Early Morning Repentance

I woke up this morning with an unconfessed sin on
my mind. I stumbled into the living room and did what
I thought was necessary...I got the Word out and hit my knees!
I read through several Psalms - 38, 51, 102, 130 - All of them
David's prayers for mercy and forgiveness. And, it was amazing,
before long the guilt and torment washed away and the peace of
God swept through me like a river. I am so grateful for God; I cannot
imagine what life without Redemption would be like.

Thank You God - your mercy endures forever!

JC

Hello...again

Okay, so I turned 33 yesterday...I have decided to make
it my commitment to try and blog every day. I don't think
anyone even reads this, but for my own personal goal
I am going to blog about what I have studied that day and what
God has shown me. This is my "33"resolution...I am going to
do my best at this and for some reason MAYBE someone will
stumble onto the babbling and meanderings and MAYBE it
will help them...

JC

What to preach???

Our elders have invited a missionary to speak Nov. 30th.
This is a great thing and a much needed visitation for us
here at Kansas. The only minute problem is that I was in the
middle of a series and this has to be postponed until December.
UGH! (Charlie Brown again)...Now, I do not know what to preach this
Sunday. I know the Lord will show me, but still...oh well
Less of me and more of Him!

JC

Good Day

Today was a good day...
We had a good morning in worship, good men's meeting
and a great singing tonight. Devo went very well.
I am extremely worn out tonight. I am taking tomorrow off.
I have sweatpants on I am enjoying life.

JC

Fireproof - A+

My wife and I went and saw the movie, Fireproof, last night
in Grove. Some of the best $14.00 (21 with popcorn and a drink)
I have ever spent. The folks at Sherwood (Facing the Giants) are getting
better and better. I recommend it to every husband and wife, those
engaged, and teenagers who aspire to be married.

JC

I should be grateful

As I woke up this morning, a dark shadow was cast over my
bed... I HAVE TO REFEREE TODAY - Ugh! (Per Charlie Brown)
Every week I say that I am going to retire...and every week there
I am on a Saturday, running around, chasing children and blowing a
whistle.I know I should be thankful for this opportunity for extra
money & exercise, but I just cannot shake the fact that I just do not
want to do it. Then I remembered what Paul wrote in 1 Thes. 5:16-18.
"Be joyful always; Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
FOR THIS IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS (My caps)."
So, as I play that verse in my mind all day - this (I Hope) will help me
become motivated.

Lord, I want to follow your will.

JC

Crown without a Cross

Last week and for the next two weeks, I am
preaching on the concept of gaining our crown
(eternal righteousness) by taking up our cross
(daily sacrifice). I have been reading the book
The Jesus I Never Knew by Phillip Yancey and he
has some wonderful thinking points... When Jesus
was tempted 3 times by Satan, the devil was offering
Him a easy way out - the ability to achieve glory without
having to go through the pain - - - the crown without
the cross. As I have been studying this and Heb. 2:14-18,
4:15-16 and Heb. 5:8-9, I see that Jesus went through
EXACTLY what we do...Satan offers us the crown without
the cross everyday! Temporary satisfaction over eternal
glory...That is why Jesus said in Luke 9:23 - "Take up your
cross DAILY and follow me..." And...this temptation and
trial is necessary for growth and for learning God's perfect
will for our lives!

Thank God for the example of Jesus Christ for our lives - so we
can see how He handled these tests of temporary greatness.

JC

Its been a while

I have not wrote in a while...Been very busy
I have been to Branson, preached another funeral
and learned a lot about God. I am tired today
and trying to relax all day long...Not always easy,
though.

JC

VACATION

I am so excited...I will be taking a vacation to Branson this weekend. I am taking "off" Thursday thru Monday - - - No worries, studying for lessons, all the above - - - I am ready to get away for a little while. Not too far because 35 from the congregation here are going as well! It will be enjoyable and well deserved...

I'm loving it

JC

Fall - My favorite

I love this time of year. The change from summer to autumn is
one of my favorite times of year. The colors, the temperature,
football, and jackets - I love it. It reminds me of coaching soccer
for so many years, trying to get practice in before 7:00. It reminds
me of being a kid and pumpkins and candy and dressing up. It reminds
me of how God changes the world around us so quickly and easily...and
how it takes so long for us to change. But the other thing to ponder is
that God has to change these things every year - not once and done.
That is like us, isn't it? Continually changing...

JC

Back to normal (whatever that means)

The past few days have been so hectic... but there have
been parts that I have enjoyed. Namely, Amy being home.
It has been nice to get up and go somewhere, kind of like
in the summer. It does make it harder to study and what
not but I will take it. Also, I haven't been keeping up with the
chores either - back to normal! The place has got out of hand
these past few days...it will not ake long to get it back in shape.

Maybe, Amy can just retire and we live off my lucrative
ministry salary. . .

Maybe...

JC

My First Funeral

I officiated my first funeral today. It was the funeral
of probably my best friend in the congregation, Mack Bowles.
He was 82, a dear friend, and a great warrior for Christ. I hope
I did my best to please the family and honor my friend.
Everyone told me that I did a good job - I appreciate their
comments. I even had one person tell me that he was ready to die so
that I could do his; another lady told me that I could do hers as well.
If it all the same, I don't think I want to lose any more friends
right now...

JC

Essentials of a Christian

I was reading in Matthew 6 today and saw three basic
and simple essentials for the Godly person in the Kingdom.
Giving, Praying and Fasting...I have done a pitiful job with the
first one, a horrendous job with the second one and have never
tried the third. I think I will attempt the third this Friday - - -
The other two I will work on.

JC

I love a rainy Saturday

These kinds of days are so relaxing.
Nothing to do outside (raining)...football
on the tube, snacks a plenty, a little laundry...
WHAT A DAY! Every once in a while it is nice to
these days.

JC

Worn out

Sometimes the best days are the most tiresome ones.
We had a great Lord's Day yesterday - very busy, though.
We began our prayer time in the morning for the service -
there were 4 of us there, very productive. Good class
(New teachers, new subjects) - also productive.
Excellent worship time as well, God was definately present.
We had an area wide singing at Colcord - good to see friends
and loved ones there. I am very tired today - am relaxing and
TRYING to take the day off. I need this from time to time -
a good "vegged out"kind of day...

JC

Good Day

Today was a very good day...
I FINALLY got my sermons finished and ready (not typed)
I got to spend the day with Ames; that's always a cool time.
Also got to referee a high school match at Cookson Hills - lots
of fun... easy money.
Ready for another college football Saturday!
Sooners play @ 2:30!

JC

Lazy Monday

Today is Labor's Day and it has been a lazy day (really a lazy old weekend).
It has been nice having Amy and the kids home this weekend.
I have watched a lot of football and ate lots of food.
I have to get back on schedule tomorrow - cleaning, studying,
working, etc. But for today I will be lazy.

Good Lord's Day yesterday. A good Labor Day crowd - 76
We went to Jay last night for preacher exchange - enjoyable.
I am thankful and grateful for all things.

JC

Sunday Morning

There is just something different about Sunday morning.
I guess attending church every Sunday since I was a little
guy has programmed me to be worshipping at some place
come the first day of the week. But I feel like it is more than
just a traditional or habitual practice on my part...I feel like
this is the day set aside to remember and fellowship with God.
- Learning and/or teaching others God's Word
- Singing praises to Him, telling Him how much we are thankful
- Breaking the bread/Partaking of the fruit of the vine...always
mindful of what the cost really was
- Offering a portion of God's goodness and blessings back to Him
- FOR ME - preaching God's Word - trying to help someone in
their walk.
- The union of saints, the fellowship of believers

These all play a part in my love for Sunday. Being a Christian is
for sure a Monday thru Sunday job, do not get me wrong. But
this is the day we get participate with others in worshipping the
Almighty. What a privilege!

JC

LONG WEEK

This has seemed like a very long week though it
has been a productive one. Amy starts school next
week so I have been trying to keep the house cleaned
up for her and take care of dinner. That, plus some things
got done at church I needed to do as well. Alex started
home school as well, so that has been a challenge also
(just trying to get a schedule down really). I am so
excited about today - College football! ALL DAY LONG.
I have about 3 or 4 games slated for the entire day -
I am going to be lazy - I cannot wait!

JC

HOPE IN THE ALMIGHTY

I am really try to pray for Hope in the Almighty.
That these things which trouble us most would be laid
at the feet of the King. We have many in the congregation
that are struggling - sickness, spiritually, financially, etc. My
prayer is that they put their faith in the Almighty. Allow God
to be ruler of all things, allow God to shine His greatness and love
upon the things which hinder our service to Him. God will win -
He will be triumphant, His will surpasses all things.

JC

GOOD DAY

This has been another great Lord's day.
God has been so good!
Third week in a row we have had over 80 in
attendance. Tonite we had 58 there - awesome!
I am tired and worn out and I think I am taking tomorrow
off. I need to be renewed a bit!

JC

VBS TODAY!

VBS starts in about 3 hours and I am excited.
I am looking forward to seeing how many kids we have
but also the talent of the congregation here at Kansas...
I am anxious to see them in action. I am praying that
all goes smoothly (whatever that means) and that we
all get along most of the day.
Are we ready?
I guess we had better be, huh.

JC

CHANGE:HARD TO BUDGE

Isn't it wonderful when we are prompted to do
things we have never done before? There's a little
bit of uneasiness at first, but once the feat is
accomplished, the feeling is hard to beat. I think
my resistance to change stems not from the actual
event or new adventure but the pondering and thinking
of the change before it happens. I spin around like a top
before, worrying about all and everything...then beam
like the sun when it is accomplished. God, help me to
have confidence to budge when need be - grant me
courage to be flexible.

JC

SIMPLICITY

I am striving for simplicity in my sermons.
Not that I am a theological giant by any means
but I am striving for simple lessons on the power
of God. Simple lessons on God's ability to overcome
and overmatch any opponent that comes our way - -
be it sin, situations or circumstances. I am learning that
God in charge is so much better than Jimmy in charge.
It's difficult and it hurts (growth does that) but I am
seeing more and more. Thank You LORD!

JC

SUNDAY

Another great day to be able to come and fellowship with God
with my brothers and sisters. A good song service (my father-n-law
was leading, he did great), a good crowd (83), lots of visitors, and
the Word of God - what more can you ask for.
I preached on God's power and our tendecy to make
Him so small...I had another 25 minutes of sermon, but I
cut it off. God gave me a lot to say!
We are working on VBS - it is both exciting and time consuming!
I love the opportunity to serve.
Good men's meeting - building is coming along nicely!

JC

WHY CAN'T I JUST LEAVE IT THERE?

Dear God

Why can't I just take every burden, problem, decision, and
issue and lay it at the foot of the cross? Why can I not just
let you be in control and me give up the reins? You are so
big and powerful and always have my best interest in mind.
Yet, I still want to try and figure it all out on my own. Noah
worked for 100 YEARS before he saw any rain! How can I
not wait on the Lord for just a short time? How can I be so
impatient and ungrateful for the now? Thank you for patience,
endurance and gumption. Please help me take these things in my
mind, my heart, my soul, and leave them up to you...I am so
little and puny compared to you. I want to retire from worry and
place myself in your arms!

JC

SEVERAL THINGS

First things first
A great worship service this morning!
Some friends from Skiatook came up for service and that
was a nice blessing. We had 81 in attenance this morning
which is good for us. I preached on being thankful
for what Jesus Christ did for us. One of our elders who had
been out of town was back today - we welcomed him with open arms!

The other thing...Amy has to go to work tomorrow. She is dreading
life...I hope that she finds some motivation.

That's all
JC

THIS HAS BEEN A LONG DAY

This day has seemed liked it has lasted 36 hours long!
We went to Tulsa today...
Things I dislike about Tulsa:

- Traffic
- Lots of people
- Crowded stores
- Stoplights (I have been in Kansas too long)
- Long Lines
- Traffic
- Expressways
- Traffic

It was good to get away though - - - I am
glad it is a once in a while thing; not all the time!

JC

SO MUCH TO SAY

I am so pleased with my God!
He had so much to say today through me...it was amazing.
I have figured it out with sermon delivery - - -
LESS OF ME AND MORE OF HIM!

I am excited to preach next week...and the next...
and the next...and the next...

This morning I spoke on our unity from God's inheritance
from John 17 - - - United by the blood, we should be one.
Tonight - - -The kingdom of God is for the stumblers
and the seekers of the world who give up everything
for Christ - - -Worth all of it!

Thanks God

JC

CHRISTIAN, HUSBAND, FATHER

My new prayer is this:

That I would be simply three things:

CHRISTIAN

A godly man who serves the Lord with gladness and

enjoys service for the Master. A person

who does his honest best to search the Word of God

earnestly and wholeheartedly.

HUSBAND

A man devoted to being the spiritual leader in the home.

A man who commits himself to being the rock in the home,

to teach and help my wife be who she wants and needs

to be. To put God first in every spiritual, emotional, and

financial decision made in the home.

FATHER

In a world of chaos, being the strong support in my

daughter's life. To bring her up in a godly way and to always

seek His approval in her handling. To do my very best

to give her each and everyday the teaching and godly advice

that she needs

Lord,

Help me to be these things. I have been so caught

up with Jimmy and not what I should be caught up in.

Forgive me where I fail you - guide me and direct me.

Thanks

JC

I'VE GOT HER HOOKED

My wife is addicted...to blogging. She is writing all the time and she "fancied" mine up as well.
I dig it...
I had a good day today.
I found out some info that could change some things in my life for the better.
I am prayerfully considering a major happening & I am so excited about it.
Tomorrow's Sunday...
I am somewhat prepared - - - it will be an interesting lesson on unity.

God is good.
JC

LACK OF CONTENT

I am distinctively remember sometime back in December complaining to someone about how cold it was. I think it was at the Post Office, commenting to a stranger. His reponse was simple: "We will be complaining about the heat when summer comes around..." As I walk outside today and the mercury hits 100, those words come haunting in my ears. I found myself complaining about how hot it is.
WOW...
I cannot be content for anything, can I?
That is how I should be in all things - - -content for what it is not what I want it to be.
Content no matter what...

Just like Paul - Content with the big bank account or beans and toast for breakfast...
Maybe one of these days I will understand.

JC

I'M FRUSTRATED

Why can we not just all get along?
If we are bought with the SAME blood, by the SAME Christ,
for the SAME purpose,
why is there turmoil and stress in the church?
Is this was Jesus had in mind (Matt. 16:18)?
It cannot be, can it?

When will we throw off what makes us divided and put on what unites us?
1 Peter 4:8 - "Love will cover a multitude of sins" (NKJV)
That means that love covers, hides, conceals all the things which separate us...
I just wish we could figure this out!

JC

CHILDISH WAYS

Something hit me this morning when I woke up.
Not literally but in the mind...
I am a big toddler sometimes. I don't mean in the good ways either - I mean in the way I react and handle people, problems, personal issues in my life.
- Throwing tantrums
- Blaming everyone else
- Making excuses
- Acting out instead of acting right

Sad...but I am seeing more and more each and everyday.
God, help me to grow up!

JC

WHEN WILL I BE GREAT

I watched a "Sports Century" piece on Carl Yastremski today, the great Boston Red Sox player from 1961 - 1983. Being a new fan of the Sox, I try to read and watch all I can on their history. "Yaz" was an interesting story...A highly touted player, he began his career with the Sox at at the grand old age of 20. He was said to be the next Ted Williams, the greatest Sox player ever...but he was average, mediocre, and ordinary his first 6 years. Everyone expected and waited for greatness but it just never came. The fans grew weary of waiting for "Yaz" to be great. In the winter of '67 though, something happened. He met up with a trainer that changed his life. He was made to work hard and get in shape. He was pushed to the limit physically. And it paid off...He would hit over 40 home runs in 1968, winning the triple crown as well. He was finally the player he was supposed to be, who he needed to be.
What was the change?
Discipline, hard work, getting serious...
Maybe you have asked that question, "When will I be great for God?"
And you go through the motions spiritually, no discipline, no hard work, not taking your faith seriously...
Maybe you have spent your Christian life waiting to do great things for God, but not putting in the work necessary to be great...

Think about it today - - -Are you as disciplined as you should?

JC

MY "FORMER" YOUTH GROUP

I stumbled on some old pics today...
My old soccer team from Skiatook
The magnificent, spectacular, amazing RED HOTS.

I miss them from time to time.

JC

JUST LIKE OLD TIMES

Yesterday was an interesting day at the Kansas Church of Christ.
On Saturday, we realized that the central air unit was on the fritz and could not be fixed until Monday...So we had an old-fashioned service.
- Fans, windows and doors open, and lots of sweat.

I cut my sermon down to about 13 minutes (good for me)
It is amazing - nobody complained about me talking less (go figure)

It was not bad, however. It was just different
Would I do it all the time? Not if didn't have to.
But I am sure I could get used to it.

God allows us to worship in the fanned auditoriums or the air-conditioned ones
It also had a feel of a some church in another country...

It was a great experience to say the least.
Thanks God

JC

BACK FROM CAMP

I think I have finally caught up on sleep!
After 2 weeks of church camp - I've finally recovered.
Some things that this "old" camper learned last week:

- God is a huge and powerful God
- Praying for a good week works over and over
- Life is not a list of what not to do but one thing alone: Drawing near to God!
- Church camp counselors working together are no different than my old factory days- everyone has a talent and we are all working for a common goal
- Kids of all ages get excited when we as counselors get excited
- I am glad to be home!

JC

MINI-CAMP

We just returned from Mini-Camp yesterday. 3 and a half days with 7, 8, and 9 year olds - was a blast! We enjoyed ourselves - now getting ready for Grove Week - looking forward to greatly...
JC

ONE MORE GAME

The Celtics just have one more...
somewhere Haviclek, Cowens, Russell, and Cousy are smiling!

JC

A NBA FAN'S DREAM

Every kid born from 1970 - 1975 is salivating right now:

CELTICS VS. LAKERS IN THE NBA FINALS

Bird / Magic

McHale / Worthy

Parish / Abdul- Jabbar

And now?

Kobe / The Big 3

I am very excited...Thursday, June 5th @ 7:30 CST

JC

IT'S BEEN A FEW DAYS

It has been a few days since I last wrote...I have been busy with officiating and helping a couple in the congregation who are moving. I am glad summer is here - though it is about to get very busy for me - study-wise...I am ready - God is good

JC

STEEL TOE SHOES OR SANDALS?

When I was a technician at the Tulsa Bus Plant for many years, we were required to wear steel toe shoes at work. Why? I found out a few times when I decided to break the rules - something can fall on your foot and it really hurts. Imagine if I had wore sandals to work - my exposed toes would have been smashed, stepped on or lost for good...

I have a fear of having my toes stepped on, how about you?
I do not mean by a forklift or fellow employee; I mean by the Word of God...
Not a day goes by that something doesn't pierce me, break me or enlighten me to new understanding - sometimes it makes me uncomfortable...
I worry sometimes that my sermons will do the same - that the ones who I have been commissioned to inspire and teach will leave with bruised toes.

But isn't that why Paul tells us to have our feet "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Eph. 6:15, KJV)...If we would start wearing better shoes (BIBLE), maybe our feet wouldn't hurt so bad on Mondays anymore.
I think it's time to put away the sandals!

JC

GO CELTICS!

How about them Celtics!!!!
World Champions 2007-2008...

SLOW TO ANGER?

I have never been very good at video games...From Nintendo to Sega to Playstation to Wii, I am brutal! I am getting beat by 30 points by a 12 year old from church and I begin to get angry...yes, that's right, angry. I accuse him of cheating; I accuse him of "rigging" the game; I accuse him of any and all things I can think of. I mean, I am really upset! Wow, that's sad. I don't think Jesus' brother James knew about video games when he wrote the words, "slow to anger"...there's no way that can apply to this...Or can it. What separates the Christian from the outsiders (those not in the Family yet) is our reaction to difficulty. Our slowness to anger:

- Car's in the shop 5 hours instead of two - slow!
- Boss just gave you a assignment at 4:48 Friday afternoon - slow!
- Daughter just broke your only pair of glasses Sunday morning at 9:00 - slow!

Over and over we are faced with opportunities for anger slowness...
Me, I am going to go continue to get beat and practice that slow thing...

JC

WHAT THINGS REALLY MATTER

I was driving Thursday somewhere in the direction of Siloam Springs, when I noticed something in the middle of Highway 412. A small, Elmo stuffed animal...it looked as if it has seen better days - dirty, grimy, used up. I wondered how long ago it was a child begged and pleaded for that toy - parents fought thru other parents in the wee hours of the Friday after Thanksgiving, grandparents driving to the next state to get the prize...How important that small little item was only to be ran over by semis and sedans - I drove by today and saw it on the side of the road - practically on its last leg. Isn't amazing what we chase yet are so afraid to chase the will of God?
We will spend time, money, and savings for the toy, video game, and fishing boat, but spending the effort to seek the things of God aren't as necessary. I understand, I think, what Jesus meant by seeking treasures that moth and rust can't destroy...I think that I know what Paul meant we he said not to get too excited about anything - It may just end up in the middle of 412 someday.
My prayer is that I chase Godly things and get excited about those instead...