Sunday Reflections

Sunday we talked about some key principles to knocking down the giant of temptation. Let me follow up what we talked about Sunday morning by saying this about temptation - be smart. That's what I heard one of my favorite preachers, Bob Russell, say one time. He said that when you're in the thick of things, so to speak, you're probably not likely to go back and go over some arbitrary list on how to handle temptation. So when you're faced with temptation, he said just remember this two word phrase - be smart. Be intelligent. Sin is so stupid anyway isn't it? James said, "Don't be deceived." In other words, don't be led down the wrong path. Stop and think about how dumb it is to let Satan suck you in and potentially ruin your family, your influence, your health, your career, your ministry, or even your walk with God for a few moments of pleasure. Don't allow your feelings and your desires to dictate your behavior. Think smart. When we give in to temptation and sin what do we usually say? Not, "Oh no, I've sinned!" No, we ususally say, "How I could have been so stupid." Jesus said, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand."

Like Marci said during the closing, Sunday was a full day. Jeremiah had a Parent Meeting after church. Lots of parents. Lots of enthusiasm. Jeremiah loves God, loves Students, and loves Coastal! And you can see it. He's doing a great job. One of the reasons I can say that is not because he's perfect or hasn't made mistakes. Back to Sunday morning - if you think that about yourself, leave Coastal, you obviously have a problem with lying. No one here is perfect. We all make mistakes, yes, even me, your Pastor. In fact, like Paul, I am the chief screw up (my translation). But the thing I have appreciated about Jeremiah is that he listens to feed back, learns from his mistakes, and tries to improve. In short, he's growing with us. Get your students here for Students Ministry! Talk about being smart - one of the wisest things you could do as a parent would be to make sure you get your kids involved at Coastal.

Sunday night we had our 101 Membership Class. As a result of that class, one person would like to give their life to Christ and four would like to get baptized! Woohoo!!! Picture me doing somersaults! I know, that's kind of a stretch! But Coastal, this is why we do what we do - to see people give their life to Christ and see lives change!

Our D.O.G.S. (2nd - 5th Grade) Class also met Sunday night. They meet every Sunday morning but they also meet the 1st Sunday night of each month for a fun evening of games, snacks, activities and a lesson just for them. Their teachers, Teresa and Twila, go above and beyond. They wouldn't say that, but I would. Again, parents, be smart - get your kids at Coastal!

And then, as usual, WAVES Undercurrent rocks it out for a creative, challenging evening of worship, teaching, small groups, and activities.

It was a full day - a great day! And those things don't even begin to take into account all the behind the scenes serving, all the one on one ministry, relationships, and sharing. A small group of people praying with someone for their dad across the country who needs our prayers. A lunch tab being paid for by friends. A small gift being given and received at just the right time by a "Secret Sister." But that's okay, God takes it into account and notices it all.

And speaking of noticing, one more final reflection from Sunday. I wore jeans! I preached in jeans! That's right - you heard me jeans (sorry Buck). And not just any, old school, Levi jeans, but "stylish" jeans (those are Rock n' Roll quotes for you Lydia). I don't know if it's because I turn 40 later this year and feel the sad and pathetic need to look "hip," or if it's because my daughter is obsessed with the show "What Not To Wear" and I've been feeling the pressure to update my look. (Side note - "What Not To Wear" would be a great message series - take off the old self, clothe yourself with. . . you get the idea ) But whatever the reason, that's what I did. And the funny thing is I don't think hardly anyone noticed. The few that did said I looked good. I know what you're thinking - those that thought otherwise didn't know what to say. But all I know is that my daughter said, "Daddy, you look sharp." And that's all I needed to hear.

So, whether it's jeans or khaki's, flip flops or wing tips, "come as you are" really means more than our outward appearance at Coastal. Come as you are, but I promise you'll leave changed! "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1Samuel 16:7. See you at 1st Wednesday and Sunday(don't forget to set your clocks ahead)!