LOOKING THROUGH THE GLASS

You are looking at one of my favorite sights at our church. Stained glass speaks to me in powerful ways...non-verbally. The glass is beautiful, but its radiance comes from the sunlight that flows through it. The combination of art and sunlight moves me beyond myself; I tend to loose my train of thought, staring at its beauty. Like anyone else, I get absorbed in my own issues and I need a lift. Worship lifts me.

Worship, at its best, changes our present focus to the Eternal. Worship should be an experience of transcendence. In that sense, it is a removal from our context to be with God. Paul shared one of his transcending experiences this way: "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell." (2 Corinthians 12:2-4,NIV). Perhaps Paul was needing his spirits lifted...he needed to be alone with God. Paul lost sight of his surroundings as he focused upon God's greatness. Worship strengthened Paul to return and face his issues.

This stained glass window was given in honor of Dan Campbell, by family and friends. Worship is also a gift...from God to us. Let the Light of God's love flow through you as you spend time with Him. Blessings, Pastor Al

Am I Missing Something?

Will there be a Mongolian restaurant in Goldsboro, NC? Two years ago, I would have said it will never happen. Now...there are two viable Mongolian resturants. Never say never!

I can remember eating Mongolian food for the first time. It was different. But I had to try it at least once. You never know what you are missing...if you don't try it. Most people in our town haven't eaten a Mongolian dish. They drive by these places and stick with choices that are familiar. Some, who choose to drive by, would really like Mongolian...if they just gave it a chance.

Church is like that, for a lot of people. Maybe they went to one or two...a long long time ago. They got the idea that the're all alike. So some pass by an experience they might really like. Many have never bothered to check it out for themselves.

Much like restaurants, churches have their own distinctive flavors. If you really looked, one of them serves nourishment that suits your taste and hunger. This returns us to the original question, "Am I missing something?" Churches exist to worship God...He meets us there in satisfying ways. Try it...you'll like it.

TEACHING REVIVAL

Dr. John Oswalt gave up a weekend to minister to the Goldsboro Wesleyan Church. He preached Friday and Saturday nights and both services on Sunday. The stand out event for me was the Saturday morning teaching on the Book of First John. Dr. Oswalt has given his life to Biblical scholarship. More importantly, Dr. Oswalt has given his life to Jesus Christ. Thus, John Oswalt has a great heart and a great mind...a rare combination.

Would we expect less, than teaching on total obedience to Jesus, by a man who has surrendered his life to the Son of God? Dr. Oswalt's life is a blessing to all that come in contact with him. Your life and my life can also make a difference. We can trust God, in the most practical way possible...with our lives. Everything committed to God is stamped with Divine Greatness. Finish strong! Pastor Al

Not Just Another Saturday - Let's Go!

Not EVERYTHING we get at the post office is junk mail. When I received an invitation to join a group of pastors on a re-fueling operation...I adjusted my schedule! Now, I am going to share a few quick posts to share the excitement.

They told us to dress warm...so we did. Our service personnel prepared us for each step of the way. Those not in uniform, are probably pastors. They provided us with temporary IDs, but we were not hard to pick out.


Just remember. You can't take off unless you get on board. Here we go...it's flight time!

Not Just Another Saturday - Crew Chief

While the pilots 'do their thing' somebody has to take charge of the rest of the plane.

The crew chief constantly monitors the mechanics of the plane, the cargo, and who ever happens to be behind the cockpit. I guess that includes me. All I know is that...when he spoke...we responded. Don't let that smile fool you!

Here he is showing me how to enter the tail of the plane, where is action is going to take place. Are you ready?

Not Just Another Saturday - Who's in Charge?

Wish I could tell you my seat was in the cockpit...no such luck! However, I have been known to give some back seat advice. They told me, "Leave the driving to us!"

Our pilots have dedicated their careers in being worthy of our trust. We will soon see the skill demonstrated by this flying team.

Rarely can we accomplish great things alone. We surround ourselves with people dedicated to a higher commitment. Are you on the team?

Not Just Another Saturday - Up Close & Personal

Flights can be routine, but the appearance of this C-17 made this flight special. I have never seen a refueling operation in progress. First-things-first, you have to get up close and personal.

Both planes are moving pretty fast...they have to get in sync. Things are not really going to happen at this distance. We are talking about flying close.

Risk for the right reasons has it's reward. The hard part is knowing when & Who to trust.