​This season that we have been going through in 2020 has been, well how do I put it, exhausting, strange, started off exciting and then back to the exhausting and draining part.  Who is with me?  But then again, here lately, I have been reflecting on all the things that I have been able to ponder during this time away.  One thing that has come to mind is that this has been by far the strangest start that I have had with a new church.  Now I know that we arrived in September, but we were just getting started with getting to know so many of you and then, boom, just like that it is see you in 4-6 months!  Number two, I have been thinking about how each of you are doing.  I would love to set up times to come and sit at your back porch or screen door and just hang out while seeing your faces.  I am such a people person, and this has been exceedingly difficult to undergo and I know that I am not alone in this.  Lastly, I am excited about where Central can possibly go amid this new normal and then possibly a new normal that might appear once things are back.  I am excited about the opportunities that this faith family WILL embark upon!  I am excited about the lives that WILL change because of the faith and discipleship of the faith family that makes up Central!  I say WILL because that is what the church was established to do.  God established HIS church to be more than Sunday and Wednesday attenders.  God established HIS church to be an instrument that WILL lead lost souls to Him.  God established HIS church to SEE injustice, hurting, sickness, pain, hunger, thirst and on and on.  God established HIS church to SEE these things and then to do something about it.  And this is exactly what Central WILL do!  Why?  Because we are the church!  We are the body of Christ!  So then, who is with me?
Think about it.  Pray about it. God bless.

​I’ve been doing a lot of reading through Ephesians these last few days due to the fact that we are beginning an evening devotional series, Monday through Saturday nights at 8:00 PM, and we are first going to be doing a study through the book of Ephesians.  There is so much to unpack in this book.  So much relevant truth for any season of life, so then, we need to spend some quality and quantity time going through this book.  One of the major themes that jumps off the pages in the first chapter alone is this line of thinking and living for those “In Christ.”  Along those lines, I want you to know or be reminded that life in Christ is sufficient.  In Him, we find all that we need and then some.  So then, my encouragement to you is that you will seek out all that you need from the Savior.  He is our answer for peace, grace, love, redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, hope and so much more!  Then after you find the answer, share it!
Think about it.  Pray about it. God bless.

​As I was preparing my lesson for this Sunday, I was watching a video on RightNow Media by Pastor Eric Mason on Race, Justice & the Church; and as I am continuing to process all that he said, I am continually blown away and challenged by his words.
No matter what we are experiencing in this life, COVID-19, racial injustice, etc., we still find ourselves left in a moment where we must respond.  We cannot sit back and remain silent about how the trials and struggles and tensions of this world impact us to our very core.  We must be a people of action.  We must be a people who are led by the Creator of all things who commissions us to speak justice, love mercy and to walk humbly.  We cannot sit back while other human beings, no matter the color of their skin, are suffering due to injustice.  We must lean in and listen.  We must be present to hear what may very well end up being uncomfortable conversations.  We must SEE with Christ-like lenses and not culturally grown lenses.
As we experience life, moments occur that lead us to see life and do life in different ways.  COVID-19 has challenged us to adapt to a life where we cannot be around people like before.  Going forward, I do not know how life will be, but I know it will be different.  Just like things will be different for the Floyd family and so many others.  Let us create a new way of responding to difficult seasons like COVID-19 and horrific situations like that of racial injustice.  May we be intentional in taking the right steps to stand up for all of humanity and to listen to all of humanity, so that, we can be one in Christ.  May we not be spiritual actors or hypocrites.  May we be a people, who claim the title of Christian, be those who speak in loving ways and listen intently, so that we live life together in this life and in eternity.
Think about it.  Pray about it. God bless.

​Like you, I have been experiencing more change or adapting then I ever thought I was capable of handling in a two-month period.  Amid this process, I have learned a lot about myself.  I have learned that when I let go and let God handle my difficult moments, it is in these moments where I gain some strength and understanding.  I wish that I could tell you that I have let go and let God 100% of the time, but sadly that is not the case.  In the beginning, this awareness stressed me out with the knowledge that I am not “all in” like I should be or like I encourage others to be in my sermons.  It was then in this moment, that I remembered that God is not done with me yet and he is not done with you yet either. 
So then, in this season, we have an opportunity to develop new expectations.  Take the time to journal the things that you want to accomplish in this season and the season to come as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Look to challenge yourself in the ways that let your life be a story that tells others of the Savior who came and lived and died and rose, so that we could live!
Think about it.  Pray about it. God bless.

​Three letters that form a powerful word.  A word that responds to so many situations, and can in turn, bring about so many more questions.  Why is this happening?  Why did they do that?  Why am I feeling this way?  Why?  Why?  Why?  But how does the meaning change or how is it used when we address God and not our fellow human beings?  You see, it is one thing to ask why something is happening to each other, but it is something different to ask it to God; or am I alone in this thinking?  Since I believe that I am not alone in this, let me take a few moments to respond to this question.
First off, asking why to God is not a lack of faith.  When we ask God why things are happening the way that they are, it does not mean that we do not trust Him, it simply means that we are looking for answers to our current situation.  It may have more to do with our doubting of our own abilities to both survive and thrive in what is happening, and this is when we have the opportunity to connect with Paul when he said that when we are weak, He is strong.  Second, why is often what we ask when we are in pain.  Pain comes in all forms.  Pain is physical.  Pain is emotional.  It is also mental and spiritual, and when we experience, we often ask why. 
So, as you go through this season, please do not be afraid to ask why, but in the end of it all, let us be intentional in where our why questions are addressed.  Also, take heart in knowing that even our Savior asked why.  Jesus was not doubting when He asked why God the Father had forsaken Him when He hung on the cross.  He was in pain, and remember, pain comes in all forms.  But questions are formed for one.
Think about it.  Pray about it. God bless.

​During this season of unknown, all of us have had a lot of time to think and think and think.  And the more I think about it, yes, I just went there, I have come to realize that this time has afforded us a great opportunity for growth.  But, what kind of growth?  Some of you may be asking, what kind of growth do we need to undergo?  Another question might be, how much growth do we need to undergo?  To answer those questions, let me ask you another question.  What’s your story?  Not your life story, but what has been your shelter in place and stay at home story?  How have you loved God and loved your neighbor?  What are some things that you are doing to grow in these areas and in these ways?  You see, it is in times like these that we can do things we might not have been able to do before or to do some things we were  doing before better.  So, let me ask you again, what’s your story?  How are you crafting and creating a story for the kingdom?  My challenge to you is to have this amazing story of kindness and love that you have crafted over time,  that you are then able to share once we all come back together.  We may even have a “What’s Your Story Party.”
Think about it.  Pray about it. God bless.

The following is an excerpt from one of my favorite sermons of all time.  It’s the “Sunday’s Coming” sermon by Dr. Tony Campolo.  Enjoy!
Remember, “It’s only Friday… but Sunday’s coming!” 
“It’s Friday… Jesus was nailed dead on a cross.  But it’s only Friday; Sunday’s coming!
It’s Friday… Mary’s crying her eyes out ‘cause her Jesus is dead.  But it’s only Friday; Sunday’s coming!
It’s Friday… The disciples are running around like sheep without a shepherd.  But it’s only Friday; Sunday’s coming!
It’s Friday… Pilate’s strutting around washing his hands ‘cause he thinks he’s got all the power and victory.  But it’s only Friday; Sunday’s coming!
It’s Friday… People are saying “as things have been so they shall be – you can’t change anything in this world.”  But it’s only Friday; Sunday’s coming!
It’s Friday… Satan’s doing a jig saying, “I control the whole world.”  But it’s only Friday; Sunday’s coming!
It’s Friday… The temple veil ripped from top to bottom -the earth shook- the rocks split and tombs opened.  The centurion screamed in fear, “Truly, He is the Son of God!”  But it’s only Friday; Sunday’s coming!
It’s Sunday– “The angel, like dazzling lightening, rolled the stone away exclaiming, “He is not here!  He is risen!”  It’s Sunday! It’s Sunday! It is Sunday!”
As we reflect on this week and remember Jesus’ last week on this earth, let us never forget that SUNDAY’S COMING!
Think about it.  Pray about it.  God bless.

​There are a lot of things going on in our world right now, and for the most part, it just all seems so chaotic.  We have found ourselves planted amid a season of so many unknowns.  The medical world, the business world, churches, schools, communities, counties, states, nations, globally; well, I think you get the idea.  All are impacted by this COVID-19 pandemic and we simply do not know when it will all end.  These are unusual times for sure, but then again, we have been in unusual times before.  So, amid this chaotic season, let me take the time to remind you of this important fact.  GOD IS PRESENT AND IN CONTROL!
I am sure that, if you are reading this, that you are aware of the presence and control of God, but it never hurts to be reminded and it never hurts for us to read it and say it out loud.  One can still have faith and be concerned with the present status of our world.  One can still have faith and still struggle with wondering how to move forward.  So then, take this time off and focus on family.  Take this time off and spend quality and quantity time with the Father.  Spend some time in His Word.  Spend some talking and listening to God.   Lastly, remember that the mission of the church is still ongoing, even when the world seems to be on hold.  Remember to be those who follow Jesus and make disciples.
Think about it.  Pray about it.  God bless.

​Throughout Luke’s narrative, we can see the importance placed upon Jesus setting up the stage for His death, burial and resurrection.  It began as a message that was well-received by the common people and rejected by the religious leaders; at least most of the religious leaders that is.  Scripture does tell us about the likes of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea.  But for the most part, apart from the common people, Jesus’ message sparked a fury that ultimately ended with a tomb; at least that’s what the religious leaders had thought.
Jesus’ message was one that not only bridged heaven and earth, but it was also one that bridged the message of grace and forgiveness for Jews and Gentiles alike.  His was a message of repentance for all of creation and all who needed it then and for those who find that they need it, until He returns.
Think about it.  Pray about it.  God bless.

​Jesus facing the temptations of Satan was a monumental moment for all of humanity.  The three temptations that Jesus faced were ones that speak to much of what we face today, and Jesus staying true to His mission amid these enticing attacks speaks to the credibility of Him as Lord and Messiah.  You see, I truly believe that Satan knew who Jesus was, and I believe that Satan had hopeful results that would come from his temptations.  Satan knew Jesus, yes, but he also knew that if he could get Jesus to give in to, at least, one of the temptations that it would remove any and all credibility that Jesus carried amongst His followers then, and now.  Jesus would prove to be another Adam who experienced a fall.  So, when Jesus stood up to the temptations of Satan, He was responding to Satan and to us.  What was His message?  Jesus was proclaiming right then and there that He was the Prophesied Messiah.  Jesus was proclaiming that He was the one who was to bring freedom for the captives and restore not just any sight, but spiritual sight to the blind.  This is why 2 Corinthians 5:21 speaks just as loudly as Jesus’ response to Satan.
21 Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could become right with God. (NCV)
Think about it.  Pray about it.  God bless.