If I had the opportunity I would go back in time and change a few things. I would study harder in school (I failed Auto Shop. Nobody fails Auto Shop.) I would spend more time with my parents, take better care of my health, and so on. However, unless there is a time machine somewhere like the one Rod Taylor used in the movie, "Time Machine", that's not going to happen.
There is an old Chinese proverb that says, "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today." This means it's not too late to make some changes. Renew those broken relationships, read and learn new things, take a walk or jump rope to get that heart going, smile more, become a generous tipper, let kids play on your grass, cut down on your "TV" watching and go visit someone. You can plant a whole forest if you just take the time.
'Til next time, in Christian love,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
What Do You Long For?
The song lyric's say,"'Tis the season to be jolly." For many, there is no way this is going to happen. Sickness, broken home, financial struggles. It's difficult to be jolly in situations like these.
I am reminded by God's Word what this time of year is truly about. It's so much more than gifts, food, parties, getting together with family, even more than celebrating the birth of Christ. It goes back to the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned against God. Because of their disobedience they would eventually die. Until then, there would be pain for childbirth for Eve, Adam would have to plow the ground and separate the weeds from the vegetables, they and their children would experience pain physically and emotionally. They would even experience murder.
God told Satan that Jesus would bruise his head and that he would bruise Jesus' heel. This meant that Jesus would defeat Satan and the cross and death would only be temporary suffering for Jesus. At the moment Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead Satan was defeated and Genesis 3:14-15 was fulfilled. Restoration was established and God's longing for a relationship with mankind was made possible.
So you see, Christmas is not only a time of celebration of the birth of Christ but a time of rejoicing in knowing that because of His birth, death, and resurrection, you and I have what we have longed for - peace with God and the promise of spending eternity with Him.
Thanks for reading,
Pastor Gary
I am reminded by God's Word what this time of year is truly about. It's so much more than gifts, food, parties, getting together with family, even more than celebrating the birth of Christ. It goes back to the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned against God. Because of their disobedience they would eventually die. Until then, there would be pain for childbirth for Eve, Adam would have to plow the ground and separate the weeds from the vegetables, they and their children would experience pain physically and emotionally. They would even experience murder.
God told Satan that Jesus would bruise his head and that he would bruise Jesus' heel. This meant that Jesus would defeat Satan and the cross and death would only be temporary suffering for Jesus. At the moment Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead Satan was defeated and Genesis 3:14-15 was fulfilled. Restoration was established and God's longing for a relationship with mankind was made possible.
So you see, Christmas is not only a time of celebration of the birth of Christ but a time of rejoicing in knowing that because of His birth, death, and resurrection, you and I have what we have longed for - peace with God and the promise of spending eternity with Him.
Thanks for reading,
Pastor Gary
Saturday, November 24, 2007
What's In A Name?
We are now into the Christmas season. A time for Christmas music, shopping, protests against stores that say "holiday" instead of Christmas, parties, church Christmas programs. It seems like it's the same thing over and over again. Every year going through the same things. Now don't get me wrong, I love all those things except the protests. But the name Christmas seems to have lost its "luster." It's been fought over and commercialized so much that the name isn't carrying the meaning that the Christian world has come to love. Christ-mas! Christ is Christmas.
Let's quit protesting and getting caught up in all the material things and get back to Christ-mas. If you are a born again Christian (there is no other kind), don't forget where that name came from - CHRIST! This year, light up your house for Christ. The lights and decorations are for Him.
We at CrossPoint have four very large trees in our front yard. We have decorated (still two to go) each tree a different color. The first is in white lights to signify Christ as the light of the world. The second has green lights to represent Him coming to earth. The third, red lights to show the great price, His blood, to paid for our sins. And the fourth, blue, to represent the place He promised that we would go if we accepted Him as our Savior - Heaven!
May this Christmas season change the way you view this wonderful time of year.
Much love during this Holy time of year,
Pastor Gary
Let's quit protesting and getting caught up in all the material things and get back to Christ-mas. If you are a born again Christian (there is no other kind), don't forget where that name came from - CHRIST! This year, light up your house for Christ. The lights and decorations are for Him.
We at CrossPoint have four very large trees in our front yard. We have decorated (still two to go) each tree a different color. The first is in white lights to signify Christ as the light of the world. The second has green lights to represent Him coming to earth. The third, red lights to show the great price, His blood, to paid for our sins. And the fourth, blue, to represent the place He promised that we would go if we accepted Him as our Savior - Heaven!
May this Christmas season change the way you view this wonderful time of year.
Much love during this Holy time of year,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Our Many Blessings
We have been blessed with many wonderful gifts from God. Our families, friends, full cupboards, and so on. However, many do not have these blessings. Consider sharing your blessings with others for as you share with others, you are sharing with Jesus.
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary Hill
CrossPoint Free Will Baptist Church
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary Hill
CrossPoint Free Will Baptist Church
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Nicknames and Pastor Appreciation Day
Hi all,
I didn't get many interesting husband/wife nicknames from spouses in my church. I received names such as honey, babe, etc. One name I did get that was confirmed by his wife this morning was "jerk". She was pretty adament about him being one ever once in a while.
Today was pastor appreciation at CrossPoint. I am priviliged to serve wonderful people and am blessed by their support.
Husbands, remember this: "The secret to being a great dad is for a man to always love and serve his wife - his children's mother -first."
Have a blessed Monday,
Pastor Gary
I didn't get many interesting husband/wife nicknames from spouses in my church. I received names such as honey, babe, etc. One name I did get that was confirmed by his wife this morning was "jerk". She was pretty adament about him being one ever once in a while.
Today was pastor appreciation at CrossPoint. I am priviliged to serve wonderful people and am blessed by their support.
Husbands, remember this: "The secret to being a great dad is for a man to always love and serve his wife - his children's mother -first."
Have a blessed Monday,
Pastor Gary
Monday, November 12, 2007
What Do You Call Your Spouse (keep it clean)?
I do quite a few weddings as pastor of CrossPoint and one of my favorite parts of the ceremony is when I get to introduce the couple, for the very first time anywhere in the world, as Mr. and Mrs. I just think it's cool that I can be the first one to do that (okay, enough of that).
Speaking of names, I got to thinking about what spouses call each other after they have been married for a while. Here's a short list I came up with (these are real). Let me know what you call your spouse.
Snugglepuppy, Lovemuffin, Smooshy Poo, Hunny Bunches of Oats, Sugarlips, Jellybean, Doodlebug. I call my wife Beautiful, Sweetie, Baby, but my favorite is Hunka Hunka Burning Love (pronounced Luv)). I have asked couples in my church to share their nicknames for each other. If they are brave enough to do it, I'll share them with you later this week.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
Speaking of names, I got to thinking about what spouses call each other after they have been married for a while. Here's a short list I came up with (these are real). Let me know what you call your spouse.
Snugglepuppy, Lovemuffin, Smooshy Poo, Hunny Bunches of Oats, Sugarlips, Jellybean, Doodlebug. I call my wife Beautiful, Sweetie, Baby, but my favorite is Hunka Hunka Burning Love (pronounced Luv)). I have asked couples in my church to share their nicknames for each other. If they are brave enough to do it, I'll share them with you later this week.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Not Just Another Day
Tomorrow (Sunday) is the day that protestants gather together to celebrate the Lord. It's a time of worship, praise, fellowship, and for many a time to reflect. There's something about being in church that settles the mind and puts things into perspective. We come to church with a load of hurt, worry, discouragement, and doubt. But sometimes what goes on in the service opens our hearts to what God wants to do in our lives. There's hope instilled as we hear the songs and the message that God has given to the pastor. You see, God knows what we need to hear. It's a time where God shares with us that He wants to heal our hearts from all the clutter of doubt, disbelief, hurt, etc. And, if we open our hearts to His promises and really trust that He knows what He is doing in our lives, and that all that He does is because He loves us, miracles can happen.
You see, Sunday is not just another day. It's a day of hope. Take advantage of Sunday morning and Sunday night services. Don't look at it as an inconvenience for you to go to church twice a day. Look at it as an opportunity for two doses of hope.
Have a blessed day in church,
Pastor Gary
You see, Sunday is not just another day. It's a day of hope. Take advantage of Sunday morning and Sunday night services. Don't look at it as an inconvenience for you to go to church twice a day. Look at it as an opportunity for two doses of hope.
Have a blessed day in church,
Pastor Gary
Monday, October 29, 2007
'Tis the Season
I'm not a big fan of Halloween. As a kid I would get all kinds of candy and loved it. I admit, I like passing out candy to the kids, especially the cute and polite ones. But, the scary, spooky stuff I can do without. Since so many businesses have gotten away from using the name Christmas perhaps we should change the name of Halloween. Maybe to something like "Candy Night" or "Kids Night Out." Get rid of the costumes and the ugly decorations in the yards and celebrate our children. Make it a national "I love kids" night.
On another note, if you like Christmas music like me you probably get an early start to listening to it. Here's an excellent website that lets you pick the music you like. You have to ignore some of the ads on the webpage. It's called www.pandora.com and it's free.
By the way, we had an excellent gospel singing last night at CrossPoint with Courtney Lynn and The Wilson Sisters. Next Sunday night (Nov. 4 at 6pm) we have another singing with Tribute Quartet from Nashville, TN. Hope you can come.
Talk with you soon,
Pastor Gary
On another note, if you like Christmas music like me you probably get an early start to listening to it. Here's an excellent website that lets you pick the music you like. You have to ignore some of the ads on the webpage. It's called www.pandora.com and it's free.
By the way, we had an excellent gospel singing last night at CrossPoint with Courtney Lynn and The Wilson Sisters. Next Sunday night (Nov. 4 at 6pm) we have another singing with Tribute Quartet from Nashville, TN. Hope you can come.
Talk with you soon,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, October 25, 2007
What Will Fame Get You Anyway?
Walt Disney said, "As far as I can remember, being a celebrity has never helped me make a good picture .. or command the obedience of my daughter or impress my wife. It doesn't even seem to help keep fleas off our dog, and if being a celebrity won't give one an advantage over a couple fleas, then I guess there can't be that much in being a celebrity after all."
If you take all the "fame"ous (I know it's spelled wrong) people you've ever known of and put them in a room (assuming they are alive) and if they were totally honest, they would tell you exactly what Walt Disney said. Their dogs still have fleas, they still have family concerns, they still put their pants on one leg at a time. It's fun to know many of them, but they can't do a thing for you.
Hebrews 11 tells us of God's "fame"ous (I know, I know) people and how they are right now "a great cloud of witnesses." That means we can look back at their faith and how they trusted God and how He came through for them. He will do the same thing for you. The only famous Person to put your trust in is Jesus, our Lord and our Savior.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
If you take all the "fame"ous (I know it's spelled wrong) people you've ever known of and put them in a room (assuming they are alive) and if they were totally honest, they would tell you exactly what Walt Disney said. Their dogs still have fleas, they still have family concerns, they still put their pants on one leg at a time. It's fun to know many of them, but they can't do a thing for you.
Hebrews 11 tells us of God's "fame"ous (I know, I know) people and how they are right now "a great cloud of witnesses." That means we can look back at their faith and how they trusted God and how He came through for them. He will do the same thing for you. The only famous Person to put your trust in is Jesus, our Lord and our Savior.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Only 61 Days To Go
As I write this blog I am listening to Peggy Lee sing The Christmas Song. I know, it's still over 60 days until Christmas but there's just something special about Christmas music that makes me feel good, especially some of the older songs that still talk about the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of our Savior. This year, enjoy the true spirit of Christmas as the onslaught of commercials, crowds, and sales fill our lives.
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Wonder Of It All
It does not cease to amaze me how God works. He sometimes works through people. Sometimes through events. Sometimes through nature. Sometimes through His Word. However He chooses, it's a wonder.
My wife mentioned one time that the word "awesome" is supposed to be used only when describing God (she said something like that anyway). He certainly is awesome but I don't think we have the words to describe Him. And just think, He's on your side.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
My wife mentioned one time that the word "awesome" is supposed to be used only when describing God (she said something like that anyway). He certainly is awesome but I don't think we have the words to describe Him. And just think, He's on your side.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Just Whose Is It Anyway
Have you ever thought about all that you have? Not only your "things" like car, house, clothes, food, boat, etc. but your eyes, feet, hands, heart, lung, ears; every breath, every smell. These sometimes are the things we think we have earned, deserve, or where born with, so they must be ours. Well, the fact is they are not ours. Hosea chapter 2 teaches that God can take away food, possessions, etc. because He is the one who gave them in the first place.
It's time we understand who owns everything. It is God's and it will always be God's. Just try picking up some dirt and making another one of you. Have your air supply cut off and try to get some on your own. Close your eyes and run a race. Then see what you can do without God's provision.
Talk with you soon.
Pastor Gary
It's time we understand who owns everything. It is God's and it will always be God's. Just try picking up some dirt and making another one of you. Have your air supply cut off and try to get some on your own. Close your eyes and run a race. Then see what you can do without God's provision.
Talk with you soon.
Pastor Gary
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
On The Way Home
Well, the commercial shoot is over and all went well. They should be ready for airing in about six weeks. I'm looking forward to how God will use this to reach people. Now it's up to us at CrossPoint to do our part. Be a warm and friendly church that reaches out to our community with the love of Christ.
Have a blessed day.
Pastor Gary
Have a blessed day.
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Shooting Day
I am writing this blog from my motel room in Tulsa, OK waiting to depart for the shooting of our church commercials. As I write I think about many things. How my wife is doing (she had a serious head injury a couple of weeks ago), what God is doing through our church, my message for Sunday. My mind is always going 100 mph.
Last night I was reading an article on Adrian Rogerisms, thought-provoking quotes from Glenn Brooke's blog from the late Adrian Rogers, former pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. I want to share a few with you ...
Has it ever occurred to you that nothing occurs to God?
Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.
If you have a Bible that's falling apart you'll have a life that's not.
You can save a lot of time waiting on God.
Just because it doesn't make sense to you doesn't mean it doesn't make sense.
On gossips: don't let them use your ears for garbage cans.
It's what you sow that multiplies, not what you keep in the barn.
There was a time when you were not. There never will be a time when you will not be.
We live in a day where a hero is a sandwich, life is a magazine, power is a candy bar, joy is a detergent, sin is a perfume, a star is an actress who's been married three times, and the real thing is a soft drink.
On salvation by works: I wouldn't trust the best fifteen minutes I ever lived to get me into heaven.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
Last night I was reading an article on Adrian Rogerisms, thought-provoking quotes from Glenn Brooke's blog from the late Adrian Rogers, former pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. I want to share a few with you ...
Has it ever occurred to you that nothing occurs to God?
Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.
If you have a Bible that's falling apart you'll have a life that's not.
You can save a lot of time waiting on God.
Just because it doesn't make sense to you doesn't mean it doesn't make sense.
On gossips: don't let them use your ears for garbage cans.
It's what you sow that multiplies, not what you keep in the barn.
There was a time when you were not. There never will be a time when you will not be.
We live in a day where a hero is a sandwich, life is a magazine, power is a candy bar, joy is a detergent, sin is a perfume, a star is an actress who's been married three times, and the real thing is a soft drink.
On salvation by works: I wouldn't trust the best fifteen minutes I ever lived to get me into heaven.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
Sunday, September 16, 2007
A New Beginning
Today was a change of sorts for Emmanuel. We changed our church name to CrossPoint Free Will Baptist. The idea behind the name change is that the cross points to Christ. That's what we want people to see. We are a church that points people to Christ.
Tomorrow I leave for Tulsa, OK to film six television commercials that will begin showing in the downriver area in early December. Our goal is to let the unchurched and people looking for a church know we are here, a place for families, for the hurting, for the lonely.
Have a blessed day tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary
Tomorrow I leave for Tulsa, OK to film six television commercials that will begin showing in the downriver area in early December. Our goal is to let the unchurched and people looking for a church know we are here, a place for families, for the hurting, for the lonely.
Have a blessed day tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary
Monday, August 27, 2007
It's Monday
The day after! The day after a wonderful day at church. It's a time to look back at God's blessings and thank Him for being with us again. Today, Monday, I am a little under the weather. Sore throat, the general feel bads, but looking forward to getting to the office tomorrow.
I just finished watching the Tigers beat the Yankees 16 - 0. Excellent game, good hitting and good pitching. Ther're still 2.5 games behind the Cleveland Indians. Hopefully they are out of their slump for good.
I trust your day was good. Look forward to tomorrow because God has some exciting things planned.
Talk with you soon.
Pastor Gary
I just finished watching the Tigers beat the Yankees 16 - 0. Excellent game, good hitting and good pitching. Ther're still 2.5 games behind the Cleveland Indians. Hopefully they are out of their slump for good.
I trust your day was good. Look forward to tomorrow because God has some exciting things planned.
Talk with you soon.
Pastor Gary
Saturday, August 25, 2007
What A Day
It is 12:40 AM on Saturday and Kathy (my wife) and I are watching the Tigers and Yankees game. The start of the game was delayed by 4 hours and 1 minute (Hey, I'm trying to be more precise). I love my Detroit Tigers. It is a feel good game and I need help feeling good sometimes.
How was your day? Mine was good. I started out going to the church and taking a shower. Kathy is caulking ours. Thank God for His "shower" of blessing (sorry). Curtis Granderson just got his second triple of the game (he also has a double). Tigers 6, Yankees 3. We had some work done on our sound system and had a problem fixed that affects our live service on the internet. Went to visit a dear lady in the hospital and came back to the church to get some work done.
Not a bad day but kind of a busy one. God numbers our days and knows what each one holds. He knew mine and He knew yours for Friday, August 24th. Today is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
I hope your Saturday is a good one.
God bless,
Pastor Gary
How was your day? Mine was good. I started out going to the church and taking a shower. Kathy is caulking ours. Thank God for His "shower" of blessing (sorry). Curtis Granderson just got his second triple of the game (he also has a double). Tigers 6, Yankees 3. We had some work done on our sound system and had a problem fixed that affects our live service on the internet. Went to visit a dear lady in the hospital and came back to the church to get some work done.
Not a bad day but kind of a busy one. God numbers our days and knows what each one holds. He knew mine and He knew yours for Friday, August 24th. Today is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
I hope your Saturday is a good one.
God bless,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, August 16, 2007
How Dare He!
Scripture teaches us that Jesus claimed to be many things:
a. The fullfillment of Old Testament prophecies (Matt. 5:17)
b. The Son of Man ( Mark 8:31)
c. The Son of God (Luke 8:28)
d. The Messiah/the Christ (John 4:25)
e. Teacher/Master ( Matt. 26:18)
f. One with authority to forgive (Luke 7: 48,49)
g. Savior (Luke 19:10)
In John 5, Jesus claims to be the Son of God. This got under the skin of the Jewish leaders. How dare this man say He was God's Son. Oh, if they only knew that this was just the beginning of a changing world because of this Man, this Savior, this Forgiver, this Teacher.
How precious He is to each one who will trust Him to be their Savior. It's at that time He becomes your very best Friend.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor Gary
a. The fullfillment of Old Testament prophecies (Matt. 5:17)
b. The Son of Man ( Mark 8:31)
c. The Son of God (Luke 8:28)
d. The Messiah/the Christ (John 4:25)
e. Teacher/Master ( Matt. 26:18)
f. One with authority to forgive (Luke 7: 48,49)
g. Savior (Luke 19:10)
In John 5, Jesus claims to be the Son of God. This got under the skin of the Jewish leaders. How dare this man say He was God's Son. Oh, if they only knew that this was just the beginning of a changing world because of this Man, this Savior, this Forgiver, this Teacher.
How precious He is to each one who will trust Him to be their Savior. It's at that time He becomes your very best Friend.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Coming Out of Nazareth
Have you ever felt like Nazareth (John 1:46)? Something that nobody expects any good to come out of? We probably have felt that way some time in our life. We have bad circumstances hit our familes, our personal lives, etc. and we get to the point that we wonder why we are even here.
Nazareth had established a poor reputation in morals and religion. Thus, Nathaniel's question in John 1:46. When we are associated with something or someone that has a bad reputation that same label can be put on us.
The devil will attempt to use our past or our associations to discredit us. He's very good at it. Don't let your past be a weapon in his hand. When you were saved Jesus rescued you from your past. Paul said in Philippians 3:13-14, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind [his past whether good or bad] and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus [one day spend eternity with Christ in heaven]." Paul was explaining how important it is for us to not live on our past spiritual accomplishments or failures but to press forward today in serving Christ to our fullest.
May God's blessings (and there are many) lift you out of the miry clay.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Nazareth had established a poor reputation in morals and religion. Thus, Nathaniel's question in John 1:46. When we are associated with something or someone that has a bad reputation that same label can be put on us.
The devil will attempt to use our past or our associations to discredit us. He's very good at it. Don't let your past be a weapon in his hand. When you were saved Jesus rescued you from your past. Paul said in Philippians 3:13-14, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind [his past whether good or bad] and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus [one day spend eternity with Christ in heaven]." Paul was explaining how important it is for us to not live on our past spiritual accomplishments or failures but to press forward today in serving Christ to our fullest.
May God's blessings (and there are many) lift you out of the miry clay.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)