It is a struggle to put into words what you mean to me and my
family. When we came here in 2009, we were excited to see God moving in
your midst, but when I would talk (both publicly and privately) about
my confidence in what God was doing, I
was many times met with doubtful stares. I think even your members who
longed to see God bring health to you, were not so sure it was really
possible. I confess that there have been some difficult days, but God
has been so faithful to continually turn us
in His direction and lead us onward.
Today, it is a true joy to lead you to weekly worship our great God
together and to do life among a people struggling to be who God says we
are. I look around and see that God has truly re-created us...and it
is a beautiful thing! We are far
from perfect, but I cannot imagine being a part of any other church.
You are my family's faith-family. You are co-disciplers of our
boys. And you are a safe place for Suzanne and me to grow and serve. I
am grateful to God that He planted us here, and I believe God is going
to do immeasurably more in us during
the coming days. I pray that He blows our minds and expectations out
of the water for His glory!
Thank you for being God's chosen instrument to continue His work...in me, in my family, in Desoto County, and in the world.
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a
people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of
Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." - 1 Peter
2:9 ESV
Jon Rushing posted a link to this blog on his facebook page
a week or so ago and it has to do with a subject that is so important for young
ladies, moms, dads - and anyone who cares about and respect ladies in general –
to think about... a subject that all too often gets ignored or becomes so
legalistic in approach that it becomes meaningless to the heart.So, we are going to link the blog as I
believe it attempts to deal with the subject matter in a very Biblically
principled and consistent manner.
I remember talking
with a Dad who had a young daughter around age 3 at the time:he was buying her a modest bathing suit and
one of his family members asked him why in the world he would be so concerned
with modesty at age 3. His response in short was, “because in 9 years or so I
don’t want to begin to tell her to cover up because her body is a bad thing.”
He is right on target! I remember having my boys, as young as 3 at the time, open
the door for their mother, and having many other such conversations as to the how
they should treat females in general. I did that because I wanted them to
understand from day one, that God created girls/ladies differently and we
should honor and protect them. This is not sexist, this is biblical. With that
said, below is a wonderful blog and youtube clip that I believe will enlighten
you as it did me.
Shopping
for modest clothes—let alone modest swimwear—can be painful. Try shopping for
swimwear with your daughters or granddaughters, and you’re already digging
through your purse for the Ibuprofen.
We’d
like to prevent your headache with some super practical swimwear shopping tips.
By the way, if you missed yesterday’s discussion on why we even bother to cover up, join it here.
The Science Behind Bikinis (Video by Jason Evert) If you’re considering
a bikini (or that young girl is begging for one), check out this short video.
Among other reasons not to wear a bikini, if you want a man to see you for what
you’re truly worth, a recent Princeton study explains why you’ll want to wear
more than a bikini this summer.
How to Shop for Swimwear with Your Daughters (Tips from Dannah
Gresh) Summer is quickly approaching and that means the dreaded
swimsuit shopping adventure. If you're going to the beach this summer, keep
these tips in mind:
•Swimwear is for
swimming. A girl who values modesty covers up when she gets out of the water.
"Laying out" may be okay with girlfriends, but not when there are
guys around. Whether it's a pair of board shorts and T-shirt or a fun frilly
cover-up, your girls have lots of adorable options!
•Focus on what they can
purchase. Do a bit of online perusing and show your girls some suits you think
are modest. I’m partial to tankinis, especially ones with shorts as they're
usually less form-fitting than a one-piece. I've had success at places like
Kohl's and some sporting goods stores since athletic suits tend to cover more
territory. Set the standard by showing them that modest swimwear can be cute.
When you are teaching your girls about modesty, it's crucial to show them what
you can say "yes" to, or all they hear is "no" and that can
crush their spirits.
•Discuss your
expectations before you hit the mall. What mom says goes. As a general rule, I
see no reason for sheer fabric, bikinis, plunging necklines, or high-cut hips.
(Sharing an embarrassing moment to prove your point always adds some
credibility!)
•And of course, don't
forget to finish off the trip by picking up some super-cool nail polish and
stopping in for some refreshing summer smoothies.
Finding “Modest” Bathing Suits (Leads from Carla Anne Coroy) While I haven’t
checked out these sites in-depth, it seems like Carla Anne has compiled quite a
list of websites that offer bathing suits that
cover more skin than usual. Click on this link and scroll down to view these sites.
Thoughts on Swimsuits (by Nancy Leigh DeMoss) Like every other type
of clothing, swimsuits need to be evaluated according to a standard of
modesty. Ask yourself, does this article of clothing fulfill the purpose
for clothing, which is to cover nakedness? Does it expose or emphasize private
parts of my body?
Here’s
something to think about. Did you know that until the mid-1800s men and women
swam in different places or at different hours? Yet, today, men and women swim
together in swimwear that is often provocative and designed to expose human
anatomy.
Your Turn Whether you wear a swimming suit this summer or choose another
route, how can you “swim upstream” in this area? Let us know what you’ll be
wearing swimming this summer and we’ll choose ten of you on Friday, June 15 to
receive a copy of The Look: Does God Really Care What I Wear?
Before I turn you over to read Bro. Jon's blog, I wanted to let you know that I am now also found on Twitter. You are welcome to follow me @Chad_everson if you would like. Now, enjoy Bro. Jon's blog!
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:12-17 ESV
And be thankful. This is a command that I can joyfully obey. When I look around with eyes opened to what God is doing in our midst at Trinity, I am amazed. I see people of different ages, backgrounds, social standing, skin pigmentation, styles of dress and types of personalities all attempting to live with one goal: the Glory of God. It is seen not only as we gather to worship on Sundays, but in offices and homes, restaurants and coffee shops, ball fields and gymnastic studios. Trinity is not about the building that sits at 7200 Swinnea Road. Trinity is about the people that have covenanted together to share a lifestyle of worship around the Word of God which changes them and changes the world. We are a people following Jesus on His mission of making disciples in the world. For this, I am thankful. God is changing us. And to all who will see it, He is rebuilding His church in His image. Praise Him! My family and I are humbled and excited about the days ahead. We do not want to be anywhere else. Trinity is home.
Looking back in gratitude. Looking ahead with expectation.
God loves you, my family and I love you, and watching God move in our midst is a great joy. I love seeing you love Christ in our worship gatherings every week, and I love seeing your love for Him overflow into love for each other. I love that we are falling more in love with the Word, and the God of the Word. I love pastoring the Trinity Worship Choir and Orchestra and the Trinity Worship Victory Singers as we learn, more and more, how to pursue our joy in Christ and encourage others to do the same. I love serving with brothers who are not just fellow pastors, but friends. I love that God is rearranging our thoughts and affections and centering us, as a Church, around the Gospel. I love that my kids not only assume that when we are leaving the house that we are coming to be with you, but that they want to be with you! I love that we are learning how to proclaim God’s glory among older and younger generations together (Psalm 78:3-4). I love being a part of a faith family that is sending, and going, on mission adventures and seeing disciples made from every nation. In short, I love being a part of Trinity. There is no other place I would rather serve than here. I cannot wait to see the wonderful things God will do in the coming days, months, and years.
Do It Lord, that Your glory may be seen!
“It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;”(Psalm 92:1 ESV)
Thanksgiving can be, as with most holidays in the U.S., a season of very meaningful, God-centered worship, or a season of people-centered sentimentality. I guess I am overly sensitive to this because I am charged (alongside Brother Chad) with leading Trinity to worship Christ corporately, week in and week out. So, when I came across Psalm 92 this week, the Spirit really let me see how this psalm helps us worship through giving thanks.
First, right out of the shoot, the psalmist tells us that this hymn is for our gathered worship times. The heading calls it, “A Song For The Sabbath.” So this is for us, not just for me, as an individual. He wastes no time beating around the bush, but reminds us next, that it is a wonderful thing to “give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises.” (vs. 1)
Then, in vs. 2-3, he gives us some specifics on how this can be accomplished.
“To declare Your steadfast love in the morning, and Your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.”
It is God’s “steadfast love” (His character) and His “faithfulness” (His actions) that are declared as reasons to worship God. Also, note that this corporate thanksgiving praise takes place in the morning and at night. Now, I would never try to use this as a proof text saying we should always have A.M. and P.M. worship gatherings, but in the very least, we are reminded that we should meet regularly as a faith family to offer thanksgiving and praise to God. Another thing to notice here, is that although elsewhere in the Psalms, there are commands for fully orchestrated times of praise (Psalm 150), the three instruments listed here are small stringed instruments that would be much more conducive to an intimate, more personal setting. God calls us to both types of gatherings…loud, boisterous praise…and quiet, thoughtful worship.
Vs. 4-5 gives an answer to the question “Why give thanks in this way?”
“For You, O LORD, have made me glad by Your work; at the works of Your hands I sing for joy. How great are Your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep.”
I love this truth! When God saves us, joy in Him follows!! Through His Word and by the Holy Spirit we are able to rejoice in His activity and pursue the riches of who He is. (Ephesians 1:17-23)
Here’s where Psalm 92 turns a corner. I am tempted to stop here, but the psalmist doesn’t do that. The rest of the hymn contrasts differences between those who belong to God and those who don’t. These verses speak for themselves.
“The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this: that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever; but You, O LORD, are on high forever. For behold, Your enemies, O LORD, for behold, Your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered. But You have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; You have poured over me fresh oil. My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants.
The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”(Psalm 92:6-15 ESV)
Evil will be present, even when the church gathers to worship. But take heart, evil will be short lived and God’s work among His people is ongoing and everlasting!
As I wrap this up, let me speak personally. Trinity, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”(Galations 6:9 ESV) What God is building here is eternal. It WILL last and those who stand against Him will not. As me and my family move into this season of Thanksgiving, we are thanking God for what He is doing in our midst and for allowing us to be a part of Trinity Baptist Church.
Just remember, “…It is good to give thanks to the LORD…”
Every week Bro. Jon Rushing does an incredible job of leading us in worshipping our Lord. Some time ago, several of our staff went to a conference and heard a song that he led our congregation in last week. I said then, as I say now…one can differ on styles of music but if a person’s spirit does not rejoice as they sing this song, it should really cause them to examine themselves spiritually! I had to take a blog and just list these lyrics… they are saturated with the gospel (just as every song he leads us in).
I had a man visit me who had joined our church very recently. He said… “What I noticed about Trinity when I came, is that everything happening is dripping with the truth of the Gospel.” There is no greater compliment! I want to just conclude this by posting these incredible words that we sang:
I once was lost in darkest night Yet thought I knew the way The sin that promised joy and life Had led me to the grave I had no hope that You would own A rebel to Your will And if You had not loved me first I would refuse You still
But as I ran my hell-bound race Indifferent to the cost You looked upon my helpless state And led me to the cross And I beheld God’s love displayed You suffered in my place You bore the wrath reserved for me Now all I know is grace
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ Hallelujah! Jesus is my life
Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone And live so all might see The strength to follow Your commands Could never come from me Oh Father, use my ransomed life In any way You choose And let my song forever be My only boast is You
I love America! I would align with the “Love It, Or Leave It” crowd. I believe She was founded primarily by men, many of whom were believers and those who were not had an understanding of the importance of Scripture. I was raised and served in a town where the primary employer was an Air Force Base. I thank the Lord for the freedom we have in America. However, if one walked into our service Sunday morning they heard the following songs: “O God Our Help In Ages Past”, “God Of Our Fathers”, “I Will Sing Of My Redeemer” and “Jesus Paid It All”. Our goal is not to ignore civil holidays - we want to recognize the wonderful common grace of freedom, just as on Mother’s Day or Father’s day we want to draw attention to these significant roles given by God. But in our worship services, the focus of these days can not be Mothers or Fathers any more than the focus of a worship service can be the blessing of America’s Independence. The purpose of Sunday, July 4th (just as the purpose of any other Sunday the Church meets) is to worship our Savior and glorify God. Many of the songs that we all love to sing and hear sung as we watch fireworks cause us to think of men and women we know who are bravely serving our country and some who have even died fighting for this land…we should have deep appreciation and admiration for the brave soldiers and love for such patriotic songs. But, these songs should not be the focus of our worship or attention during the gathering of the church body…Christ died for His Church, and we should go into a worship service that should be fixed on Him in every aspect. Our songs, sermons, attention and worship should not be divided on July 4, or January 4th . I thank the Lord for Bro. Jon, our choir and our congregation whose focus was on Christ alone Sunday morning as we gathered. It is my prayer that regardless of what our calendars say, when we walk in Trinity Baptist Church our focus will always be on Christ.
