Yep, I am an offender. I am used to people not liking me, thinking I “do church” wrong, talking about me, but they are people that are strangers, and usually do not know me. I blow it off an move on. This one is different.

It came to my attention that my previous blog offended a few people. People I care about. People I call friends. People that I in no way meant to hurt, and knowing that I did has broken my heart. I have called the ones I believe were hurt and asked for forgiveness which they graciously did. If you were offended by the wording of the previous post, I truly apologize to you. It was unintentional.

Let me try to clear up the previous post. I was trying to use an illustration to show my inability to understand what was going on because I was not military, to how churches use wording that makes the unchurched feel the same way. It was not that I was disrespecting the military at all. If I was anti-military I would not have gone. I honor and respect the men and women of our military with everything in me. They are heroes and should be treated as such. I was not making fun of the ceremony, belittling it, or making a mockery of it. I was simply saying I didn’t understand and not understanding makes me uncomfortable in the same way I am sure the unchurched feels when they sit in a service where the church leaders us words and phrases that they don’t understand. It was a simple point that a few people took the wrong way.

The negative reaction to my writing was something I had to handle, and I wanted to handle being an offender the way Jesus taught. I could have done a few things. I could have listened to the majority who saw nothing wrong with it and advised to just forget about it. I could have gotten defensive and tried to be right. I could have just deleted the post and swept it under the rug. None of that is what Jesus teaches.

In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus teaches that if someone has something against you, to drop your sacrifice, and go reconcile with that person. It is not a conditional statement. He does not say, “unless no one thinks you did anything wrong,” or “unless you didn’t mean to.” He values the human relationship so much that He basically says, “Go, and fix it. Period. Make it Right.” So that’s what I did and will keep trying to do. I will keep apologizing to those who I have offended and hurt. Yes, it was unintentional, but that doesn’t matter. I hurt people, and if you know me, you understand that does not sit well with me.

I have learned a lot through this experience. I have learned that when I offend someone I should go and fix it immediately.  I have learned that when someone offends me I should go to them and tell them immediately so it doesn’t fester up inside me.

Again, let me apologize to anyone who was hurt my writing. Also, I want to encourage everyone to do what I did if you have offended someone. Don’t make excuses, don’t act like it didn’t happen, but instead go and fix it. It is like a breath of fresh air.

Grace.

pBen

Does your church use “bad words?” Free yourself and just admit it. You might not even realize it. It uses words that hurt, isolate, and let people know immediately they are not part of “the in-crowd.” Let me explain.

Last week I performed the invocation at a retirement ceremony on Tyndall Air Force Base for an amazing lady in our church who is retiring. It was classy, well put together, and a touching ceremony that left almost everyone in tears and full of emotion…except for me. It was obvious that a lot of time and effort had been put into making this day special for her and her family and everyone understood this special day…except for me. There were moment where great honor and respect was paid to her and the Air Force and everyone was in that mode…except for me.

Why? Am I not a patriot? Do I not love this woman and want to honor her? Am I just a jerk who is Anti-Military? No. Not even a little. I had made a decision to be there. I wanted to be there. I wanted to show honor and respect. I love our military and the enormous sacrifice they make should never be unnoticed or unrecognized. I even wore a SUIT with a tie and everything! So why was I so unmoved by the whole thing? Why did I know from the beginning I was not part of this group? Simple…the language.

When I say “bad words,” I am not talking about cussing. I am talking about words many people have no understanding of. For example, during this ceremony there were so many phrases and abbreviations that I had no clue what they meant.

“Well, you know what I am talking about all you 6 monthers don’t you? HAHA. I mean seriously, she signed up for 6 TRE on only a simple EMP. And then the LRF didn’t even say anything about all the wonderful HWEs that she did. Isn’t that amazing?!?” (This isn’t a direct quote, but you get the gist of how hard it was.)

I was utterly lost. I couldn’t honor her in the same way people in the “know,” could. I felt isolated, alone, and to be honest, I couldn’t wait to get out of there. I wanted to be there, wanted to honor her and her service, people had spent a lot of time putting this together, and yet I walked out worse than when I walked in when it comes to understanding things. I instantly thought about churches…

Do we do the same thing? Do we take a ton of time planning great services, intending for people to honor and worship God, then use phrasing and terminology that leaves them feeling isolated, alone, and like an outsider. They make a decision to come to our churches, and is it possible that we leave them feeling worse?

Regeneration, sanctification, justification, reborn, filled with Holy Ghost, Pentecostal, reformed, and my personal favorite “SAVED” are all words that a vast majority of the unchurched world has no clue about. Sure, we use them because they are familiar to us but newsflash…we think about church everyday and 90% of your church thinks about it maybe a day or two a week in a passing thought outside of Sunday. How many of us that are the lead teachers start sentences with the phrase, “Well, you know the story, so with that in mind…” NO! They probably don’t know the story. Tell them! Keep it simple. Explain like you were talking to a 6^th grader.

I know the natural push back. “Well, I want people to get fed. If I keep it simple, people will leave and plus, I have this seminary degree and I want to put it to use.” That’s great, go teach at a seminary. Hungry people will find a way to eat. I am not saying don’t challenge people, or to water things down, I am simply asking you to do one thing before you teach this Sunday…

Look over your teaching, message, sermon, whatever you call it and try to isolate words or phrasing that someone who has never been in church wouldn’t get. Look through the filter of a first time church attender. If you were having coffee with them, would you use this same wording?

We are the hope to the hopeless. A cure for the broken. Let’s all make sure we use the right vernacular wording to ensure we are what we are supposed to be.

Grace.

pBen

Why is Easter important? The reasons are numerous. We can talk about the feeling of springtime, Easter egg hunts, full churches, and if we get bold, we talk about the risen Savior. Sounds so “churchy” doesn’t it? I mean you are at work and it goes like this…

“Hey John! How are you?”

“Ok. Rough week.”

“Well, John, listen. This Sunday at our church we will be celebrating the wonderful event of our risen Savior that has saved you from all of your sins! You know, all that bad stuff you do like cheat on your reports you just turned in, watching all that foul stuff on your computer, and cussing all the time. Well, our Easter service will be talking about all your sins and how your life is so bad because of them and how if you will just give all that up, become consecrated by the redeeming work of Christ, then your life will never have problems. Come on to church with me and let us help you cleanse your soul from all that sin in you!”

“Uh….”

I got a better idea. Easter is important because people that come to Baypointe Church will be given a real look at faith, community, and most importantly HOPE. There are more lives changed on Easter than any other day of the year. That’s why it is important. Lives are changed. Hope is restored. Peace can be found. All the reasons Jesus came to this earth can be found in people’s lives.

So this week when you run into “John,” how about a simple invite? Maybe something like…

“John, I just want you to know our church is going to be exciting this Easter Sunday. We don’t pretend to have it all together, or to have it all figured out. We are just a safe place to wrestle with doubt while being surrounded by great people. Come hang out with me! The pastor is a little crazy, but it’s not boring…”

Easter is important because people are important. Life is important, and HOPE is vital. See you Sunday!

Grace.

pBen

Sorry on late posts. This was a moving the offices week!

Here you go, this will take you through Sunday. After that, only one week left. Keep going!!!

Day 9

Read 1 Samuel 15

After being instructed by God to destroy the Amalekite nation completely, Saul decides his own way is better. He ends up sparing the life of the Amalekite king and keeping the live- stock that appealed to him. His disobedience caused God great sorrow.

Putting God first is really all about having the highest value for Him and what He says. Too often, we make our own adjustments to what God has said, thinking that we know best.

Valuing God’s Word and trusting His ways means that when He speaks,we obey com- pletely. Ask God to empower you follow His truth, make the decision that His way is your way, and then just do it.

“Father, open my eyes to see that Your ways lead only to life. I will trust You with all of my heart. Thank You that Your grace empowers me to walk in Your ways. Thank You that I have not been left to my own ability, but am empowered to live in a way I could never live on my own. Amen.”

Day 10

Read 1 Samuel 16

It’s time for a new king, Saul is out of control. The Lord sends Samuel to Bethlehem to find and annoint the next king. The shepherd boy who God has chosen is quite a surprise not only to his family but to the experienced prophet as well!

God has given us gifts and talents that He’ll use for Kingdom purposes. We must not let our short comings determine if we are ready or not. Let us only ensure our heart is fully committed to saying “yes” to God. We must be careful to not judge anyone based solely on outer appearances.

“Heavenly Father, I pray that today You will use me to speak encouragement to others and work to uplift someone. Please show me someone with the heart to do what You have called them to do and give me the courage to come alongside them. Strengthen me with boldness to pray with them in spite of where they are in their life. Amen.”

Day 11

Read Psalm 56-57

David decided to put his trust God when people were attacking him. He asks, “what can man do to me?” What a declaration of confidence!

What a show of true faith and freedom from the fear of man. Proverbs 29:25 says, “the fear of man brings a snare.” God wants us to place our trust in Him and fear Him. Not be afraid of Him, but have a healthy respect, esteem and honor for the Lord. When the Lord holds this place in our hearts, we don’t have to fear any other man.

“Father, when I am afraid of others or their opinions of me, I choose to trust in You. I fear, esteem, and honor You above any other. Thank You for peace and freedom from fear of man today in the name of Jesus.”

Day 12

Read 1 Samuel 17

Saul was a seasoned warrior. Who would know better than Saul which weapons would be necessary to defeat Goliath? However, God wanted to deliver His people in a way that would leave no doubt that He had done the work. By using a shepherd boy with a small stone and a sling, no man could take credit for the victory. It was clearly God who delivered His people from Goliath and the Philistines.

When we rely on our own strength, we will experience limitations. But when we trust in God’s strength, He gets the victory and the glory, and we get to be a part of His plan.

“Father, putting my name on Your plan is like Saul putting his armor on David. Please don’t let me ever try to cover what You are doing, Let me be transparent, so that You always get the glory You deserve. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”

Day 13

Read 1 Samuel 18

Even Saul, who tried to kill David, recognized the hand of God on his life. David’s success and favor was two-fold. First, David understood from his past experiences that his success was a result of the Lord being with him.

Second, David was given the responsibility of leading the king’s men into battle against the enemies of Israel. David had determined in his heart to advance the kingdom of his king.

As you fast today, reflect on the victories that God has given you in your life and consider them as preparation and confirmation of the victories to come. Praise God for where He has positioned you in your life and commit to advancing the Kingdom of your King, Jesus.

“Dear Jesus, thank You for all that You have done and are going to do in my life. Help me to acknowledge You and receive Your grace in everything that I do. Allow my life to bring glory to Your name as You empower me to advance Your Kingdom in my world. Amen.”

Read Mark 6

Notice in this account that Jesus never takes His eyes off of His disciples. Though He may not have been with them in the boat in that moment, it did not mean that He wasn’t aware of everything that was going on.

Just because we may find ourselves in a storm from time to time, it doesn’t mean that in the boat, Jesus does not know exactly where you are. Though it may feel like you are on your own rest assured in knowing that the Savior has His eyes fixed on you.

“Dear God, help me trust in You to a greater degree, even amidst the scariest storms of life. I know You have Your eyes on me and that You know where I am the entire time. Thank You for that assurance. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Here are the devotionals for days 5-7 (January 20-22)

Day 5

Read Mark 5

The demon-possessed man was struggling with something that not only kept him up all night, but it was also something he had dealt

with for a very long time. He was in constant agony and wanted relief so badly. He would cut himself out of frustration, irritation and desperation, wondering why he was dealing with this issue.

Do you ever find yourself so frustrated that you hurt not only yourself but others? Ever struggle about why you’re in a particular situation? Notice that in this passage, the man saw Jesus, ran to Him, laid it down at His feet, and was changed forever. After his encounter with the Messiah, he was purposely sent back to his home town so people could see the change that Jesus made in him.

“Heavenly Father, I pray that today I would have the kind of resolve it takes to lay my burdens at Your feet. I am faced with so much and I know that You care about every last detail of my life. Create a testimony through my experiences that will reach others some day and bring You the glory You deserve. Amen.”

Day 6

Read 1 Samuel 13

It was no doubt that Saul was under a lot of pressure to lead the people into battle. Though he had been given specific instruc- tions on how to proceed, he felt compelled to offer the burnt offering himself. Instead of worshipping in the Lord’s way, Saul chose to do it how he saw fit. This was a huge mistake that cost Saul the anointing as king.

No matter what your instincts might be telling you, it is NEVER the prompting of the Holy Spirit to go outside of God’s will to get things done. As a leader, this will remove you from God’s covering, in addition to everyone you have been charged to lead.

“Father, I thank You for the Holy Spirit that guides and prompts me in Your ways. Thank You that You never leave me or forsake me. Help me to always choose Your ways over my own, for Your ways are higher than mine. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Day 7

Read 1 Samuel 14

Jonathan and his armor bearer made room for God to act on their behalf. They had the perspective that God was bigger than them and able to do more than they could. They also understood that God did not have the same limitations or hindrances that they were subject to.

In this season, we should make room for God in our lives through every means available: praying, fasting, giving, devotions. When we make room for God to operate in our lives, He can do much more to fix our situations than we can. When we submit areas of our lives to God, He can remove the hindrances and push past our personal limitations.

“Lord, I ask You to show me areas of personal limitation in my life. I know that You want to bring a breakthrough in this area and I pray You would show me how to make room for You to move. Show me, teach me, guide me and change me, Father. You are bigger than I am and can do way more than I can! Amen.”

Day 3

Read 1 Samuel 11

The Israelites were under attack. Was there anyone that could save them? Note some interesting symbolism here: Nahash means “serpent.” Jabesh means “dried up.” The “eye” is symbolic of vision and whenever “right” is mentioned, as in the “right hand of God,” it symbolizes authority. Clearly, the at- tack was a spiritual one.

When our relationship with Jesus feels “dried up”, our enemy attacks. Have you ever considered compromise as an option? Compromise comes from a lack of vision and authority over the enemy. Today, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any compromise in your life and where you need to be recom- mitted to Christ. Respond in obedience and Jesus will restore both your authority and your vision so you will experience victory!

“Lord, my desire is to follow You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Please help me today to see any of the areas of my life in which I have intentionally or unintentionally allowed compromise to creep in. Today, I re- commit my life completely to You. Awaken my soul and fill me with Your presence. Amen.”

Day 4

Read 1 Samuel 12

The prophet Samuel gives his farewell address after anointing Israel’s first king, Saul. God graciously permitted His people to have an earthly king and promised to bless them as long as they and their king remained obedient to Him first. However, the Israelites’ failure to comply with God’s standards result- ed in them missing out on the promises that their ancestors received.

God wants to rule and reign in our hearts. We often struggle with walking by faith and not by sight, so we seek something tangible. God, in His perfect permissive will and grace, will grant our requests under a stipulation – that we are completely obedient to His Word. The promises of God always carry the asterisk of obedience.

“Heavenly Father, I pray that You give me the strength to be obedient to Your Word. During this season of fasting and prayer, help me to hear Your voice more clearly so that I can op- erate within Your will. Amen.”

(All devotionals are courtesy of Pastor Stovall Weems.)

Read Mark 4

Jesus gave us insight into understanding how His Kingdom would work in our lives. Like a farmer sowing seed, amazing things happen when the seed falls on good, healthy, fertile ground.

Our hearts are like the garden. The things we plant into our lives will grow, and weeds can sprout up if we are not paying attention. If we are going to experience all the amazing things Jesus has provided, we must be intentional about planting the “right” things in our hearts and getting rid of the “weeds”. Plant His Word, cultivate it, and it will produce an incredible harvest. As you fast, expect God to reveal Himself to you more clearly.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for helping me see the amazing truth of sowing Your Word into my life. The harvest that is produced is trans- forming my life. Help me to see You for who You really are. Help me to see myself in light of who I have become because of Your gift of righteousness. Amen.”

As we as a church go on this journey of fasting for 21 days I want to encourage you by providing a few resources. We are one of many churches that are participating in this fast which is led by Pastor Stovall Weems of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, FL. He has given free resources to anyone that is on this journey, and for a ton of resources you can go here

I will be posting the devotional part (written by Pastor Stovall Weems) of the fast each day on this site if you want to come here each day and read. In addition, YouVersion is providing a free 21 day Fasting Bible Reading Plan that you can get here. There are plenty of tools to aid you on your journey, but you have all you need on the inside. You can do this!

Day 1 Devotional -

Read 1 Samuel 10

Saul was clearly appointed by God as Israel’s first king. As a result of the Holy Spirit’s work in him, he became a different person. God was everything Saul needed for success, but as Saul’s power grew, so did his pride. He stopped seeking God’s will, and eventually jealousy and strife began to decay both him and the nation he had been entrusted to lead.

Our success depends solely on our devotion to God, not our position, wisdom, or strength. God honors obedience – we must consistently obey God. Rebellion against God is a very dangerous sin. As we choose to rebel, we close the door to forgiveness and restoration with God.

“Father God, I acknowledge that You are everything I need and I commit every area of my life to You during this season of prayer and fasting. I ask You to forgive me of any dis- obedience, arrogance and rebellion. I commit today to walk in obedience to Your Word. I surrender control to You, and ask for Your Spirit to fill me so that I might live a life that glorifies You. In Jesus Name, Amen.“

Social media is one of my favorite things on the planet. Social media is one of the things I hate the most on the planet. Yep, I love it and I hate it at the same time. For me, I am finding that I can go to Twitter, read for just about 5 minutes and get really happy and really angry at the same time. I think I have some Twitterquette that we all need to realize.

1. Remember that posts are highlights of people’s day. That’s the great thing I get to hear about people’s lives that I would not get to know otherwise. However, I have had conversations with people who compare their own lives to the Twitter lives of others. Remember, you are seeing high points of the day. They have normal lives too.
2. I am learning that I wish Baypointe Church was like other churches. Some Pastors/Churches I know never have a bad Sunday. Every Sunday is “the best Sunday at a church in the history of churches. Even Jesus would have been saved in our church today!” Let me be honest, I love the people of Baypointe Church more than I can express, but some Sundays are good and others well…not so good. I preach sermons that bomb, the band misses occasionally, volunteers sometimes don’t show, and I leave knowing we can do better. However, every Sunday we seek God through our human mistakes and that is what I love. Don’t get me wrong, some Sundays are AMAZING, and when you see me post things like that, you know it was good. However I am learning not to feel like a failure when I read about other churches, instead I celebrate with them!!! (Even if sometimes I don’t buy it…just being honest.)
3. I need help from a Bible Scholar because no where can I find the scripture that says if you have a problem with another believer…tweet it. Is it there?
4. I love reading posts from people that “mix” it up. (Unless you are a guru in certain areas like John Maxwell, Michael Hyatt, etc. Then just do your thing!) They post a little about their family, church, leadership, ramblings, funny quotes, sports teams, bible passages, food likes and dislikes, etc. I love and admire these types of people. I like posts about all these things, unless you only pick one and that is all you post about. Sorry, I get bored.
5. Please do not think the number of people following you is an indicator of your influence. I’ll let you marinate on that one.

I love Twitter/Facebook and all that it offers the planet. These are just a few of my little nuances, but the more I talk to people the more I am realizing that these are not just mine, they are the vast majority of people’s thoughts. Now I know the natural pushback, “Hey Ben, if you don’t like what I tweet/post, you can just unfollow me!” If this is the type of attitude you have, don’t worry, I already have…

Grace.

pBen