This morning I spontaneously sang along to a song written be Keith Green in 1978, “My Eyes are Dry.” I have almost every word on the album memorized. I graduated from High school in 1978. I was married in 1980. My new wife and I completely wore out an 8-track tape and a cassette tape of Keith Green’s album, “No Compromise.”
Keith Green died too early, tragically in 1982. The music of Keith Green was being played this morning (and most every morning) by Mike Krebs, our middle school pastor. Mike was born in 1985. Mike tells a story about he and his daughter were singing along with Keith Green songs in the car. The beat goes on.
John Kannady, our worship pastor, asked if we thought the song Mike played and I sang along with could be used at our Easter 2016 services. It’s a powerful song even when I sing along with it.
If a song writer/prophetic voice can reach different generations merely through gospel-driven content, then you should probably be downloading Keith Green, “No Compromise,” on your music playing device today. Sing along by yourself. Sing along with your mate. Sing along with your family. Just sing.
If you’re curious and want to listen for yourself here is a collection of Youtube videos that feature Keith Green:
I wanted to share with you what happened yesterday morning, Thursday – January 14, 2014. Both of these events occurred before 7:00 in the morning. One was a significantly tremendous thing, the other represented and very difficult thing.
First the difficult thing: I drove my wife Carol to the airport to fly to California. It is difficult for a variety of reasons. Here are only a few:
Carol and I made a vow to be together (in sickness & in health, in poverty & in wealth, to love & to cherish) 35 years ago and we cherish time with one another.
I am a better person with Carol near me.
She likes having me around too.
We both enjoy laughing, flirting, eating, exercising, and discussing spiritual truths together.
But we learned that our oldest daughter Julie is very much needing her mother’s help during her last month of pregnancy. So off she goes.
As soon as I learned that she would be flying out early Thursday I texted a group of young men that I meet for discipleship that I would be unable to be at our weekly meeting so I could take her to the airport. This leads me to the significantly tremendous thing.
Secondly significantly tremendous thing: As I am taking my wife to the airport I get the above photo above sent to me. It is a picture of two groups of guys who both meet on Thursday mornings for discipleship and bible study. Why is “significantly tremendous” you ask? There are far too many reasons for me to describe but here are a few:
I have been meeting with the older group of men for 18-19 years. I love these guys and have enjoyed their friendship and encouragement for a very long time.
But over the summer I felt led to begin a new group of younger men who I believed needed an old mentor to disciple them.
I regretfully announced to the older group that they didn’t need me to lead their group. I told them that each of them was well qualified to take over the leadership. I told them that I would be starting a new group and that I would miss greatly miss the time we spend together on Thursday mornings. AND I HAVE MISSED THEM DEEPLY.
I had assumed that since I had unexpectedly cancelled our young men’s discipleship group that they would be thankful for the morning off and sleep in (that’s what I would have done when I was in my 20’s).
The new discipleship group of younger men decided on their own to join with the older group of men at another restaurant.
Two of my greatest joys:
A group of my peers, whom I have been meeting with for bible study many years, who I have grown to love and enjoy, who I miss almost every Thursday…
And a new group of younger men, who I am going to watch grow in spiritual maturity; who are going to be better men - better husbands - better fathers - and become disciple makers themselves.
These two groups of men are sitting together at the same table enjoying one another, enjoying one of the older men leading a bible study, enjoying breakfast together, enjoying the presence of God together!
My heart smiles.
I love my church!
I have a dream that everyman in our church would be intentional about beginning the process of becoming or helping others to become growing, vibrant disciples of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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Which is better shallow water or deep water? The answer depends on the context.
Shallow water is better if:
… You don’t need very much water.
… You don’t plan of diving in.
… You can’t swim.
… You prefer to stay at the surface level.
… You are not thirsty.
… You choose to stay dry.
Deep water is better if:
… You plan on diving in… head first!
… You need to learn to swim.
… You desire to go deeper.
… You are thirsty.
… You choose to take the plunge.
It’s been said that the spiritual depth of faith in the United States is a mile wide and an inch deep. Our attention spans are shrinking. Our appetites for being entertained are insatiable. Our stomachs are growling for spiritual nutrition, but all we have to eat is candy and fast food. Our souls were created for spiritual depth, but we only skip and splash in the kiddy pool.
Churches compete for attenders by aiming to please the consumer driven cravings of a the picky customer. In an effort to draw a larger crowd preachers are tempted to entertain listeners with short, amusing, and shallow messages. Jokes and stories replace difficult passages and confrontational challenges. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 “…profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness…”)
While it is true that “time is short,” and “we’re too busy,” consider reading the passages below. Answer these question, “What does God expect of me?” “Have I settled for shallow faith?” “How can I deepen my faith?” “How can I grow stronger in my faith?”
… John 4:14 (Context: John 4:1-35)
… John 6:35 (Context: John 6:4-15; 26-60)
… John 7:37 (Context: John 7:37-53)
May we grow stronger in faith to bring God the glory He deserves!
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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The headlines describing the latest terrorist attacks are frequent and tragic. The heartbreaking loss of innocent lives is detestable and repulsive.
How should I respond as a loving Christian? The Christians that I know truly desire to be obedient to the mission of Jesus to the ends of the earth (Matthew 29:18-20; Acts 1:8). Ironically, Christians that I know are also given the mandate to love and protect their families and trust the Lord (Psalm 35:1-28).
The most honest answer I can give? I don’t know.
As one man said, last night, during a discussion on these topics, “These pants are not ‘one-size-fits-all.’” There should be unique responses based upon the uniqueness of each situation. For the escalating issues of Islamic terrorism and Syrian refugees, and there is no simple answer.
Should the United States open it’s borders to all terrorists, of any ideological persuasion, so that they can plan and carry out a terrorist attack on innocent American lives? Of course not!
Should the United States refuse entry to a Syrian Christian family who will be immediately martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ if they are forced to remain/return to ISIS controlled Syria? Of course not!
We must be wise and obedient to providing the proper response.
We must not allow fear to cause us to forsake our mission.
Some have asked me to address Islam and the world view of the Muslim. As I have begun to formulate a cogent response I have learned that Islam to too diverse, even complicated, for an untrained person to respond in haste. I have not read the Kor'an and I have not studied Islam.
The Kor’an speaks to both peace and war.
Many Muslims are peaceful and they ignore the parts of the Kor’an that calls them to violence toward their enemies. They prefer to observe the passages of the Kor’an that call the Muslim to peace.
Some Muslims are violent and they ignore the part of the Kor’an that calls them to peace. They prefer to observe the passages of the Kor’an that call the Muslim to fight.
I am not as concerned with what Muslims believe about the Kor’an as I am concerned about how I, and the Christians that I know trust and obey the Bible.
If you would like to educate yourself I believe I have found a good resourse. Dr. Nabeel Qureshi, is an excellent resource for Christians to wish to educate themselves about the Islamic faith.He has recorded several Youtube videos that try to explain Islam in a simple manner. If you are brave, you can read the comments to see how divided we are on these complex issues.
He has also recorded a graduate level classroom videos at Biola.edu University that explain Islam in an academic manner.The key is to stay calm, prayerful, and trust in a sovereign and holy God. He alone will protect us for eternity.
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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As soon as I heard my wife say, “Phil, I’m sorry I have to tell you this. Your dad has died.” I instantly knew we would need to move back to Oklahoma from Colorado. My brother, due to his struggle with Multiple Sclerosis, moved in with my parents in June. In July, one month later, my dad passed away.
No one tells you that there is an unknown mantel of responsibility that is passed on to you when the patriarch dies. Sometimes, you discover the weight of the unknown mantel of responsibility when it lands on your own shoulders. It was the weight on my shoulders that caused me to instantly know that we were moving back to Oklahoma.
Sometimes, when God calls you to action He whispers (1 Kings 9:11-12). Most of the time when God calls you to action, He speaks through His Word and expects you to obey Him in faith (Romans 10:17; Revelation 14:12). This time, God called me to action, through deafening circumstances. Due to my father’s unexpected passing, my extended family needed me to come home.
The pastors in the Baptist faith move from church to church like free agents move in the NFL. You can’t ask for a transfer. You have to convince a church, which needs a pastor, to choose you. Pastor selection is like a blind date. There are awkward phone calls, awkward conversations, and if you make the cut, and awkward try out. My introduction to New Beginnings Church was awkward. There was a resume – no internet, no video, no .mp3 sermon, no GPS – just a resume. The first person I met from New Beginnings Church, I met at night at a 7-11 convenience store (creepy and awkward). New Beginnings Church had sent a “search committee” to hear me preach. They sat on a pew in the back of the church. Everyone knew why they were there.At this point in the blog I discover that this blog may be book length before I am finished documenting the last 20 years. So let me cut to the chase, let me stop the idle chatter, let me get to the point, let me not waste any more time. I’m so thankful they picked me to be the pastor at New Beginnings Church.
Thank you for listening to my sermons (more than 4000).
Thank you for following my leadership.
Thank you for loving, and protecting my family.
Thank you for ignoring my mistakes.
Thank you for serving along side of me.
Thank you for allowing my wife to teach.
Thank you for giving so generously for the cause of the Gospel.
Thank you for trusting in God’s promises.
Thank you for finding joy in God’s glory. (There are too many other things for which I am thankful to list here)
Ok. I’ll admit it. There have been other things and people that I find difficult for which to be thankful. Even so, I choose to be thankful for the things that are difficult too (1 Thessalonians 5:18). God had a purpose for those things, but He doesn’t ask me to dwell on them (Philippians 4:8) God has blessed me for 20 years as the pastor of New Beginnings Church. I pray He blesses me with many more.I love my church!
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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Fathers, you have a big job. I’m not talking about the responsibilities of your career.
Sure, your career is important, but this is much bigger.
You are modeling being a husband, and a father to your kids. How you accomplish your job as husband and father will cause your daughters and sons to raise (or lower) the bar for their own mate selection. Yep, this is big!
Husband, you need to love and honor your wife in such a way (Ephesians 5:25-28) that your daughters will want pick a husband just like you. Father, you need to love and honor your daughter, in a way that she will one day look for a husband who will cherish and respect her just like you. Yep, this is big!
I want to direct you to the best blog I have read in a long time. It was published yesterday. It made my eyes swell with joyful tears and my heart inflate with thankfulness. I'm not the reason my daughter married so well. The example that Jesus provided of how to love and His power for husband and fathers to reflect Him is to blame. Kyle's parent modeled and reflected Jesus' love too.
The screen shots you are seeing in this blog are from a text conversation my wife and I had with our daughter and son-in-law. It happened yesterday.
My daughter sent me a funny text about her husband Kyle. He chose to wear a Lady Bug costume to his work party because all of the other costumes were still in storage. His wife, my daughter Julie, had been laughing all day at the thought of her husband wearing a Lady Bug costume to his office party.
But I want to defend his high and noble choice to be a ladybug this day! When a man chooses to sacrifice his comfort, his reputation, and his imagined sense of coolness for his new identity as a father, he becomes a better man.
When a man chooses to allow his daughter to paint his toenails he becomes a better man.
When a man chooses to wield a plastic ninja sword and fight villains with his son, he becomes a better man.
When a man chooses to sit in the floor and have imaginary tea at an imaginary tea party with his daughter he becomes a better man.
When a man chooses to wear a costume in the street as he follows his kids when they’re trick-or-treating because they want him to he becomes a better man.
When a man chooses to pretend he doesn’t know where his kids are hiding as he searches for them during a game of hide-and-go-seek he becomes a better man.
When a man chooses to allow his daughter to put make-up on him he becomes a better man.
When a man chooses to play the Candy-Man, or Strawberry-shortcake, or Rainbow-bright, or any other mind numbing children’s board games he becomes a better man.
I hope your getting the picture here. I want to repeat it here, “When a man chooses to sacrifice his comfort, his reputation, and his imagined sense of coolness for his new identity as a father, he becomes a better man!”
There are few things better than being a father (except for maybe being a grand father).
So forget your insecure posturing and be a dad like no one is watching!
Way to go “Lady Bug Dad!” Someone is watching and you are my grand daughter’s hero (and mine too).
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
This verse has been misinterpreted and misused many time over the years.
Nevertheless, if you will, you can see the hand of God in ordinary circumstances.
This was our experience on Thursday morning at the New Beginnings Men’s Bibles Study.
Maybe it was a coincidence when Eric chose to walk into the New Beginnings Men’s Bible Study 3 years ago as a stranger to the group.
Maybe it was a coincidence when he sat down in between two strangers, Claire and Danny, that morning.
Maybe it was a coincidence that over the course of the next two years the Eric transitioned from stranger to acquaintance to real relationships with the men in that morning bible study group.
Maybe it was a coincidence that Eric gained nine new friends who were formerly strangers that now missed him when he wasn’t there.
Maybe it was a coincidence that when Eric shared that he had recently been diagnosed with throat cancer that the two strangers, Claire and Danny, that Eric sat in between that morning 3 years earlier were both cancer survivors.
Maybe it was a coincidence that this group of new friends would pray for, check on, and encourage Eric as he began battling cancer.
Maybe it was a coincidence that Eric would still come to New Beginnings Men’s Bible Study even when he was missing work and at home on short-term disability even though he was weak and weary during radiation treatments.
Maybe it was a coincidence when Eric announced a few weeks ago, “Hey, I got really good news from the doctor last night, tests show that I am 100% cancer free.
Maybe it was a coincidence that every man sitting around our table had eyes full of tears and hearts full of thanks.
Maybe it was a coincidence, but I doubt it.
Thank you God that You are at work in and through us today!
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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When you children grow up into adults you delight in there accomplishments and cringe at their mistakes. However, when you see them in pain and hurting. There is a deeper ache for which you are not prepared. The darkest hour of my daughter Jill’s life was so difficult that we were asked not to share about it with anyone. We respected those wishes.
As there is deep anguish in moments of confusing grief, there is also profound satisfaction in moments of God’s healing. Imagined my thankful heart as I read my daughter Jill’s announcement online today:
On June 6, 2014, I lost my first pregnancy. It was the most sorrowful and isolating experience of my life. God redeemed this day on June 6, 2015 when my sweet girl was born. She is the greatest joy I have ever known! Still there are moments that I am overwhelmed by the painful reminder of the child I did not get to know.
Join me and others on Thursday, October 15 (National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day), at 6:45pm in the Harbor 301, as Journey of Faith will be hosting a night to remember, support, and grieve together for anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, still birth, or the loss of infant.
I love that we serve a God who understands those who have lost a Child.
I love that God redeemed Jill's most difficult day.
I love that God is leading Jill, and Jill is leading others through the darkest night of bewildering grief.
May God heal the hearts of these precious mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers.
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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Do you pray for your family? If so, what do you say when you pray for your family? The promises of prayer in scripture are plentiful (Jeremiah 33:3; Psalms 145:18; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 26:41; Luke 11:9, 18:1; John 15:7; and there are many more).
If the bible promises that prayer is powerful and effective, then why aren’t we praying effectively for our families?
Ephesians 6:1-18 is a powerful chapter that addresses an interesting mixture of components:
Family atmosphere - Ephesians 6:1-4
Spiritual Warfare - Ephesians 6:10-17
Call to Prayer - Ephesians 6:18-20
What if the topics in this chapter are interconnected?
What if creating a right family atmosphere is a spiritual battle where prayer is necessary to win?
We are making a mistake if we pull any of these verses out of context and forget that the writer, Paul, included all of the components in this chapter very deliberately.
There is a spiritual battle going on and our families are suffering horrific casualties. We must pray for wisdom and courage to lead our families well.
Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents as you would the Lord, because this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, 3 so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. 4 Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Don’t just pray that things, “may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land.” Recognize that this promise is experienced when this mixture of components (a right family atmosphere, fighting a spiritual war, and praying for strength and victory) are interconnected. Don’t be naïve. This is war.
Pray that your children would learn that obeying their parents is right.
Pray that your family practice giving and earning true honor.
Pray that you, your spouse, and your children would take their stand against evil.
Pray that you, your spouse, and your children would resist evil.
Pray that you, your spouse, and your children would be strengthened by the Lord.
Pray that you, your spouse and your children would take up the weapons of spiritual war (truth, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, God’s Word).
Pray that parents would avoid the things that produce anger in a child (sarcasm, passivity, absence, extreme emotional outbursts, etc.).
Ask for forgiveness of God and of your children/spouse if you have produced anger in your children/spouse.
Pray that you would be alert to spiritual danger.
Pray that you would persevere in the fight for your family.
Pray for boldness in your faith.
Pray that you, your spouse, and your children would begin to experience the mystery of the gospel.
Print these prayer reminders out and tape them somewhere where that will remind you of this battle. May we win for the glory of God!
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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Last night, at men’s Bible study, we had a discussion that is important for responsible parents to hear. The men were discussing an upcoming study of the book of James, in the New Testament. One of the topics covered by James in his letter is controlling your tongue. As we had a conversation about this topic, we agreed how social media has intensified the importance of learning how to control your tongue.
During the conversation one of our men, a middle school teacher, made a very good point. He said,
“You wouldn’t give a loaded gun to a middle school boy. You wouldn’t give car keys to a middle school boy and ask him to drive. Middle school boys are too immature to negotiate the responsibilities of guns or cars. Guns and cars in the wrong hands are potentially dangerous under the control of people who have not yet learned to control themselves.
Then he asked a very important question:
“Why would we permit a child or preteen, who has not yet learned to control themselves, access to the internet, where they can hear or say anything to anyone, anywhere in the world?” It is dangerous. We may be exposing our developing children in ways that threaten their development: socially, morally, and spiritually.
The men in the bible study were all in agreement that parents have a critical responsibility to guide their children through the complexity of the digital age. Digital technology, the internet, and social media are value neutral. The values of the users either redeem or poison the value. Please don’t assume they know how to negotiate this potentially dangerous and threatening chance without your guidance.
I prepared a Parents Guide in 2009 for this very reason. There are many helpful tools for parents. But the best protection your children have for any threat is a calm conversation with caring parents. If your kids are confident that you love them and have their best interest at heart, they will look to you for guidance, especially when potentially dangerous and threatening experiences are concerned. Parents Guide Prepared in 2009
Thank you for keeping your kids safe!
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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Back Row: Phil, Josh, & Carol Sallee
FronRow: Jill & Corinne Lewolt, Julie & C. C. Partin
I am having mixed emotions today. I am basking in the delight of the time I had with my family last week. Last week was Carol’s birthday so our daughters flew in from California with my two granddaughters. Josh came in town from Oklahoma City for a few days too. It was the first time in a long time that all my adult children were together in my house.
This afternoon I will be preaching at the funeral of a young man who passed unexpectedly at the age of 26. I will be speaking to a crowd of people who are experiencing so many questions, so much grief, and too few answers. Funerals for young people are large and difficult.
I will give them the only gift that I have to offer anyone at any age.
1 John 5:11-13 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn’t have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
The Good News of Jesus offers bring comfort in grief and hope in death. That is the message I pray to convey this afternoon.
But I also want to convey another very important message. This message is less about eternal life and more about life today. It is about life with your family. Treasure each moment you have with the people you love. Each moment is precious. Treat each moment as priceless and valuable.
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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This is a photo of the Partins. The beautiful brown-haired girl, is my oldest daughter, Julie. The absolutely gorgeous little girl is my granddaughter, C.C.. The dude is Kyle my son-in-law. I give Kyle a hard time. I tease him continuously. I joke with him constantly. Incessant teasing and joking is a generational family flaw. I inherited this genetic defect from my father. It is our familial misguided way.
When our kids were younger we had a set of Christmas traditions that were better for young kids (icing sugar cookies, tree decorating, singing carols, etc.). As our kids aged our traditions became more mature. Carol and I agreed to start a new Christmas tradition. It was Carol’s idea. Each Christmas one member of the family would take their turn to design and make a homemade Christmas ornament. The ornament would come with a devotional which that year’s family member would present. We started that tradition from the oldest to the youngest then we would start the rotation over again.
As our daughters met and married really good Christian men, we decided that they would present the ornaments and devotionals as family units. We didn’t want to put any new in-laws on the spot and make them feel uncomfortable their first Christmas at our house. Kyle was the first outsider to participate in the Sallee family tradition. It would have been expected for him to watch at allow Julie to take the lead. She had experienced this Christmas tradition many times. As a biological family member and oldest daughter, our artistic daughter Julie had created ornaments and led devotionals. Why would Kyle want to subject himself to the scrutiny and teasing of the Sallee family?
I must admit I was surprised when Kyle jumped at the opportunity to create an ornament and lead the devotional. The ornament he made was a beautiful display of a baby bird leaving the nest. He hung the ornament on the Christmas tree. He explained how he felt honored to be trusted to lead his new family in California. He agreed that he knew how difficult it must be for us to watch our little bird fly to California. Then he jumped up and ran upstairs. I was thinking to myself. “Where was he going? Did he exit prematurely out of fear and embarrassment? Is the devotional over? It was going so well.” Just then Kyle returned with a guitar. He asked us to sing with him a song we had never heard. Our part was “Ooh.” He nailed it! We weren’t too bad either. You can hear the song Kyle led in the video below. You can read the lyrics too.
"It Don't Have To Change"
John Legend and the Stephens Family
Oh do you remember (ooh)
When the family was everything? (ooh)
Oh do you remember? (ooh)
It was so long ago and so much has changed (ooh)
I wanna go back (go back...ooh)
Wanna go back to those simple days (ooh)
I wanna go back (go back...ooh)
But now we've grown and gone our separate ways
Times is hard (times is hard)
And things are a changin'
I pray to God
That we can remain the same
All I'm trying to say is our love don't have to change
No it don't have to change
Do you remember (ooh)
Back at Grannie's house on Christmas Day? (ooh)
Help me sing...
Do you remember (ooh)
How we'd gather 'round and sing all day? (ooh)
I wanna go back (go back...ooh)
To playing basketball and football games
I wanna go back (go back...ooh)
To yesterday but it's not the same
Times is hard (times is hard)
And things are a changin'
I pray to God
That we can remain the same
All I'm trying to say is our love don't have to change
No it don't have to change
Times is hard (times is hard)
And things are a changin'
So I pray to God
That we can remain the same
All I'm trying to say is our love don't have to change
No it don't have to change
Needless to say tears followed the devotional. The tears were mixed. Some were sad tears because we love these little birds so much and they have flown to another nest far away. Some were tears of joy because our little birds have found godly husbands to lead them to become godly families. Some were tears of worship because, no matter how far away these little birds live, “our love don't have to change.”
Kyle did that Christmas day what every father must one day do. He swallowed his pride, he took a risk, he climbed out on a limb, and focused our hearts where they belong. The ornament is hung in the tree each and every Christmas. I will never forget that devotional.
Thank you Kyle for leading my daughter well. Thank you for being a great example to me. Thank you for tolerating my teasing and jokes. I am thankful for you more everyday.
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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This is a photo of the Partins. The beautiful brown-haired girl, is my oldest daughter, Julie. The absolutely gorgeous little girl is my granddaughter, C.C.. The dude is Kyle my son-in-law. I give Kyle a hard time. I tease him continuously. I joke with him constantly. Incessant teasing and joking is a generational family flaw. I inherited this genetic defect from my father. It is our familial misguided way.
When our kids were younger we had a set of Christmas traditions that were better for young kids (icing sugar cookies, tree decorating, singing carols, etc.). As our kids aged our traditions became more mature. Carol and I agreed to start a new Christmas tradition. It was Carol’s idea. Each Christmas one member of the family would take their turn to design and make a homemade Christmas ornament. The ornament would come with a devotional which that year’s family member would present. We started that tradition from the oldest to the youngest then we would start the rotation over again.
As our daughters met and married really good Christian men, we decided that they would present the ornaments and devotionals as family units. We didn’t want to put any new in-laws on the spot and make them feel uncomfortable their first Christmas at out house. Kyle was the first outsider to participate in the Sallee family tradition. It would have been expected for him to watch at allow Julie to take the lead. She had experienced this Christmas tradition many times. As a biological family member and oldest daughter, our artistic daughter Julie had created ornaments and led devotionals. Why would Kyle want to subject himself to the scrutiny and teasing of the Sallee family?
I must admit I was surprised when Kyle jumped at the opportunity to create an ornament and lead the devotional. The ornament he made was a beautiful display of a baby bird leaving the nest. He hung the ornament on the Christmas tree. He explained how he felt honored to be trusted to lead his new family in California. He agreed that he knew how difficult it must be for us to watch our little bird fly to California. Then he jumped up and ran upstairs. I was thinking to myself. “Where was he going? Did he exit prematurely out of fear and embarrassment? Is the devotional over? It was going so well.” Just then Kyle returned with a guitar. He asked us to sing with him a song we had never heard. Our part was “Ooh.” He nailed it! We weren’t too bad either. You can hear the song Kyle led in the video below. You can read the lyrics too.
"It Don't Have To Change"
John Legend and the Stephens Family
Oh do you remember (ooh)
When the family was everything? (ooh)
Oh do you remember? (ooh)
It was so long ago and so much has changed (ooh)
I wanna go back (go back...ooh)
Wanna go back to those simple days (ooh)
I wanna go back (go back...ooh)
But now we've grown and gone our separate ways
(aah)
Times is hard (times is hard)
And things are a changin'
I pray to God
That we can remain the same
All I'm trying to say is our love don't have to change
No it don't have to change
Do you remember (ooh)
Back at Grannie's house on Christmas Day? (ooh)
Help me sing...
Do you remember (ooh)
How we'd gather 'round and sing all day? (ooh)
I wanna go back (go back...ooh)
To playing basketball and football games
I wanna go back (go back...ooh)
To yesterday but it's not the same
Times is hard (times is hard)
And things are a changin'
I pray to God
That we can remain the same
All I'm trying to say is our love don't have to change
No it don't have to change
Times is hard (times is hard)
And things are a changin'
So I pray to God
That we can remain the same
All I'm trying to say is our love don't have to change
No it don't have to change
Needless to say tears followed the devotional. The tears were mixed. Some were sad tears because we love these little birds so much and they have flown to another nest. Some were tears of joy because our little birds have found godly husbands to lead them to become godly families. Some were tears of worship because, no matter how far away these little birds live, “our love don't have to change.”
Kyle did that Christmas day what every father must one day do. He swallowed his pride, he took a risk, he climbed out on a limb and focused our hearts where they belong. The ornament is hung in the tree each and every Christmas. I will never forget that devotional.
Thank you Kyle for leading my daughter well. Thank you for being a great example to me. Thank you for tolerating my teasing and jokes. I am thankful for you more everyday.
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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VBS stands for Vacation Bible School. 50 years ago, I started attending VBS when I was a little boy. I have the golden, spray painted, macaroni plates to prove it. OK, to tell the truth, the golden plates disintegrated later in the fall. But the memories are still fresh in my mind.
When am I finished with VBS? Why would so many youth and adults carve a precious week out of their summer to be involved in VBS? Why would these adults take 3-4 hours, during the hottest week of the year, to pretend they were going on an exciting 5-day hike up a mountain, yet never leave the building? Why would a church agree to spend so much effort and money to conduct a one week experience for kids?
Here are my top 6 reason for VBS
The Kids.
Our children are bombarded by thousands of images and cultural values like no previous generation. Our kids need to hear and observe the uniquely counter-cultural reality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They need to have experiences and memories that point them to the truth of the Gospel. Carol and I have no better experience to invest our time and energy into the children at New Beginnings each year than VBS. Our children and our grandchildren are one of our most precious treasures. They are the #1 reason for having VBS.
The Volunteers.
From the leadership who administrate this extensive week to the foot soldiers who work in the trenches with the children, I am thankful for our VBS volunteers. This could be described as a long, hot, difficult week. But you would be surprised at how willing and able our volunteers make this week go. New Beginnings had over 80 adult volunteers dressed and played the part of hikers to made the 5 day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro.
My wife, Carol, personally re-writes the opening and closing assembly strategy to fit our capabilities and achieve the goal of the week. A lot of people are not aware that Carol wrote VBS curriculum professionally for several year for Lifeway Christian Resources. She volunteers many hours, for New Beginnings, designing a plan that will be fun, be engaging, and emphasize the main teaching focus. Then she produces and directs the opening and closing assemblies. It is always spot on. The finished product looks easier than effort it took to plan the assembly. She amazes me. I’m so thankful for her. But I am also aware that there are many other planning, enlisting help, training helpers, producing, strategizing, and directing - choreography, drama, games, crafts, and snacks. All the volunteers gave a winning effort!
The Relationships.
Carol and I got to spend time with people we only get to see or greet on Sundays. We finally are able to learn names and establish associations. The interaction between volunteers is priceless. I loved watching our people laughing, telling stories, and leading children together. Friendships were starting and deepening. Relationships were taking root, growing, and bearing fruit. If the church is a family then VBS is the family summer vacation.
The Fun.
There is always a lot of laughter at VBS and this year was no exception. The songs, the skits, the games, the crafts and the snacks were fun, fun, fun, fun, fun. Fun is not the goal and purpose of VBS, but fun sure help us achieve the goal and purpose. The funis one of the reasons that keeps the kids and the volunteers coming back every year.
The Creativity.
Snacks, games, crafts, bible lessons, and Opening and closing assemblies were each characterized by focused creativity. Each activity creatively points to the daily bible verse and central truth of that verse. Each volunteer assumes a role and plays a part in the theme of the week. Everyone pitches in with their own flavor of creativity.
Under the creative direction of my wife, I assumed the role of “Tambo” the new Camp Kilimanjaro tour guide. I acted in ways that were not traditionally, “pastoral,” (singing, drumming, dancing, rapping, etc.) but hopefully these actions were both creative and memorable. It is my prayer that the kids and volunteers who observed my antics will understand that I want to point the kids to Jesus and His Word. And I want the kids to know that their pastor loves them.
The Opportunity.
There are few better chances to invest in the lives of kids than VBS. The opportunity can be demanding, cost time and energy, and require a dedication and commitment that cannot be described as passive or lazy. But the time and effort are always worth it. Always!
Thank you NBFamilies for remaining committed to raising vibrant disciples of Jesus.
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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There is a very tragic story about a dysfunctional family in 2 Samuel 13-18. It is not hard to understand how a King’s family could become dysfunctional with all the difficult complexities. King David’s family suffered because a toxic mixture of political and military power, distasteful adultery, and conspiracy to commit murder. His multiple concubines, wives, and the resulting jealousy of half siblings created a poisonous concoction of chaos and hatred. There was not only hatred, but incestuous rape and a vengeful murder between King David’s children. It is an ugly story.
But the story gets uglier. Even after King David forgave his son, Absalom, for killing his half brother, Amnon, Absalom conspired to overthrow his father and assume place as King of Israel. This son’s wicked plan to overthrow his father includes telling lies about his father, infiltrating and poisoning the minds His father’s advisors, and building a militia to attack and kill his father. The bible says Absalom “stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:6)
How do you think this father responded to the revolting actions of his rebellious son? You would think that he would be angry and offended past the point of no return. Instead, King David gave his fighters strict orders not to harm his son. Even so, as the chaos of fighting often dictates, the factions battled and Absalom, King David’s son, was killed. No one wanted to approach the King because they knew how his heart would be crushed. Indeed, his heart was broken. Listen to the anguish in this father’s heart.
2 Samuel 18:29-33 The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab sent the king’s servant and your servant, I saw a big disturbance, but I don’t know what it was.” 30 The king said, “Move aside and stand here.” So he stood to one side. 31 Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: today the Lord has delivered you from all those rising up against you!” 32 The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” The Cushite replied, “May what has become of the young man happen to the enemies of my lord the king and to all who rise up against you with evil intent.” 33 The king was deeply moved and went up to the gate chamber and wept. As he walked, he cried, “My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!”
Josh and I at the beach.
Three weeks ago, due to an emergency trip to California for the birth of my 2nd granddaughter, my son Josh and I had to spend Father’s day apart from one another. This was the first time that had happened in Josh’s entire life. We both detested being apart that day. I cant wait to see him at the end of this month (July, #Coufest).
I love Josh with a love that can’t be altered by behavior or circumstance. To be sure, Josh and I have had our ugly moments over the years (nothing even close to King David and Absalom). Neither of us are perfect. Josh’s biggest harms are ones that he directly inherited from me. But know this, there is nothing he has done, nothing he will ever do to cause me not to love him as much as I do. I think he feels the same way. This type of love is a redeeming Gospel-like love.
If you are disenfranchised from a parent or child, prove the power of the gospel and call them today. Life is too short and love is too deep. Forgive and move on.
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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Deuteronomy 6:1-2 “This is the command—the statutes and ordinances—the Lord your God has instructed me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess. 2 Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all His statutes and commands
I am giving you, your son, and your grandson,
and so that you may have a long life.
This verse The wording here indicates that God’s commands—the statutes and ordinances had a threefold purpose:
Knowing, obeying, and passing on God’s commands is an expression of reverence for God
Knowing, obeying, and passing on God’s commands will make the experience in the land that they were entering as God desired for them.
Knowing and obeying God’s commands was the best means of teaching this devotion of God to the next generation.
Our kids are watching us. They are forming their own values and faith. They are looking for models that confirm or deny whether the things we say match our actions. They look to us parents as models.
Our kids love us and desire for us to show them the way. The example we demonstrate in front of our kids will have a profound and lasting effect on their lives.
God commanded the parents to take this calling to model faith very seriously.
Deuteronomy 6:4-8 “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
I want to break these phrases down and be practical about how to effectively fulfill this calling:
Deuteronomy 6:6 “These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart." Parents must take them to heart—commit them to memory and make them an fundamental part of their lives and homes.
Deuteronomy 6:7 “Repeat them to your children." Parents are to Knowing, obey, and practice the laws of God to their children. This command presumes that parents/teachers know their substance, which in turn presumes personal understanding, concentrated effort, and individual study.
Deuteronomy 6:7 “Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, ” When you pair “house” with “road,”, the contrast here infers all of life is the whole. In other words, godly parents are to speak of the laws of God wherever they are, and at all times (see Proverbs 6:21–22).
Deuteronomy 6:7 “when you lie down and when you get up. ” Again, this contrast infers that knowing and obeying God’s commands is an “all-day-and-all-night” effort. It is not something that can be turned off and ignored for a while.
Deuteronomy 6:8 “Bind them as a sign on your hand ” The term “hand” assumes that that knowing and obeying God’s commands should be demonstrated in your actions.
Deuteronomy 6:8 “and let them be a symbol on your forehead. ” The term “forehead” supposes that that knowing and obeying God’s commands should be at the forefront of you mind and thoughts. Not only must parents memorize and rehearse God’s commands in order to adopt them, they must also wear them on the body as a symbol and reminder of their importance.
Deuteronomy 6:9 “Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. ” This refers to the Jewish practice of mezuzot—writing passages of Scripture on doors, lintels, and doorposts of private houses. It can also be assumed that knowing and obeying God’s commands should occur not only when you are at home, but also when your are away.
Being a parent isn’t easy. Perhaps one of the toughest burdens is wondering if you have been a parent who has influenced your in a healthy way or you have somehow messed up the kids your care for so deeply.
These practical challenges are ways to show our kids our love and devotion to God. Parents can trust God to keep His promises.
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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I have been hip deep in grand-fatherhood these past two weeks (cleaning, cooking, playing, reading, rocking, diapering, singing, etc.). As I write this blog I am baby-sitting my granddaughter C.C. – sitting in the car by the ocean, while she finishes her nap. I have never missed 3 Sunday's in a row from my calling as a preacher of the gospel. But I must admit,
I have never had a more important reason to be away.
I have never had more confidence in a staff when I am absent
If the truth were to be told, if I neglected my biblical mandate to be the spiritual leader of my family, then I would simultaneously rescind my calling to be the spiritual leader of the church. Because this Sunday is Father's Day and I have spent some time wrestling with questions every father and grand-father should answer.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Listen, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is One. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
What does it mean the have a command of God on your heart?
Why are the commands given to fathers in Deuteronomy 6:7-9 given immediately after the most important command in Deuteronomy 6:4-6?
Is this the best method for preparing children to be godly people as adults?
Are our children learning what is important to their fathers by observing their behavior at home?
What values and behaviors are our children learning by observing passive or ungodly fathers?
The emphasis on the father being the spiritual leader of the family is not just an Old Testament concept. The New Testament affirms this privilege and responsibility as well:
Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents as [you would] the Lord, because this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, 3 so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. 4 Fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Why does Ephesians 6:1-4 follow directly after Ephesians 5:21-33?
Could it be that fathers most significantly influence their children's faith by the way they love their children's mothers?
How are our kids obedience to our commands related to how much they honor us?
Why is this the only command in scripture that directly follows with a promise?
What ways do we fathers stir up anger in our children?
Father’s Day has many possibilities. However, let me warn you. The higher you set your expectations for public praise and honor from your children, the more likely you are going to be disappointed. A father’s best option for a blessed Father’s Day is to utilize it as an opportunity to reaffirm his role as spiritual leader.
Choose for yourselves today the one you will worship.
Repent from your passivity or selfish defiance of the past.
Ask for forgiveness from the Lord God, your wife, and your family also.
Make the necessary changes to assume this honorable role.
Begin living in the power of the gospel as a submissive disciple of Jesus Christ!
Joshua 24:15 But if it doesn’t please you to worship Yahweh, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship: the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my family, we will worship Yahweh.”
Happy Father’s Day! See you next week.
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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The plan was simple. I was going to preach on Sunday (June 7th) and fly out on Monday (June 8th). Carol had flown to California to become a Grandmother of our 2nd granddaughter 3 days ealier.
But when I woke up on Saturday the plans changed quickly. My heart began to pound. I had a text from Carol the night before at 10:30pm saying, “Brian (our son-in-law) just took Jill to the hospital. It looks like we will have another grandbaby tomorrow.” I immediately changed my ticket to fly to California to be with my daughter, son-in-law and thier new baby.
Why would we take such drastic measures to be there for the birth of a grandbaby? What is the big deal? Why would I miss preaching on Sunday when I could have just flown in when I had planned? Carol and I believe that being a grandparent is a big deal. As grandparents, we want to continue to make a significantly beneficial influence on our family. The love we feel for our grandchildren is linked to the concept of legacy. We want to leave a heritage of faith for our family. We both hope to tell our kids and their of God’s mighty power and strength.
Psalm 71:14-18 But I will hope continually and will praise You more and more. 15 My mouth will tell about Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot sum them up. 16 I come because of the mighty acts of the Lord God; I will proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone. 17 God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still proclaim Your wonderful works. 18 Even when I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me. Then I will proclaim Your power to another generation, Your strength to all who are to come.
Day 1 in the Hospital
God’s Word has promised a renewed strength for people, especially grandparents, for those who trust Him. I must admit that I have had a newfound strength – cleaning the house, preparing the meal, changing the diapers, pushing the swing, climbing the playground, rocking the baby – this week. Could my love for my kids and their babies be the reason that I am too tired to get out of my “Lazyboy" recliner, yet never too tired to crawl on the floor for an imaginary tea party? Is it this same love that motivates me to finish strong in my faith and not slide into a moral compromise?
Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never grows faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding. 29 He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. 30 Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, 31 but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.
Jill and Corinne ready to go home
Since Corinne was born I have taken every opportunity to pray over her, to sing to her (while rocking her), to talk to her about how much God loves her.
I must admit, I have been increasingly concerned about my kids raising my grandchildren in a culture where Christian values are being ridiculed. As a grandparent I have been around long enough to see our environment skid into shocking and discouraging lows. Our grown children are going to need our faith to not only remain strong, but also to thrive and lead in influential ways. They will need our prayers, our encouragement, our compassion, and our Christ-like love. We grandparents are going to have to learn Jesus’ method for earning other’s love and respect. But we will also need to learn to avoid repelling our kids by displaying the hypocritical sneer of the Pharisee. They will rightly ignore our scorn and our criticism.
Psalm 78:2-4 I will declare wise sayings; I will speak mysteries from the past— 3 things we have heard and known and that our fathers have passed down to us. 4 We must not hide them from their children, but must tell a future generation the praises of the Lord, His might, and the wonderful works He has performed.
Don't forget CC.
May the Lord empower us to influence our families for Him.
May we proclaim the Lord God’s mighty acts, His righteousness, and His wonderful works.
May we trust the Lord and experience renewed strength and soar on wings like eagles.
May we tell a future generation the praises of the Lord, His might, and the wonderful works He has performed! God Bless!
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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Several have asked me about my reaction to Bruce Jenner’s revelation of his transgender identity he calls “Caitlyn.” Parents want to know how to talk to there kids about this issue.
To be honest, I unfortunately vacillate between anger and compassion. I wish I was continually anchored in the gospel compassion camp. But I feel like the 1 year old that is being forcibly made to eat his vegetables. The reaction of a child being force fed vegetables is often projectile spitting, if not vomiting.
To the surprise of many of my peers, at first I was inclined to group gender identity confusion issues into the company of the unexplainable physiological abnormalities of the hermaphrodites or intersexed. These issues are similar because the biblical data is insufficient concerning both issues, to express a simple biblical outlook.
Nevertheless, the culture is all-over-the-place on the issue of gender confusion. Further, compounding the confusion, the issue has been adopted and exploited by the shrewd and powerful LBGTQ political agenda. The controlling LBGTQ political agenda continues to declare the narrative – regardless of the biblical data – attack those who disagree with shouts of bigotry and bias. It is difficult to know how to respond in a Christ-like manner.
The table below is a demonstration of the various responses (both right and wrong) to the gender confusion issue and my reaction to each. The middle column is the reaction to which I aspire.
VIEW PERSPECTIVE:
This is view that demonstrates acceptance of transsexual identity.
This is view that demonstrates compassion for transsexual identity.
This is view that demonstrates anger for transsexual identity.
DESCRIPTORS:
Existential theology / Syncretism
Gospel theology / Compassion
Law-focused theology / Legalism
ARTICLE WRITER:
This blog was written by Josh(ua) Cobia. He is a Worship Worship Leader & Pastor. He recounts his involvement with the Jenner/Kardashian family in a church plant early in his ministry.
This blog was written by Jon Bloom. He is the president of Desiring God. This perspective is perhaps the best depiction of the Gospel point of view. This is the point of view that should direct my thoughts, actions, and reactions.
This blog was written by Matt Walsh. He describes Himself as a blogger, writer, speaker, and professional truth sayer. This perspective, while logical and full of truthfulness, is also full of anger and sarcasm.
As I read this blog I was moved with compassion as I began to considered the untold amount of damage that had been done to the Jenner/Kardashian family because of the intrusion of reality television and subsequent fame. I also felt the judgment that I typically feel when I know that I am not able to accept behaviors that are not acceptable in scripture.
As I read this blog I was filled with hope because I was reminded that the issue is not an us against them issue. The Gospel of Jesus Christ reminds us that there is no “them.” The Gospel reminds us that we that all have sinful hearts and all struggle with a wide variety of sexual issues (impure thoughts, adultery, pornography, homosexuality, gender identity, etc.). I was reminded that the right reaction to every sinful soul is compassion. Further every disciple of Jesus shares the responsibility to testify of God’s redemption through Jesus Christ for those who believe.
As I read this blog I must admit that I was first filled with nearsighted vindication. Matt Walsh was able to articulate all the frustrations I was feeling. It felt good to hear a voice that expressed my concerns. However, my righteous indignation was short-lived. I also felt some personal disgrace. For me to ignore my own faultiness and focus on the shame of others is neither grace-focused nor Gospel-driven. How can I be the thankful recipient of grace and yet refuse to extend grace?
May we be receivers and givers of the unsearchable riches of God’s grace. May we be partakers in God’s promise of Christ Jesus through the Gospel . May this be our eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:6-11).
Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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