New Blog

Hi blog friends-

I have launched a new blog at a new web address. Please visit me at www.timblevins.com.

God bless,
Me

Loyalty

I read a definition of loyalty that I really appreciated. It said loyalty is the willingness to make an investment or personal sacrifice to strengthen a relationship.

Why is loyalty important? Loyalty is the determining factor between true friends and acquaintances. Loyalty is a foundational trait in a marriage, in a friendship and even between covenant relationships in church.

What is loyalty? When I lived in Waynesville, NC there was a little restaurant that was just across the railroad tracks from my office. I could walk to it in a matter of 20 seconds. I regularly visited the restaurant. Someone might have assumed that I was loyal customer of that restaurant because I often ate there for lunch. But I wasn’t. I never recommended it to anyone because the food was rather poor, I would tell my friends the food was lousy. And if ever there had been another restaurant opened up near it, I would have never gone back to the other one. I wasn’t loyal, it was just convenient.

I was thinking that it would be dangerous to place convenience as a foundational trait in our most important relationships and if we do then they are doomed for trouble. Why? Assuming you are a married man, what if an attractive woman shows interest in you? What if your friend disappoints you? What if a new church opens up? Loyalty stays the course while convenience jumps ship.

How do you develop loyalty? Simple, you invest in the relationship. People always stay interested in their investments. I learned this when I invested some money in the stock market. Suddenly, my interest in watching a particular stock grew quickly all because I now had an investment in it.

It may be time for you to look at your most important relationships and decide if you are really investing in them in a way that develops loyalty.

Faithfulness

What does faithfulness mean to you? In a marriage it certainly means purity but it means more than that. It means arriving home when you said you would. It means taking responsibility for helping with household duties and being active in the life of your children. It means setting a spiritual tone for your family. Faithfulness means "you can count on me to do the right thing for you and I will do it all with a great attitude because I love you."

2 Timothy 2:1-3You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. NKJV

In church leadership we should seek out faithful men and women to help with ministry. The key is to find faithful people. Faithfulness in church leadership isn't quite as committal as in a marriage but there are some similarities in the attitude concerning serving. In order to be faithful in church leadership we must carry the same attitude which is "you can count on me to do the right thing for this church and I will do it with a great attitude because I love the Lord."

Challenge yourself today to become faithful.

Lucky or Good

I heard a story the other day about a golfer named Gary Player. I may have a few of the details messed up but the point is still good. The story goes like this. Gary Player is a professional golfer who was smaller than the other elite golfers but he was able to compete and win against the other players. One day he hit a hole in one and the reporter said to Gary, " boy that was a lucky shot." Gary said back to him, "It seems like the harder I practice the luckier I get."

Gary was able to beat his competition because he worked hard and tirelessly practiced to become his best. He was an excellent golfer. People who are excellent tend to be in the right place at the right time, they tend to see opportunities, they make the contacts and so on.

Is it lucky or good? I think it is good effort, being your best, living with excellence and doing it all to glorify God. People who live like this will gravitate to the top.

Colossians 3:23 "whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (NKJV)

The verse says to do what you are going to do, heartily. In other words, whatever it is you are going to do, as long as it glorifies God then do it with excellence. Put your heart into it.

If you and I will do this then we might hear people say, "You're really lucky, good things just seem to come your way." Inside, you will know it wasn't luck.

God Heals

Thank you to all that have prayed for me this week.

James 5:16-17 (New Living Translation)
The earnest (or serious) prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.

God strengthened me to be able to preach today as well as hold a baptism service at Wrightsville Beach. Can you beleive that on Oct. 21 the water was still warm? I love Wilmington, NC!

Are you going through something that you would like prayer. Post your prayer request on this bolg this week and I and others will pray for you. God bless.

Sickness Stinks

At church I have been preaching about a Greek word "Soozoo." Soozoo means salvation from sin, sickness, destruction and bondages.

Matthew 1:21She will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save (soozoo) his people from their sins."

What a wonderful God we serve. All right, I have been preaching that as Christians we have been given so much, including supernatural healing of our bodies. Everyone has been excited as we have been praying for people to be healed but wait… this week I get sick! Sickness stinks! I haven’t been sick for over 10 or 15 years and now I am laid out on a couch for four days. I went to the doctor and he told me it wasn’t anything major. I began reminding God of my sermon and asking for Him to heal me. Well four days later I’m still sick. So what’s the deal?

1. First of all, we live in a fallen world and in a fallen world it includes sickness.
2. The fact is, I am getting better and as the doctor said, “No major stuff is wrong with me.” That’s a God thing!
3. God is still God regardless of how He chooses to heal me. I will continually believe that He is the one that gives me health.
4. The enemy wants to discourage me from a timely message. It won’t work. I will press on in faith!

Do you feel like your prayers are not getting answered? Here is a key worth remembering. Don’t give up! Persevere, press on, and keep the faith.

In closing, I would appreciate your prayers tonight. My healing is on the way.

Good Advice

This is some good advice from Will Rogers.

1. Never slap a man who’s chewing tobacco.
2. Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
3. There are 2 theories to arguing with a woman…neither works.
4. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
5. Always drink upstream from the herd.
6. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
7. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.
8. Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
9. If you’re ridin’ ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it’s still there.
10. Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier’n puttin’ it back.
11. AND FINALLY – After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him….The moral: When you’re full of bull, keep your mouth shut!

It's Not About Me

It’s not about me.

I realize this phrase has become popular due to the bestselling book, “Purpose driven life” by Rick Warren, but I felt like it is worth repeating in context of being a Senior Pastor of a healthy growing church. Any person with a heartbeat would feel a sense of pull towards self promotion in the church setting, especially as a Senior Pastor. The enemy would love to get me sidetracked with a prideful attitude. Also, the enemy would love to get people to believe that the leader is a superstar or a type of rock star. As I read 2 Kings 5: 8-12, I was reminded of the phrase, “It’s not about me.”

Elisha, a true prophet, had a ministry that lasted over 50 years, did many miracles and impacted four nations with his ministry yet maintained integrity. It was still not all about him, he shared ministry with others.

I love the story in 2 Kings. A man named Naaman who was sick with leprosy came to Elisha for healing. Elisha sent his servant to do the ministry. Unfortunately for Naaman, he was looking for a man with a rock star attitude who would never miss a chance to be the miracle worker. But not Elisha, he killed the idolization of the minister by sending his servant.

Elisha is a good example of giving away ministry to others and not letting your ministry become all about you. The bottom line… it is all about God!

Waiting on God's Wisdom

In a fast passed world, waiting isn’t our strongest trait. But I’m learning. At our church or any church for that matter, decisions and choices come by the minute, some small and some more significant. One of the more significant decisions for us is going to be relocating our church to a new building. The good news is we are outgrowing our current facility. My first response is to fly right into action, after all the sign of a good leader is the “get ‘r done” attitude. Here is what God led me to today.

Acts 1:4 "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised. NLT

I felt God speaking to me concerning our church. He said, “Don’t leave until I send you.” This verse was speaking about the promise of the Father, The Holy Spirit. But I felt like it was speaking to me about waiting until I had His wisdom for the next step in His plan for us. The disciples knew how to wait… they gathered together and prayed.

My prayer, “God I will wait for your wisdom.”

Wash Up

Recently, I visited the men's room at Oh Charley's restaurant and noticed a man who used the facilities but walked out the door without washing his hands. There really isn't anything spiritual here today but I would like to say, "Come on man, wash up." In some tests, it has been proven that there are more than 2 million bacteria per square inch in a restroom. I hope this man wasn't eating finger licking good chicken wings for dinner.

Holy Discontent- by Bill Hybels

I just completed a book by Bill Hybels, “Holy Discontent: Fueling the fire that ignites personal vision.” One of the main points is that each person will recognize a need in this world and will become discontent to sit by without action. Eventually, a person will become passionate about solving a problem and they will go to work to be the answer. At our church, we have many people who are doing just this but today I was reminded of a married couple while serving at our outreach ministry, “Angel Food.”

Several months back this same couple approached me about helping people get food that were financially unable to purchase it or at least, good foods like meat and vegetables. They not only saw a need but they had a solution and then to boot they wanted to lead the ministry. As watched dozens and dozens of boxes of food go out the door, I felt a surge of optimism in my heart. I was excited to see people sacrificially giving of themselves to help others.

A few things I learned from this…

1. People like this are contagious. Not only were they helping but there were many other volunteers pitching in as well. People love to associate with people who are passionate about helping others.
2. Serving in a place that stokes your fires only makes you burn brighter. This couple had started the day at 5am and did not finish until after 2pm. That makes for a long day! But they were smiling. They were physically tired but their hearts were full.
3. As a pastor, this last observation may be the best. I realized when people are serving in the ministry that they passionately care about then I don’t have to motivate them to do the job well. I didn’t have to tell them to be sure and get up early enough to be ready. I didn’t have to ask them to be prepared with necessary supplies. I actually did not have to do anything but thank them. Why? They wanted good results as much or more than I did, therefore they were self motivated. It is ever tiresome to be obligated to hold a leaders hand to do accomplish their work. But when people serve the need that God has placed in their heart then watch out... these people will have significance in our churches and cities.

God bless you Gary and Mindy McSmith!!!

Now what about you? Read the story of Nehemiah. He couldn’t stand by without putting his hands to the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He was discontent to sit by without action. You will find your life having greater meaning when you are giving of yourself to a God-given purpose.

How much is 4.3%?

Did You Know . . . The difference between winning and winning big can be very small. Take the PGA Tour for example. In 2004, Phil Mickelson won $5.7 million in prize money and had $20 million in endorsements. His per round stroke average was 69.2. Contrast that with Cliff Kresge, an unknown, unheralded pro who won $260,000 and had a per round stroke average of 72.2. Phil Mickelson shot only threee strokes per round better than Kresge yet Mickelson made 100 times more money. Mickelson's two stroke margin translates into just a 4.3% advantage but in the money column it translates into a nearly 10,000% advantage. Just think, one missed putt or one wayward tee shot every six holes made the difference between multi-million dollar riches and marginal obscurity.

In business this is important. A poor first impression, one neglected phone call or one day that you acted with a bad attitude to a customer. These small mistakes can lead to significant losses over time. But improvement can come just as easy. Add 4.3 more clients, increase sales or decrease expenses by 4.3% or motivate your staff to improve productivity by 4.3%.

Now what about your Spiritual life? Can you improve your spiritual life by investing just a small amount of additional time in prayer, study, and worship? Of course it is a heart issue, but I’m confident that most of us could give a little more time in prayer, study and worship. The Bible says this will build you up.

Acts 20:32 "I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up."

Join me in making a small adjustment in our schedule for more time with God and allow God to build you up for your day.

How much is 4.3%? It is just enough to help build you up and prepare you for your day.

Reality Check

Usually the desire to escape reality is not a good sign. Often when we face tremendous pressures from work, stress from personal financial difficulties, or our relationship struggles mount up, we choose to escape rather than focus on the solution. Your escape can be anything from excessive TV watching, renting movies, playing video games, walking around the mall, alcohol and just staying in bed. These activities will not help you out of your problems. The best thing to do is take a note from Nehemiah. He faced the difficulties, rather than escaping the reality. He fasted, prayed and began making the necessary plans to rebuild the city walls that protected the city of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 1:3-4
"Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been burned." When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.
NLT

As you read on in the book of Nehemiah you will read about the tenacity he exhibited to rebuild the walls.

In an environment where the economy is sluggish many people find themselves under great pressure and turn to escapism rather than staying the course. You may need a reality check. My encouragement for you is to face the difficulties, pray and fast for God’s wisdom, then go to work in fixing the problems. If you continue to avoid and dodge the real issues in life then you will wind up in deeper problems. So getin2life!

Happy Birthday

My son just celebrated his 14th birthday. Happy Birthday son. I feel much older! My son never asks for much but he did let me know of one gift he would like to have. As a dad, I was determined to get him this gift. It wasn’t a great price but even if it were I would try my best to get it for him. (Please don’t write me about telling my children no and all that jazz.) The fact is, I really enjoy blessing my kids. When they ask for stuff, I seriously consider it. With this thought in mind, read this verse.

Luke 11:9-139 "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. 11 "You fathers — if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? 12 Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! 13 If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

The most excellent gift we can ask God for is the Holy Spirit. Why?

1. It is the Spirit who gives life. (John 6:33)
2. The Holy Spirit is our counselor/helper. (John 14:16,26)
3. You will receive His power for spreading the good news. (Acts 1:8)
4. Reveals the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2: 10-12)
5. The giver of Spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12: 4-27)
6. Develops within the believer great character. (Gal. 5: 22-23)
7. Frees us from bondages (2 Cor. 3:17)

If you are not a believer then ask God to send His Holy Spirit to give you a new life (See #1). If you are a believer than ask the Holy Spirit to come and refresh you, guide you, empower you, reveal to you, give you special Spiritual gifts, develop character and free you. God will do it! Why don’t you getin2life today!

Church Picnic

Enjoy the pictures of Life Community Church picnic. I estimate we had between 150 - 200 people out last Sunday. The softball game was a blast. Click here for pictures ... http://picasaweb.google.com/Grdnmoma/SummerPicnic

If I were the devil, this is how I would attack God's people. Part 4

The Bible teaches about Spiritual warfare.



Ephesians 6:10-12 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. 12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.



A few weeks back at Life Community Church, I taught on spiritual warfare by looking at how the enemy is attacking God’s people. My sermon title was, “If I were the devil, this is how I would attack God’s people.” I listed several ways I would attack God’s people. I had several people request copies of the ways, so I thought I would simply put them on my blog and hopefully get feedback.



The fourth way I would attack God's people.

4. If I were the devil, I would get bright, young people to go off to college and learn humanistic views that appear to discredit the Bible. I would convince them that right and wrong are only wrong if you think it is wrong. I would make sex, alcohol and drugs very accessible, especially now that they are out from under a protective covering of family. Then I would convince them that church doesn’t relate to them anymore. And If I were the devil, I would know that when I have conquered this generation then I will soon be in control of business, schools, government, civic leadership positions and even more scary church leadership. If I were the devil I would be very proud of what I have accomplished so far in this area.

If I were the devil, this is how I would attack God's people. Part 3

The Bible teaches about Spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 6:10-12 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. 12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

This week at Life Community Church, I taught on spiritual warfare by looking at how the enemy is attacking God’s people. My sermon title was, “If I were the devil, this is how I would attack God’s people.” I listed seven ways I would attack God’s people. I had several people request copies of the seven ways, so I thought I would simply put them on my blog and hopefully get feedback.

The third way I would attack God's people.

3. If I were the devil I would bring offense and hurt from church leaders and cause people to lose the value and their respect for the local church. I would tell people that they can be a thriving Christian without meeting together with other believers. I would show them many outstanding Christian books that they could read; many great sermons online and maybe introduce them to a few other people who are sick of organized church. In a nutshell, if I were the devil, I would spread a new spirit of independence, which is a nice word for rebellion, against God’s bride, the local church.

If I were the devil, this is how I would attack God's people. Part 2

The Bible teaches about Spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 6:10-12 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. 12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

This week at Life Community Church, I taught on spiritual warfare by looking at how the enemy is attacking God’s people. My sermon title was, “If I were the devil, this is how I would attack God’s people.” I listed seven ways I would attack God’s people. I had several people request copies of the seven ways, so I thought I would simply put them on my blog and hopefully get feedback.

The second way I would attack God's people.

2. If I were the devil I would get people buy high speed internet and multichannel cable packages with movie channels and then I would open the flood gates of hell into the homes of God’s people. I would convince parents to let their kids watch shows that open the doors to witchcraft, violence, and homosexuality and every other perversion. I would lure men into viewing things that should be sacred ground between a husband and wife. I would hook people on shows that make Christianity appear outdated and not relevant. In a nutshell, if I were the devil, I would get access to people’s homes and minds through media and begin to train people to think the way I want them to think.

If I were the devil, this is how I would attack God's people.

The Bible teaches about Spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 6:10-12
Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. 12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

This week at Life Community Church, I taught on spiritual warfare by looking at how the enemy is attacking God’s people. My sermon title was, “If I were the devil, this is how I would attack God’s people.” I listed seven ways I would attack God’s people. I had several people request copies of the seven ways, so I thought I would simply put them on my blog and hopefully get feedback.

If I were the devil, this is how I would attack God’s people.

1. If I were the devil I would get people to buy real big houses, new cars and anything else that would tie up their money. I would use debt to trap people into slavery. I would use discontentment to become a major drive in people’s lives. I would convince people that the church wants my money and tithing was not biblical. In a nutshell, if I were the devil, I would hold people hostage to their money causing them to be unable to pursue their God given dreams and withhold money from being used to help spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

Come back to the site later to get point 2.

I nearly missed a God moment

Our family made plans this morning to meet for dinner at Outback Steakhouse at 5:15. I certainly didn’t want to be late to meet everyone, so I watched the clock to be sure I left work on time. I grabbed my laptop and headed out the door but just as I stepped out I heard a gentleman that I had never met, speaking about some pain in his lower leg. As I briskly walked by I said, “I hope you get better quick,” tucked my head down and kept on walking. But just at the same moment I heard God speak to me, “Stop and pray for him.” I didn’t stop! I would be late. I made it to my car and felt conviction for missing the prompting of God. I tried to justify my actions with a lame excuse of not being late, but…, well you know how that goes. Am I alone, or have others of you heard God speak in that small, quiet voice but you didn’t respond? Those promptings are easy to run right by.

Revelation 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

The promptings are the Holy Spirit attempting to lead us. I’m sure that I miss the Holy Spirit speaking to me because I’m just not in tune with Him. Also, I’m sure that as I become more obedient to His promptings then God will continue to speak more and more and into greater and more influential opportunities. The key is to begin at the very next prompting. I encourage you to ask God to prompt you tomorrow and then stay in tune; you will probably get an opportunity.

Good news!!! I got out of my car, went back in to see that gentleman and asked him if I could pray for him. He gladly accepted my offer. I prayed a prayer filled with faith and asked God to heal his leg. I don’t know if his healing came immediately but I’m sure the man was encouraged. But for me, my faith was elevated to a new level. Obedience will always lift us up. I became excited about asking God to prompt me again tomorrow. Who knows what God may have in store!!!