End of the Spear

I haven't see this movie yet - plan to this week. By now you have probably heard about the controversy that has surrounded this movie and that is the fact that the lead role is played by a homosexual activist, Chad Allen. OH NO!!! OMG! What are we as followers of Jesus Christ supposed to do with that? (let me be foolish for a minute to prove a point)

Choice #1: We could PICKET the movie theater - take a stand! Yeah! Get out and let these people know how you feel about this "poor choice." If you decide to do this, please don't call (or even tell) me.

Choice #2: PREACH a sermon series on the ills of homosexuality and "tell it like it is." Let's rally people against this great sin! Again, please leave me out of your plans if this is you.

Choice #3: BOYCOTT! That's right! We'll teach them a lesson! Cut off the cash.

Choice #4: LEARN THE FACTS (this one gets my vote!)

Yes, I'm sad that a movie depicting the lives of these modern-day martyrs has become the subject of controversy. Hiring a homosexual activist to play the lead role of Nate Saint goes against everything we believe as followers of Jesus Christ. But what are the facts in this case? Ready?

The reality is that Steve Saint (the late Nate Saint's son) who helped oversee the movie discovered that Chad was a homosexual activists AFTER he had been cast. In that situation, how could Steve ask him to step down? He was truly in a no win situation.

The problem is simply this; we want to sing Amazing Grace and then decide who gets it! Isn't it wonderful that Chad Allen was given the same grace you and I were given when we trusted Christ as Savior! I think so! Maybe as a result of this, he'll eventually come to faith in Christ. Check out what Steve Saint says about this from Christianity Today:

"It is hard to see people have to defend a decision that I was responsible for, for people to have ugly things said about them because of a decision I made. But I have total peace about the decision, and that Chad Allen was the man God intended to act in the movie. I knew that there would be a price to pay for any position I would take on this issue, regardless of the fact that I had not wanted to be involved. I knew one thing for sure: I would rather face the anger and even hatred of people who feel I have let them down, than to take any chance of having to stand before my Savior and have to answer for messing up his plans for Chad."

Click here to read the entire article. Before you go judging another person's motives and actions, be certain that you have all the facts. Also, let's be salt and light to EVERYONE and not just those who we feel are deserving. Pray that Chad realizes his need for Christ and accepts him as Savior and Lord.

“Everyone who calls, ‘Help, God!’ gets help.” But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That’s why Scripture exclaims, “A sight to take your breath away! Grand processions of people telling all the good things of God!” Ro 10:14-15 The Message

Passing the Baton: Developing the Heart of a Shepherd

Bill Donahue and me at the small groups conference

I had the opportunity to travel to Johnston Evangelical Free Church in Des Moines today for a conference on small groups. It was a great day and as you can see in the picture I was able to meet and chat with Bill Donahue, a virtual small group guru. He took time to answer some of my questions and also direct me to a more appropriate seminar up at Willow Creek in May. I'm glad to add another servant-leader to the list of leaders I 've had the privilege to meet.

I also enjoyed meeting the worship leader, Brad Merkle (he's really tall!) and chat with him. What a nice man with a really cool testimony. I also saw Pat Drury who is the brother of a pastor that I knew back in Wadsworth, OH at Valley View Chapel. Pat and I met in Des Moines "accidentally" several months when we were 2 of only about 6 guys in a conference. It was great seeing him again!

The NCBC small groups ministry is in formation right now and will be for quite some time. But, I believe more than ever that we need an thriving small groups ministry to help people connect and grow. Pray for our leadership team as we begin to organize and launch this ministry.

Barbeque This!

Andrew, Amy, & Allyson

Andrew and Allyson started their new jobs here in Cedar Rapids at Barbeque This! They serve really good BBQ, cornbread, and other delicious meals. Tyler, their boss, is really pleased with their work and we couldn't be more proud. The first night they were open to family and friends and everything was free! I had beef brisquet with HOT bbq sauce, cornbread, and apple crisp. They fixed chicken fingers for Mackenzie and they were even good.

Congrats to Andrew and Allyson (and friend Amy too!) on their new employment. Congrats to Tyler on his new business. Best wishes to you and your great team!

Serving up the love of God one breakfast plate at a time!

(L-R) Matt, Henry Davison (founder), me, Mark

I've been here in CR now almost 7 months and I finally made my way down to the HD Youth Center founded by Henry Davison about 7 years ago. Monday through Friday volunteers start arriving at 5:30am to prepare a delicious breakfast for ANYONE who stops in FREE of charge. They don't have to hear a sermon first, pay a dime, nothing! They just walk right in, PLACE THEIR ORDER (I'm blown away!) and then they sit down. The volunteers then get right to work fixing their eggs - just the way they like them - and then they are served at their tables, no tipping allowed.

God up in heaven must be smiling from ear to ear. If you love me, feed my sheep. Thanks to the vision of Henry Davidson and the partnership with NCBC that makes this possible. Take a minute and pray for them and the many volunteers (NCBC serves on Wed. morning and Thursday afternoon).

“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’ Matt. 25 The Message

Mackenzie got her hair cut too!

I have to say that I like the haircuts my daughters got Monday night. My previous post was about Morgan. I decided that Mackenzie would get her own spot. Take a moment and notice how much she looks like Lucy from the Chronicles of Narnia.

We love you too Mackenzie!

Locks of Love

Our wonderful daughter Morgan (12) has been growing her hair out so she could donate it to Locks of Love. This is a non-profit organization that creates hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children 18 years and younger suffering from long-term medical hair loss. They meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure.

We are so proud of our daughter and we are thankful for the heart that God has given her for people who are physically and mentally challenged. We love you Morgan!!!

Parents of Teens ABF Party

Judy, Sandy, Karen, Lorrie, Lisa

Judy and I have been waiting for a good opportunity to have everyone over from our Parents Of Teens Adult Bible Fellowship. This ABF adopted us as their very own and they have demonstrated God's love to us in so many ways! They helped us move in to our house and have been there for us right along.

So, last night we had a New Year's DAY/evening party at our house. It was a lot of fun and wouldn't you know it, we wound up watching Napoleon Dynamite! Ha!

Let's read through the Bible this year!

Have you ever read through the Bible? It's only three chapters a day! Would you like to join me this year in a read through the Bible? Yes? Well, let me help get you going with some ideas! Here's what I recommend:

1. Get a plan! Online plans are available to keep you on track: Gospelcom.net has a site with four different reading plans and over 50 translations in many languages! Back to the Bible has a similar site as well. I am using a site called Yearly Bible Read Through. It was a bit frustrating to figure out, but once I did I really like it! You can register, set up a plan, and then use the site to read. It features over 60 translations and even a "reward" system. Pretty cool!

2. Get an accountability partner! The founder of Rex Kwan Do (Napoleon Dynamite) calls this the buddy system. (Did you see Napoleon Dynamite?) Find someone who will partner with you to encourage you as you read through.

3. Get a time and a place! A Bible reading plan deserves a plan for when and where you will read. I read first thing in the morning and it works great for me. I either read at the dining table, or at Panera's depending on the day of the week.

4. Get a good translation! I highly recommend the NIV. I also like the NASB95 - our pastor's fav. I am planning to read through The Message this year.

5. Get started! I always try to get a jump start and get ahead. READ, READ, READ!
Why not get started right now? Would you join me this year as we read through the Bible together? Let me know how you do!

15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-17NIV

I finished!

Ethiopian Hailu Negussie wins the 2005 Boston Marathon

Today I finished reading my Bible (NIV this year) from cover to cover. I set this goal last January when I struggled reading every day. It's hard to know what to read each day when you don't have a plan. Besides, I like having a plan. It helps me to stay disciplined and to know what I am supposed to read each and every day. It also provides a level of accountability because you know if you are on schedule - if you are using a schedule.

This coming year I am reading through The Message. Maybe you would like to join me. Read my next blog entry for some tips and Let's read through the Bible the year!

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105NIV

Family day with the Male's

Morgan, Mackenzie, and Allyson doing their Michelle Kwan Impersonation!

Today was "family day" and we had a great time. First, we headed to Iowa City (about 30 minutes away) to Coral Ridge Mall and started off with some ice skating - yes they have an ice rink right there in the mall! Andrew and Judy opted for the safer option of shopping and Judy scored some fantastic bargains on our new Winterberry dinnerware.

Then was lunch at the food court. Morgan wanted Sbarro's, Mackenzie/Andrew/Judy went for Taco Bell, and yours truly wanted Subway - and we all got it OUR way! It was a lot of fun and filling to!

Then it was back to CR for a movie ($3.75 for movies from 4-6pm) and we saw Cheaper by the Dozen 2. It was really funny and we laughed a lot! The 4pm showing was sold out so we had to wait until 4:45pm - GREAT! Upstairs we went for some skeeball and air hockey. The movie was great and made us laugh a lot. There were a couple of tears in the ole eyes a couple of times, but that's a subject for another blog someday.

Making memories. Spending time together. That's what family is all about. Have you had a family day recently?

Happy birthday Mackenzie!!!

Eight years ago tonight Judy and I were at Marymount hospital welcoming the arrival of our fourth child, Mackenzie Noelle. And what a wonderful evening it was as we celebrated her birth. I had been up all night and the entire day - Judy had rested comfortably through the night. An hour after her birth I sat down on the floor and fell asleep - happy, proud, and whipped!

Mackenzie -we love you more than words can tell!

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 NIV

Our equipping staff is like family!

Meet our NCBC Equipping Staff! I know! Most of us are making a "funny face" but at least my beautifcul wife is smiling in this one! (Click on pic for slideshow)
(Click here for more pics by our Xpastor Kim Pagel)

A dream come true! I have the awesome privilege of working with the greatest group of people I have ever met. Now I know what you are thinking, "Tye's still honeymooning at New Covenant Bible Church." I've been told by veterans here at NCBC that it really is true - this place is the real deal. And of course, they know how to eat! We had a wonderful time sharing with one another and just spending time together. That's what we enjoy doing!

There's nothing like serving in a church where the staff "checks their individual agenda's at the door" and works together as a team. Each person is a committed team player. Together we are all working toward one common goal; building the kingdom of God.

Calling all full and part time vocational pastors/leaders! If your ministry lacks servant-leading team players who love one another and work together for one common goal, take a trip to Cedar Rapids, Iowa and we'll give you a grand tour.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers
live together in unity! Ps 133:1NIV

Merry Christmas from the Male Family

Merry Christmas to all! We celebrated Christmas this year for the first time in Male family history in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This year was different in many ways other ways as well…

First of all, I got sick starting Friday night and it was a rough weekend for yours truly. As a result, I was in bed Christmas Eve and missed celebrating with my family at our church. I also missed out playing in the band for all the services – two on Saturday night and one of the two services Sunday. I did show up for opening presents Sunday morning, but laid low most of the day.

For the family, it was a fun day of sharing gifts and a really good day together. I got a new coffee pot and Judy got new Christmas dishes (really personal gifts, huh!). The kids fared pretty good as well.

Traditions? We enjoyed a Christmas dinner together (using our new dinnerware) and then watched football. I read almost half of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and I’ll probably finish it tomorrow. Today (Monday) we just hung out and relaxed.

Another Christmas has come and gone. It’s almost sad, in a way. But then again, it was another opportunity to be reminded that the King of kings, became a son of man to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus was born to die. Now, we can live. That’s what Christmas is all about.

Jesus came to pay a debt he didn’t owe…
Because we owed a debt we couldn’t pay.

Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough!
2Co 9:15 The Message

Cinderella Man

Chronicles of Narnia

I never read the book - allegory is not my thing. Neither was Lord of the Rings. But this movie was really good and gave us a glimpse of the genius of C.S. Lewis who wrote the book upon which the movie was created. My wife and I went to a private showing of The Chronicles of Narnia this morning and it was very well done! The way I understand it the same special effects group that did Lord of the Rings also did this movie (see Weta Digital Ltd.) Filmed primarily in New Zealand (I think) the cinemaphotography is absolutely phenomenal and reminiscent of Lord of the Rings. The children are all from the UK (in real life) and they have gorgeous accents. The White Witch is played by Tilda Swinton who hails from Scotland and puts in a wonderful performance.

The best part was the allegory, even though I'm not good at that kind of thing. If you know the scriptures it was easy to tell what they were alluding to and what they were trying to illustrate. I especially like the part when Aslan "resurrects" and the stone cracks in two. The power of sin is broken and has been atoned by the sacrifice of Aslan.

Because the White Witch has taken over Narnia it is always winter there. But, word has it that Aslan has been seen and since his arrival winter is giving way to spring and summer. That's how I feel. Before the Lord came into my life, it was winter. When Jesus comes everthing is made new and your perspective on life changes.

Jesus came to die for our sins. Until then, it's always winter in Narnia. The white witch - satan - rules until the head of the serpent is bruised. Jesus was hung up for our hang ups. Have you received from him the free gift of eternal life?

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Is 53:5NIV

Not your father’s cantata…well, maybe

Back in the band again!

Not your father’s cantata? Well, my dad would have loved it because it was big band music in the style of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and others. This past weekend NCBC presented a Christmas Cantata that featured a big band, 70+ voice choir, and Acts of Worship our drama team. As you can see in the picture, I was playing big band music to the glory of God and loving every minute of it! You see...

24 years ago this week I sat in a night club in Middletown Ohio playing 1st tenor sax in the Cecil Young Orchestra. We played all the oldies from the 1940’s when swing was king.

24 years ago I walked out of that Middletown club and gave my life back to the Lord and my career in jazz/studio music. It was a long drive home with more questions than answers, but I knew that God wanted me out of the clubs.

24 years ago I took my sax, placed it in the case, and laid it on the God’s altar for him to take. I NEVER dreamed that I would ever play big band music again, let alone in the church.

24 years later on the same weekend that I walked out of the night club I was back on the stage again, playing in a big band, for the glory of God!!! The Good News of the gospel was presented clearly through the drama and many prechristians heard the message.

You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments. Amos 6:5NIV

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:2-3NIV

This is my son in whom I am well pleased

Andrew and Stephanie (friend)

Man, there's nothing like having a son. Make no mistake about it, females are by far my favorite sex, but there is nothing like my son. I'm not sure that it is completely true that "girls rule and boys drool" because I have a great kid for a son. July 3, 1987 we had our own special fireworks show when our firstborn came into the world a little after 1pm.

Andrew loves playing basketball and recently has become quite proficient in videographry. Let me explain. He started editing video in 9th grade and got really good at it. Then, he learned how to use special affects which we utilized in our last church. Now, he not only edits the video, he also films and does some acting as well.

He's a senior this year and is trying to decide what comes next in his life. I cannot tell you how thrilling it is for me to have a son. You're a cool kid Andrew!

A wise son brings joy to his father.... Pr 15:20NIV

Our Volleyball Girl

Volleyball Chick!

I would like you to meet my wonderful daughter Morgan. She is a fascinating young lady God gave us some 12 years ago in a Cleveland hospital a little after 10pm on a Thursday night. (Actually, we arrived at the hospital a little before 10pm.) This year she decided to go out for volleyball and discovered that she has natural athletic skill! She took to v-ball like a fish to water.

Morgan also enjoys playing the flute. But I have to say that even more than all this, her favorite thing in life right now is her friends at New Covenant Bible Church in the cool middle school group. Hannah, Suzie, Brenda, and Morgan G. are among the many friends she has.

Morgan - we are very proud of you and thank God that he brought you into our lives!

Many daughters have done well, But you

excel them all. Proverbs 31:29NKJV

A Promise Ring

Allyson hugs her dad!

October 10, 1989 was a wonderful day in our lives as we welcomed a brand new baby girl into our family around noon in a Chattanooga, TN hospital. Allyson was born that day and has brought us MUCH joy over the years.

October 10, 2005 was Allyson's sweet 16 birthday and she requested a very special gift - a promise ring. What is a promise ring? It is a beautiful ring that is worn on the ring finger of the left hand symbolizing the person's commitment to sexual purity that will be replaced by a wedding ring some day. Pretty cool, huh!

We are so proud of our Allyson. As parents we were thrilled to present her with this ring and as you can see in the picture she was thrilled to receive it!

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Ti 4:12NIV

Fish Sitting

Mackenzie, Gurble, Bubbles, & Mrs. Pagel

My daughter Mackenzie (7) has two little "pets." She takes great pride in her two fish Gurble and Bubbles. Every morning she feeds them and they anxiously receive from their owner's gracious hand a tasty breakfast. I love watching her enjoy these two little creatures and to see the joy it brings to her.

I was just thinking. Do you think our Father in heaven gets joy out of providing for us and meeting our needs? When we receive from his gracious hand his provision for our lives I can just imagine the gleam he gets in his eye!

Well, since we were going to be gone for a week Mackenzie took the initiative to call for fish-sitters for Gurble and Bubbles. Mrs. Pagel was available so her and Mackenzie worked out an arrangement to care for her pets while we were out of town. Thanks Sharon for taking care of KK's fish. You are awesome!

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Php 4:19 NIV