Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:53:00 +0000 - When I was in college I could tell you everything about Michael Jordan. I knew how well he played basketball, what movies he was in, baseball career, cereal he ate and even what under garments he supported. The problem was I knew about Michael Jordan but never met him. Michael Jordan does not have a clue about a person named Stanley Mearse.
There is a point to all of this. Most of us read our Bibles, attend Church, help others and can tell you several facts about God. Do you know Him personally? Have you surrendered your life to Him? Can you tell His voice from the shouts of the world? Also does He know you? Who do you know?
A is for Angels – The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of baby Jesus. Read Luke 1:26-38.
B is for Bethlehem – Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Read Luke 2:1-7.
C is for Christ Jesus – Jesus is the Messiah, God’s only Son. Read John 1:14.
D is for David – It was said the Messiah would be a descendant of King David. Read Isaiah 9:7 and Luke 1:32, 33.
E is for Eastern Star – The wise men followed the star in the East to go worship the newborn King. Read Matthew 2:1-2.
F is for Frankincense – The wise men brought gifts of gold (symbolized royalty), Frankincense (a fragrance), and Myrrh (an ointment used for burial). Read Matthew 2:11.
G is for Glory – The angels sang “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Read Luke 2:8-14.
H is for Herod – King Herod was jealous and ordered all baby boys to be killed. Read Matthew 2:3-18.
I is for Immanuel – Jesus was called “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” Read Matthew 1:23.
J is for Jesus – The angel Gabriel told Mary to name her baby Jesus. Read Luke 1:30-33.
K is for King – Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Read Revelation 19:16.
L is for Light – Jesus is the light of the world. Read John 8:12.
M is for Mary – God chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Read Luke 1:26-38.
N is for Nazareth – Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Nazareth to live. Read Matthew 2:19-23.
O is for Obey – Even the wind and seas obey Him. Read Matthew 8:27.
P is for Prince of Peace – Jesus was called the Prince of Peace. Read Isaiah 9:6.
Q is for quiet – Mary quietly pondered these things in her heart. Read Luke 2:15-19.
R is for Redeemer – The Lord is our redeemer! Read Isaiah 41:14.
S is for Savior - The angels announce the birth of Jesus as Savior. Read Luke 2:10-12.
T is for Truth - Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” Read John 14:16.
U is for Understanding – Don’t trust your own understanding, trust God. Read Proverbs 3:5-6.
V is for Virgin – The Messiah was born of a virgin. Read Isaiah 7:14 and Luke 1:26-37.
W is for Worship – We should worship Christ as King just as the wise men did after His birth. Read Matthew 2:11.
X is for eXcellent – Praise His excellent greatness! Read Psalm 150:2.
Y is for You – Jesus was born to die for you. Read John 3:16-17.
Z is for Zacharias – Zacharias announced God’s promise to send a Savior. Read Luke 1:67-80.
Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:10:00 +0000 - If you have Jesus as your Lord and Savior then you have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. There are four quick things that I am thankful for this year.
1. Ainsley Grace Bridges was born 11-22-11!
2. The Russell's have crossed the next hurdle in the adoption process!!!
3. This is the first Thanksgiving that we are hosting at our house with Lydia's entire family!!!
4. My parents are coming to visit the weekend of December 10th, and it is the first time I get to see my Dad after radiation treatments!!
There are so many blessings that God has given us. Take the time and tell Him thanks for all He does for you! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!
Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:10:00 +0000 - 10, 7, 3, 1...... Is this some kind of code? No, this is simply four things every Christian should know.
David Gainous has been a person that has greatly impacted my life over the last couple of years. He preached in Tommy's Place for Children's Church yesterday. During his sermon he introduced 10, 7, 3, 1, and I want to share them with you:
10- Ten Commandments: 1 One true God
2 don't bow down to idols
3 don't misuse God's name
4 rest on the Sabbath
5 honor your father and mother
6 do not murder
7 do not commit adultery
8 do not steel
9 don't lie
10 don't covet
7- Days of Creation: 1. Light
2. Sky
3. Land, Sea, and Trees
4. Sun, Moon and Stars
5. Birds and Fish
6. Land Animals and People
7. Rest
3- Letters of Salvation: A- Admit you are a sinner
B-Believe Jesus died on the cross for your sins and rose again in three days
C- Confess your salvation in Him to others
1- One true God and worship Him only
Four foundational elements every Christian should know. 10, 7, 3, 1
Sat, 03 Sep 2011 20:21:00 +0000 - What tools has God gifted you with and how do you use them? This week I have had the privilege to go to a block party and make balloon animals. Over the past three years I have trained others to make balloon animals and I forgot how nice it is to have others work with you. I also realized that just making balloon animals is a waste of time.
The cool thing that happened is that I was asked to present the gospel with balloons. The children were making power bracelets with the different colors. So I took a black balloon that I just finished (Jonah and the Big Fish) and called it sin. Then I took the sin and placed it inside of a red cross because Jesus' blood from dieing on the cross covers our sins. I had a white balloon made into a heart because with Jesus in our lives we are washed as white as snow. The green balloon for Christian growth I made a flower. Last, with the yellow balloon, I made a crown for Heaven. The Bible tells us that if we believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again in three days we will be saved. When we become a Christian we live for God and when we die we will live with Him forever in Heaven.
A few days later my family went to a Christian bookstore and there were two clowns making balloon animals. The line of children and parents (including us) was wrapped around the store. When we finally made it to the front of the line I saw two tired clowns putting on happy faces making complicated balloon figures per each child's request. No stories, no Gospel presentation, not much joy. I thought to myself how temporary those balloons will be. The kids will play with them today but tomorrow the air will start deflating it and many will be thrown away. So are our efforts when we do things in our own power without God's authority behind it. The only things of eternal significance are things that God ordains through both His Word and His work. What tools do you have for the Kingdom of God and how are you using them?
Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:37:00 +0000 - Society tells us that we should respect and tolerate one another. We are not to force our values or world views on others. When this does take place we are mean, hateful, and unloving to those around us. This is the craziest idea and thought I have ever heard. Let's say we are all in a building that is on fire. There are three doors to get out of such a building. You can chose any door you want to go out and they all leave the burning building. No one is forcing you to take any door. You know unlike the others in the building that behind door number one is a lion waiting to attack. Behind door number two is the way out to freedom. Last behind door number three is a huge cliff that leads to death. Now is it loving or unloving to share with the others in the burning building the right door to take to freedom? I know the story is crazy and far fetched but Jesus says I am the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the father accept through me. What will you do to share the good news of Jesus?
Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:12:00 +0000 - VBS started the summer off with a bang! It was one of the smoothest weeks of VBS ever and that goes to the credit of the awesome leadership of the volunteers. Next we sent around 20 boys to RA camp. Then it was time for GO Phish Kick'n it Old School Drama Camp with about 60 kids. Followed by Basketball camp that was a slam dunk. Then we wrapped up our camps with a spirited cheer camp and sizzling hot cooking camp I am still craving more of those fajitas. This week there are several girls at GA camp. Thank you to all the volunteers and youth that helped make camps possible, numerous lives were changed for all eternity.
The blues come in because we are at the end of the Summer..... but we should not let that stop us or slow us down. We have our 5&6 grade Mission Trip heading out this Sunday. We are going to Possum Kingdom Lake with 53 of us, yes that is 33 kids and 20 adults! Upon our arrival home we will be having our Back to School Bash, and the 6 Grade retreat to Judson to promote to the Youth Group.
So no matter what you have planned for the rest of your summer don't get caught in the Summer Time Blues but instead rock out the rest of you Summer for God!
Wed, 25 May 2011 19:35:00 +0000 - Have you noticed all that is going on around us? There are fires, tornado's and other natural disaster's that are more devastating than ever before in our history. We live in a fallen world and the Bible states that it is only going to get worse. Sin runs rampant and Christians and Non Christians look the same. What hope is there?
God promises to never leave or forsake us. When God became flesh He took on a servants roll and took the abuse and punishment of this world. He knows what hard times are like. God understands what it is like to be hungry and forsaken by others. God tells us the storms are coming and the world is dark but you are not alone. He walks with us every step. The Creator allows the creation of saved man to shine out like beacons in the night to a lost and dying world. We are allowed to represent the King and bring flavor to a flavorless society. God never promised an easy path, but He did promise to walk with us through the storms of life.
Mon, 02 May 2011 19:18:00 +0000 - It is easy as a Christian or a Minister to think of the body of Christ as the local body in a building. I went to TX over spring break to see the fire damage and scope out the 5th & 6th grade mission trip area. There is a lot that can be done this summer, but one area really stuck with me. On our way to lunch my parents took us by a place called Hales Salsa Center. The building was not fancy and I did not know what the big deal was until we stopped. A retired special needs teacher who is a Christian wanted to do more for her students. She could not stand the thought of them as adults sitting at home doing nothing. She has taken these special children or adults and opened this Salsa Center. It is a nonprofit life and job skills training program offered free to the mentally challenged adults of Palo Pinto County in Texas. They learn cooking, clean up,laundry, as well as many other life skills. Marketing their products provides opportunities to be a part of the business world and make friends throughout the county.
We have a Special Blessings Ministry at our church. Special needs children and adults can make an impact for the body of Christ and are setting an example for the rest of us. I believe it is time we stopped just going to church and in turn start being the church in our community and daily lives. Lets wake this sleeping gaint called the church and turn this nation upside down for the Kingdom of God.
Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:51:00 +0000 - So many times we get bogged down with Religions and Traditions. Programs have to be done and nothing ever be different. What we seem to be craving is relationships. We communicate all the time, e-mail, snail mail, texting, phone calls, bloggs, facebook, twitter, and good old fashion talking. Relationships are desired over rules and regulations. I am here to proclaim that it is time for change and that there is the best relationship in the world that we can share with others. God wants a relationship friendship with us. He knows everything about us good and bad, but loves us all the same. Take time today to set religion aside for just a little while. Unburden yourself from all the world has to offer and spend time with the Creator.
Have you thought about where you are spending your time and energy? When working and serving in a Church what area do you serve? I am here to tell you it does not matter where you serve if you are called and gifted for the task at hand. You also can never out give God. I received a terrific gift this past Sunday on my Birthday. My wonderful wife and Nicole Mason surprised me with a cake. Nicole had taken a cake and made it look like the children's ministry logo. She could give the guys at Ace of Cakes a run for their money. Second the children who I serve performed a skit using scripture to thank me for being their Children's Minister. Life does not get much better than that. If you are not serving in the Church or you feel like God wants you to make a change come check out Children's Ministry there is nothing like serving kids and you will be blessed.
Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:23:00 +0000 - Did you ever dream about being a super hero? Which super power would you desire strength, speed, flight, heat vision or maybe invisibility? Once you had your special ability what would you do with it? Well when we are adopted into God's family we are given a Spiritual Gift. This ability could be prophecy, speaking in tongues, healing, teaching, encouraging, and the list goes on. God knows everything about us and has gifted us for His purpose in His-story. What is your gift and are you using it for the glory of God?
Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:38:00 +0000 - There is nothing like a Daddy Daughter Banquet. We had our first one and it was a great success. The leadership for this event was amazing and great to work with on ideas, planning and clean up. The youth at this church really stepped up and set a wonderful example of servant leadership for the adults and the girls at the event. To my wife Lydia for her work and dedication to Children's Ministry. The staff at FBCZ are incredible and God brought everything together. God makes the events great with His children that come together and work as the body of Christ. Thank you to all the workers, Daddy's and Daughters. The thought that keeps going through my mind if a Daddy loves their Daughter that much how much more does God love and cherish us?
Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:12:00 +0000 - Remember in School when it was Show and Tell day? That was one of my favorite days because I could take anything to school that was important and special to me and share it with my friends and peers. It was always fun to see what others brought but knowing deep down that I had brought the best thing to share!
Yesterday during Children's Worship a young lady wanted to do a show and tell or maybe it was a share and tell. She mentioned she had shared Jesus at school. She told about a boy at school asking people if they could drink water and have everlasting life would they do it? My friend said yes without hesitation. The boy went on to explain you would have to live forever with pain, sickness and family dieing around you. This is amazing because the young lady said no you can have everlasting life in Heaven with God where you will not grow old, die or get sick. She then shared the plan of salvation on how Jesus died on the cross for him and rose again three days later.
This is why we invest our lives in Children. Thank you Madison for being a child of God and reaching out to others!
Until the Whole World Hears,
Stanley Mearse
noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Stan)
Sat, 19 Feb 2011 02:27:00 +0000 -
Winter Jam Rocked the House!!!!
David Crowder
Kutless
Newsboys
Newsboys
Winter Jam was an amazing event and even an out of place Children's Minister at a Youth event got to worship God!!! The music was incredible and the children and parents we took loved it! Two songs that really impacted me at the concert were arise my love and miracles still happen. Arise my love talks about Jesus conquering sin death and the grave. Miracles still happen has a phrase in it that impossible is not a word it is just a reason for people not to try. Impossible- Winter Jam was on a school night. Impossible- Sunday School teachers and myself wanted to take 5th and 6th graders. Impossible- with parents, siblings and friends we had 61 people there!!!! Nothing is impossible with God! Thanks to everyone that attended and thank you to all the parents that drove and help with the children!
Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:31:00 +0000 - There is an old story about a little boy trying to save starfish. As the story went when low tied at the ocean came thousands of starfish where stranded on the beach and would die. A little boy was throwing each starfish as quick as possible back into the ocean. A man watching scolded and made fun of the little boy show him that there where thousands of starfish what difference could the little boy actually make. The boy picked up a starfish and threw it in the ocean and said I made a difference to that one. Then he threw another, made a difference to that one.
I know that we can not reach every child and make a difference but we can all reach one child and make a difference. We all need a Barnabas in our lives to stand beside us. Who will you help out today?
Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:08:00 +0000 - I found this in K Magazine written by Roger Fields. Roger Fields is the founder of Kidz Blitz and Cold Water Cafe'.
1. Kids are only allowed into the adult service if they sit in the balcony.
2. Your Family Minister is single.
3. Your church playground is built over blacktop.
4.Their idea of family strategy is an annual church picnic.
5. Your church conduct vbs over Christmas break.
6. No food is allowed in the Fellowship Hall.
7. Men's retreats are two week long.
8. Your preschool ministry uses hymnals.
9. Featured film at church family movie night is "Halloween 3."
10. The sign pointing the way to the nursery reads, "Find it yourself."
Let's try and avoid these and help make everyone more family friendly!
Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:18:00 +0000 - Why? That is probably a 2yr olds favorite question about everything!!! God tells us in the Bible to become childlike. So let us follow the Lords example and become like a little child and ask the same question as a 2yr old.
Why do we do what we do? Why do we have certain programs or events? Why do we meet at certain times? Why, Why, Why???
Rick Warren developed the strategy and book "The Purpose Driven Church." In the strategy Pastor Rick looks to two passages of scripture. The first is the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. The second is the Greatest Commandment found in Matthew 22: 37-39. Pastor Rick Warren broke the passages down to five simple purposes of why we do what we do.
These are the foundation and the purpose for every action, program and event we should be doing in ministry. This give us clarity and direction. It allows us to evaluate and press forward to reaching the children for God.
Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:56:00 +0000 - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. God who is the Alpha and Omega, the great I AM has no beginning and created everything. He also promised to lead guide and direct us in everything we do. If God is for us and we are following Him, is anything we are doing for Him really impossible? No with God all things are possible!!! The hard part is whatever the task it will not be easy. Sacrifices will have to be made and opposition will be faced. Never forget who you are serving.
The book mentioned on K-Love about the boy who went to Heaven deals with this issue is anything impossible. It is a wonderful story filled with struggle, hope, love and above all else God.
Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:29:00 +0000 - This blog is for Parents, Children's Ministers, Volunteers, and anyone else that has a passion for Children coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I will be sharing simple thoughts, tips, ideas, videos and several other things that might help in reaching this next generation for God and impact the Kingdom for all eternity. Journey with me one child at a time Until the Whole World Hears.
