The significance of this weekend grows and grows for me each and every year. Perhaps its because life seems to get tougher and tougher, or maybe I realize a little more how MUCH Jesus had to forgive me of as I get older - but I love Easter weekend.
To think of what Jesus did for me those many years ago - that He would love a sinner like me! He allowed himself to be beaten, a beating I deserved. He allowed himself to be killed, a death I was destined to embrace.
Instead, I can experience life, and life in its fullest. Even when tough days come, they aren't to hurt me but allowed by God to shape me as He teaches me how to live in order to not only please Him, but to be sure to finish this life's race as a winner so I can gain the greatest prize of all ... eternal life in heaven.
Thank you, Jesus - for being the ransom for my sins. Thank you, Jesus - for conquering death so that I can live. I have a lot to be thankful for, but nothing more than this.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Making Tea
Step by step help in how to make a good cup of tea!
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ4_4OsAMiA
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ4_4OsAMiA
Sunday, November 15, 2009
That worked out well!
K - last Sunday I must have REALLY gone off notes! Actually, I know I went way off notes since I only had a scrap of paper with no more than 40 words on it, yet I still managed to preach for 40 minutes - and I definitely didn't say 1 word per minute.
So, this means I must have gone heavy with the personal stories ... and I did. But boy did it ever pay off! I told the story of the previous posted blog 'That's my pastor' and suddenly, people start posting all over my facebook wall 'That's my pastor!'. It feels so great to be loved.
Then, I told a story of my son not sharing his chocolate bar with me. It worked as an illustration and made the point I wanted it to. What I didn't count on is the response ... I've been bombarded with gifts of KitKats & Hershey bars all week! It's been AWESOME!!!!! I don't even think I can eat it all - I may have to share!!!
Honest. I wasn't vying for compliments or candy when I told the stories I told in the sermon! But, if everyone's goal to show their appreciation for me - you've hit the mark.
THANK YOU ALL!
So, this means I must have gone heavy with the personal stories ... and I did. But boy did it ever pay off! I told the story of the previous posted blog 'That's my pastor' and suddenly, people start posting all over my facebook wall 'That's my pastor!'. It feels so great to be loved.
Then, I told a story of my son not sharing his chocolate bar with me. It worked as an illustration and made the point I wanted it to. What I didn't count on is the response ... I've been bombarded with gifts of KitKats & Hershey bars all week! It's been AWESOME!!!!! I don't even think I can eat it all - I may have to share!!!
Honest. I wasn't vying for compliments or candy when I told the stories I told in the sermon! But, if everyone's goal to show their appreciation for me - you've hit the mark.
THANK YOU ALL!
That's my pastor
A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of offering the benediction prayer for a Teen Challenge Banquet in Youngstown, Ohio. I was asked to do this because the Executive Director, Pastor Roy Barnett is a member of the church I pastor.
There's always a little extra stress when you are praying in that situation. I know I'm just talking to God (by just, I don't mean like it's no big deal, I mean that He is really my sole audience), but just being honest with you - it sometimes feels like you're being judged! Perhaps it's all in my head ... but, I don't think so.
Anyways, I just did what I do - ultimately trying to lead the audience in prayer and ignoring the pressure to try and impress - and partly, I was just relieved to be done and hopeful I met Pastor Barnett's expectations.
Then, he unknowingly gave me the greatest compliment anyone could ever give me as a pastor - I overheard him telling someone at his table 'That's my pastor'. Wow. That he would want the world (or at least his friend) to be identified with me told me he was pleased with my prayer, but wayyyyy more than that, he wanted others to know we are in relationship.
It's much the same way for all of us when it comes to talking about God. He does so much for us every single day, and all He wants is for us to acknowledge our relationship with Him, 'That's my God'!
In that one moment that Pastor Roy said what he did of me, I understood how great it must feel for God for us to acknowledge publicly our relationship with Him.
There's always a little extra stress when you are praying in that situation. I know I'm just talking to God (by just, I don't mean like it's no big deal, I mean that He is really my sole audience), but just being honest with you - it sometimes feels like you're being judged! Perhaps it's all in my head ... but, I don't think so.
Anyways, I just did what I do - ultimately trying to lead the audience in prayer and ignoring the pressure to try and impress - and partly, I was just relieved to be done and hopeful I met Pastor Barnett's expectations.
Then, he unknowingly gave me the greatest compliment anyone could ever give me as a pastor - I overheard him telling someone at his table 'That's my pastor'. Wow. That he would want the world (or at least his friend) to be identified with me told me he was pleased with my prayer, but wayyyyy more than that, he wanted others to know we are in relationship.
It's much the same way for all of us when it comes to talking about God. He does so much for us every single day, and all He wants is for us to acknowledge our relationship with Him, 'That's my God'!
In that one moment that Pastor Roy said what he did of me, I understood how great it must feel for God for us to acknowledge publicly our relationship with Him.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The 4th point of the sermon.
I preached on 'Nothing' this morning. As soon as its available online, I'll add the link so you can hear it if you like. But, as I was getting up to the 4th point of the sermon, I really felt like I was done, so I ended the sermon.
There still is a 4th point - and it's a good one - so, I thought I'd post it here.
1. do NOTHING our of selfish ambition - Phil 2:3
2. worry about NOTHING - Phil 4:6
3. there is NOTHING God can't do - Luke 1:37
and ...
4. halfhearted Christians accomplish NOTHING - Revelation 3:17
Revelation 3 deals with the message to the church in Laodicea. This church was famous for being 'lukewarm'. Another word for lukewarm is halfhearted. Basically, if you only 1/2 your heart into anything (especially related to God-things), then NOTHING is accomplished. In the referenced verse, the Laodiceans thought they had need of NOTHING, when in fact God tells them that in reality they are wretched, blind, etc, etc, etc - essentially, that they have NOTHING.
As Christians, we need to realize that God gave His ALL for us when He sent Jesus - so is it any surprise if we need to give Him our ALL? We can't be playing both sides - we need to choose to be on the Lord's side. Anything less is meaningless and worth nothing at the end of days.
Otherwise, we will be among those who say to God one day, "but I helped the sick & visited the lonely & cast out demons", and He will say "depart from Me, for I never knew you". We need to do EVERYTHING as unto the Lord (or - to keep with the theme - do NOTHING that we only put 1/2 our heart into!).
Today's sermon was fun, yet important. We need to embrace the absolutes God has given to us - there is NOTHING we should worry about, there is NOTHING that is too hard for God, there is NOTHING we should do for selfish reasons & there is NOTHING we should do halfheartedly for the Lord.
Click on the link to be directed to the audio of this sermon.
There still is a 4th point - and it's a good one - so, I thought I'd post it here.
1. do NOTHING our of selfish ambition - Phil 2:3
2. worry about NOTHING - Phil 4:6
3. there is NOTHING God can't do - Luke 1:37
and ...
4. halfhearted Christians accomplish NOTHING - Revelation 3:17
Revelation 3 deals with the message to the church in Laodicea. This church was famous for being 'lukewarm'. Another word for lukewarm is halfhearted. Basically, if you only 1/2 your heart into anything (especially related to God-things), then NOTHING is accomplished. In the referenced verse, the Laodiceans thought they had need of NOTHING, when in fact God tells them that in reality they are wretched, blind, etc, etc, etc - essentially, that they have NOTHING.
As Christians, we need to realize that God gave His ALL for us when He sent Jesus - so is it any surprise if we need to give Him our ALL? We can't be playing both sides - we need to choose to be on the Lord's side. Anything less is meaningless and worth nothing at the end of days.
Otherwise, we will be among those who say to God one day, "but I helped the sick & visited the lonely & cast out demons", and He will say "depart from Me, for I never knew you". We need to do EVERYTHING as unto the Lord (or - to keep with the theme - do NOTHING that we only put 1/2 our heart into!).
Today's sermon was fun, yet important. We need to embrace the absolutes God has given to us - there is NOTHING we should worry about, there is NOTHING that is too hard for God, there is NOTHING we should do for selfish reasons & there is NOTHING we should do halfheartedly for the Lord.
Click on the link to be directed to the audio of this sermon.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sermons, Sermons & More Sermons!
I had the opportunity once again (3rd year running) of being a judge for the National Fine Arts competition - this time in Orlando, Florida.
Basically, for me this means sitting in a chair from 9 am until 6 pm for 3 days with only a 1 hour break for lunch at noon, listening to a little more than 50 5 minute sermons per day.
Now, you'd think after listening to over 150 sermons in 3 days, that I'd learn a little something, like perhaps how to preach a 5 minute sermon (keep praying ... but I don't think it's going to happen!) or even get a couple good outlines that I could use myself in the future. But no.
It's a frenzied few days that builds and builds with pressure as you end up being one of 3 judges to decide who was the best (or the best of the best) of what I believe was over 400 short sermon contestants!
Thing is - the competition (or festival, if you prefer) isn't really at all about the poor plight of a whiny judge. The competition is all about the students. It's so wonderful to listen to hundreds of kids 'preach the Word'. It's so encouraging to see so many do an incredible job of bringing life to the Scriptures.
I know that even a few days removed from Orlando, most of the names and faces are a blur in my memory, there are a few that remain. These few will represent all to me as I pray that God will continue to use and bless these students and that the Word of God they have hidden in their hearts will NOT return void, but rather bear fruit and be a blessing to them for the rest of their lives.
Basically, for me this means sitting in a chair from 9 am until 6 pm for 3 days with only a 1 hour break for lunch at noon, listening to a little more than 50 5 minute sermons per day.
Now, you'd think after listening to over 150 sermons in 3 days, that I'd learn a little something, like perhaps how to preach a 5 minute sermon (keep praying ... but I don't think it's going to happen!) or even get a couple good outlines that I could use myself in the future. But no.
It's a frenzied few days that builds and builds with pressure as you end up being one of 3 judges to decide who was the best (or the best of the best) of what I believe was over 400 short sermon contestants!
Thing is - the competition (or festival, if you prefer) isn't really at all about the poor plight of a whiny judge. The competition is all about the students. It's so wonderful to listen to hundreds of kids 'preach the Word'. It's so encouraging to see so many do an incredible job of bringing life to the Scriptures.
I know that even a few days removed from Orlando, most of the names and faces are a blur in my memory, there are a few that remain. These few will represent all to me as I pray that God will continue to use and bless these students and that the Word of God they have hidden in their hearts will NOT return void, but rather bear fruit and be a blessing to them for the rest of their lives.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Rob & Tim Show - Episode 6
And so it ends. It was a wonderful week of ministry at the Bolivian Hope Center. We were able to finish painting 2 floors of the Hope Center (and a bit of the 3rd) as well as raise the front walls of the center up to a more secure level. Not only was it a great week of construction, but the opportunity to minister to the children through the feeding program and playing with them in the playground was a time that will never be forgotten, either by the children or by us!
I'm so thankful Mary, Meghan, Danielle, Dale & Tim were able to be a part of this great week - but I'm also thankful to the many of you who have either given financially or prayerfully to the Bolivian Hope Center or this missions trip.
There is so much work left to be done, so until God opens the door for us to go again to Bolivia, please continue to give financially and prayerfully to the Bolivian Hope Center. If you want more information about the Center, I have listed a link to their website for your convenience.
There are more stories to be told of our adventure, and more pictures and videos to be shown, so please continue to visit this blog! But, until then, we have for your viewing pleasure, the final episode of The Rob & Tim Show!
I'm so thankful Mary, Meghan, Danielle, Dale & Tim were able to be a part of this great week - but I'm also thankful to the many of you who have either given financially or prayerfully to the Bolivian Hope Center or this missions trip.
There is so much work left to be done, so until God opens the door for us to go again to Bolivia, please continue to give financially and prayerfully to the Bolivian Hope Center. If you want more information about the Center, I have listed a link to their website for your convenience.
There are more stories to be told of our adventure, and more pictures and videos to be shown, so please continue to visit this blog! But, until then, we have for your viewing pleasure, the final episode of The Rob & Tim Show!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Wednesday Recap from the Bolivian Hope Center
Another great day has come to a close. This was a wet one - in fact, I think this is the first time I've had a full rainy day in my 3 trips to Bolivia!
People define success differently - but, I can't think of even one way that this trip to Bolivia has been anything but a success ...
We're getting the work done at a great pace with the 2nd floor of the Hope Center almost finished being painted and all the electrical work just about done. We also rebuild a wall at the front of the complex up to the needed 9 feet in order to keep robbers out.
We're having a lot of fun - more laughs that we will ever be able to recount for you.
We're receiving a sense of spiritual fulfillment as we work selflessly in an area of the world that not only needs it, but that responds so wonderfully to the love we show.
I'm sure there are a million things I'm forgetting that should be inserted next, but, finally and most importantly - we're blessing the children here. For so many reasons, these kids have no hope - but - if for only a few days we can give them hope that someone loves them and cares about them, then we've done the best thing we can do. For some kids, even in the US - if all we can do is bless them with a Christmas present while the rest of their life is a wreck - then it's a good thing we do that. In the same way, if all we can do is bless these kids for a week of the year, we've done a good thing. And, just like I have treasured memories from my childhood, we're giving these kids memories they will treasure forever. Maybe someday, when life takes a turn for the worse for them, they will remember the hug one of us gave them (or the candy, or the horsey ride, or the toy, or even just the smile) and they will choose to not give up on hope! Money is great, but sending money doesn't give them hope. Prayer is powerful, but sending ourselves is the answer to prayer they really need.
It's not about the work (because, really, anyone who lives here in Bolivia could do it) - it's about the personal contact. We bless the kids by touching them with our love, and they bless us by showing us what a treasure that love is that they not only receive, but reciprocate.
For those who are interested, I have posted here the sermon I preached at the Temple of Faith here in Cochabamba, Bolivia with missionary Rich Farthing interpreting into Spanish for me. The sermon is a little over 15 minutes long.
2 Things Common to All from Rob Morris on Vimeo.
People define success differently - but, I can't think of even one way that this trip to Bolivia has been anything but a success ...
We're getting the work done at a great pace with the 2nd floor of the Hope Center almost finished being painted and all the electrical work just about done. We also rebuild a wall at the front of the complex up to the needed 9 feet in order to keep robbers out.
We're having a lot of fun - more laughs that we will ever be able to recount for you.
We're receiving a sense of spiritual fulfillment as we work selflessly in an area of the world that not only needs it, but that responds so wonderfully to the love we show.
I'm sure there are a million things I'm forgetting that should be inserted next, but, finally and most importantly - we're blessing the children here. For so many reasons, these kids have no hope - but - if for only a few days we can give them hope that someone loves them and cares about them, then we've done the best thing we can do. For some kids, even in the US - if all we can do is bless them with a Christmas present while the rest of their life is a wreck - then it's a good thing we do that. In the same way, if all we can do is bless these kids for a week of the year, we've done a good thing. And, just like I have treasured memories from my childhood, we're giving these kids memories they will treasure forever. Maybe someday, when life takes a turn for the worse for them, they will remember the hug one of us gave them (or the candy, or the horsey ride, or the toy, or even just the smile) and they will choose to not give up on hope! Money is great, but sending money doesn't give them hope. Prayer is powerful, but sending ourselves is the answer to prayer they really need.
It's not about the work (because, really, anyone who lives here in Bolivia could do it) - it's about the personal contact. We bless the kids by touching them with our love, and they bless us by showing us what a treasure that love is that they not only receive, but reciprocate.
For those who are interested, I have posted here the sermon I preached at the Temple of Faith here in Cochabamba, Bolivia with missionary Rich Farthing interpreting into Spanish for me. The sermon is a little over 15 minutes long.
2 Things Common to All from Rob Morris on Vimeo.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Rob & Tim Show - BONUS FEATURE!
Here's a treat for you! Rob-Bob and Tim-Bob singing the southern classic ... "Where Have You Gone?"
The Rob & Tim Show - Episode 3
Today was an off-day for us. No sleeping in, but a fun day of sight-seeing in the morning and resting in the afternoon. Unfortunately we lost our internet connection in the afternoon as someone in the local area cut the fiber-optic cable. I am surprised it is fixed already!
We went to the JesuCristo de la Concordia that is in the center of the city. I've been there 3 times now, but it's always a sight to behold. Then we went shopping at a jewelry store. There are 'Bolivian Etaphs' there which are beautiful and expensive anywhere other than Bolivia.
Then we just rested in the afternoon. Tomorrow is a big day as we want to finish painting the 2nd floor and build a wall at the front of the Hope Center. I'm also planning on taking a lot of video of the children tomorrow so you can see exactly why supporting the work at the Bolivian Hope Center is so very important.
Now, here is Episode 3 of the Rob and Tim Show! enjoy!
We went to the JesuCristo de la Concordia that is in the center of the city. I've been there 3 times now, but it's always a sight to behold. Then we went shopping at a jewelry store. There are 'Bolivian Etaphs' there which are beautiful and expensive anywhere other than Bolivia.
Then we just rested in the afternoon. Tomorrow is a big day as we want to finish painting the 2nd floor and build a wall at the front of the Hope Center. I'm also planning on taking a lot of video of the children tomorrow so you can see exactly why supporting the work at the Bolivian Hope Center is so very important.
Now, here is Episode 3 of the Rob and Tim Show! enjoy!
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