Growin' Up Gregory

As a start of doing my part of the Great Commission, I want to be a reproducer.  This is based on my notes from Robert Chapman's sermon at TBC on 6/28/2015 from the passage above. We have been discussing conflict resolution for several weeks and we are continuing on this topic this week.  This week focuses on "I don't always have to get my way when conflict arises." 1.  Sometimes having much can lead to conflicts.  Abram and Lot had both become wealthy and in livestock, silver, and gold.  Vs.6-7 tell us that they were unable to support all of their livestock and possessions on the same land so they would be unable to stay together.  Quarreling and arguments were arising between their herdsmen and spilling over into family affairs.  This showed us that even though both men were wealthy, that wealth and fortune could not help avoid, and could actually lead to, conflict. 2.  We must understand the importance of valuing people over possessions....

I'm currently reading the book Radical, by David Platt.  I will likely end up sharing more from the book and study that goes along with it since we are planning to do the 6-week bible study on it this summer during out Summer Light program at TBC.  But anyway, there is a section that has really jumped out at me as something that we all can focus on that isn't too radical to try. Are we receivers or reproducers?  The Great Commission tells commands us "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" in Matthew 28.  In this, we are each called to help teach the gospel to people.  However, as Platt points out, this "teaching" is not strictly for a classroom setting as we typically envision teaching today, it is done in the classroom of the world thru relationships and interactions.  If you have a new believer in Christ ...

If you're deciding where you stand on the confederate flag then please take the time to read this article. The grace and mercy expressed by the people of Emanuel AME Church is absolutely overwhelming if you take the time to think about it. It has humbled me to the point that I know I need more of God's word because I would not have reacted with the forgiving attitudes that they have. I am simply thankful to be a part of their family as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. This horrific incident and the reactions and events stemming from it have shown that power of our Almighty God to turn even the worst things into good. http://www.dearbiblebelt.com/dylann-roofs-fatal-mistake/

I originally posted this on June 19th on Facebook but I know Dad doesn't get on there so figured I'd post here for him too. I don't know where to begin to share my thoughts and feelings about the murders in Charleston. There are so many issues that arise from this horrific tragedy. First, prayer is needed for the families who have suffered loss. Children, grandchildren, and others lost godly examples and role models in their lives who were doing the most honorable thing they could be doing at the time, worshipping our Lord and praying. Second, I wish we knew the motive for the attack but even if ... we did I'm not sure I could comprehend such hate and violence. There are clearly racial issues present in today's world which need to be dismissed and resolved. I know that is easier said than done as racism is typically (not always) passed down thru generations. God did not create different races. The only biblical reference to race is referring to Christians ...

I often ask myself if I'm praying as well as I should.  I feel that prayer is both a simple and complex practice for Christians.  A message I heard the other day gave me the inspiration for this post about prayer and its importance and effectiveness in our life. One way to focus on our prayer should be F.B.I. Frequent: We should pray frequently.  1 Thessalonians 5:17 simply tells us to "Pray continually".  Ephesians 6:18 says "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this is mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people."  We can say a quick one sentence prayers as we head into a meeting, or between tasks.  We should keep our minds and hearts focused on Christ at all times.  Pray at work before you open and start the day, pray between clients, pray with clients if the opportunity presents itself.  Brief: We can pray briefly.  We are not required to recite lon...

They say that an idol mind is the devils playground. Well I also believe that business is a tool used by Satan. Luke 5:16 tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. Mark 1:35 says that early in the mornings while it was still dark He went to a solitary place to pray. In both cases Jesus got away from everything going on around him to be alone and pray. I'm one of the worst when it comes to staying busy doing something. Britt pointed out to me last night tha ... t I have her rushed most places a lot of the time. I pray that I can find a better work life balance for more quality family time as well as a deeper spiritual walk. Start by getting up 10 mins earlier in the mornings to read a devotion and a few verses and to pray. That's my morning routine even before going to the Y at 5AM to work out. And I can honestly say that without my reading in the mornings I don't know how I would handle some days. So slow down, spend a few mins reading God'...

STAND FIRM Philippians 4:1 - Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my jot and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! God has given us a game plan here from Paul and throughout the entire Bible of how we are to live.  We are to be bold...bold about who we are, bold in standing up for our beliefs, and bold for Jesus Christ! We will face setbacks along the way.  They may come from confrontation with others or mistakes of our own accord but we are to continue to press on - "The blessing is in the pressing".  Michael Jordan has the following quote regarding perseverance:  "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career.  I've lost almost 300 games.  26 times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed.  I've failed over and over and over again in my life.  And that is why I succeed."  In order for us to stand firm in our faith (or anything really) we must know what we believe in....