A lot has changed

Have you ever forgot one of your kids? I did. I completely zoned out and left my son at school. Thank God for cell phones! Well, I almost forgot that I have a blog!

I left blogging because I started using Facebook as my platform, but more and more I'm disliking using Facebook. I'm not leaving it yet, but definitely have thought about it. 

Since my last post, God gave me a strong desire to begin the search for a church in need of a senior pastor. This is completely contrary to my thinking and attitude in the past and can only be explained by an answer to prayer. God completely changed my heart. 

After a search of about 8 months which included a pandemic shutdown and a derecho in August, the Lord opened a door for us at Wellspring Church in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. We are very excited about this opportunity and now for eight months we have been the senior pastor there.

More to come? We'll see!

I'm back...I think

I am seriously contemplating writing again. It's been 5.5 years. Wow. But will anyone listen? Will it make a difference...for the kingdom of God? Sorting it out. Stay tuned.

Is everyone else REALLY wrong?

What do you do when you are in the minority of thought? What would you do if ALL your staff members were opposed to the direction you, the leader, was planning to go?

Servant leaders are called to serve the people who work for/with them. My guess would be that if you have made a decision that goes against all your staff members that there is a good potential that you are in the wrong.

What do you do when a leader refuses to hear counsel from the people they hired and trust to help them? In one case, the entire staff resigned and left. At that point I would probably drop to my knees and say something like, "Dear God, where have I gone wrong?"

I would love to hear your ideas. Be polite and respectful please.

Tye out.

Good Friday is good

Good Friday and Easter is this week and here at New Covenant Bible Church we are gearing up for a great service where MANY people will come, many of them who will not attend any other service besides Christmas.

As my regular readers would know (all 3 of you with the same last name as me), I have been "debating" with some "Reason" people (see prior posts) on a YouTube channel. Why do I do this? Why do I take precious time that could be spent in other ways to carry on a conversation with people who have been quite rude and unkind to me?

Simple. I care. In all their science and logic they miss the obvious due to their personal bias that there is not and cannot be an all supreme being. I also understand that I cannot argue with them long enough to make believers out of them. Only God can do that.

It takes faith. The evidence for the Christian faith is overwhelming.

So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. Ephesians 4:17-18 NET

Tye out.

Be gracious

(This is a follow up to my previous post, I love atheists/evolutionists)

I received the following response to some of my posts on a YouTube video featuring Adam Savage (Mythbusters) at a "Reason Rally." (Click here for the video.)

On another channel, I saw comments you made about a speech by Adam Savage. It is always encouraging to see someone stand up for truth & reason as you did. I have subscribed to your channel. By the way, you really kept your cool and were gracious. Good example!

As I mentioned in my prior post, I am not always "cool and gracious" when talking to people who I disagree with so you can imagine how exciting it was for me to get this email.

Many people think of Christians as "haters," and rightfully so. On the other hand, I am trying to make a difference one person at a time to put this "myth" in the BUSTED category.

I hope you will join me.

I love atheists/evolutionists

Adam Savage (Mythbusters) spoke at a "Reason Rally" last week and the video was posted on YouTube. There is profanity in case you are sensitive about that:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1nSuWztIrY


I commented on the video asking questions about the theory of evolution. I also made comments about Adam's assertion that we are love is the answer because I thought some of his comments were condescending and judgmental. Then, people who answered my comments were the same and even called me names.

This made me think of how Christ-followers treat those who we disagree with. Being judgmental, authoritarian, and condescending will never win anyone.

It repelled me.

Adam Savage said it, but God said it first. "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Do it.

Tye's Time Out

"You'll need to stay off your bike for at least a week." ~Doctor

After a 50 mile bike ride on Wednesday it seems I have developed a little infection that puts me off the bike for a week. Up here in the cruel north we get around 17 weeks of outdoor bike riding a year and now I'm down one. bummer.

Although I have been bummed about this, I realize that there are no mistakes in God's plan for my life and right now his plan is that I would not be riding. Here are some of the benefits of this "time out:"

1. Getting caught up on reading.
2. "Honey do" list is shrinking
3. Rest for weary muscles (I have averaged close to 200 miles a week for four weeks)
4. Time with the family.

September is closing in and time is running out. That's ok. I am trusting that God has this all under control and that his plan is best.

Tye out.

Where in the world is Tye?

I haven't been blogging for quite some time because I do most of my posts on FB and Twitter. It takes a lot less time and I feel like more people will read what I write there.

Tye out.

Lifestyle Change Pt 3: Having a plan

It's Wednesday and I have been making adjustments to my personal dietary lifestyle for the past 2+ weeks. I have observed that the longer I stay with this new approach the better it gets. I love having a plan, no matter what I am doing. Here are some of the things for which I have a plan:

1. Bible Reading - www.biblereadthrough.org

2. Cardio workout - ask me.

3. Bike riding plan - I have certain routes that work depending on wind direction and the amount of time I have to ride.

4. Weight training plan - I use the Body for Life plan. I love it!

5. Eating plan.

6. Halftime Plan - what will I do with the second half of my life.

What are some plans you have?

Lifestyle Change Pt 2

Yesterday I talked about some lifestyle choices I am making to be a healthier me so that I will still be around for my grandkids, AND be able to kick their butts on a bike ride. I'm not going on some RADICAL diet, but rather trying to do things that will help me be healthier in the long haul.

Today I want to share about some of the things I am NOT doing in order to be healthier:

1. No red meat - exception: when at Outback Steakhouse once a year.

2. Low to no saturated fats - I've been doing this for a while anyhow.

3. Ice cream? - nope. Maybe once or twice a month for a treat.

4. Sweets - anything that is high in sugar is off the list.

That's it for now. Would love to hear what is going on in your "dietary" lifestyle. Tye out.

Lifestyle Change

Back in February I had a physical that revealed high cholesterol. HIGH. Well, the good doctor put me on Zocar and I put me on 10 pounds and became lethargic. Not good for me.

Two weeks ago I quit taking the Zocar and I am doing some things that will help me become more "heart healthy." Here are some of the changes I have made:

What I am doing:

1. Carrot juice from a juicer - someone gave me a Jack Lalane juicer. My goal is 3-4x a week.

2. Flax seed - bought the powder kind at Sam's Club and stir it into my cereal or oatmeal. Goal - 7 days a week.

3. Oatmeal - Plain and simple. Goal - 4-5x a week.

4. Salmon - Frozen fillets are easy to bake. Goal 2-3x a week.

Tomorrow I will share some of the things I will NOT be doing.

Tye out.

Where in the world is Tye?

Welp, I have been missing in action for a while now in the blogosphere. A busy life squeezed the blog out of my grip. I'm sorta single parenting right now with a wife who works seconds so I fulfill two roles now: primary wage earner and Mr. Mom.

That's it for now. Leave a comment and let me know you read this.

Steve Harvey Introduces Christ

Here are the words for this:

If I had the pleasure of bringing out Christ, this is just how I would do it. It ain't got to be the way you'd do it. You might not think it's just right. But this is how I would do it. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce a man, who needs no introduction. His credits are too long to list. He has done the impossible. Time after time. He hails out of a manger, in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, by way of Heaven. His mother is still headlining in the Catholic Church today. His daddy is the author of a book, that has been on the best seller list, since the beginning of time. He holds the record for the world's greatest fish fry. He fed 5,000 hungry souls with 2 fish, 5 loaves of bread. He can walk on water. Turn water into wine. No special effects. No camera tricks. He has a headshot, on every Church fan across the country. Even before the kings of comedy, he was hailed 'The King of all Kings' 'Ruler of the Universe' 'Alpha and Omega' 'Beginning and the End' 'The Bright and the Morning Star' Some say He's the rules of sharing, and some say He's 'The Prince of Peace' Get up on your feet. Put your hands together. And show your love for the 2nd coming, of the one and only. God has been good. Steve Harvey

Jesus Christ, Who Cares

Here is my message for this Sunday. Feel free to comment!

Pastor Tye Male We Believe #4 October 11, 2009

Jesus Christ, Who Cares
Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 4:14-16

1. The Son of God – His Deity (Philippians 2:5)
   Jesus was fully God before the incarnation and after.
1. Present in Creation (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3)
2. Possesses the attributes of deity

·Omnipotence

· Omnipresence

· Omniscience

3. Claimed to be God (John 8:58)

·Lord, Liar, Lunatic

2. The Son of Man – His Humanity (Philippians 2:6-8)

Jesus was as much God as if He were not man, and as much man as if He were not God.

1. He became a servant
2. He willingly emptied Himself (2:6)

·He chose to “empty Himself”

·He did it obediently to provide man’s redemption (2:8)

·His divine attributes were still present

3. He became flesh

3. Because of the incarnation, we have an empathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)
1. He understands and empathizes

·Jesus was tested

·“Without” sin

2. We can approach God confidently

·It is a place of grace

·We receive mercy because of Jesus’ sacrifice

·There is grace to help in our time of need.

Jesus is the Son of God and He cares for me!

I agree with President Obama this time

WICHITA, Kan. – Dr. George Tiller, one of the nation's few providers of late-term abortions despite decades of protests and attacks, was shot and killed Sunday in a church where he was serving as an usher. (ROXANA HEGEMAN, Associated Press Writer Roxana Hegeman, Associated Press Writer) Click here to read entire article.

Shot and killed in a church. That is just wrong, VERY WRONG!

President Barack Obama said he was "shocked and outraged" by the murder. "However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence," he said.

I couldn't agree more.

Dr. Tiller was taking the lives of preborn children, a fact that is incontrovertible. But the assailant took matters into his own hands when God ordains government to deal with such matters.

Jesus gave us a very simple formula for living our lives as Christ-followers: Love God and love people. The assailant missed this part of the Bible.

It is not easy to love people who are taking the lives of innocent, preborn children. But when you consider that Jesus allowed himself to be nailed to a cross for our sins, loving people becomes easier. And it is right to love them.

And the assailant was in church. I'm happy for that.

A right perspective

I just finished readying Job (sounds like "lobe") this morning and one phrase struck me:

Job answered God,: "I'm convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?' I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head." Job 42: 1-3 The Message

I have to say every day, "I'm convinced God. You can do anything and everything." In my early years of ministry I had an answer for everything. I would go toe-to-toe with people about deep theological issues spouting and pontificating, babbling and muddying the waters. Not so much any more. I've come to the conclusion that there are some things I will never know or understand.

One thing is certain though: God can do anything and everything. My fear is that I don't live as if I believe this is true. I've got some room for growth especially in this area. Tye out.

I don't wear "Christian gear"

Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) donned a hockey jersey with his basketball jersey #23 for a recent Chicago Blackhawks hockey game. The rub? Reebok has exclusive rights to the equipment and hockey gear for the NHL. Jordan is "Mr. Nike." So, they sewed a red patch over the Reebok emblem. Click here to read the entire article.

This is pure craziness. But it demonstrates to me the power of influence. If Michael Jordan is sponsored by a company, their revenue goes up because of his ability to influence people.

As Christ-followers, we have the power to influence people for Jesus Christ. Many people wear "Christian Gear" and some even have Christian bumper stickers. Anyone care for a "Testamint" to freshen your breath? Not me.

Love God, love people. Mark 12:30 paraphrased. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. Mark 12:35

Christ-followers are the best advertisement for a God who loves us, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead three days later. And we advertise best when we are loving people the way Christ loved us, unconditionally.

Tye out.

Aerial Pictures of the Future Home of New Covenant Bible Church

Mackenzie and I went flying with our friend Ed Wischmeyer and we were able to take some pictures of our church's future home. Enjoy!

Click here to enjoy!

Tye out.

The Good News About Storms

I listened to a message today that was encouraging and challenging to me by Chris Brown of Northcoast Church. You can listen or watch online.

Click here for the link.

Here is a little background from my life and why this message touched me in a special way.

It has now been 4 years since the new senior pastor at the church where I was serving explained that he was now in charge and needed me to leave. Just like that. To his credit, he allowed me to stay on staff until I found a position, but then again this was not just for my own good, but also served him well in the eyes of the people.

That lunch "termination" sen me and my family into a tailspin for several years now and the economic, social, and spiritual losses were enormous. If it were an earthquake it would have been 7.8 on the Richter Scale. Had it been a tornado it would have been an F5.

We have weathered the spiritual and social losses, but we are reminded of the economic losses every day. Each day is a faith walk and we are trusting God more and more every day. Tye out.

President Obama chooses pragmatism over principle

Chuck Colson (pictured above) of Prison Fellowship and BreakPoint Ministries wrote this article and I wanted you to see it. I am sad that we have a president who is so inexperienced and who's values run very counter to mine. The mainstream media is singing the praises of their new president. They campaigned hard for him and they should be proud of their accomplishment!

This article is well written and definitely something we should be aware of. Here is Colson's article:

As I noted yesterday on BreakPoint, the inauguration of America’s first African-American President was one of the most moving moments in American history.

But now that the celebrations are over, it’s time to take a close look at how President Obama is planning to govern. And the closer I look, the greater my concerns. In his first week in office, he showed shown an alarming tendency to choose pragmatism over principle.

For example, I applaud the President ordering higher ethical standards for lobbying. “If you are a lobbyist entering my administration,” Obama said, “you will not be able to work on matters you lobbied on, or in the agencies you lobbied during the previous two years.”

Unless, that is, your name is William Lynn. Obama appointed him as deputy secretary of defense—despite the fact that, until very recently, he had been a lobbyist for Raytheon, one of the nation’s biggest defense contractors, right up until the time he was appointed.

When the press challenged him on this, Obama said Lynn was uniquely qualified to do the job, so he issued a waiver. How was he uniquely qualified? He knew how the system worked.

Pragmatism trumped principle.

Obama used the same argument when it turned out that his choice for Treasury secretary, Tim Geithner, had neglected to pay $35,000 in self-employment taxes for a number of years. Senator Robert Byrd—a member of Obama’s own party—called Geithner’s behavior “inexcusable negligence.” He’s right.

Again, pragmatism trumped principle. Click here to read the rest of the article.

What do you think? I would love to hear from you. Tye out.