Nick’s Walk

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12 NIV) Today’s blog comes from my notes from Pastor Jason’s sermon yesterday. They are reproduced here for those who missed church on Sunday and those who didn’t take notes. Hope they are helpful. We all have a God-given, natural desire for greater things whether it be more money, grandkids or a bigger house. This desire can be negative. Child molesters and rapist starts with porn and a desire for “greater things” can lead to their criminal behavior. Greater Things is a biblical concept. Life is not about getting saved and sitting on it. We all have a mission. The vision of church is to see multitudes become devoted followers as we grow, connect and serve. It is about numbers. Numbers that can be effectively discipled. Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And […]

It was an emotional day yesterday. My “little girl” got engaged. It was done in spectacular fashion as her fiancé managed to engineer a romantic event involving over 50 people. He led Jessica on a merry chase through some of the spots significant to their relationship before meeting up to pop the question. Our part was special. We met Jessica at Girard Park where Tyler had first met Kaydence to pass a hint as to the next spot she should go to. What made it special was the Jessie and I had spent many happy Saturdays in that same park when she was young. Congrats to them both. Great job Tyler. We couldn’t be more pleased to have you in the family. May God bless. Nick

Recently the Christian community has been challenged by young pastors calling us to be more than a fan and more radical in our walks. These challenges have struck a chord especially with younger Christians who are looking for something more life changing in their walk.  It’s important to recognize that these calls are not for a different basis for Christianity but a different level. We recognize that Christianity, unlike any other “religion” is relationship based. We are called into relationship with Jesus. The problem has been that we have become satisfied with shallow relationships, without permanence or commitment. We have lost sight in the truth that joy comes from committed relationships.  It’s common now to judge relationships on “What Do I get out of it?” When we no longer “benefit” from the relationship we toss it out and move on to another. Such a view of relationship can never produce the fullness of joy that’s possible. I enjoy those I love. I am blessed by their attention. I am touched by their affection and motivated by their energy and enthusiasm. But my relationship also includes a deep desire for the best for them. I am blessed not only by […]

I spent the Trick Or Treat hours last night at church watching the Not a Fan movie. It was uncomfortable to watch. Taking Jesus seriously isn’t very comfortable. NOT A FAN is book, a  movie and a 6-part DVD series that challenges people to become sincere “followers” of Jesus Christ, rather than simply “enthusiastic admirers” or “fans.” We were a small group, a handful of people. That’s not surprising. Jesus has lots of fans, but not a lot of followers. Not even a lot who are willing to consider whether “Follower” is what we should be. Not a Fan looks at the tough verses of scripture. You know the ones I’m talking about. The ones that talk about taking up crosses and dying to self and many are called but few or chosen. The ones that remind us that on that day many will say “Lord, Lord” but He will say He never knew them.  We are a fan oriented society. We gather by the thousands to watch football games. By the millions we watch our favorite television shows or stream to the theater to catch the latest movie. A fan admires. A follower does. A fan is fine with Jesus […]

I tend to be a day dreamer. I will sit in my comfortable chair and consider great and wonderful things. I believe that God gives us visions. He shows us how things could be.  More importantly, however, He tells us what to do next. Success is not achieved by having great vision, but by taking the small steps every day that move us in the direction God wants us to go.  Sometimes we are overwhelmed by the big vision. It seems so different from what we see in front of us. Visions freeze us in place and we end up doing nothing. God has commanded each of us what to do next. We all really know the next step we are to take. But we hesitate.  Listen to these words from your God, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong, courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Forget for the moment the picture God has given you of where He wants  you to be next year, next month or even next week. Focus on what He wants you to do today. It’s time to make […]

Rose and I don’t celebrate Halloween. We haven’t for years. We don’t do it very boldly. We just turn off our lights and leave the house during the hours of trick or treat. We usually have a small bag of candy just in case someone comes early or late. Our neighbors have learned how we are and just ignore our house. We don’t have any kids at home so it’s not that big a deal.  This year we will probably go to church to watch the Not a Fan movie. Maybe our “God Loves You. He Always Has and Always Will” sign will send a message. It hasn’t always been this way. I don’t remember Halloween being a big deal when I was a kid. I had eight brothers and sisters and I guess we would dress up and walk the neighborhood doing trick-or-treat. When our kids were  young, we did Halloween. We even made a big deal out of it a couple of times. When our first grandchild was born, Halloween was becoming a big holiday and we became concerned about the origins of the holiday, the wisdom of scaring kids for fun, and the emphasis on the […]

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” –Matthew 6:33 There are many issues upon which the presidential candidates differ. If we had to  point to one principal difference it would have to be the role of government. The current president believes that Americans should look to the government for most everything. The challenger calls that a “Nanny State.”  As Christians, we have to understand that many look to the government for much because the church has failed to meet the needs of people. I was the oldest of nine children growing up in the 50s. We were poor. I remember many instances of individuals “helping out” when the pantry was low or coming up with a few dollars when the light bill needed to be paid. In similar situations today, we would expect a check from the government.  At the heart of this problem is our failure to believe Jesus when He taught that the real solution to our problems is to seek His kingdom and His righteousness first. When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper places. With a proper focus on […]

“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” –James 3:16 I have to admit that, at least at times, I’m a news junky. When there is nothing to watch on television or when I have the television on just as background noise while I do something else, I am tuned to the news channel.  I know some people don’t think Fox News is a real news channel, but that’s a good discussion for a different time.  As I am bombarded with the “news” it’s easy to believe that this world is full of problems. But if you listen carefully and prayerfully, you quickly realize that there is really only one problem: Selfish Ambition.  When there is good news, it’s because someone put someone else’s interest about his own and acted accordingly. All the bad news is base on someone, or a group of someones, putting themselves first. Being self-centered instead of Christ centered is the problem. When stated that way it’s obvious that we are talking about a spiritual problem, not a political, social or psychological problem. America needs Jesus and needs him badly! We can’t do much about the self-centered […]