Heaven on Earth

As many of you know, Wade, Michael, and I just returned from the Hillsongs Conference in Sydney, Australia. It felt like heaven on earth. Passionate worship and inspiring preaching left me so full spiritually that I had no desire for the routine things like food. I know that sounds impossible, and I really like to eat. I was so glad that Wade and Michael could make the trip with me to experience one of the most impacting experiences of my life. I wanted them to see for themselves what God is doing in the earth so they can be a part of that atmosphere. I know that I was changed, I can’t really tell the full extent of what God has done in my life, but I believe that what God did in that conference will be evident in the life of our church. I know that the best is yet to come, and I look forward to living, and learning, and leading our church into the fall. THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!

XG Camp

The church has come so far in valuing youth and their importance to a church. In fact, I believe one of the signs of a healthy church is a vibrant youth ministry. I’m so thankful that my children will have the opportunity to be a part of what God is doing at HOF in Club Faith, Xplode and XG Youth Church. It’s often said that our children are our future, but in resources and emphasis another view of youth is portrayed. Vanessa and I usually go spend the Wed. night of camp with our youth to say to them, “you are important to us and we value you”. This past camp was at Nicholls St. in Thibodaux and Wade preached a phenomenal message on the night we attended. I know that God is at work in the hearts of our youth and I see their passion for God, their freedom in worship, and their conviction in committing. I believe that we need to speak the language of the young so they can run with the message of Christ’s love. Wade and Cynthia and their team do a tremendous job of speaking to that generation. I’m constantly reminded that the whole church doesn’t look like me, the church is young, vibrant, has hi-lighted hair, wears jeans w/ holes, rap their songs, and may be pierced or tattooed. If Jesus was willing to die for them, and they’ve accepted Him then I will love them and partner with them to see God move in our day and our time. I thinking about getting some red or blonde hi-lights, what do you think?

The Privilege of Praying

Last week, Connor and I were the guest of Sen. Jody Amedee to open the Louisiana Senate session in prayer. What an awesome privilege to pray over the men and women who make the decisions that govern the lives of the 4 million of us who live in the state. Since I’ve gotten older there has always been a desire in my heart to associate with great leaders. God has blessed me with the opportunity to be around some of the best of the church world as we have been graced with many in the immediate area. I guess God knew that tough places like Louisiana needed the best. Huey Long once said, “One day Louisianians will get good government, and when you do, you won’t like it.” I don’t believe that for a moment. The proverbs state that when the righteous rule, the people rejoice. I make it a habit to pray for good leadership as you should because what they do in our states capital affects the lives of everyone today and the lives of our children in the future. I prayed from the words of King Solomon, who is described by the Bible as the wisest man who ever lived. “Who by himself is able to govern this great people of Yours?” What a wise thought, who can govern by himself? I never want to try and lead without Jesus.

Now these are my friends

Jesus spoke to his “friends” that we often call disciples and told them they were His friends because he told them everything the Father had told Him from John 14:15. That is a new slant on friendship; it’s someone you can tell everything that God tells you. I would not be where I am today is it weren’t for my friends. I had the opportunity to eat with my friend, Greg Surratt, from Sea Coast Church Saturday night after he spoke at HPC. He told me some things that God had showed him that I needed to hear. He spoke to a concern that I had in the ministry and I felt like it was one of those “divine” appointments set up by the Holy Spirit. It was arranged by another friend, Pastor Dino, who was out of the country ministering. Just last night another friend of mine, Kennis Smith, from DeRidder came by and we had dinner together. He’s another friend, and I love to talk to him because he tells me what God’s saying to him and doing there at his church. Tonight after church another friend of mine is going to stay with me. He’s preaching at HPC and we’ll spend the morning telling each other what we feel God is doing and saying to us. I talk a lot during the course of a day, but the richest times that I spend are the times when I get together with those who I can tell what God has spoken to me or they tell me what God has spoken to them. If you don’t have someone that you can tell what God’s telling you, you need a friend. God we need good friends.

Out of Place

Yesterday Wade and I went for lunch to a local sandwich shop and I found this billiard ball lying all alone in the parking lot. No one was around and its owner had long since gone so I picked it up as it was a cool thing to find in a strange place. I thought one of my kids would like it. As I drove to do some things I began to think about the ball and these thoughts came to my mind. I couldn’t tell if it was a 6 or a 9 ball because it was separate from the others and depending on the way it was held, it could have been either. Then it struck me that it really did have much use apart from the rest of the set, and without a pool table it really was more dangerous than fun. Those things are heavy and hard and I began to have second thoughts about giving it to one of my kids. I began to relate that billiard ball to people who are all alone and not part of a set of others they belong to or in an environment where they make sense. If we aren’t a part of a set then we really don’t know who we are, a 6 or a 9 ball. God’s idea of family and church began to make so much more sense to me. It’s because I’m part of a family and a church that I know who I am and what my part is to be. God wants that for every stray billiard ball out there.

Catch the Fire

Sunday night was a great time with the leaders of HOF. 175 people came out to be a part of what God is building in our church life as we got challenged about being the church. Reihnart Bonke challenged us with this quote, “The Church of Jesus Christ is not a pleasure boat, but a life boat for saving souls….” We shared a meal of pizza together and talked about how the film spoke to our hearts that night. I was so glad to see the whole span of generations represented, leaders from Xplode, XG youth church, Club Faith, and of course HOF leaders. God is doing something big at HOF and it’s bigger than one person, bigger than one part of the ministry, and I can’t wait to see it unfold. So many people invest in our church that most have no idea about, but I am thankful to God for them all. The vision of church that God has allowed me to see is coming to pass, He’s causing it to happen as we are faithful to speak it and allow Him to move. I can’t wait to see what happens after we catch the fire.

All Gave Some, Some Gave All

On Monday I had the privilege to be a part of the Memorial Day Service held at the Veterans Park next to the Gonzales branch of the Library. It was a unique affair different than most things of which I am a part. It was somewhat like a funeral, yet also like a celebration. We honored those who have given their lives while serving in the armed forces around the world throughout all of the conflicts that we’ve been through: Korea, Vietnam, WWI & II, Desert Storm and the war on terror. The phrase, “Freedom isn’t Free” was repeated several times and I have been pondering the price of what I enjoy each and every day. I believe that the Holy Spirit reminded me that “God gave His only begotten Son…” just as other families have given their sons and daughters. This idea of going off to fight for what we value is not a new concept nor did it begin with America. We have a great heritage of self sacrifice from the days of our birth as a nation till today. I’ve never served in our armed forces and in some ways I regret that decision. I am challenged by the scripture to take up my cross and die daily for the cause of Christ. I so appreciate all who have served and especially those who’ve given all so that I can live in the USA of today. I’m equally appreciative of all who’ve died to self so that I could have a choice to repent and receive Christ personally. No matter how you think about it, we enjoy everything we have as a result of someone else’s decision to “give all” so that the cause of Christ and America live on today. I want to be one of the ones who gives all because I believe in both.

Last day of school

You see some pictures of some of my kids and their classmates who are in the last few minutes of the school year for them. They are all so excited at the prospect of throwing off the confines of school, uniforms, homework, and a heavily scheduled life. They really have no idea of what they are in for do they? I was reading in the Proverbs this week that a wise son loves discipline, instruction, and guidance. They think that if they had no responsibility they would be happy. We know that they are young, but what about when we think that if we didn’t have any responsibility that we would be happy.

Next Governor?

Today we were able to spend 40 minutes with Bobby Jindal, probably our next Governor. He is such a genuine person to meet with. You can tell that God's hand is on him. He is also a champion of the family as his faith in God guides his voting in the U.S. Congress. He is very in tune to the culture wars being waged in the halls of Congress and I feel good knowing he is representing Louisiana. He is campaigning hard to be the next Governor and I sense that a new day is dawning for Louisiana and a new Louisiana is arising. I feel like he would be an answer to my personal prayers for godly leaders in the state. We also met with Senator Vitter who graciously received us. Louisana has some good guys in Washington of which we can be proud. Continue to pray for all of our leades and let's be a part of something historic.

World Class Leaders

Pictured with me are two of Louisiana's finest leaders, Gene Mills and Toni Perkins. Tony is head of Family Research Council which is a national watchman for the family. Gene Mills with LA Family Forum who works at the state level for the family. We are in Washington D.C. with 350 pastors to see God's watchmen sound the call for all christian people to stand for what is right. I am priviledged to know and learn from these men. They challenge me to continually look at what's happening in the culture. They are also great christians with great families. If you ever get asked to participate or give to the organizations they lead, I would urge you to invest. When we invest in them we are investing in the future of the family.

Family Super Heroes

Spiderman opened this weekend to record crowds, but the real super heroes gathered at the Marriot for the Louisiana Family Forum Awards banquet to honor those state legislators who are heroes for the family. I am pictured with two such heroes, Rep. Mert Smiley and Rep. Eddie Lambert. I am so proud of these men as they have taken a stand for the family not just in talk but in their votes for the family this past legislative session. Both of them scored 100% on the LFF scorecard and each received the Patrick Henry award shown. We are blessed to be represented by two outstanding men of character. My prayer is that we would see the capital in Baton Rouge filled with men and women who would be heroes for the family. Family is the bedrock of our society and what is good for families is good for all of us. Thanks so much you 2 super heroes. Spiderman has nothing on you.

Beta Convention

I'm in Lafayette today with our school Beta Club and my two sons. I'm the only man on the trip, where are the men at? We are in the Cajun Dome with 10,000 junior high students. The picture is of the kids doing something called the macarena. The kids are glad to be out of school for 2 days. It's good for them to be part of something bigger than themselves. They are great kids and full of potential. I like to hang with them. We'll go to the rock wall tonight and eat pizza. I'm sure I'll be up late with 4 boys in my room. This is where you touch lives!

I Can’t Let You On That Roof

I had a most interesting experience today while checking on the progress of the new roof being put on our north campus. Having worked in construction during college and having an engineering degree, I felt like it is my duty to make sure we are getting what we are paying for. The foreman, a good man, told me, “I can’t let you on that roof”. After a highly animated and passionate phone call to the general contractor I was allowed to see the progress and satisfied that all was going according to plan. My point is that often time the devil will try to tell us, “you can’t do that” when we know good and well that we have the authority in Christ. Knowing who you are and what you can do is as important in living for God as in business. Psalms 103:2 encourages us to not forget all of His benefits which the psalm goes on to list. Forget means to lose the use of. God has given us some good stuff; don’t let anybody talk you out of it.

My Little Lizard

Here is a pic of my youngest son, Nathan, dressed in his lizard costume and a classmate for their class chapel today at our school, Faith Academy. I asked one of the other fathers, “I have a lizard, what do you have?” He had a butterfly. There is a special pride a parent feels when you see your child on stage that is hard to describe but if you’ve ever felt it then you know what I’m talking about. I get more satisfaction seeing him do well than I have when I do things. After you have children, your life changes and you experience success as much in what they do as what you do. It’s a lot like that in God’s kingdom. Our interns just returned from a mission’s trip to the Dominican Republic and I spoke to the man who set up the trip. His report of them was so positive, and I was proud to hear how well they did. Charles said, “Kayla Jo is a preaching machine and Rob is a great preacher.” He told how they have a servant’s heart and they were much better to travel with than whiney pastors. I am so proud of Nathan, as I am of all of my children, and I’m proud of our interns, I want God to be proud of me. A wise child brings joy to a father; ….. Proverbs 10:1

Friends

Yesterday I had the chance to hang out with some of my pastor friends, Bud Plake and Doug McAllister and Carl. Bud and Carl pastor in Frost @ Freedom Church and Doug in Slidell @ Journey Church. Doug had a thriving ministry that was wiped out by Katrina and they have since relocated and God is using them to rebuild that area and a great church. Bud took over a work in Frost and has seen it steadily grow into a real life-giving church. One of the highlights of my life is in spending time with other pastors and that doesn’t happen nearly enough. We talk church, life, and dream together. God always uses other people to speak into my life in an area that may be their strength and my weakness. One of the first things I asked God for was a friend when I told the Lord I would obey the call to preach. I’ve since found out that to have a friend I need to be a friend. Making phone calls, sending text messages, emailing others is a great way to give friendship. When I give, that’s when I have received. These are some incredible men that God is using powerfully and I wanted you to meet them. We ate lunch at Chili’s and I won’t tell who picked up the check.

Fishing with the Boys

One of the best things I get to do is to take my kids fishing with my mom and dad at their camp which is out of Dularge, LA. It is a 30 min. boat ride to the camp and then you are right in the middle of the marsh. We managed to catch a few fish: catfish, reds, specks, and a flounder. The fishing wasn’t that awesome, but spending time with my sons and having them around their grandparents was priceless. I never got to spend time with my grandparents because they lived far away or because they were deceased. We laugh, eat, fish and fuss a little and that’s what family is all about. The stretch run for school starts Monday and we wanted to get a fishing trip in before summer. Let’s go grill some fish!!

3-D Christianity

On Monday after Easter, Vanessa and I took the kids to see a 3-D movie that is out now. We went because of the great experience we had several years ago on a vacation to south Texas. We visited a 3-D movie about the sea and laughed like hyenas when our smaller children tried to reach out and touch the fishes. Now they are older, but it was still fun, and the glasses look much nerdier now. The glasses were like an oversized pair of Clark Kent glasses. I am amazed at the how 3-D films jump out at you. I couldn’t help but think about preaching a sermon on 3-D Christianity, maybe I will. My desire is to live a life that jumps out at you because of what Christ has done. I want to pastor a church full of those people too. Let’s do it.

Making Hard Decisions

As all of you by now know, Easter in the Park got cancelled because of weather. Probably some the hardest decisions I have to make are these kinds. On the one hand, we’ve gone to great trouble to get people on board and things arranged while on the other you are concerned about whether the people who we are trying to serve will come. Ninety-five percent of the decisions that we have to make could be made by an educated 16 yr. old, but it’s those last 5% that make or break you. I’ve had to make some big decisions by this time in my life and it’s good to have a strategy in place to guide you. Wise counsel, the facts, hearing God’s voice all play a part in the choices we make. To be honest with you, I personally was bummed out by canceling the meeting. In my heart I know we did what was right. I was so inspired when I saw the church working together, young to not so young, to accomplish a common God given goal. I feel like such a spirit of unity and purpose guides us now at HOF. I know that we can do anything God asks of us, and it’s time to set our sights on what’s ahead and not where we’ve been. The best is yet to come for you and for me and for HOF.

Morning prayer is so much fun

Today, Wednesday, was so much fun at prayer. I know that sounds weird, prayer is not supposed to be fun is it? We have such a good close faithful group that we know each other well. We get challenged together by reading the scripture and hear each other’s hearts as we pray. I feel like I’ve really gotten to know them and I appreciate the closeness. As we read some of the writings of Paul in his letter to the Roman church I am always touched in my heart by Paul’s habit of saying hello to all of his friends at the end of the letter. He uses names, and I wonder who these people were that the great apostle would call them by name. That’s one of the great things about being a part of HOF and ARC, and being a part of the family of God, I know people by name and I know their hearts and deeds. Jesus spoke such truth when He explained that the gospel could be summed up in 2 thoughts: loving God and loving people.

XG Interns at my house

Last night Vanessa and I hosted all 11 of the interns who are nearing the end of their term for the spring plus Rob and Wade and their families. What a great bunch of young people who love God. Barry and Rhonda Carpenter came over to help us serve the interns and Barry and I grilled steaks while the ladies took care of everything else. It was a great time, and I don’t look forward to feeding 4 teens when mine are all that age. They are a good blend of those whose families have been at HOF for years to those who are the first in their families to receive Christ. It looked like spring training for a baseball team in my backyard as my oldest 2 boys had the intern boys throwing the baseball. No matter how old a boy gets, we all like to throw balls. After the meal, I shared some of Mike Murdock’s info about being a “Protégé”. I feel better about the tomorrow of the church knowing that young people are serious about giving a year to find out about ministry and God’s dream for their lives. If success is having a successor, then XG is a huge success. Wade and Rob, and the whole team do a great job. These interns have served well over the last 9 months and we wanted to tell them thanks for having a heart to serve.