Loving my wife

Have you ever thought to yourself, "how does the resurrection effect my marriage?" Even deeper, "how does it effect me as a husband to my wife?"

These are deep thoughts that I had last Easter 2008. We were flying home from Portland, Or. when all of a sudden I had a deepining thought overcome my entire mind. This thought was of course the resurrection and how it effects every area of our lives, even so much as to pinpoint how we are to love our spouses. While sitting on the airplane next to my wife Chenille, I began to brainstorm some thoughts. Before I reveal them, I have to say first, that Chenille had no idea I was writing these thoughts while sitting right next to her. Unfortunately, it isn't until now that she will see these thoughts. I am glad that I can share that with whoever will take the time to read it. My thought is brief, but it hits to the heart of the matter quickly.

"I was thinking earlier today how much I love my wife. I began to think of how my role as a husband will effect her eternal worship. As I absorb the resurrection on this Easter day, I can't help but think of my love for my wife and how the resurrection effects me as a husband which effects her as a wife, mother, and follower of Christ.

How much deeper should my love for her be considering I am to be responsible in the home for her knowledge of Jesus?

Because of the resurrection, I must love Chenille as though the glory of God depends upon it. Jesus rising from the dead is my only base for being the husband and father I must be. The glory of Christ demands it!"

Christ, be glorified in my words, and Chenille be encouraged that your Savior has caused me to love you more than I could ever know.

Greg

The Standard by Which we are Judged.

Voddie Bachum, Jr. preached at First Baptist Euless this last Sunday for their Encourager Conference. Chenille, Ethan, and I along with friends were able to attend his sermon which addressed expository preaching. His sermon was an encouragement for future Pastor's as myself. His main input for the evening was that the word (God's word) is "the standard by which we are judged." His Sermon through 2 Timothy 4: 1-5 made me incredibly anxious to preach. It is definately encouraging to hear other God fearing men who want to expose the truth of Christ, rather than shying behind a "feel good" gospel (which is no gospel at all). I hope that if I live to be his age (39) that I can still look at the scriptures and say, "it is sufficient."

After the service, we were all able to wait and then hang out with Voddie and his son for a late night dinner. We were able to recieve this "hook-up" because of a good friend of ours. Anthony Moore had met Voddie a couple years ago at another conference. Ever since, him and Voddie have kept in touch. Therefore, we were able to meet him and have dinner. Dinner was fun. I got to ask him some questions about his latest book Family Driven Faith, and some advice for a young minister.

The evening was fun, and at the same time we were able to meet a man who literally preaches the gospel to the entire world.

Israel 2007-08

Things to know before watching the video:

1. The title page plays for 30 seconds and then the video starts. So be patient, or move the play bar forward to the 30 second mark.
2. Click play and then pause quickly to let the video load. This is to help avoid constant pausing while watching the video.
3. Lastly, no I did not create the video. Some guy I know at my school did it within a couple of hours (without much notice). Yeah, he's good at this stuff.

This video is for all those who supported us so that I could go to Israel this last winter. It was a great trip and I learned a lot. The video is arranged to give the viewer the idea of how we have come from the "wilderness" to redemption through the cross of Christ. The song that plays to the video is a song that I heard for the first time while on the trip. I immediately loved the song and thought it perfect for this video.

Our son trying to push-off with his feet

Family Altar Soars...

Family Altar has hit a consecutive all time high of two total meetings!

For those of you unaware. Chenille and I are doing what we call Family Altar. This is a time designated once a week for us to discuss faith, family, and finances. During this time we will pray, read scripture and recite the last weeks scripture memory. This is designed to help keep the idea of Deuteronomy 6 at the forefront of our home. Ok, before you become distraught with our "super-holiness," let me explain that this has taken over four years for us to establish. Believe me, this is a huge step. My mentor for the last two years has been encouraging me to begin a family altar. However, my rebellious nature wasn't for sure on how it would work out. For the last several years, Chenille and I have had a good relationship minus the family altar. Well...push come to shove, I finally realized that if I cannot be successful with the spiritual growth of my own family, then how the heck am I going to guide a flock of people who are not even related to me?! Another factor that helped me push the Deuteronomy 6 plan were the Jews. I was able to shortly observe the attitudes of orthodox Jews while I was in Israel and came to find out that men really do like to lead their families in godliness. Yes, I was able to pick up on that within a TWO WEEK time period. I believe the western world has a lot to learn from our Jewish friends.

Anyway, Family Altar is great because Chenille and I are able to communicate clearly once a week during our hectic lives, which in turn allows us to communicate through other avenues during the course of the week. It also provides a means to evaluate and keep our walk with Jesus in close check. Lastly, it helps us remember the usage of our possesions for the Kingdom of God.

I wanted to write this not to be boastful or a discouragement. Rather, I wanted it to be the opposite. If any of you struggle with family devotion times, do not feel alone. Chenille and I have been there for years. We have always talked about God and scripture together, but now it seems like we are actually going to be headed in an organized direction that is set upon a goal which is ultimately the Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Need for a Prophet

It has been very difficult for me to get some good quality Scripture reading and prayer time since our son Ethan was born. However, today in my short time of reading and reflection, I was able to meditate on the necessity for a prophet.

Unlike the Mormons misconstrued idea of modern day prophets, the evangelical world needs to reclaim the proper understanding of modern day prophets.

Before you raise the stone, let me explain...

Jeremiah 26:2 says, "'Thus says the LORD: Stand in the court of the LORD's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the LORD all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word..."

Reflection: As I was sitting on the couch with my son Ethan, I thought about this passage. What if George Bush addressed the nation and said something like this, "Fellow Americans, it is time for you to repent and follow Jesus Christ." Yes, highly unlikely. You could imagine, it would create an uproar. However, George Bush is not going to be the prophet for the modern day saint. Rather, it is the responsibility of those who have been called by God to preach the word. Jeremiah was a priest, not a president. He was called upon to prophesy to Judah the punishment that was to come because of their disobedience. Cursing the city of Jerusalem is not exactly a kind message that Judah wanted to hear from a prophet, but God commanded him to not "hold back a word."

Prophecy is defined as a form of proclamation, not fortune telling, or future predictions. Prophets exist today as much as in the time of Jeremiah. Preachers are our "modern day prophets." Men are called as preachers to proclaim with all boldness the gospel of truth to the nations. Preachers are not to "hold back a word" when it come to the scriptures. Every motive of the heart that needs to be addressed can be found in the scriptures. The church needs more bold prophets to continue to proclaim that message to a lost and dying world. The government is not going to proclaim that kind of message nor are they responsible for doing so.

In short, I am talking to myself and all those who are called to preach the word. Stop proclaiming a generic gospel full of self-help tips, and feel good testimonies. Rather, proclaim the gospel that exposes the whores that we are in comparison to the Holy God that created us. Expose the idols of t.v., books, music, sex, false gods, etc. and make it known that the God of this universe demands to be known and worshipped. Preachers, do not expect authorities to step up and be a voice. Many Kings have risen and done nothing but given thought only to themselves, but a true prophet has always been the voice heard and the voice rejected because it countered the desires of the flesh.

Preach the word! 2 Tim. 4:2

Sermon Reflection

This weeks sermon was done by Nick Ostermann (church starter). He is in the process of planting an Acts 29 church downtown Fort Worth. He preached at City View because our Pastor's wife had their fourth child Saturday morning.

1 Corinthians 1:10-25

I really enjoyed today's sermon. Nick covered the text well in corolation to modern context of the church. The duration of his message covered these three main targets of church division:

1. "Irritatingly Arrogant"-we as believers, become marketing agents for our churches as though they are the only Christ exalting organization in the entire community. We boast in how our churches serve coffee, entertain contemporary audiences, etc.
2. "Excessively Egotistical"-We desire to be recognized by popularity. We boast because our Pastors have blog sites, published books, radio time, and live feeds of their sermons. We associate ourselves to the success of our church and ministers as though to claim it as our own. Other churches now become more of a stinch than the enemy.
3. "Severly Self-Obsessed"-We become more concerned about personal prefrences than the gospel of Christ. Most times without recognition, we strive to replace God with ourselves. Christ is no longer the centrality of the churches vision.

These three tendancies that Nick revealed spoke much truth concerning the American church (as far as I have witnessed). Nick hammered the nail on the head when he said, "a dividing line that runs straight through humanity is the cross." According to the church at Corinth they were concerned on these elements that plague the church today. Paul reminds them that while they are concerning themselves with personal pride and arrogance, the real issue is the cross. Paul wants Corinth to understand that the cross is not the most attractive element to the church (v.18). Therefore, the church must accept that Jesus must be central attraction to the believer and the central stench to the world. People must not be attracted to the church for its worldly attributes, but for its worship of Christ.

Pictures at Target

Chenille Ethan and I went to Target today to take some pictures. This was a funny moment for me. Let me explain...We wanted to take a picture of Ethan in my hands while he was naked. A cute infant picture right? Cute indeed. However, the most hilarious moment happened. After we took Ethan's clothes and diaper off, I held him in my hands. Just as Chenille and I were laughing about how he has his tendencies to relieve himself at a whim, long behold a force of combusted wind had creased its way to freedom from between Ethan's butt cheeks and the palm of my right hand. While for a moment I was concerned there was an aftermath to follow, the next sixty seconds was the most difficult for me. My eyes were watering and in a deep haze as I held him into the camera target zone. Chenille, laughing and trying to compose herself was saying, "hold him still." That was a snapshot in time that I will never be able to get back, and surprisingly, do not want to reminisce that strong gust of the Atlantic trade winds between my index and middle finger. By the grace of God my hand stayed clear of all "brown" punishment and was able to finish the photo shoot.
Despite the extreme humor, we were able to take some great pictures. I'll post them up as soon as I can.

Just Getting Started...

For those of you who know me (Greg), blogging or getting on the internet is usually a rarety. However, I have been inspired to create this blog to Keep account and record of what is going on in our lives. Blogging should be the beginning for me to express the exaltation of Christ through our family. Who knows, maybe some will be encouraged or even provoked to listen to the voice of the Almighty through the testimony of our lives. While blogging for some may be an "out dated" event, as for me, I'm just getting started...