I’m exited about my sermon tomorrow. Its called stop shopping. I guess it’s a provocative title. It’s about materialism versus spitituality set against the backdrop of the economic crisis we are facing. I’ve posted a video in the Vod Pod section that shows how the economists can get it horribly wrong but there a few who get it right. Lay up your treasures in heaven.

It’s 9 am and I’m tired. I don’t like that but its been a tough week in a number of ways. I’m at home with my 4 year old who is sick and it is my wife’s last day at work as she begins maternty leave. There is still alot of things to do before our new son arrives. I’m exited but I’m thinking I won’t be able to get everything done. Alot it going on, frankly life is crazy but “it shall come to pass”.

In everything give thanks for this is the will of the Lord concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It’s not his desire that you face trouble stress or trial. Its His will that you give thanks!

Whatever your political convictions you’ll have to agree that history was made tonight. I exited and and amazed at what has taken place tonight. I have to confess that I didn’t think he could do it when her first announced. To me this was too steep as mountain to climb. I have never had some much joy in discovering that I was wrong. I will draw courage and strength to pursue my dreams and the vision of a better tomorrow on earth and the Kingdom of God that is to come.

You probably received the same e-mail I did. Nearly everyone I know, in the “SDA world” has received it. Here a section from it:

7) Avoid traveling in September, 2008 as barriers and check points will be erected.  Those who do not have their papers or are on their round-up list will be imprisoned, exiled, enslaved, or decapita ted.  Yes, they do have such a list as we have read from several sources about this list.  Interestingly, we know that s ome of these sources do not know about the other sources, making what they say more credible.  They have a red list (those to be executed immediately) and a blue list (those to be put in concentration camps for “re-education.”) These people will probably not survive either.

OK yes I picked one of most sensational parts of e-mail but I’m trying to keep your attention. Forgive me. The email is essentially about how the financial crisis that the world is currently wrestling with will lead to marshal law being declared, US elections beings suspended, mass executions and Sunday Law! Its Now October 2008 and things haven’t gone the way that the writer suggests. By pointing out that fact I’m not suggesting that there this is all foolishness. I would suggest that at the very least the financial crisis should make all or us take a second look at the books of Revelation and Daniel so we can share with our friends and family.

Some folks are looking to sell up and move to the country, get survival training, go back to the Caribbean, some are paying off their debts. Whatever your response is make sure its as a result of the leading of the Holy Spirit and with a foundation in the Word of God.

We are paying down debts, looking to be more self sufficient, consume less, save, slow down, spend more time in the Bible and prayer.
LUKE 21;28 “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (New American Standard Bible)

28 When all this starts to happen, up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way!” (message)

If nothing else this crisis provides a opening for us to speak to folks about the things of God and his soon coming.

check out the link below for some audio that came with the e-mail. It will get you thinking and praying, I promise.

Pastor David Gates in Guam

My wife, Yvette is expecting our third child and the baby is due in January. We have two boys and we have discovered that our new arrival is going to be a boy too. We had to laugh as we watched the screen in the doctors office. Three boys! This is going to be interesting.

I’ve been thinking about and dealing with the issue of disunity in the church. It can be a really tough issue to deal with. I’ve done a lot of praying and study on the issue. This stuff does not just go away by itself. It has to be dealt with.

I came across some good counsel from Rick Warren.

1. Avoid situations that cause arguments. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:23-24 (NIV): “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.

2. Teach troublemakers to repent. 2 Timothy 2:25-26 (NIV) says, “Those who oppose him [the pastor] he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”

3. Warn those causing trouble that their negative words hurt others. 2 Timothy 2:14 (NIV) says, “Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words. It is of no value and only ruins those who listen.”

4. Make a plea for harmony and unity. Paul did this in Philippians 4:2 (NIV). He said, “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.” There were two very strong willed women in the church named Euodias and Syntyche who were causing so much friction in the church that Paul’s plea for them to stay united is in the Bible.
5. Rebuke with authority if necessary. Paul says in Titus 2:15-3:1, “These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.” You may need to confront the contentious person as well.

6. Remove them from the church if they ignore two warnings. Titus 3:10-11 says, “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” No pastor wants to do this, but at last resort you may need to remove the contentious person from the church. You’ve got to protect the unity of your church. If that means getting rid of troublemakers, do it.

The Bible teaches that as the church grows, Satan will do everything he can to cause division. Even well meaning people, even believers, can be used as tools of Satan to hurt the body of Christ. As pastors, as shepherds of God’s people, it’s our job to protect our congregations from Satan’s greatest weapon – disunity. It’s not always easy, but it’s what we’ve been called to do.

See the full article here.

Last week was Vacation Bible school at our church. Its always a lot of fun and a great way to minister to the kids of the community. The theme this year is Castles and Crowns. Every night the kids learned about a King or a Queen in the Bible. Its great to see the kids learn new songs, do crafts, get introduced to Biblical themes.

Half the kids that came I have never seen before. I was the Town Crier. It was a lot of fun but also a bit embarrassing. I wore a frilly shirt and some other not so manly stuff! Its good to plan to make a fool of yourself sometimes. I could read some people minds, “why is he doing that?….he’s a Pastor”

One thing I have never seen before is the kids get so animated in the song service section of the program. Waving arms, jumping up and down, really getting into it. It turned into a praise and worship service by Wednesday.

Like most prayer meetings our prayer meeting was a bit of singing, a lot of discussion and a bit of prayer. It was prayer meeting in name only. It was really a midweek Bible study. The Lord is leading me to elevate prayer in the life of the church. I have to be honest I was a bit skeptical about folk who would go on and on about prayer. I’ve been through many, many weeks of prayer only to see my church, college or wherever turn out to be the same as it ever was few months later. I’ve already blogged about our revival. That was another experience that has let me to where we are now. Prayer meeting needs to be about prayer. We need to be about the business of calling upon God to move in our lives.

The elders and I are running seminar When God’s People Pray by Jim Cymbala. Its incredibly powerful stuff. The seminar is a mixture of Bible teaching and testimonies from members of the Brooklyn Tabernacle church who have experienced powerful life transformations due to the power of God manifested in an environment of prayer. I’ve encouraged members to invite people to what we will call our prayer service. I’m exited about what God will do for us.

This week and next week I’m preaching two sermons on prayer but we’ll also be giving extra time in the service for prayer. I don’t want to just be talking about prayer and not take the time to pray!