Music Camp 2012 News

Alright, it is getting close to registration time to begin for this year’s Music Camp at Heartland Baptist Church.  We have already selected the musical and are getting classes in place for a very complete registration.  This year at registration the campers and parents will be able to see what the weeks lunch menu will be, what specialty classes are being offered and even have the opportunity to register for those classes before they complete their camp registration form.  The registration will be open and available online at heartlandbc.net by March 1st.

The 2012 Music Camp musical will be The WORD Connection by Ami Sandstrom Shroyer and Michael Shroyer.  It is published by DoveTail Music a division of LifeWay Worship out of Nashville, Tennessee.  Here is an excerpt from the foreword of the musical:

“Welcome to the game show, The WORD Connection.  Hosed by Remi M. Burr, this game takes contestants through a series of rounds to test how well they know and understand the connection between our everyday lives and the Word of God.  The game takes us through different rounds and sponsor breaks until we reach the final round, and find out which contestant is crowned The Ultimate WORD Connector.  Round 1 demonstrates the character of GOd and contestants learn how to NAME HIM.  Round 2 shows why it is important to THANK HIM in both good times and bad.  Round 3 presents contestants with a call to action as they ASK HIM to help them combat some unwise choices by choosing what God’s Word says.  Finally, in The Final Round we will see the ultimate purpose of The WORD Connection as a surprise twist brings the game to an end.  Hopefully, every viewer, every fan, and even YOU will ‘Discover The WORD Connection!’”

We are looking for folks to join us in this endeavor.  If you would like to know more about Heartland’s Music Camp 2012 please contact me or the church office at 618.462.1276 and inquire about Music Camp 2012, The WORD Connection.

 

Have it Your Way…Church!

I live in a somewhat rural area just inside the St. Louis Metro area in a town that just had a new Burger King open.  WOW!  I am excited because there are not very many fast food places that you can get a Char-broiled or fired burger.  However, as I am excited about all of the nuances that come with a new place that specializes in giving it to you “your way” I was still quite shocked at how rude people can be.  Keep in mind this place has only been open less than a week.  It is new and because of its newness people are showing up for service.  I’ve not seen a lot of places that have recently opened and not experienced what it’s like to not have ordered enough of certain ingredients or the difficulties of working a computer operated soda machine (touch sensitive screen, too).  With that in mind I tend to go with a “have it my way” mentality but also erring on the side of grace and mercy.  By the way, Burger King, you are really rocking it in Alton!!  GOOD JOB!

I know that sounds a little crazy.  “Why would I spend so much time thinking about things like that?”  I often wonder that same thing… but it is so true.  How often do you hear believers talking about being “in the market” for a new church.  One of the things I hear most often about disgruntled church members is that they just don’t do it the way I like it.  For those of you who know me, know that is when I have to bite my tongue and fight back the urge to say the following:  “That’s nice.  When we start worshipping you I’ll ask for your opinion.”  or “Get off the cross, cause frankly we need the wood.”

While those comments bring a chuckle to my step and sometimes a rolling on my floor it’s not the best way to respond.  We have to realize that folks who are shopping for a church, leaving a church because things just aren’t going how they would like it to go are really struggling with spiritual immaturity.  I’ve seen and heard people respond to concerns about their departure range from our church being too snobby, too traditional, too contemporary, you name it I’ve heard it.  At some point in a believer’s walk with the Lord they come to a realization that worship has nothing to do with us.  However, it has everything to do with Jesus Christ and all that He has done for us.

If you are in a place and are unable to worship Jesus and praise Him for what He has done for you simply because you don’t like the songs that are in the line up than I highly suggest you run to the cross and ask God to show you why you cannot focus upon Him.  I’ve also experienced folks who get so fed up that someone took “their” pew and are so mad that someone is in their seat that they end up leaving the service.  I’ve seen people get so frustrated that their song suggestions, to the pastoral staff, have yet to make it into a worship service as if it were only about what they wanted out of a service.  But that’s what happens when we as the church allow the “Have it your way” mentality to saturate our places of worship.

Please understand that I am not belittling anyone’s opinion, likes or dislikes for we are all unique individuals that have different tastes.  However, when we start shopping for a church based solely on what we want out of a church we have to stop and ask, what is church all about?  What does God say that the Church is?  It is okay to look for a place that is going to meet your needs and has some things that you like, those are definitely advantages to looking around for the right church.  But the most important question “is this a place where I can serve Christ whole-heartedly?”  “God is this where you want me and my family to be planted?”  We need to really start focusing on what God’s Word says we should look for in our worship.  One great passage that lays out a beautiful worship encounter with the Lord of lords can be found in Isaiah 6.  I encourage you to take a moment and experience a glimpse of what Isaiah experienced.

Until next time…

Pastor Isaac

Shadow of the Almighty…

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” Psalm 91:1.  What a verse.  What a promise.  This verse, actually the entire 91st Psalm has been brought, once again to the front of all of my thoughts.  I have, in the past, spent a lot of time in this Psalm.  Praying, meditating, and listening as God’s love for me encourages and brings me joy.  As I contemplate the depth of the love of our Lord for us as displayed within the first verse I am reminded of several images.

“…will abide in the shadow of the Almighty,” doesn’t that imply that we have to be under the covering of the Almighty?  When I think of a strong, majestic oak tree in the middle of a field I see strong, healthy branches and lots of leaves to protect whomever or whatever is sitting next to the trunk of the tree shelter and protection.  In order to experience the pleasures of the shade and it’s covering you have to purposely place yourself under its branches and leaves.  The safest most comfortable spot tends to be right near the trunk.  After all that is where the most shade and protection can be found.  Doesn’t it stand to reason then in order to remain under the covering or in the shade you have to stay there.

Just as this tree never changes its location or stature our Heavenly Father longs for us to run to Him and place ourselves under His never-changing Spirit, never-ending protection, never-failing Word, and never-ceasing forgiveness.  Once you have experienced God’s grace and mercy, His forgiveness and love why would you ever leave His presence?  Too often, in today’s society we don’t know what it means to dwell someplace.  To dwell can mean to live in or reside at a specified place.  It can also mean “to exist in a given place or state,” as in a state of joy.  However the Hebrew actually means “in the covert of” meaning “a covered place, a shelter or a hiding place.”

Our Abba, Father longs to be our shelter, our fortress, our hiding place.  When we are afraid or in danger, run to Him who is our protector and sustainer of our life.  He will deliver us out of the traps of life.  In order to enjoy the protection of the Father you have to place yourself under His authority; under His will and His reign.  Let it be said of me… “although he was in the midst of turmoil and strife He was at peace and had joy in his heart and his life because of His loving Father.”  My prayer for my family and me is that God will keep us close to His heart and in the center of His will.  Let us not stray from that path and Lord when I do, please pull me back into line.

Take a moment to look at your life and determine if your surroundings are of the Lord.  Is He your cover?  If not, why?  Have you moved out from under the canopy of His shade and protection?  When my relationship with Almighty God is out of sorts or messed up it is because I have made the decision to move away from God.  Remember the oak tree, God is the stable constant in my life.  When I find myself at a distance with God I know that I have moved.  This is when I have to take the step of faith and obedience, and yes, humility and ask God to forgive me for the decisions I have made.  The awesome thing is that God is there waiting to accept us back into His arms and under His shelter.

I pray that you will take time to evaluate your life and your current situations and ask God to reveal Himself to you.  When He does be ready and move to where He is.

Peace and Blessings to you all.

Pastor Isaac

Religion & Spirituality

I have had the opportunity lately to talk with quite a few people about their search for religion and spirituality.  I must admit that I am very saddened and almost discussed at how many people are looking for religion and spirituality as if being religious or spiritual is what will gain them eternal life with God, our Father.  So many times I hear, “I am not really as Christian as I am religious.  Actually, I am a very spiritual person.”  As if their eternal address is determined on the outcome of their works or their righteousness.  In every conversation that I find myself involved in, with this similar type of dialogue, I challenge them to realize that it is not about being religious or being spiritual for the pharisees and Sadducees were very religious and in their own eyes very spiritual.

As true disciples of  Christ we need to be bold with those who bless us with their presence in our church meetings and worship services.  If we don’t challenge them on their lack of a serious relationship with Jesus Christ, then they will find themselves religiously and spiritually – eternally separated from God [HELL].  Why is it that we no longer feel comfortable challenging one another in the Word and with the Word.  Is not the Word of God just as true and powerful today as it was 2000 years ago?  Is not the Word of God still the ultimate source of all knowledge and TRUTH?

I firmly believe the reason that we no longer challenge people in their beliefs is that the “bride of christ” has become the “Bride of Pride” or the “Bride of Have it My Way.”  Folks it is time to stop playing church and start being the CHURCH!  It is time for the true Bride of Christ to rise to her place and start preparing the way of the Lord.  In a conversation I recently had with a well-known songwriter and composer I was personally challenged to be bold.  Not to step out of my place or out from under the authority for which I’ve been given by God and the local body of Christ but to boldly proclaim that which the Holy Spirit has given me to proclaim.  A visiting pastor to our church recently stated, “There is a difference in saying you’re a Christian and actually being a Christian.”  How right he is.  However, I would state that there is a difference in saying you belong to a church and actually being the Church.

As I have challenged each of these individuals that I have been discipling, I challenge you to the same task… “Stop attending church and start being the Church!”  ”Stop saying you’re a Christian and start truly living as a Disciple (follower) of Christ.”  ”Stop being religions and start a relationship with Jesus.”  ”Stop looking to become spiritual and start living through the power of the Holy Spirit.”  God so much longs for us to turn to Him in total abandonment, yet we still hold on to our own agendas, desires, and selfish lusts.  When you are ready to let go of yourself, the Bible says “die to self,” then and only then will you be able to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Until then you are merely being religious or dare I say spiritual.

Reaching the world for Jesus, one person at a time…

Pastor Isaac

Inspiration and Affirmation…

Today I had the privilege of attending the first day of the IBSA Worship Leader’s Retreat in Decatur, Illinois.  I wasn’t able to attend the conference last year due to scheduling conflicts but made the commitment to attend this year.  I am extremely happy that I chose to attend.  God has really used fellow Worship Pastors, Senior Pastors and other Worship Leaders to inspire me and affirm the direction I have been sensing God leading me for over a year.

I have always felt God’s guidance into relational environments within my ministry.  Even in my current position as Worship Pastor at Heartland Baptist Church I have stressed building intentional relationships.  Mentoring is key in the life of every believer and God used many leaders today to affirm His working in my life.  I am so grateful for the way God assures us of our calling and our vision of ministry.  There were many other topics and ideas that God has affirmed for me this weekend too.  I will be blogging about them more in the coming days/week.  Some of those ideas surround the idea that as believers we are a royal priesthood.  This means we are all priests and it is our job to help others get to the throne room, the foot of the cross, heaven.  Not only are we priests but kings too.  Jennie Lee Riddle helped me give me the words to explain what I’ve been trying to share with the worship team/choir at Heartland for the last three years.  Our priestly responsibilities are how we relate vertically (man to God) and our kingly duties are how we relate horizontally (man to man).

Jennie also shared the thought process behind writing worship songs for today’s church.  For too long we have been writing songs that are void of Biblical truths.  Actually, many of the songs we sing in corporate worship today are songs that do have elements of truth in them but fail to the deeper level that the Bride of Christ (the church) needs to have on their lips and in the hearts.  This will be another blog topic for me.

Lynette and I have felt and watched God make an amazing connection with Jennie and look forward to the many things that we will learn from her in the future.  I have been so inspired and encouraged this weekend and we still have a few more conference sessions to attend on Saturday morning.  I look forward to sharing more about this with you in future posts.  God bless you all as you continue to follow His lead.

Reaching the world for Jesus, one person at a time…

Pastor Isaac

Every View an Ocean View

How many times have you longed for that beautiful ocean view in the midst of some very exhausting or stressful times?  I can recall many times when I longed to be on the beach with my feet in the sand and the sun warming my skin but was in the midst of an awful storm.  Rain slamming down upon my back, wading through feet of water and muck all while trying not to get knocked down into the water by all of the flying debris.   Let me just clarify that I am not talking about Hurricane Katrina, Rita, Andrew or Ike.  This storm that I am talking about is called “life.” 

Too often we just let “life” treat us like an old dock that gets beat up by the waves of change or trampled on by the feet of others’ hidden agendas.  When this happens we tend to look at the ground to make sure that where will are going to step next is solid.  However, while looking down every once in a while is good to make sure that we have a solid footing it can be extremely damaging to your spirit and your soul.  While looking down we take our eyes off of Jesus Christ.  Life doesn’t always allow you to see the ocean view that you have dreamt about, but that is exactly when we need to focus not on the ocean view but on Jesus Christ.  Hear what the book of Hebrews tells us about staying focused on Jesus:

“Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”  Hebrews 12:1-3, The Message

You see, when we allow life’s storms and trials get us looking at our circumstances or simply losing hope, we have lost sight of God’s purpose for life.  We need to realize that “it’s not about me.”  Max Lucado has written a book entitled, “It’s Not About Me.”  In this book Max points out to believers that when things happen to us or to those we love it’s not so we can ask ”why me? or what did I do to deserve this?”    It is all about trying to figure out how God wants to use this situation to bring glory to Himself. 

I know that when I lose focus of Christ it quickly becomes all about me.  The challenge is this:  when you start to question ”why me?” simply ask God to show himself to you.  Go back to God’s Word and read about other’s who have also faced many trials and horrible situations.  See how they managed to make it through all of those circumstances without sinning.  See what they did to help them stay focused on God the Father or Jesus Christ.   Then take a look at your situation through different lenses, God’s lenses.

Its Not the Communicator thats the Problem…Its the Receiver

Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone
where you felt as though there was something wrong with the communication lines?  “Can you hear me now?”  “How about now, Can you here me now?”  Do any of you remember those commercials?  How about Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist when little Oliver asks ”Please, sir, I want some more.”  “More, you want more…”  Somehow those lines of communication, while loud, were not quite understood.  Have any of you ever played the game telephone?  It’s the game where everyone sits in a circle and one person begins the game by whispering a secret in the ear of the person to their left.  Then that person does the same whispering into the ear of the person to their left, but this time repeating that secret which they just heard.  The game continues until the original person receives his/her message back from the person to their right.  It is not common, in this game, to actually receive the same secret that you started.  I think you can get the idea of how listening is key to hearing and understanding.  But what happens when you are not even capable of receiving what God is saying?

Often times we wait upon the Lord to speak.  Patiently we wait.  Patiently we wait.  Patiently, alright already enough with the patience.  We just want God to speak to us when we want Him to.  Unfortunately, what if God is waiting to speak to us when we are in the right position to receive what He has to say?  What if we are not prepared to hear the message.  What if, in our own selfishness, we wait for the Lord to speak to us when He has already spoken about the issue, but we haven’t yet put aside our sinful desires long enough to focus upon His truths?  In preparing for a Bible Study that we will be offering at our church in the coming months, I was able to preview a few sessions from Priscilla Shirer.  She states, most of the time the Communicator is not the problem.  It’s the receiver that is the problem.  

She couldn’t be more correct.  How many times in Scriptures, especially the Psalms, do we read that ”the ears are open but they did not hear” or “their eyes were open but they did not see?”   Too many times in Scripture we see where people saw and heard the things of God but they did not understand.  Or was it, sometimes, they simply didn’t choose to hear or obey what they heard or saw?  Mrs. Shirer is 100% correct, the problem is the receiver not the communicator.  Also, the problem isn’t the means of communication or the delivery.  God has given His word to everyone.  It is not limited to white or black, free or enslaved, rich or poor, healthy or sick.  It is given to all who would read, listen, and obey.  So, the next time you are “patiently” or “frantically” waiting upon a word from the Lord, check yourself.  Make sure you are in a position to receive His truths.  Then be ready to act.  Once you hear God’s Word it demands action.  When we hear God’s Word we should immediately obey, but that is for another blog on another day.  Until then, stay strong in the Lord and be of good courage!

Peace & Blessings,
Pastor Isaac

Still Rebuilding Five Years Past Katrina

Hurricane Katrina was a huge, overwhelming, natural disaster that effected the lives of millions of people.  On August 29, 2005 Lynette and I along with Abbi were nervously waiting to find out if we had a home to return to.  As news and videos/pictures flooded the news stream we could only watch and pray when concerning those we knew were still in New Orleans.  We could only pray and wait ’til we were able to return to find out if our home and possessions had been washed away with the tide.  Two weeks after Katrina made landfall I began the long journey into New Orleans to get only to Jackson, Mississippi and found out that they were closing the city again, this time due to Hurricane Rita.  The following week (3 weeks post-Katrina) I made it back into town to meet with my Pastor, who had also been evacuated.  We were coming back to assess the damage of our homes, our church, and our community.  Fortunately, we did not experience the flooding that the majority of the city experienced.  However, a few months later we found ourselves without work and without a home due to some situations within our church family. 

Through the gracious love of my Aunt and the help of many friends from New Orleans we made a the move to Tallahassee, Florida where at 1:30 AM several deacons and men of First Baptist Tallahassee were waiting to help us unload our moving truck and all of its contents.  At the time, we felt lost and bewildered as many different events began unfolding in our lives.  Through the guidance of some godly men and women from First Baptist Tallahassee Lynette and I found healing and renewed faith.  During our time in Tallahassee God poured out himself on our family in many ways.  Though without income and a full-time job, for nearly two years, God provided many blessings both financially and spiritually.  I was very blessed to have served on staff with folks I will consider spiritual mentors and friends for the rest of my life.

Now, we find ourselves 5 years past Katrina’s landfall but still only moments away from the lasting impact.  In many parts of the gulf coast, families and communities are still struggling to rebuild and resume life as it once was.  Since that dreadful date five years ago, God has added many blessings to our family.  Eli and LilyGrace were both given to us while we were Tallahassee.  We formed lasting relationships with many folks from the FBC Tallahassee family and lastly we formed a great bond with my Aunt Rhonda.  We are so grateful for all that our First Tallahassee family did for us and all that they continue to do for my Aunt. 

Since 2008 our family has relocated to Alton, IL to serve as Worship Pastor at Heartland Baptist Church.  God has blessed with a home & a mortgage, a great church family and many new friends.  However, we are just now beginning to crawl out of that financial darkness that once held a grip on our family.  We see light at the end of the tunnel.  There is hope in the midst of all of this disaster for it’s in the middle of all of this turmoil, our weakness, that Christ is made stronger.  It was through these past five years that Lynette and I have grown so much spiritually and together as husband and wife.  Within the first ten years of our marriage we have experienced disasters and many life changing events that most couples will experience within their first 30 – 40 years of marriage.  Through God’s grace and His never-ending provisions we continue to experience His blessings.  God provides in our darkest and uncertain times just as He does in the easy-going times.  Unfortunately, as humans, we tend to forget that God is the Provider when everything is good.

I guess the reason for this post is to share how God has been working in our lives since Katrina reeked  her havoc.  Even though life’s circumstances and happenings can destroy what you know as familiar God can use to build a new life.  “All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes,”  Romans 8:28.

Every Old Barn…

Every Old Barn Needs a Fresh Coat of Paint Every Now and Then

Once while serving as Worship Pastor at a church in New Orleans I decided to crash a Mary Kay party that my wife was attending at our Pastor’s house.  I have no idea what would posses a grown man to crash an even in which ladies of all ages and in all stages of life would be getting gussied up with the latest colors of the season but I did.  It could have been my overwhelming love of my young bride or possibly it was the fear of having to ask, “You spent how much?”  While crashing this party, I learned just how well female gatherings are stocked with lots of great food and fellowship.  So, I tried to stay as long as possible.  As long as the appetizers kept rolling out I was good for another half hour.

Let me just put out this disclaimer, I have never claimed to be a make up artist or professional cosmetologist but I am pretty sure that blue eyeshadow is a color that Mary Kay could have quit making with the departure of the eighties.  I listened to the hostess explain to the ladies how just a touch of color could soften, brighten, or highlight certain features while also learning that a little bit of powder or foundation could hide or diminish scaring or birth marks.  Some of the ladies attending had never been taught how to properly use make up or that they could use it.  Being the father of two girls, I naturally assumed that lip gloss and a little bit of make up were eventually a rite of passage.  Boy was I wrong.  These few ladies were just sure if they really should start using make up, especially since they were maturing in years.  In an effort to help the hostess, I encouraged them by saying, “Every old barn needs a fresh coat of paint every now and then.”  Laughter erupted and I believe the hostess had 100% of her guests purchase something.

So where exactly is this blog heading?  Is it simply a blog to tell you a funny story?  Could be, however, there is a much deeper spiritual truth here.  Are you ready for it?  No matter how long you’ve been a Christian, your age, or your stature every Christian could use a spiritual touch up every now and then.  I’ve spent a lot of time listening to folks who have been Christians for many years who live and talk as though they know everything they need to know about their walk with Jesus and the Bible.  They have become very comfortable in their standing with the Lord.  Those around them can tell that their paint is flaking.  The old wood is starting to show through.  Many imperfections and scars are starting to rear their heads and the shine is wearing down and in some cases has completely disappeared.  Just like the old barn that needs a fresh coat of paint Christians need to be constantly checking the mirror for our imperfections and scars that might be making a comeback appearance. 
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If any man be in Christ, he is a brand new creation.  Old things are gone all things are new.”

So the next time you begin to think that you’ve got it all covered or that you’ve been a Christian long enough to quit improving on your relationship with the Lord look in the mirror.  It may be time for a fresh coat of paint.

What’s the Cost?

Lynette and I had the opportunity to visit with a gentlemen from Thomas Construction today regarding an estimate for a new roof for our home.  He shared with us about the company, the product and the need we had for his product.  Then came the news…”it costs how much?”  We knew that home ownership would be a big commitment especially when considering upkeep, improvements, repairs, replacements, insurance, etc…  I think you are getting my point.  Knowing that our roof will need to be replaced sometime in the next year or so we are having to revisit our family budget, income v/s expenses causing us to re-evaluate what our needs are compared to our wants.

As I sat in my favorite place in the whole house, the bubble chair, I reflected on just how much it costs to own a home and take care of the many responsibilities that it brings to the table.  These responsibilities require much sacrifice and commitment to keep and maintain.  Can you begin to see the picture that is forming in my mind?  Our relationship with Jesus Christ is much like this commitment in purchasing and caring for a home.  Most people would like to have one, but not many can afford it…or is it that they choose not to make the appropriate adjustments in their lifestyle that can maintain the upkeep, improvements, repairs in those responsibilities. 

Often, we choose to buy into the “I need Jesus” and “I want Jesus” in our mind but we fail to make that solid commitment.  The commitment in our heart to make those much-needed adjustments in that will help develop/foster a much deeper and genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.  What are you willing to give up, sacrifice, pay in order to have a deeper relationship with Jesus?  After all, think of what Jesus paid for you.  With His birth He left behind a heavenly throne.  With His life He modeled true love.  With His death He bought our freedom.  With His resurrection He guaranteed our place with Him, that is if we choose to believe in Him and follow His ways.

Think about the cost.  Compared to the cost Jesus paid to purchase our pardon anything else appears to be merely a fraction of a penny on every million dollars.

Peace & Blessings
Pastor Isaac