not even home. It's not very often that I get to spend this day with my family. I'm usually in Austin for the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest. This year, that event was scheduled for a week later.

So what did I do today? Would you believe I slept most of the day?

I haven't been feeling well lately, so I decided to sleep in a little bit. Well, a little bit turned into several hours. I didn't get up until 1:00 in the afternoon! We went out for lunch as a family, but I still wasn't feeling well, so when we came back home, I slept another hour before I finally started feeling better.

Now I'm ready for the week!

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-05-10T22:07:00.005-05:00

Great day today at Solid Rock today. Good services this morning and evening. God is still on His throne!
I thank God for my beautiful mother. She is truly a woman of God. I can never repay her for her teaching and training in my life. To this day, I can count on her prayers for me. I'm blessed!
The girls came to our house at 7:00 this morning to cook breakfast for their mom. French toast, bacon, juice--it was pretty good. Good move, girls!
I'm taking a school trip to California this week. I'd rather it be a family trip, but I'll try to make the most of it. Keep me in your prayers!
Since I'll be out of the state until next Monday, I won't post for the next week and a half, or maybe two weeks, unless I decide to post from my phone. I may send out a few tweets.
If you hit a rough spot this week, remember the three words we talked about tonight: But the LORD...! (Habakkuk 2:20)
Have a great week!

Kelli's birthday

2009-05-09T21:43:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, Kelli turned 23 years old! It just doesn't seem possible!

Kelli was born about seven months after we moved to San Angelo. At the time, I was in graduate school, and working as a substitute teacher. We didn't have health insurance, and we didn't have a lot of money. We lived in a tiny--and I do mean tiny--apartment on the campus of Angelo State University. So it wasn't a very stable time in our lives in terms of finances, but God really pulled through for us. Our financial needs were met, and Kelli's addition to the family was a great blessing.

As you can see, she's a beautiful young lady. And she has really improved my prayer life!

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-05-03T23:05:00.004-05:00

Today we finished our four-week series called "Do You Believe?" We talked about heaven and hell. It was a good conclusion to our series.

I put up a new podcast this week. Check it out on the media player on this page, or subscribe to the monthly sermons on iTunes. Just do a search for Solid Rock Church, or better yet, for Jehu Hernandez. Not a whole lot of people by that name on iTunes.

We had an interesting moment during Praise and Worship this morning. You can read about it here. Suffice it to say that it made for the longest intro to a song we've ever had!

We're having InterMission this Wednesday at 7:00 PM. I always look forward to that service. As a side benefit, on InterMission days, I have a tradition of having an early supper at Wok and Rice to go over my notes before the service. Looking forward to that!

Next Sunday is Mother's Day!

We're going to be a part of the One Prayer this summer. Looking forward to it. More info coming soon.

Have a great week!

"The 'Blessing' of Abortion"

2009-04-29T22:38:00.003-05:00

From World Magazine:

"Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Let me hear you say it: abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done."

That was the Rev. Katherine Hancock Ragsdale in 2007, repetitiously inciting her disciples to be not just pro-choice but fanatically pro-abortion. This is significant because, according to standard journalistic stylebooks, Ragsdale does not exist. We're told that pro-choice folks don't like abortion; they're just trying to help a woman facing tragedy.

Read the rest of the story here.

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-04-26T21:27:00.002-05:00

God really moved in this morning's service. It was great to see people respond to God's touch in their lives. Jesus is coming back. There's no time to waste.
One more week of the "Do You Believe" series, and then--Mother's Day!
Are you devoted to prayer, or do you just dabble in it?
Sundays wear me out. But it's a good tired. Not sure what that means, but it seems to fit here.
Praying for all you SRCers this week. Have a great week!

Dr. Joel Gregory

2009-04-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

Several years ago (in the 80s and 90s) when Lillian's grandparents were still around, we would take an annual summer trip to spend a few days with them in Rockport. It was always an enjoyable trip and stay for us.

Lillian's grandfather was a long-time Baptist deacon, and he subscribed to the Baptist Standard, the weekly magazine of the Texas Baptists. Lillian's grandmother would save the magazine every week so that I could read a year's worth of issues on our summer trip. Almost as soon as we arrived in Rockport (after we ate her tamales), she would remind me that the magazines were waiting for me. I'd have Bethany put them in order by date, and I'd sit in a comfortable chair and start reading. It's amazing what I learned about Texas Baptists from that magazine.

One of the preachers I remember reading about in the Standard was Joel Gregory, who was considered an up and coming preacher among Southern Baptists. Every since then, I somewhat followed his preaching career from Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Ft. Worth to the First Baptist Church in Dallas, including his sudden departure from that church.

So I got really excited when I found out he was going to be at First Baptist here in San Angelo this week. Lillian, Beth, Ryan, and I went to the service last night, along with some friends, so that I could hear, for the first time in person, a preacher that I have admired for many years.

I started to listen to the sermon as a preacher wanting to learn from a master, but I found myself just receiving God's Word into my heart and life. It was a wonderful sermon that truly blessed and encouraged me.

Afterward, I had a brief conversation with Dr. Gregory and managed to have my picture taken with him. It turned out to be a great evening!

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-04-19T22:14:00.002-05:00

I'm back! I took a one-week sabbatical from blogging, partly because I was overwhelmed with my schedule this past week, and partly because I just wanted to spend less time blogging and reading blogs than I normally do. As much as I enjoy blogging, I enjoyed the break.

We had two great services today. There was such a powerful sense of God's presence in both services. I was especially encouraged at the Evening Service. God is truly calling us to devote ourselves to prayer.

I made a commitment in tonight's service to memorize scripture this week. I'm excited about the challenge. I've got an app on my Treo that will help me. Thank God for technology.

I'm dead tired! Good night!

Work Day at Solid Rock Church

2009-04-11T15:38:00.001-05:00

Super Bowl

2009-04-11T00:03:00.003-05:00

I read a comment by a pastor (on a blog or Twitter--I forget exactly where) in which he referred to Easter as the Super Bowl of the church. In other words, it's the biggest Sunday of the year.

I think I understand what he's saying. The resurrection of Jesus is what validates our faith. Easter is a celebration of the single most important event in all of history! I love Sundays in general, but I really love to celebrate Easter.

Another reason why Easter is so big is that we have a unique opportunity to invite people to church. Sadly enough, there are still many people who don't really understand the significance of Easter, but they may know enough to know of the tradition of going to church on that day. Consequently, they may be open to an invitation to go to church on Easter.

So, in a way, this Sunday is our Super Bowl Sunday. Let's not squander this opportunity. We've prayed and invited friends. Now let's go for the win!

Free pics!

2009-04-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

This Easter at Solid Rock Church, all the children in attendance will have their pictures taken individually, and we will give this picture to their parents. The 4x6 picture will be a just small gift from Solid Rock Church.

So dress up the kids, and tell them to smile for the camera!

Sharing Jesus with people you know...

2009-04-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

...requires prayer and preparation. So says Phil Winn in his blog, Reaching Out Loud. It's an excellent post, especially as we get ready for Easter.

Click here to read the blog post.

Countdown to Easter

2009-04-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

As we approach Easter Sunday, I find myself feeling a strange combination of excitement and heaviness at the same time.

I’m excited because I love the Easter season. I love to celebrate what Jesus did on the cross, and how he overcame sin and death by rising from the dead. I’m also excited because I know that Easter presents an opportunity for us to reach out to friends who don’t know God by inviting them to come to church with us on Easter. As we have seen the past two Sunday nights, the statistics on Americans’ receptivity to invitations to attend church scream at us that we should be bold in inviting our friends!

But I’m also grieved when I think of how many people there are in the various networks in our lives that are far from God. How can we possibly reach them all? The task seems overwhelming in terms of sheer numbers alone, but more so when we realize that many of them are not the least bit interested in surrendering their lives to the Lord. Where do we start?

We start by inviting them to church. And we pray fervently for them to be open to God’s touch on their lives.

For those of you who turned in your My Save 5 cards, I’m praying for every one of the names on the list! And I’m praying for you as you invite them this week to come to church on Easter. Remember, the statistics are on your side, but more importantly, the Holy Spirit is by your side.

Be bold in prayer this week. And be bold in inviting your friends to church. Make “the big ask”. You might be surprised.

My Save 5

2009-04-06T20:15:00.002-05:00

As we draw closer to Easter, I want to call all SRCers to a week of prayer for those that have been invited to celebrate Easter at Solid Rock Church.

For those of you that turned in My Save 5 card, be assured that I will join you in interceding for the people on your list. Let's pray fervently and diligently that they will respond to your invitations, and that their hearts will be open to God's Word and to His Holy Spirit.

I'm excited about Easter. God is going to do great things!

Asleep in the Light

2009-04-03T12:57:00.003-05:00

Keith Green wrote and recorded a song about how "the world is sleeping in the dark that the church just can't fight 'cause it's asleep in the light."

What an indictment that is against the church if we are so concerned about God blessing us that we ignore the needs of the people around us who are living quiet lives of desperation because they don't know God. These are people who may not even realize they need God, but they know they need something to bring the joy and peace into their lives that is so elusive for them.

Truly, we need to intensify our prayer for people who are looking for answers. And we need to step up and tell them about Jesus' love. And we need to be bold and invite them to go to church with us so that they may hear a clear explanation of the gospel.

Be bold in intercessory prayer, and be bold in inviting people to Solid Rock Church for Easter. Do the kneework and the legwork.

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-03-29T22:12:00.003-05:00

Today's theme was compassion for lost souls. Can we really learn to feel what Jesus felt when he wept for the lost people of Israel? The answer is "no" if we don't learn to pray like Jesus prayed! We've got to do the kneework (prayer) before we do the legwork (going to the highways and byways to bring people to Jesus).
Easter is in two weeks! I'm pumped!
How far are we willing to go to bring people to church this Easter? Far enough to put your pastor in a box on the roof of the church? I think not!
We kicked off My Save 5 tonight. Take advantage of the networks God has placed you in to invite people to the Easter Service. Expand your networks; expand your influence; use your influence.
Here's the link to the Ed Stetzer blog post with the survey results I talked about tonight.
Did I mention that Easter is in two weeks?
It was a great Sunday, but I'm dead tired. Time for sleep. Have a great week.

Ryan's track season...

2009-03-26T20:59:00.004-05:00

has been disappointing. Not because of any lack of success, but because of a lack of being able to run. He strained a hamstring muscle at the first track meet, and it still hasn't healed enough for him to run. He did try running in two subsequent meets but he wasn't well enough to complete his races. So it's a few more days (weeks?) of rest.

Still, I'm really pleased with his track experiences at Cornerstone. As you can see in the following pics, I feel like the priorities are right on: God first. Their coach always prays with the students before they compete. I love that!

These pics are from the first track meet of the year. Ryan won the 2400 meter run and the 1600 meter run that night.

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-03-22T22:20:00.004-05:00

It's been two weeks since the time change, and I still haven't gotten used to it. The older I get, the longer it seems to take me to adjust.

Had some great fellowship at lunch today with some great guys who visited our church this morning. They will be at Goodfellow AFB for some short-term training. I'm glad they looked us up.

Spring break is over! Our kids get back to a regular routine tomorrow. I'm sad, but I'm grateful for a good spring break with my family.

Today was a great day. I love the Solid Rock Church family. You guys have a great week!

Easter at Solid Rock Church

2009-03-19T23:20:00.003-05:00

Every year, the most exciting day for me is Easter Sunday. I get so excited when Easter comes around because of the opportunity we have to celebrate Jesus' resurrection! Can you imagine how hopeless our lives would be if it weren't for Jesus' resurrection? I enjoy the entire season: recalling his last few days before he was arrested, tortured, and crucified, and, of course, his resurrection from the dead.

Another reason I really like Easter is because of the opportunity to reach people who don't normally attend church. Many people are open to an invitation to go to church on Easter. We are being irresponsible if we don't step out and invite someone to come to church with us on Easter Sunday.

So start thinking and praying about who you can invite to Easter at Solid Rock Church on April 12. It's going to be an exciting day.

I'm really sorry...

2009-03-14T08:49:00.001-05:00

for the following joke. I just had to share it with you.

Bob Hill and his wife Betty were vacationing in Transylvania. Driving in a storm, they had a wreck. Both were hurt, especially Betty. So Bob carried her to a nearby farmhouse. A hunched man, Igor, answered the door, and called to his master, a scientist. The Hills were taken to the lab downstairs, where they were placed on tables. Despite the scientist's best efforts, both died. Disconsolate, the scientist went upstairs to play his piano. Igor, cleaning the lab, noticed that both Bob and Betty were moving. He ran upstairs. "Master, master," he exclaimed. "The Hills are alive with the sound of music!"

10 Things You Must Know About People

2009-03-11T22:19:00.005-05:00

For the past three weeks, I've been preaching a series titled "People". Drawn from the first chapter of Philippians, the three messages so far have been: Thank God for the People in Your Life, Pray for the People in Your Life, and be Patient With the People in Your Life.

A few days ago, Scott Williams had a post on his blog that started with "Life is about people...". Of course, it got my attention pretty quickly. In the post, he included a list by John Maxwell titled "10 Things You Must Know About People". It really ties in well with our current series, so here it is.

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-03-08T21:56:00.003-05:00

This morning, I talked about being patient with the people in our lives. Remember, we are all a work in progress, but God will finish this work he has begun in our lives.
My heart is broken for the family and the congregation of Dr. Fred Winters, pastor of First Baptist Church in Maryville, IL. He was shot and killed while he was preaching by a man who walked into the church this morning. So many questions, and so few answers. In times like these, we need a solid foundation for our lives. Thank God for His presence and for His Word.
For those of you who were in the 6:00 service tonight: Make time to hear from God. You know what I'm talking about!
We're celebrating the 60th anniversary of BGMC this year. The Solid Rock children will have a birthday party for Buddy Barrel next Sunday evening.
We desperately need rain in San Angelo. Let's pray for God to send it this week.
Have a great week!

Oh, What a night!

2009-03-05T23:57:00.002-06:00

I feel like I had a full week tonight. We went to Christoval for Ryan's first track meet of the year. It was a very long night. We didn't leave there until after 9:30, and on the way home, Joey called that he had had a blowout. So we made a detour so I could help him change the tire. So now, we have to buy a new tire tomorrow, along with other errands that I have to run before we leave to La Grange to see my mother-in-law tomorrow afternoon. Thankfully, Joey is going to take care of buying the tire so we can get on the road ASAP.

Speaking of my mother-in-law, please continue to pray for her. She continues to have complications with her health. It looks like she is going to have a third operation, all within a period of three weeks. Things don't look promising, but I know that the table is set for God to work a miracle.

Thanks for your prayers.

12-year-old speaks out on the issue of abortion

2009-03-02T16:39:00.001-06:00

An outstanding speech!

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-03-01T22:04:00.002-06:00

Ryan just got back from the Texas Christian Athletic League (TCAL) State basketball tournament where his team, the Cornerstone Lions, lost in the championship game. I wish I could've been there but I just couldn't make it. The Lady Lions won the state championship for the sixth consecutive year! That's quite a feat!

We had interesting weather patterns this past week. Record highs and near record highs, and then freezing overnight temperatures. All we need now is snow. It could happen. It happened in April on Easter a couple of years ago.

The current Sunday morning series is called "People". This morning, I spoke on praying for the people in your life. Don't forget to do that this week.

Have a great week. I'm going to bed!

Grading Obama's Budget Proposal

2009-02-28T16:59:00.001-06:00

Dave Ramsey was on ABC's Good Morning, America this week. He was true to form.

Click here to watch.

Teenagers and cell phones

2009-02-28T12:01:00.001-06:00

First of all, pre-teens and teenagers, simply, brace yourself, don’t need cellphones.

So says Dr. Russell D. Moore, the Dean of the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in his blog, Moore to the Point.

I would only add that if teenagers do have cell phones, I like the idea of them turning in their cell phones to their parents every night before they go to bed so that they don't talk and text into the night. I know one parent who has a 9:00 PM turn-in time for his teenager's cell phone. Not an unreasonable time.

Read the rest of Dr. Moore's blog post here.

Comments?

Amazing story--Shot in the Head!

2009-02-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

Read this story in Pastor Lee McFarland's blog. Pastor Lee pastors Radiant Church, an Assemblies of God church in Surprise, AZ.

Joey's birthday!

2009-02-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today is Joey's 19th birthday. Happy birthday, Joey! I love you a lot!

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-02-22T21:12:00.004-06:00

I'm amazed at the number of people from Solid Rock Church who are ill. It's been a rough flu and cold season. That's not including others who are dealing with other illness and injuries not related to the flu. Let's continue to lift each other up in prayer for health and healing.

I'm excited about the start of the Spring Semester of Small Groups this week. The groups have all taken shape and are ready to start. There's still room for you to invite unchurched friends and family to join. It's going to be a great semester!

We started a new sermon series this morning titled "People". It's about, well...people. This morning's message was Thank God for the People in Your Life. Next week, the message will be Pray for the People in Your Life.

Are you on Twitter yet? Sign up to receive updates on your cell phone via text messages from Solid Rock by going to Twitter.com/solidrocksa and signing up for a free account. You'll have to go to the Settings tab to set up your device so you can receive the updates. Twitter has already helped us get urgent prayer requests out quickly and efficiently.

I'll be thinking and praying for all you fellows SRCers! (Philippians 1:3) Have a great week!

People

2009-02-21T21:50:00.003-06:00

I'm looking forward to the start of a new sermon series tomorrow titled "People". How can you enjoy the people in your life? Find out during this brand new series.

New Assemblies of God General Secretary

2009-02-19T22:36:00.001-06:00

Jim Bradford has been appointed the new General Secretary of the Assemblies of God effective immediately. He succeeds John Palmer, who stepped down recently after confessing to an indiscretion.

Let's pray for both men, and for our Fellowship.

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-02-15T23:04:00.005-06:00

What a week! We kicked it off with a church-wide day of prayer and fasting on Monday, and on Tuesday, things began to happen that let us know why God called us to pray and fast the day before: the Trejos lost their infant grand daughter and my mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. It been a tough week, all right, but God is bigger than any of our problems.

Don't forget to sign up for one of the small groups which will begin on Wednesday, February 25th. Don't wait too long to sign up because we will cap off the groups before they get too big. If that happens, you may end up in a group that wasn't your first choice. If you want to sign up before Sunday, contact me and let me know which group you would like to attend: The Life You've Always Wanted; If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat; The Purpose-Driven Life; or Nooma.

I saw Fireproof with my family tonight. It's just a good story. I'm glad my wife got to see it with me tonight. The first time I saw it, I was with Ryan and Joey. It just wasn't the same.

Have a great week! May it be blessed and filled with joy!

From San Antonio

2009-02-12T23:19:00.003-06:00

I'm spending a few days in San Antonio on an annual trip that I normally enjoy greatly. But this year things are a little different.

The main reason is that I'm hurting, along with the rest of the Solid Rock family, for the loss that the Trejo family suffered when their seven-month-old grandaughter passed away Tuesday afternoon. Please continue to lift them up in prayer.

The other issue is my mother-in-law's illness. She was diagnosed with cancer on Tuesday, had surgery on Wednesday, and is still experiencing quite a bit of pain. Please continue to remember her in prayer.

Through all this, I'm strengthened by David's words in Psalm 34: 18-19.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

I'm so glad we don't have to face tomorrow alone. God is with us.

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-02-08T22:02:00.003-06:00

We had a great prayer time at the altar this evening. "Lord, help us to be a praying church!"

I know that many of you have responded to my call to fast one day tomorrow or another day this week. Remember that fasting is abstaining from food for the purpose of redirecting our appetite toward God, so devote the time you would normally spend eating in seeking God in prayer and through Scripture reading. "Father, I ask a blessing upon the SRCers who have decided to devote one day this week to a day of prayer and fasting."

We had several prayer requests tonight in our service, especially for healing. My heart is broken when I see what some people go through in terms of illnesses. I know that God is not out of ideas when it comes to healing people, so let's continue to intercede and believe God for His miraculous intervention.

We are in the middle of our Spring semester small group sign up. If you haven't decided which small group to sign up for, you have two more Sundays to decide. Obviously, the sooner you decide and sign up, the better, so that we have time to order the study materials.

We had another great fellowship time after our Evening Service tonight. Wow! I love Solid Rock Church!

Sigh

2009-02-03T21:37:00.002-06:00

I can't get anything past my wife.

One day last week, I was feeling so stressed out that I let out a long sigh as I was getting ready to start the day. Immediately, my wife asked, "What's wrong?" She recognized that it wasn't a regular sigh.

The next morning, I read Psalm 5:1.

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.

Consider my sighing. I almost wept when I read that. God is so compassionate and so sensitive to our needs that even our sighing gets His attention.

Go ahead and sigh. And know that God is listening.

Tweet! Tweet!

2009-01-31T10:42:00.005-06:00

Exactly one week ago today, I was unimpressed by Twitter. I didn't see the point, and went as far as to mock the entire premise of keeping "followers" updated with the minutiae of one's life. In fact, I set up at Twitter account back in July and then just didn't follow through because I didn't see the point.

But then I read a book last Saturday night that changed my perspective.

I'm still not too impressed with the idea of status updates, but I might be coming around.

What I'm more excited about is being able to leverage this technology for the church. In fact, I'm planning on talking about this at our next InterMission.

In the meantime, if you want, you can sign up to "follow" me on Twitter. ("Follow" is the twitter term for receiving status updates from someone.) This will give you a small peek into the life of a pastor.

If you'd rather not set up an account, you can just sign up to follow me from your phone using your text messaging service. Just send a text message to 40404 with the following text: follow jehuhernandez. You'll be asked to provide a username and you're on your way.

By the way, Twitter is a free service. The only expense is from your text messaging service. If you have a texting plan, especially unlimited texting, you're good to go.

Also, this is totally an opt-in service. In other words, you control everything. You decide when to start "following" someone, and when to stop. The ball's always in your court.

Give it a try!

So how's it going?

2009-01-29T07:18:00.002-06:00

I know that some of your SRCers took up a Bible read-through challenge at the beginning of this year. That seems like such a long time ago, doesn't it, especially as we get into the thick of our family and work schedules. Our hectic schedules make it easy to lay aside the Bible read-through challenge.

I hope you won't give up. Personally, I'm a little behind the schedule I wanted to follow, but I'm determined to follow through. It's amazing how much I'm learning from this read-through. In future posts, I'll blog about some of the things God is showing me.

Happy reading!

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-01-25T22:15:00.002-06:00

I know I've said this before, but I'm really enjoying the Sunday night study on prayer. Tonight's teaching was excellent. I'm excited about putting into practice what we learned.

After this morning's message on water baptism, I'm offering amnesty to anybody who has not been baptized yet! Seriously, though, if you've delayed getting baptized, don't put it off any longer. No more excuses. If you're serious about God, get serious about water baptism.

Had some great fellowship tonight after the Evening Service. This on the heels of some great fellowship with some of the guys last night after praise practice. I love our Solid Rock Church family!

Have a great week!

Roe v. Wade

2009-01-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today is a very sad anniversary. Thirty-six years ago today, the Supreme Court handed down a ruling that legalized abortion in our country. Pro-choice (pro-abortion) organizations are marking today with celebrations, but the reality is that it marks a tragic day that changed our country forever.

Please take the time to read this article from the current issue of Today's Pentecostal Evangel.

Ryan and basketball

2009-01-20T06:00:00.004-06:00

We've been watching Ryan play a lot of games for Cornerstone during this basketball season. He's actually playing on two teams--the Jr. High and High School teams. As you can see from the following pictures, he doesn't always get a lot of playing time on the High School team.

Usher in training

2009-01-19T11:27:00.004-06:00

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-01-18T21:34:00.003-06:00

I loved tonight's service! The prayer time at the altar was real and powerful! I'm really enjoying the Sunday night series on prayer.

If you made a decision at the beginning of the month to read through the Bible, let me encourage you to keep it up despite any obstacles which may arise. Don't get discouraged if you fall behind. Just determine that you'll keep going.

We're still a month or so away from starting our Spring session of small groups, but in the meantime, we're having a men's small group meeting on Wednesdays at 7:00 at the church.

The presidential inauguration this week gives us an opportunity to pray for our new President and the incoming Congress. Let's pray that they would seek God for wisdom as they lead our nation. May God bless America.

Have a great week!

Free CDs!

2009-01-14T21:57:00.002-06:00

We gave out free music CDs at the youth meeting tonight:

Superchick--Rock What You Got
Stephanie Smith--Not Afraid
The Katinas--Still
Family Force 5--Dance or Die
The Rubyz--well, ok, no one took the Rubyz. It's still up for grabs!

Just trying to get good music into our teenagers' hands!

Joey's back from Dallas!

2009-01-12T23:01:00.004-06:00

We went to pick him up at the airport tonight. It's good to have him back!

Sunday Night Reflections

2009-01-11T20:18:00.004-06:00

The first full week of January is behind us, and what a busy week it was for me. I didn't even have time to blog all week! But it was a good week. The services today were good, but I just feel that God has even more for us. I know that as we continue to seek God in prayer, we will see wonderful things we have yet to experience.

I was really blessed by the video teaching on prayer by Jim Cymbala. And the comments during the discussion were just awesome! Thanks for all the input. That's just another reminder that we all need each other.

Joey's been gone to Dallas since Thursday, and I really miss him. There's just a certain dimension of family life that only he can provide. He'll be home tomorrow, God willing. Can't wait to see him!

Have a great week! Keep up your Bible read-through!