Big Sky!

Montana is a beautiful State. Majestic mountains, streams, plains. It has been years since I have been there, but what I remember of it was no less than spectacular. The thing that sticks out in my mind most is their marketing phrase..."Big Sky"....and if you have ever seen photos or visited, it is most appropriate. It seems like the sunset goes on forever....limitless in the view of the horizon, and at night the bright sky lit up with millions of stars. Coyotes singing their night song communicating with one another and a breeze from the mountains that put a chill in your body. Nothing like it! Oh Big Sky....I miss you.

This is the end of another year, and another decade. 2010 is as close as the turn of a page. Many are the memories of 2009, and the bittersweet taste of accomplishments in our lives that we had, mixed with many lost opportunities, un-met goals and the loss of special people. Or in lesser yet as painful at times..dreams that may never be realized. They are drops of water in an endless sea of life and history. Many of you may be discouraged, even depressed. Some may be out right defeated! The toll of time sucks the life out of you. But may I encourage you for this season in your life? Go to Big Sky country!

No I am not a travel guide. (though that would be cool), nor a spokesman for Montana. What I do mean is dare to see the unlimited possibilities of 2010. Dare to see the Big, unlimited Sky of life, where you look as far over the horizon, and see as high and as clear as looking at the night sky of the big west. Yes there will still be a chill in the air occasionally. Yes there may be coyotes wanting to ruin your picnic, but keep looking up at the big sky!

I have had many successes in my life, which also means that I have had many failures. Unrealized dreams, stupid decisions, bad choices, missed opportunities. Those failures are like building a building of defeat. As they build up in your life, it becomes a city which can block your view of the big limitless horizon.

This Year, Like me...please dare to dream again. Keep believing! And most of all, keep Jesus as the focus in your life. That is the beginning of peace and it is from God which all blessings abound. See you in Big Sky Country!

The Best is Yet to Come!

Recently, a local magazine came out with a "best of" list for 2009 for our city. There were many list concerning eating establishments, clothing stores, cake decorators, catering and the like. It was very impressive except for the fact that I was no where on the list for say...."best blogger" or "best cyber pastor" or anything else! Maybe next year.
One thing that I thought about when viewing the list was that we as a people have a great capacity to thrive during adversity.We are also people who make choices. Our choices make us who we are. Let me expound.

If you decide to live in the past, you will have limited or no future. This is your choice. If you truly believe that you have lived your best years, and it is all downhill from here, you will be correct. However, if you believe that the best is yet to come, and you choose to work hard, make a goal, develop a plan, and follow through, I can assure you that your future is bright. No, not all of your dreams will come true, but many will. Not everything will be easy. We are a product of our decisions, and many times things beyond our control happen that prevents us from accomplishing said goal. You cannot change certain things, and need to learn to let them go. Only change what you can. Keep moving. Keep beleiving. Keep putting Christ first. If you do these things, I am sure that the best is yet to come!

Who Ya Gonna Call?

No. this is not a retro look at "Ghostbusters". But nonetheless a point that I hope you get.
A few days ago,it was pooring down rain. I was driving on the highway, when I passed by someone involved in a pretty bad looking wreck. They had lost control, and were in the woods wedged against a tree. Due to the fact that traffic would not allow me to stop, I called 911. The first time, I was told to call another number. I did so, and then was placed on hold! We are talking 911 here! After a short wait, I was then told again that I would be transfered to another THP site. It took about five minites to finally get the right people, and by then, help was on the way. WOW
The Bible states that some trust in horses, or chariots, but we will trust in the name of the Lord. Psalms 18 states this "In my distress, I called out to you, and you answered me, and came down from your high place....."
If you were to read the entire chapter, David states that God is his rock and fortress. That when he needed help from evil men, or persecution or confusing times, he called on God, and the word says that God answered. It kind of gives a picture of a parent who hears the scared or helpless cry of their child. They immediatly flair up and take a defensive stance to come to the rescue and take care of anyone or anything that is messing with their own. God came down, and took care of business.
I do not know where you are, but in my life, I needed to hear this. With uncertain and frustrating times, I needed to be reminded not to look to anyone else for a false hope, but rather to look to God the author and finisher of our faith. Amen.

Part Three Re-Focusing

The next portion that I wish to discuss in the area of re-focusing is balance. Have you ever been on a vacation or trip, and you end up with all of the luggage to tote in? It is surely a balancing act the more luggage you have! And you find quickly that you have way too much stuff!
Quickly assess each area of your life. Do you get enough exercise? Are you eating right? Do you spend personal as well as family time? In our home, for example, when the kids seem a bit grumpy, Lynne and I will stop and ask ourselves why they are acting up so. Many times it has been because we had missed family meal times. These times re-center our family. Without them, the kids, as well as mom and dad feel a dis-connect. Sickness or tiredness will make you foggy. Get the proper rest. Is your personal spiritual life on the back burner? Check out your balance. Too much time spent in one area will cause you to drop the rest of your "luggage".

Re-Focus Part Dos

The next thing I wish to discuss on re-focusing your life when you are disoriented is to go back to a set reference point. This is important. There was a story in the Old Testament concerning Elisha (so I think) that one day a man came to him and said "man of God...i need help. I borrowed someone's axe, and the head fell off in the water." The prophet asked him where he lost his axe head, and said a prayer and the axe head floated to the surface and was recovered.
More recently, I shared a story of a "drug sweep" at a local High School where the drug dog "hit" on this kids car. When the trunk was opened, the officers laughed, and sent the scared teen back to class. What had happened is that drug dogs are trained to find drugs in tennis balls when they are younger. The car belonged to the tennis star of the school, and the trunk was full of fuzzy tennis balls! The dog lost his focus!
When we loose focus, we need to stop, and go back to where we lost our "axe head". Ask yourself what is it that your goal was , find out where you got off track, and go back to what is really important. More later. Jory

Re-Focusing your life

I wish to discuss a few things concerning our life focus. It is easy to get out of focus with our daily lives. I was reminded of this as I attempted to drive out of State one day recently. Due to tiredness, I had a problem with my eyes blurring while driving and it made it difficult to stay on course.

A few years back, I read a leadership article that stated that everyone looses focus now and then. Even CEO's and CFO's of large companies. The difference, stated the leadership strategist was that upon surveying the execs of many companies as well as the regular grind of the mill worker, was that the execs had a simple, straightforward plan to regain focus quickly. The average worker did not. based on this nugget, I would like to share some of my re-focusing strategies that assist me. This week is on taking a pause.

In the Bible, we see an unusual word in the Psalms called "selah". It is often translated to mean...."the pause that refreshes" or "quiet yourself and reflect on that". When I am stressed out and need to refocus, I do my best to just stop and take a moment to reflect on how good my life really is. I thank Jesus for my wonderful wife and awesome kids. At times, I open my phone, and look through my scrapbook of pics with my family moments from times past. The grins and giggles, and funny faces make me laugh as I remember the moment that the picture represents. This is why I do what I do every day. My purpose. To raise a Godly loving family and leave my kids fond memories of growing up. Sometimes I pause and think of who I am in Christ, and all He has done for me. After that, I clear my mind of the clutter, ask for guidance through prayer, and re-focus on the task at hand. It's like a mental and spiritual mini-vacation! Next time you get stressed or loose focus, try some of these things. You can also share some of your best ways to "selah" in order to re-focus. Jory

So Long!

Sorry for such a long break! Life is crazy busy. I just experienced a great blessing this past week in going to the wedding of a dear friend and future partners in the ministry. Adam and Billie Smith are awesome. The wedding made me cry. To see such a beautiful bride, and stunnng groom it reminded me of what Jesus might be feeling about His bride...the church. He loves us. He does not love our church culture or the political drama that we create, but He does love His true church. Let us do our best to can the drama, the politics, the religious spirit, and concentrate on our wedding day when we will see the groom for the first time.

Backed up!

You may not wish to read this during a meal, but I need to share it as a not soon forgotten message.
A friend of mine recently told me of a difficult situation he had encountered. As he went in to his basement, he was shocked to find it filled with raw sewage! Mnay hours later, it was revealed that the problem was due to the septic system not being serviced and the old waste removed. Normally, a septic system needs to be cleaned out every two years. The owners of this home had not done so in seven. The problem was neglect.
In the book of Romans in chapter 12 we are reminded to not be conformed to the world (do what they do, speak like they speak, act like they act...or what we acted like before we came to Christ if that is your case) but to be renewed or transformed by the renewing of your mind through Christ Jesus.
In our lives, we have "stuff" that we are exposed to every day. It is just life. Every day, we have to contend with some of our old habits, or ways of thinking. Life again. But as we open up our spirits and allow Christ through the washing of the word and prayer, clean out the old stuff, things will once again flow properly in our lives. What "stuff" are you in need of having cleaned out of your life today?

Resident Evil

Normally, I do not watch movies, especially of the zombie type..... but in a moment of "i'm off work and kickin' back" insanity, I put in the last R.E. flick. What I found was astonishing to say the least! See, this girl...named Alice is the key to undoing a world wide epidemic which came from a tragic virus released on mankind. It affected everyone, and to spite all of man's efforts, it spread out of control and destroyed the population. It seems that Alice DNA and blood was the key to the cure. It was going to take the blood of one person to reverse the virus that had so devastated humankind. Hmmmmmm. seems like I have heard this story line before. Jory

Poser

I was driving down the road today, and saw a young man in a convertible which had a high dollar car insignia on it. Thinking it was a design I had not seen before, I looked more closely, and found that it was just a Chrysler. Someone had placed the high end logo on the low end car.

What I find in my life is that it is not what is on the outside that people see at a glance, but rather what is on the inside that matters. I can wear a jogging suit with the Olympic team logo on it and top quality running shoes, but that does not make me an athlete! One look at me will give it away! Stop showing your fake logo, and become who you say you are or who it is you want to be!

Joint Custody

As I performed my daily run to parts unknown, I observed a common sight. As I kept my eyes open for bad guys, I noticed a white SUV with an occupant in it seemingly doing nothing. Soon, a truck pulled up and it became clear to me what was happening. A Kid exchange. It seens as though it was mom's turn for the daughter, and dads weekend was over. I exhaled deeply in sorrow. This plays out all over the country every day of the week, where someone has to ship their kid out so that the other biological other can have a time with Junior or Daphnie. No matter what people say about how they "cope" with it, I must believe that it still hurts deep down inside everytime your visit is over. I hope I never know that pain, and I will work doggon hard on my end to make sure of it. If this is where you are, I want you to know that you can find hope and peace in Jesus. I've got no stones to throw.
On a deeper side, we all may have a tendency to be a part of a joint custody conflict of our own. You see, many of us have a struggle between living like the world, and living for God. It's like a kid wondering where he is supposed to be this week. Let's decide on who gets "full custody" of our lives. Jory

days off

What do you do with a day off? Most of us will probably spend it catching up on our house work, or pay bills, or wash the car. Many will be so stressed that they cannot do anything for just one day. They need a week just to unwind! I have done some of the former. House stuff, personal business etc. I have learned to "twitter". Quite an amazing feat for an old guy. Everyone needs days off. You need it to regroup, recharge and refresh. Let your body rest. Fast or eat good food. Life is short, and we need to make the most of it. You have one body (some of us have two weight wise) so take care of it. Listen to what it is saying. I will se you later, I have to go for now. Be blessed. Jory

Tonight @ Panara Bread

Tonight, it's just seven of us. Why you say? Why would you go to the trouble of going to the West End of Nashville and meet and fellowship. Well, because it's a passion of ours to share Jesus with anyone we can. Changing lives one at a time over fellowship and sharing testimony. Tonight, Jory is sharing a testimony with the group. God spoke to him about what to say, and there is great discussion happening here! His question was, " How do you tune your life when you are out of tune and missing a string". He had an illustration of a guitar in his hands while asking it. The responses of the group are interesting and thought provoking. Lord Jesus, we pray you use us to change more lives! Your kingdom come here in Nashville!
We are here to love individuals and share the truth of God and His Word!

See you next week!
Lynne and Jory Hire
The Lift Church

The Code

"620...10-28.....620 go....... 10-28 on 10 zulu charlie lima 4.......620 10-12 please..........10-28 on 10 zulu charlie lima 4 comes back to a Clayton Arnold Baggett....Hendersonville, Tennessee on a 2002 Nissan Maxima....nif, no priors all clear......620 i am 10-08 from the stop.....10-04 620 1635."

For those of you who do not know what the last paragraph was about, it was police 10 codes and a brief discussion between an officer (I was 620 in the day, but did not pull over anyone...that was for real cops) and a dispatcher concerning a traffic stop. It seems that the man was in distress, so the officer asked for information about the guy in order to know what they were getting in to. The tag was ran after a pause, and it turned out that the guy was clean, he seemed ditressed because he was a pastor, so this was not distress, it was just normal pastor stuff he was thinking about.

10 codes were deisgned for officers to have a level of professionalism, ease of use and time and clear communication in regard to what was giong on. However, if you do not know them, they mean nothing.

What code do you live by... or, are you like Law enforcement that is contemplating getting rid of their codes for something new? When you speak of God are you 10_01 (poor reception) or have you just given up and gone 10-03 (stopped transmitting) Where will you be when all is 10-42 (the end of your watch)? Just something for you to chew on today. Please be 10-34 (have an open frequency) to God. Be blessed, I am 10-19. Jory

Road Trip

I have been on the road this weekend doing some business. As I travelled, I realized how life and travelling seem the same. We are on a journey...going somewhere. What I wish to concentate on are the distractions that occur while on the road. As I drove, A sign caught my attention. It said simply "Guns and Ammo". Now, That may seem odd to some, but as a gun person of sorts, I was enthrawled at the possibility of looking around. To make a long story short, what started as a five minute stop turned in to a bit longer one.

What is distracting you on your journey? What is altering your plans and changing your focus from reaching your destination? Get back on the road! Refresh, Refocus, Restart. Jory

A Religion of Swine

As I read a magazine the other day, I came across an article concerning a local downtown church (I use that term lightly) who just changed their bylaws to accept anyone as a member in to their fellowship. This is another politically correct move in order for people to "accept" them as "good and progressive" people. The person being interviewed was a retired minister of the denomination which stated that this in a nutshell is the only logical and loving way to progress, and that as the "church" opens it's eyes, it will embrace this type of change. If we need an eye open, it would be to wake up and see the destruction of this church. The issue....allowing people from the GLBT community to become a part of the fellowship as members.
Friends, You must understand that God loves the GLBT community. Jesus died for their sin as well as my sin. Also understand that I love the GLBT community. The only difference is that I love them enough to tell them the truth. The truth that liberal theologians are attempting ( and quite successfully) to rewrite scripture, and teach that the GLBT lifestyle is NOT condemned by God and is quite okay in His eyes. This is how he created you! (which by the way has not been proven scientifically nor theologically) Unfortunately, in our society...if you tell a lie long enough, say it loud enough, and have the right people say it with you, if will become the truth. It will remain however, the same old lie. Sin...is still sin.
Another brief disclaimer. I believe that the church should be a place where everyone is welcome as long as they respect the event or service being held at the time. I welcome the GLBT community, the drug dealer, prostitute, robber, racist, adulterer, shriner, or even the all around good person in to our services. We all need to submit to God and live according to His word. However, when someone wants to be a member, the standard is and should be higher. One must first and foremost be a follower of Jesus and His teaching, and have made a commitment to be like Jesus. Holiness is a nasty word it seems in most churches these days, but that is what is required.Not perfection mind you, but a lifestyle of holiness and commitment. If it takes more to be a member at Sam's Club than it does your church....you do not have a church. You have a joint.
We in the Body of Christ need to be relational to our culture and our community. We need to engage society. We need to understand the time that we live in. Jesus however did not call us to be like the world in order to reach the world. He told us to be separate from the world. We should live different. People should know who we are by how we live. If you act like someone who does not believe, then you do not believe! You have nothing more that a religion of swine. Meaningless. Jonathan Edwards, an early American Pastor and evangelist was booted out of his church for suggesting that church members should be saved. Way to Go John! Jesus never suggested that we move left of center when the pressure is on. Yet the world and the perversion of the day wants us to continue to be "understanding" and "open" to where they are. You may compromise down here all you want my friend, but tell God when you stand before Him in the next life why He should not be so harsh and how He needs to embrace our lifestyles and be more flexible. I hope I am not there to see His reaction. I hope that I am on some assignment somewhere past the courtroom of Heaven. It will be tragic. If you are part of that church, or a part of the GLBT community, and you do not like what has been said, I do not apologize. You are offended by the Word of the Lord, not me. I am not your enemy. I am a preacher. I am a Christian. My advise to the members of this church is to get to higher ground where you are taught the Word, rather than political correctness, or vote the apostate leadership out of your ranks and pray for revival. My advise to the GLBT community is that God loves you, and wants you to live a new life. You cannot put new wine in old wine skins the Bible says. For both will be destroyed. I love you, and pray for you. Continue to pray for Nashville. In Jesus Name, Jory

Who Do You Represent

Acts 4:13 (King James Version)

13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

It was a great movie. Recently, I watched "The Kingdom of Heaven". My favorite part was when the son had been given a parting blessing from his father, and recieved a sword, thus inheriting all the father owned. The part that got me excited was when the guy entered Jerusalem, and was surrounded by some rough looking guys. He grabbed the sword, and as soon as they saw it, they knew who he was. After quizzing the young man concerning his father, one of the rough looking characters retorted...."come with us my lord". WOW! Did you get that? They knew the sword, and knew what it meant. It carried with it authority, power, freedom, acceptance. Because this guy had the sword, they knew that his father had given him all that was his and it now belonged to him.

God has given us the same power. If we hold His sword high, and our lives are clearly a reflection of the father, and the authority He paid for and gave to us, more people will notice that we have been with Jesus. Pastor Jory

Refreshing

Have you ever been around people that refresh you? I was able to experience that just last night. I have many times like that, but this one was special. It was at Applebys. I had an opportunity to meet some other members from the Body of Christ that has developed a group that truly loves and prays for each other asd well as other poeple. I watched them as they shared their lives with those who worked at the eatery, and with each other. Our prayer time was fresh and wonderful. These are things we may often miss if we just do church the way it is done in most places. You will never get deeper, if all you do is go to service, sit in a chair, hear the Word, shake a few hands, then go home. Never. I hope that they, as well as other groups across our great city continue the work of normal christian lives. Remember this..the Word, and a nice meal go a long way when you are with friends. That's refreshing. Challenge for the day....find someone to share life with. Pastor Jory

"We Could Have Been Rescued"

Tragic news struck our lives this week with the reports of two NFL players lost at sea. Eventually searchers had to give up any hope of them being recovered. The third party on the boat did survive, and has shed light upon the final hours. It seems that human error was at fault as are many boating accidents. The ocean is unforgiving to all, and one mistake could cost you dearly. What was more compelling to me in the story was that at one time after the accident, a helicopter was spotted, but failed to see the wreckage and the frantic waves of the men. That is when the lone survivor made the statement had they had been seen, they would have been rescued.
Sadly our world and life is like that small boat in the ocean. We are spiritually shipwrecked and in trouble. We cannot save ourselves. It will take a miracle! Would your keen intellect, or education or reason save you if you were adrift at sea? How about your money? These guys were wealthy, but it did not help them. Your social pedigree? Not even your last name or upbringing can save you. You need a rescue party, and you need it now! Thankfully, there is one who can save, and He will see you and rescue you from stormy waters. You can be rescued.

What's Love Got to do With It?

I was pondering the other day the simple words "I love You". Do you think that we use the word "Love" too much? "I love my china!" "I love coffee." "I love you!". I was with a friend from another area of the country a few months back, and as he was speaking to someone of the opposite sex, he uttered these words. Fair enough. However, a few weeks later with someone else of the opposite sex....once again, "I love you". Did I mention that my friend had been married before.....just a few times? Another question....is this phrase a fair assessment of what is going on, or is it used many times in our society to manipulate people to get our way or to give people warm fuzzes? If it is an honest gesture, then what is the definition of love in our culture? Is love an emotion only? Is love merely a byword we use for anything we desire instead of being honest and saying I "lust" for this or that? Lot of questions. Give me some of your ideas. As I sign off however, i wish to share with you what the Word says about this in 1 Corinthians. I will state just a few qualifications for the word....love...true love, is patient, kind, not self serving, gentle...remembers NO wrongs, etc. shall I go on? Look it up for your self....then answer the question again. Love you, Jory

Moving Day!

I love to move. That is really not true...because the older I get, the less I like it! Moving continues to get harder and harder. But while pondering this last move, I thought of a few things to consider. As we moved, we had to get out most of our stuff that had been in storage for two years. To save space, I will just give you some bullit points of my move.
There are many reasons why people move. Most of it stems from the need to move. Sometimes we do not have a choice. We are forced to move. Maybe we move because of opportunity that requires the move. When we move however the following happens....
1. Sometimes it takes us moving to clean out all of the clutter.
2. We find stuff that we did not even know we had.
3. We find things that needed to be cleaned out and discarded.
4. We find broken things.
5. We find things that we had lost.
6. We realize that the old stuff does not fit in to the new location, or what you now need.
7. We find that we need help to move.

In the book of James, Chapter 1, it speaks to us that we need to take a good look at ourselves. When we examine our lives, we should know that moving to the next level will be painful, but very much worth it. Philippians also shares with us and Paul urged us to press toward the mark of the high calling of God. You may have broken things, you may have a room that no one is allowed to peek in to. That room has to be cleaned out if you want to move. You may find that you have stuff that you did not know you had. Giftings, and spiritual blessings that have been hidden among all that stuff. It will take a move to uncover it. Got to go for now. Love ya, Jory

p.s. tell me your moving horror stories, or your funnies. jh

Give me a break!

If you are like me, you have at least one relative in your family that knows how to push your buttons. I am not about to tell you which one that is on this blog, but believe me I have one. And recently they were wearing the button out. The bible says that a gentle answer turns away wrath. I know this!!!! How is it though that I cannot remember to quote that when I am in overload, and just learn to keep my pie hole shut???? The good thing is that the Holy Spirit reminds me that my flesh is out of order, and lovingly POUNDS me over the head until I get the picture. So...like trying to put toothpaste back in to the container after it has been squeezed out....I apologize, and take my anger, and my attitude back to the cross. I am sure that none of you has this problem, but just in case... Know that kind words, even though hard sometimes or even not saying anything at all will always work in your favor. Better to walk away than to have to walk back for an apology. Something to ponder. Let me know your story or any comments that may help us all. Jory

The New Year. Not so New Stuff

I am sooo glad that 2009 is here! I am very hopeful. (no...not because our new Prez says he has it. Hope.... may I remind you has never started with an "O"). I am greatful for another chance to do something BIG for God. Yes, we still have the same old stuff coming at us. economic difficulties.... Al Gore predicting the end of the world (even though there is ice and record lows in France even as I write)Elmo and Big Bird getting therapy and the list goes on. Though we still may be going through some things that seems to keep hanging on, things can change for the better very rapidly. Keep believing! which leads me to my blog thought.
Did you make any resolutions this new years? If so, throw them away! Instead of resolutions, I want you to set GOALS. Goals are attainable, practical, plan-able and chart-able. In order to have a goal, you must have a plan....be able to track and evaluate that plan, and see results. Let's say for example, loose weight. If you do not have a plan, you just have a dream. Desire, without design is a dream. Desire weight loss all you want, but if you do not change your habits, it will not happen. Secondly, Goals are different than fantasies. A fantasy is me being 46, overweight, not so good in math, and wanting to be an astronaut. Not happening. Fantasy. Doing a jazz album....loosing weight....attainable, goal worthy. Think about it. That's all for no. I have to go find my space suit. Jory