Truth seekers and speakers

I remember in kindergarten my mother spending a significant amount of time helping me read a book. The following day I was suppose to read it for my teacher. However, when it was my turn to read Ms. Van Dine asked me, “Stephen, are you ready to read?” I thought to myself, “I didn’t realize I had a choice” so I simply responded, “No, I don’t think so.” When I got off the bus that afternoon my mother asked me, “How did you do with your reading?” I responded, “I didn’t miss any words!” Later that evening the telephone rang and to my horror it was Ms. Van Dine informing my mother that I had opted not to read. It wasn’t a very good evening after that point for me because truth came knocking at my door.
I have spent a lot of time lately thinking about just how difficult truth can be sometimes. Have you ever stopped to think about how much energy people exert to avoid telling others the truth when they are fearful it may hurt their feelings? We easily can be tempted to make someone’s feelings more important than honesty. As a response to this thinking I have committed to making “truth spoken in love” my ultimate goal as it relates to those that live within my faith community. Relationships are hindered when we aren’t willing to be honest.
Let’s commit to be truth seekers and truth speakers even if it may bring discomfort.

Cam, Dad,gratefulness & victory

Warning: I'm back!!!! Just thought I would warn you. It's been nearly two years since my last blog. Over the last two years I have remained focused on finishing my masters degree so I decided to neglect "blog nation" for a season. Now that I have completed my coursework I felt led to pick up where I left off.

"But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ...." (2 Cor. 2:14)

This past week was extremely special for me. I had an opportunity to spend a couple of days alone with my middle son Camden. On Wednesday afternoon we climbed into the F150 and drove to Raleigh for the NC State v. Miami basketball game. After the game we drove to my in-laws in Burlington to spend the night. The next day we played some golf together, ate a rack of ribs and returned home "all the better for the time we had together."

During the trip with my son I was reminded of an important characteristic......gratefulness. I lost count of how many times that Camden sincerely thanked me for the adventure. He thanked me for the Five-Guys burger, the milkshake at the game, the souvenir, the mountain dew, the candy, the rack of ribs, the round of golf and the overall experience. It does something to a father's heart when a child expresses their gratitude.

I came away more determined to be more grateful for all that my "Heavenly Father" has done for me. Hope you join me!

We were excited that NC State won the game. However, I couldn't help but think that the game was only a small part of the victory we experienced this week.

Abiding in Him!
Stephen Willis

assembly of believers

This past Sunday I found myself in my driveway shoveling snow. It really wasn't what I had envisioned when I finished writing my message on Thursday. As I continued to shovel my driveway my heart yearned with in me to be in corporate worship with my family of faith at LFCN. As I shoveled I made it a worship experience as I listened to praise music on my ipod. However, it wasn't quite the same. I feel sorry for those who don't have the opportunity to worship weekly with the people of God. I know that it isn't always easy, people are imperfect and the church is made up of people. When we put ourselves out their we run the risk of rejection, we run the risk of being misunderstood, and we run the risk of being disappointed. However, there is nothing like belonging to a family of faith that geniunely loves you celebrating our Great God with them weekly in corporate worship. Take it from someone who had a "drug" problem from birth..... mom and dad "drug" me to church everytime the doors opened. There's nothing like belonging and worshipping with the family of God.

Stephen Willis
www.lynchburgnaz.com

As I write this blog post I am holding out hope that the prediction of snow for this weekend goes away.

Hams and Boxes

Over the last two days nearly 300 families (we dropped a few off at homes) came onto our property to receive a free ham and food box for Christmas. It was great to be apart of LFCN today as I recognized that our family of faith is doing the work of Christ. As we finished up today Ethan Steele and I had the opportunity to carry one of the boxes to a man who has no transportation. As we approached his door he invited us in and asked us to sit down. As I sat down and looked around his small but neat apartment I inwardly gave God the praise for the opportunity. After some small talk I simply told him that this gesture was done in love that came directly from God Himself. He was extremely grateful for the gesture and then I asked if we could pray..... his response, "Why sure you can!" We prayed..... and it was good. :D

Stephen

"Least of These"

Tonight I showed up at our place of worship to watch (I helped a little) the "Church" fill food boxes for our Christmas Outreach event. This coming Sunday through God's provision we will give a ham and food box to three hundred families .......we are grateful to have the opportunity. On Sunday I will share with these families (we are having a special service at 4 pm for them) that they have helped us "make our joy complete" as we get to share with them what has been provided to us by our Heavenly Father.

I know that when we do "for the least of these....we have done unto Him."

Check out a presentation from our great night. http://vimeo.com/8218154
Blessed!
Stephen

first wrapped gift

Tonight I took time to read the familiar Luke 2 passage in which Mary "wrapped" the babe in cloth and placed him in a manger. Isn't it great to know that the first "wrapped" Christmas present on the very first Christmas was the Son of God who came to take away the sin of the world. No doubt that gift far supercedes the dress socks I'll get this Christmas. :D However, when I open those dress socks (I really do need them) I will be reminded of the Christ child and just how desperately I am in need of Him.

Abiding in the first Christmas gift.

Stephen

Time

This wednesday night I slipped into the back of the worship center to watch our children practice for our church play. When I walked into the back of the worship center, I was shocked as I focused in on my oldest boy Nick. It seemed like yesterday I was watching him perform in his first Christmas play as a four year old. Back then he didn't know most of the songs but he was placed on the very front so he would be seen by all. Today as a nine-year old he towers over most of the kids, he has a speaking part and he knows all the words to all the songs. Where did all the time go?

Tonight as I sit at my computer I am determined to enjoy every day.....if we aren't careful they will get away without us making the most of them!!

Pastor Stephen