Voting for President

Have you registered to vote?

Check this out - our country votes for the highest office in the land in 95 days, or 2,293 hours, or 137,603 minutes or 8,256,200 seconds.


For the love of God and country, vote! Did you know the Bible says this?


"Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you're trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.

Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you'll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you're breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren't there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it." (Romans 13:3-4)

If God wants to use governmental officials, than surely we should pray for wisdom and cast our vote.

God bless America...

America bless God...

God bless Your World...

Joshua and Caleb

You might think I am going to share a post about those two biblical giants would not take "no" for an answer. You know the story about Joshua and Caleb. If you don't or you want a great bible lesson, check it out here.

But this about my Joshua and Caleb, my youngest two boys. I am hangin with them this week as Amy Lynn has been away at children's camp this week with our 3 big kiddos and hundreds of other kids.

It has been a crazy week with lots of work, lots of time with Joshua and Caleb, and very little sleep. In between traveling to the camp myself, juggling child-care, and working in the evenings, I have been enjoying these two rascals. Friends, I am a BLESSED MAN!



Nothing like fishing with the boys...




Joshua catching his first fish! Notice he is giving the "thumbs up" with his little left thumb...




Joshua being a ham - Have you ever seen anything so adorable in all your life? He gives me this look when he knows he has done something wrong. :-) Makes it quite hard to reprimand but you know the deal, "Say what you mean and mean what you say." Somehow I think disciplining a child loses it's impact when you can't wipe a smile off your own face. That look is just too cute to handle.




And of course, I can't send you off without Caleb wishing you, "Peace..."



Father God, I know I don't deserve such young men. I feel so overwhelmed by your goodness and the responsibility to raise them in the way of the Lord. Watch over them, Lord God. Protect them. Stir in their hearts until they are restless without thee. Keep them pure. Keep them passionate. Draw them to yourself as men after your own heart. May they see those things in me. May they become such men of courage that they live into exactly what their biblical names mean. Thank you God for these two boys. Give me Godly wisdom and please help me raise them in the way of the Lord. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Beware - Part II

Last week, I started an installment of articles related to the different types of people in the church. It is not original. In fact, it was written by one of our "One Prayer" speakers by the name of Perry Noble. Enjoy:


#2 - The “Let Me Tell You How Much Money I Have” Person.

Pastors, you’ve GOT to make a choice early - are you going to be motivated by money (thus becoming a prostitute, not a prophet) OR are you going to resign to the fact that Jesus purchased you, thus making you not for sale?

I remember early on a guy calling my assistant and demanding that I come to his house for dinner. (Something I just don’t do...explanation later!) He told her where he worked, where he lived (a NICE neighborhood), the kind of car he drove and also told her he wanted to get financially involved in the church...all I had to do was some to his house for dinner.

I didn’t go. I don’t play that game. When people begin to dangle money in front of you...it is ALWAYS attached to an agenda.

We have some incredibly generous people at NewSpring Church who give faithfully every single week. In our two campaigns that we’ve done we had a giver once give $1.4 million and another one gave $1 million...and neither of them ever asked me for one second of my time. They gave with a pure heart and with pure motives.

When people threaten to stop giving then that is an issue they will have to work out with God. Don’t let a person who has a lot of $$$ keep you from doing what God has called you to do.

When a person begins telling you how much money they have...trust me, they ultimately desire to either buy you or control you. Don’t let it happen. Tell them you are excited they have money, ask them to give generously, challenge them to be faithful in their giving...but don’t EVER begin to let them dangle money in front of you, thus becoming your source of motivation.

Sunday Night Download...

* I have been saying for months now, August is the new September. Well, July 27th became the new September - you could definitely sense the momentum, excitement, energy, and numbers go to a "whole nutha level" today. Last year at this time we had to go to 3 Worship celebrations. I hope we can make it with 3 until we make the move.

* I love that our church is a place where we can talk about money candidly and according to Scripture and the place still buzzes with people who want to be there and handle their finances in a way that honors God. Way to go, newhope.

* I love Christine Eason - I have seen A LOT of women lead worship in my life, none are better than Christine. Her presence and vocal skills blow my mind and always move me closer to the throne and heart of God. Thanks Christine.

* The music, in general, was off the chain today. There is this killer balance between rocking out for God and intimate worship of conviction and challenge. I think our Worship Arts Ministry holds that balance incredibly well. Way to go, Pastor Curtis.

* I have never had a pastor on staff like Jarred Ritter. This guy has the gift of helps. He has his own growing, thriving, and busy ministry, yet he is always willing to help when I need him. Dude, you are my hero for helping me get the door late yesterday and then coming to church early this morning to help get it stabilized for my teaching. It was a fantastic prop. You are the man and one of the best hires I have ever made.

* Amy Lynn is away this week with 13 newhope children and the three big Kelley kiddos at Summer Camp. That leaves me with the two little pirates, Caleb (4 1/2) and Joshua (2 1/2). I love those ages - this will be fun and crazy. :-)

* Mark your calendar for the Olympic Festival in our church parking lot August 20th. Also, remember that our Olympic Faith series starts THIS coming Sunday. Start studying the apostle Paul - he teaches us how to "run the race with perseverance."

* September will introduce our fall series entitled, "Fireproof - Safeguarding Our Most Valuable Relationships." This is for singles and married. DON'T MISS THE FIREPROOF RETREAT SEPTEMBER 19 - 20. (More info forthcoming)

* I can't believe this is our last fall in the current building. I also can't believe we are moving into a new building six times our current building's size. Go God - it is Your harvest we claim in the name of Christ!

* Strong offering today - we will send 10 % to help start around 500 new churches across planet earth. One Prayer was one of the most Kingdom minded series we have ever done. Thanks again, Pastor Craig Groeschel.

* Lots of guests in church today.

* It's about time Jimmy Johnson won a race again. Yes, I watch a LITTLE NASCAR. What else is there to do while I am wasted on a Sunday afternoon. FYI - that is not your secular version of being "wasted." :-)

* I had dinner at Southern Village last night. Every time I go there, I really miss my old friend, Pastor Raegan May. Four years and I still can't believe he took his own life.

* I love our church. The video and music really blessed me today.

* I have been such a slackard when it comes to running. That must end this week. YIKES - how I am going to run with Caleb and Joshua. Correction - that slack running must change NEXT week. :-)

* Did you hear that a church experienced another shooting today. You can read about it here. Do we really need to have security guards at church in 2008?

* Please pray we find the right discipleship pastor. You might not know this but I have been looking for the right person for 6 months now. I have tons of resumes but the Spirit of God will not let me move on any of them. God's timing is always right - I just wish He would hurry up. :-)

* We have a pool membership at Five Oaks. They took out the diving board this year. Friends, that is the BIGGEST SUMMER BUMMER. They don't know it, but we are officially, "See ya" at the end of this summer. Who wants to swim in a pool without a diving board. And don't give me this liability / insurance spill. Raise my rates, get another insurance company, whatever - anything but take out the diving board.

* Pray for our church builders, POLYCON. The owner is Chris Pappas and our superintendent is Ralph Brown.

* I am not too tired today. Hmmmmm - that is odd.

* Peace and love people...

Can't wait for Sunday morning!

There are some Saturday nights when I am just "chomping at the bit" to get to worship with newhope and bring forth the Word God has laid on my heart. This is definitely one of those nights. In addition, the creative elements accompanying the message are strong. I can't wait for you to see the video. I have watched it four times now and it brings me to tears every time I watch it. (For those of you who know me, you understand that says a lot because I don't tend to cry easily) This element so reminds me why I have given my life to Christ and His ministry through the church. I guess I really needed that this week.


FYI - I am having some issues with my Blogger account right now. Every time I try and post one of your comments, I get this funky code not letting me. Oh well, just want you to know I am not "dis-ing" you or ignoring the comments. :-)

FYI (Again) - The picture below is of the building at week's end. Hard to believe they just erected the first piece of steal a week or so ago - it is cranking now!




Peace and love...

BEWARE - Part I

During our One Prayer series, we were thrilled to hear Pastor Perry Noble preach. Recently, Perry posted a series of articles on the different types of people in the church. This is so spot on that I plan to just use it over the next week or so. I will share these different types of people for newhopers and pastors/leaders. For the newhopers, "If the shoe fits..." :-) For the pastors and church planters out there, please pay close attention. You WILL encounter this person and so much depends on how you handle the situation.


The "I'm Going to Leave If" person by Perry Noble...


I was thinking the other day about what I would types of people I would warn a pastor/church planter about – there are seven, here are the first few…

#1 - The “I’m Going To Leave If” Person

Pastors, you are going to have people threaten to leave your church–period. And 999 times out of 1,000 the best thing you can do is let them go.

I remember once in the early years being on the telephone for over an hour, begging a young lady in our church not to leave. Why was she wanting to leave? A group of singles had gotten together and forgotten to call her.

You are going to have people who don’t like the music, your wife, you talking about your kids, the way you dress, the kind of car you drive, the version of the Bible you use, your hairstyle, your zodiac sign, your staff, and your belief on the end times.

You can’t please everyone...and, to be honest, that BOTHERS me! But, reality is, according to Hebrews 13:17, you and I will stand before God one day and be held accountable for how we led the church...and I would much rather a disgruntled person walk out than God’s presence go instead!

Don’t ever be held captive by a person who keeps threatening to leave.

Black in America on CNN TONIGHT

One of the passions closest to my heart, besides bringing people to faith in Jesus, is racial reconciliation. As one who grew up in the deep seeded south, racism was a part of every aspect of life in Sumter, South Carolina. I still recall the comments, the slurs, the fights, and the downright anger and hostility. It surrounded me on every corner, yet deep in my soul I knew it was not right. On behalf of the white race, I have often found myself asking for forgiveness and praying God would remove the junk of generational sin.

I truly believe most white people can't begin to imagine what it is like to be "Black in America." Which is why I have my DVR set to record this special documentary on CNN tonight and tomorrow night at 9 pm. It has been a project of CNN for over a year now under the direction of Soledad O'Brien. It should be well worth your time.

People ask me from time to time, how is newhope able to grow with such racial diversity? I think it has to do with two things:

First, God is the grower of the church and will bring His diverse parts of the body together as He sees fit. Secondly, though, God knows our hearts. He knows that a deep passion of mine, in starting newhope, was to see a movement move beyond racial divisions and be ONE in Christ. The last thing I wanted to start was a another Lilly white church that could not have an effective witness in the world because we could not even love and worship side by side with persons of different color. I thank God for making that dream a reality. We still have so far to go, though.

As we live in American in the 21st Century, it is easy, especially in central NC, to think racism is something of the past. Don't believe it even for a moment. Racism is still everywhere - we just tend to hide it better these days. And with Barack Obama steam rolling toward the general election, be forewarned, racism will raise its ugly head. Let the church pray. Let the church lead. Let the church stand strong against the sin of racism. Let the church remember:

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

Sunday Night Download...

* Great day at newhope this morning. I am so glad to be back teaching. One Prayer has been such a Kingdom-minded series. God, make us faithful.

* Many have asked about the video I showed in worship today and the profile of lukewarm Christianity as opposed to those obsessed with Christ. Much of the message today was inspired as a result of reading Francis Chan's wonderful new book called, "Crazy Love." I highly recommend it.

* It was cool to see Pastor Curtis lead worship with a sprained ankle as a result of our Pastoral Team retreat on a Ropes Course near Charlotte. I admit, I love that our team is made of winners and not winers. He could have quit the Ropes Course or called in sick this morning but he didn't. Way to go, Curtis. In fact, that gives me a chance to give a shout out to the entire Pastoral and staff team of newhope. You guys rock for God and it is a joy to serve with you. You can check 'em out here. Give 'em some love from time to time.

* Tons of guests in worship every Sunday these days. Even though it is summer, we are growing BIG time. We will really feel it in a few weeks. Make no mistake about it, August has become the new September and we are about to hit a "whole nutha level."

* Pumped up about hopekids preschool program. We have multiple waiting lists and the program is growing like wild fire. Dang, it is on the second year. YIKES.

* I have to pull all our pictures together this week from the Anitgua Missions Trip. The twin boys and I really want/need to share the trip with the fam.

* My throat hurts really bad. I look forward to having two Worship celebrations instead of three in the new building. In fact, I am looking forward to every part of being in the new building. As crazy as it might sound, one of the things I am most looking forward to is having our offices at the same location as the church. That will be a first...

* The ESPY awards is off the chain crazy tonight - really well done.

* Joshua, our 2 1/ 2 year old is having head injury issues these days. He has received stitches in his face, broke that wound open twice, and today came up to me with a gash in his head - said he hit a wall. Whatever - he just keeps laughing about it all. I think he got his hard head from his momma. :-)

* Football season is coming, baby!

* Peace people...

And the FIRST STEEL BEAM goes up for newhope

It has happened. The steel has not only arrived but is going up ASAP!

Check out these pics. I wanted you to see the very first steel beam erected in the name of Christ!








As we build it, friends, let us remember:

15"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." (Colossians 1:15 - 20)

Go God...

This and That...

Sup? Sorry I have been so missing in action. I returned from a missions trip late Saturday night (Actually early Sunday morning), slept for a few hours, worshiped at newhope, and crashed yesterday. It has been one busy summer with lots of travel. With that, comes lots to do on the home and church fronts.




The missions trip was incredible. The newhope group was amazing. (Picture above) Those "two little white boys" below are mine. (That is what the Antguans called my twin boys) I hope to post some in the weeks ahead and share about the trip. I am still processing it all for now.




I really enjoyed being back at newhope Sunday. Pastor Wayne Cordeiro's message was great - "Lord, make us wise."

If you read this morning bible study, you know it is on Hebrews 12. Great word of encouragement and challenge, side by side. Encouragement through the fact that we are surrounded by great heroes in the faith - they are our cloud of witnesses. (Hebrews 12:1 - 3) Challenged by the fact that God warns us against refusing Him. (Hebrews 12:1 - 29)

Here are a few verses that really spoke to me this morning:

1"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

7"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!"

14"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

28"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29for our "God is a consuming fire." (Romans 12 - selected verses)

Peace and love...

A Foundation of Love...

In the middle of one of their more memorable disagreements, a man jumped up from the table, grabbed two sheets of paper, and said to his wife, "Let's make a list of everything we have on our minds right now." His wife started writing furiously. He glowered at her for a few minutes, and then wrote on his paper. She started writing again. He watched her, and every time she stopped, he would start writing again. They finally finished. "Let's exchange papers," he said. They gave each other their lists. "Give mine back," his wife sheepishly pleaded when she glanced at his sheet. All down the page he had written:

"I love you, I love you, I love you."

There is a sense in which ministry is our way of saying to the world, "I love you, I love you, I love you." Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor of Willowcreek Community Church, says, "When a building is being constructed, the groundwork is critically important. if the foundation is faulty, the whole building will be unstable. If the foundation is solid, the building will be stable and stand firm under stress. The same is true when building loving relationships. We need to have a solid foundation on which to build. If we don't, the whole structure of the relationship is in danger. If we have a solid base of love, we can experience deep and meaningful relationships." (Bill Hybels)

Well, as you know, last week, we laid the concrete foundation for the newhope home! We literally laid that slab of concrete on hundreds of verses of Scripture and buried a Bible underneath the teaching platform. (Thanks to all the newhopers who sent verses)

Will you join me today in praying that God will keep laying a solid foundation of love in and through newhope church? Make no mistake about, as we build this building, what we are saying to the world is the same thing that husband said to his wife - I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU.

The Bible says this:

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (I Corinthians 13)