M. Scott Peck, M.D. wrote the book People of the Lie, The Hope For Healing Human Evil, published in 1983 by Simon & Schuster. It’s a study of human evil. Peck said he chose the title “because lying is both a cause and a manifestation of evil. It is partly by their lying that we recognize the evil.”
Peck draws a profile of the evil: they have no regard for the truth; they lie and live in a world of lies. They are masters of disguise and cloak themselves with masks of respectability, goodness and often piety.
Peck writes of “enemy creation,” or “hatred of the ‘out-group.’” If a group does not have an enemy, “it will most likely create one in short order.” Peck wrote, “The groups become cliques. Those who do not belong to the group are despised as being inferior or evil or both.”
He also writes, “It is almost common knowledge that the best way to cement group cohesiveness is to ferment the group’s hatred of an external enemy. Deficiencies within the group can be easily and painlessly overlooked by focusing attention on the deficiencies or ‘sins’ of the out-group. Thus the Germans under Hitler could ignore their domestic problems by scapegoating the Jews.”
In contrast to the sickness of evil, Peck defines mental health as “an ongoing process of dedication to reality at all costs.”
I have used this book from time to time to remind me that evil is real and to help me recognize it. When evil tries to come against you, remember what Jesus taught the disciples to pray, "Deliver me from evil." May that be our prayer each and every day.
July 31, 2007
Planning Brings Thanks
For the last few nights I have been working on the plans for our dedication service. The program booklet has some of the history of Holy Cross, in particular our last three years. Wow, talk about intense! If you take the time to think about it, you'll be amazed at all that God has brought us through. It reminds me of the song Through it All. The chorus goes like this:
Through it all, through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God.
Through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon God's word.
As we gather to dedicate our building, we gather trusting and depending on God as never before! Now that's a lesson worth learning.
Praise be to God who is faithful in and through all things!!!
Through it all, through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God.
Through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon God's word.
As we gather to dedicate our building, we gather trusting and depending on God as never before! Now that's a lesson worth learning.
Praise be to God who is faithful in and through all things!!!
July 29, 2007
Is Summer Almost Over?
Not really, but it feels that way to me every year when Ryan returns from his Texas Tour. It's time for me to put on my mommy hat and pay attention once again. What a summer it has been. Our Holy Union, honeymoon, conferences and the completion of our building project! Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
On August 19th we will gather to officially dedicate our new building to God. I know that is going to be a great day in so many ways. God has truly done great things for us and we are filled with joy! Let us rejoice and be glad!!
Pray for me and my household as we say good-bye to summer travels and enjoy the rest of our time together. Have a blessed week.
Sandy
On August 19th we will gather to officially dedicate our new building to God. I know that is going to be a great day in so many ways. God has truly done great things for us and we are filled with joy! Let us rejoice and be glad!!
Pray for me and my household as we say good-bye to summer travels and enjoy the rest of our time together. Have a blessed week.
Sandy
July 24, 2007
More Than Wonderful
Words cannot describe the joy we experienced in our first service in the new building! It was more than wonderful. I am just beginning to come down from the clouds. I was expecting it to be a great day, but once again, God out did my expectations.
What about that introit by Dillon? It was flawless! Who knew Larry could sing like that!?! And our new keyboard player, Bobby! Does God love us or what? As I stood in the back waiting for the processional my eyes moved from the choir to the praise team and I could not believe my eyes. That stage that seemed so big to us was suddenly full of spirit and talent offered to the glory and honor of God. I could not help but cry...as so many were doing. Tears of joy filled the new sanctuary. The service was almost an hour and a half long and people cried out for more.
To God be the glory!
With very little notice and no advertising, the new sanctuary was almost full. Already we are making plans to add more chairs and how we can over-flow into the fellowship hall. It seems we will be going back to two services a lot sooner than we thought a few weeks ago. But for now, we shall enjoy being together as one.
The response to adult Sunday School was amazing as well. That class will now meet in the sanctuary from 9:00 to 9:45. The sound will be better and the video projector can be used. How exciting that our children, youth, and adults are studying the same lesson. I look forward to the spiritual growth and unity this will bring to our church.
I enjoyed my day off as well as the many calls and e-mails expressing gratitude for last Sunday. We have only just begun to experience the new thing God is doing at Holy Cross MCC. Let us enter into this season of joy because God knows we deserve it. And let's make it last as long as we can. Our church has a fantastic future....and if there was any doubt, surely it was removed on Sunday. Thank you for your faithfulness to God and to Holy Cross MCC. I'll see you Wed. night or Sunday morning.
What about that introit by Dillon? It was flawless! Who knew Larry could sing like that!?! And our new keyboard player, Bobby! Does God love us or what? As I stood in the back waiting for the processional my eyes moved from the choir to the praise team and I could not believe my eyes. That stage that seemed so big to us was suddenly full of spirit and talent offered to the glory and honor of God. I could not help but cry...as so many were doing. Tears of joy filled the new sanctuary. The service was almost an hour and a half long and people cried out for more.
To God be the glory!
With very little notice and no advertising, the new sanctuary was almost full. Already we are making plans to add more chairs and how we can over-flow into the fellowship hall. It seems we will be going back to two services a lot sooner than we thought a few weeks ago. But for now, we shall enjoy being together as one.
The response to adult Sunday School was amazing as well. That class will now meet in the sanctuary from 9:00 to 9:45. The sound will be better and the video projector can be used. How exciting that our children, youth, and adults are studying the same lesson. I look forward to the spiritual growth and unity this will bring to our church.
I enjoyed my day off as well as the many calls and e-mails expressing gratitude for last Sunday. We have only just begun to experience the new thing God is doing at Holy Cross MCC. Let us enter into this season of joy because God knows we deserve it. And let's make it last as long as we can. Our church has a fantastic future....and if there was any doubt, surely it was removed on Sunday. Thank you for your faithfulness to God and to Holy Cross MCC. I'll see you Wed. night or Sunday morning.
July 21, 2007
Come on Children, Let's Have Church!
Some of you may know of an evangelist from the 50's and 60's named Brother Allen. Land in the desert was donated to him. He and some of his followers moved there, began holding services in a tent and developing the land. The ministry was blessed much like the Brownsville Revival here in Pensacola. Miracles of healing occurred and people from all over the country made their way to the desert. A community of people lived there. When it was time to go to services, Brother Allen would excitedly say to the kids, "Come on children, let's have church."
It is with excitement, joy, gratitude, humility, pride, and peace that I say to our church and community, "Come on over and let's have church!" At last our building is ready and our first service is tomorrow, July 22nd at 10:00 am. There's still some landscaping and parking lot work to be completed and we need a data cable from the sign so we can program it. But it's ready enough for worship and we're more than ready to go home. Praise be to God!
This is a time of completion for us and the dawn of a brand new day. Already you can sense our new beginning as you enter the building. As we were working Thursday night someone came to me and said, "Pastor, I feel an anointing in this place." Later a couple came to me and shared the vision they saw as they helped make the building ready for Sunday. They saw people being healed. That is the same vision God gave me when I first drove our Jeep around this property. As we are faithful in fulfilling our mission to offer hope and healing, God is faithful and makes good on our offer by giving hope and healing. It's a win-win-win situation.
Tomorrow is going to be a great day! And that's no matter what happens. So come on over...let's have church.
Sandy
It is with excitement, joy, gratitude, humility, pride, and peace that I say to our church and community, "Come on over and let's have church!" At last our building is ready and our first service is tomorrow, July 22nd at 10:00 am. There's still some landscaping and parking lot work to be completed and we need a data cable from the sign so we can program it. But it's ready enough for worship and we're more than ready to go home. Praise be to God!
This is a time of completion for us and the dawn of a brand new day. Already you can sense our new beginning as you enter the building. As we were working Thursday night someone came to me and said, "Pastor, I feel an anointing in this place." Later a couple came to me and shared the vision they saw as they helped make the building ready for Sunday. They saw people being healed. That is the same vision God gave me when I first drove our Jeep around this property. As we are faithful in fulfilling our mission to offer hope and healing, God is faithful and makes good on our offer by giving hope and healing. It's a win-win-win situation.
Tomorrow is going to be a great day! And that's no matter what happens. So come on over...let's have church.
Sandy
July 19, 2007
God is Doing a New Thing!
Isaiah 43:19 records God as saying, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
God is doing a new thing at Holy Cross MCC, and what a blessing it is to see it springing up.
Even though we have experienced great loss in terms of our old property and some of our people, each day I see God's hand at work in all of it. What we see as loss, God turns to gain.
I wonder when we are going to learn to trust God in all things?
As we walk into our new building, I urge you to lay aside all worries of the past and embrace the new thing God is doing. You will understand what I mean at the very first service.
As scripture teaches, forgetting what lies behind, and straining to what lies ahead, we press on toward our high calling in Christ Jesus.
Have a blessed day and get ready for the new thing God is doing!
God is doing a new thing at Holy Cross MCC, and what a blessing it is to see it springing up.
Even though we have experienced great loss in terms of our old property and some of our people, each day I see God's hand at work in all of it. What we see as loss, God turns to gain.
I wonder when we are going to learn to trust God in all things?
As we walk into our new building, I urge you to lay aside all worries of the past and embrace the new thing God is doing. You will understand what I mean at the very first service.
As scripture teaches, forgetting what lies behind, and straining to what lies ahead, we press on toward our high calling in Christ Jesus.
Have a blessed day and get ready for the new thing God is doing!
So Much So Fast
There is so much happening so fast that it's hard to keep up. If you have passed by Fairfield then you know what I'm talking about. Inside and out, God is bringing everything to a state of completion. If you want to see for yourself, come on by.
Thursday at 5:00 we will begin cleaning and preparing God's house for our first service. There's plenty to do and everyone is welcome.
Saturday at 10:00 we will offer training for worship in our new building. Again, there's plenty to do and everyone is welcome.
Sandy
Thursday at 5:00 we will begin cleaning and preparing God's house for our first service. There's plenty to do and everyone is welcome.
Saturday at 10:00 we will offer training for worship in our new building. Again, there's plenty to do and everyone is welcome.
Sandy
July 17, 2007
It's Crying Time
Not to worry, it's tears of joy. God is so awesome, and just when we need it the most. Today has been an incredible day. It started off less than the best but then I walked into the new sanctuary and heard the most beautiful sound. It brought tears to my eyes! Then, during Staff meeting we were interrupted with the good news that our electronic sign had power!! I have never seen us jump and run so fast. There it was.....the date, the temperature and our church name for all to see. We tried to return to our meeting only to be interrupted again with good news that our new keyboard player had arrived. Talk about talent. We are so blessed. The choir is going to have a wonderful surprise when they arrive for practice tonight. The day is not over as we have a Board meeting tonight. I know it will be joyful as we give God thanks and praise fro bringing things together. What a mighty God we serve.
July 16, 2007
Thursday at Five
Come and join us in making ready our new sanctuary.
If you are new to Holy Cross MCC, work projects such as this are great opportunities to get to know others while helping the church. I want to encourage you to join us.
We have waited so long for this moment to arrive. Join in the celebration. I'll see you there.
Sandy
If you are new to Holy Cross MCC, work projects such as this are great opportunities to get to know others while helping the church. I want to encourage you to join us.
We have waited so long for this moment to arrive. Join in the celebration. I'll see you there.
Sandy
July 14, 2007
Praise be to God!
As you can see, this weeks goal was met. We have a smooth road and paved handicap parking! How refreshing to have a week where everything on the building project went the way it was planned. Inspections were passed and we are close to being finished. Praise be to God and God's people!!!
Sometimes when fear and doubt and rumors try to get us down, God gives us a sign that all is well. God really is in control and we can continue to trust in God no matter what comes our way. Walking with God is the way to go. And if you want to learn more about what that's like, be sure to join us this Sunday at 10:00am...for one of our last services in the bingo hall.
God is good! Let us give thanks and praise to God!!
July 12, 2007
A Time of Refreshing
What a blessing the concert was last night! Susie and Linda have a ministry that refreshes and renews ones spirit. Even the rain was refreshing. But the thunder and lightening I could have lived without. I had vivid memories of our Easter Sun Rise service!!!
Speaking of refreshing, we passed our water pressure inspection yesterday. Praise the Lord! Now those last finishing details can be done on the inside while they're finishing the outside. The asphalt is scheduled for Friday. We should be able to see our sign at work next week as well.
Be sure to mark your calendar for Sunday, August 19th at 2:00pm. Rev. Elder Lillie Brock, Rev. Steve Urie, Rev. Lee Carlton, Rev. Jo Crisco and maybe even Rev. Jennifer Patty will be with us to share in our joy.
On a more personal note, I want to share one of the things I do to help me stayed refreshed on my journey. I learned to do this many years ago and it changed the way I handle life...and especially difficult times. I encourage you to try it and let it lift you to a new perspective.
Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - think and meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
This is God's word and God's way. Following God's way will remove untruth, mean, impure, ugly, bad reports from your mind. When you encounter garbage, you do not have to store it in your heart and mind. Throw it out instead. Keeping it will only stink up your journey. And passing it on to others only stinks too. In case you need some help getting started, begin to make a list of God's blessings in your life and in our church. Then think on this things. Also, think about God's character and think on that. Find the promises of God and think on those.
I promise you a time of refreshing will be yours. It's a gift you give to yourself.
If you want to learn more of the ways of God, join us this Sunday (15th). The sermon will focus on some specific ways in which God invites us to walk...ways in which we find that abundant life Jesus promised. The sky is not falling Chicken Little.....God is still in control.
I hope to see you Sunday.
Speaking of refreshing, we passed our water pressure inspection yesterday. Praise the Lord! Now those last finishing details can be done on the inside while they're finishing the outside. The asphalt is scheduled for Friday. We should be able to see our sign at work next week as well.
Be sure to mark your calendar for Sunday, August 19th at 2:00pm. Rev. Elder Lillie Brock, Rev. Steve Urie, Rev. Lee Carlton, Rev. Jo Crisco and maybe even Rev. Jennifer Patty will be with us to share in our joy.
On a more personal note, I want to share one of the things I do to help me stayed refreshed on my journey. I learned to do this many years ago and it changed the way I handle life...and especially difficult times. I encourage you to try it and let it lift you to a new perspective.
Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - think and meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
This is God's word and God's way. Following God's way will remove untruth, mean, impure, ugly, bad reports from your mind. When you encounter garbage, you do not have to store it in your heart and mind. Throw it out instead. Keeping it will only stink up your journey. And passing it on to others only stinks too. In case you need some help getting started, begin to make a list of God's blessings in your life and in our church. Then think on this things. Also, think about God's character and think on that. Find the promises of God and think on those.
I promise you a time of refreshing will be yours. It's a gift you give to yourself.
If you want to learn more of the ways of God, join us this Sunday (15th). The sermon will focus on some specific ways in which God invites us to walk...ways in which we find that abundant life Jesus promised. The sky is not falling Chicken Little.....God is still in control.
I hope to see you Sunday.
July 9, 2007
There's No Place Like Home!
Get aways are great and conferences afford many wonderful benefits, but it is so good to be home! There's nothing like the feeling of ones own bed and pillow.
It was a blessing to worship with Holy Cross yesterday too. In spite of the technical difficulties we had at the beginning of the service, what a sweet spirit flowed through that bingo hall. Thank you Choir for covering the whole service so the Praise Team could sit and worship. And thank you for the song you sang during the offering. Praise God, there is enough love for all of us! God knows we need lots of it right now.
The darkest hour is just before dawn...and the darkness cannot keep the dawn from breaking forth! We are so close to a new dawn and I want to encourage you to keep on keeping on.
While it is true that our Minister of Music resigned today, some of the things in his letter addressed to the Members of Holy Cross MCC are inaccurate. I agree with the statement, "God's people, given the right information, will make the right decision." I want you to know that I am available to give you accuarate information for your concerns, comments and/or questions. You can make an appointment to meet with me at the office, you can call me, or e-mail me.
I love Michael and appreciate his service to Holy Cross over the last two years. Being displaced over the last two years and ten months has been most difficult for our church, especially for the staff and leadership team. Faced with amazing challenges, the stress has taken its toll on many of us. The good news is that by God's grace and mercy we have continued to remain focused on our vision and soon we will have the luxary of a permanant place in which to worship and do ministry.
Let us keep our eyes upon Jesus and cast our cares on Him, for He cares for us. Listen to His beautiful invitation: Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy ladden and I will give you rest. Let us say yes to Jesus so that we might find rest and peace. Let us respond to each other with love and mercy as God has so responded to us.
I hope to see you at the concert Wednesday night. It will be at Fairfield....somewhere on our property....there's no place like home so come on out and join us!
It was a blessing to worship with Holy Cross yesterday too. In spite of the technical difficulties we had at the beginning of the service, what a sweet spirit flowed through that bingo hall. Thank you Choir for covering the whole service so the Praise Team could sit and worship. And thank you for the song you sang during the offering. Praise God, there is enough love for all of us! God knows we need lots of it right now.
The darkest hour is just before dawn...and the darkness cannot keep the dawn from breaking forth! We are so close to a new dawn and I want to encourage you to keep on keeping on.
While it is true that our Minister of Music resigned today, some of the things in his letter addressed to the Members of Holy Cross MCC are inaccurate. I agree with the statement, "God's people, given the right information, will make the right decision." I want you to know that I am available to give you accuarate information for your concerns, comments and/or questions. You can make an appointment to meet with me at the office, you can call me, or e-mail me.
I love Michael and appreciate his service to Holy Cross over the last two years. Being displaced over the last two years and ten months has been most difficult for our church, especially for the staff and leadership team. Faced with amazing challenges, the stress has taken its toll on many of us. The good news is that by God's grace and mercy we have continued to remain focused on our vision and soon we will have the luxary of a permanant place in which to worship and do ministry.
Let us keep our eyes upon Jesus and cast our cares on Him, for He cares for us. Listen to His beautiful invitation: Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy ladden and I will give you rest. Let us say yes to Jesus so that we might find rest and peace. Let us respond to each other with love and mercy as God has so responded to us.
I hope to see you at the concert Wednesday night. It will be at Fairfield....somewhere on our property....there's no place like home so come on out and join us!
July 5, 2007
Conference Update
I have had trouble getting on to update my blog. Come to find out, the trouble was with me!
We are having a blessed time at General Conference. Other than the heat wave, this is a lovely place to be. The workshops are great and the worship services are spirit-filled. It is a joy to gather with sisters and brothers from around the globe. It is amazing what God is doing in churches outside the US and Canada. The good news of the gospel is going forth and many are coming to know of God's love for them.
DVD's of the services and workshops are available and I hope to bring a set back so you can experience some of what we are enjoying this week.
I hope to see you all on Sunday!
We are having a blessed time at General Conference. Other than the heat wave, this is a lovely place to be. The workshops are great and the worship services are spirit-filled. It is a joy to gather with sisters and brothers from around the globe. It is amazing what God is doing in churches outside the US and Canada. The good news of the gospel is going forth and many are coming to know of God's love for them.
DVD's of the services and workshops are available and I hope to bring a set back so you can experience some of what we are enjoying this week.
I hope to see you all on Sunday!
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