Boyd Bettis | Gospel Preacher

Friday Five

Brittany and I moved last weekend into a house. It's been a fun thing so far, and even nicer being out of our condo. Here's why:

1. No more going up and down to the 3rd floor. I sometimes forget stuff in my car on purpose now...because I'm not going up and down the stairs!

2. Back porch. I'm looking forward to having people over for some BBQ's in the near future. 

3. Office. When we welcomed Whittaker into the family, I got kicked out of my office. Now, I've got a home office again. It's nice. 

4. No more stairs....It's worth mentioning twice. 

5. Closer to the beach. I am now a 10 minute trip from my garage to being in the water. I now have no excuse not to surf. I'm going to try to make a habit of surfing in the evenings before dinner. anyone up for some evening sessions? Hit me up!

So Blessed.

 
 

I've got hope for dying churches if...

 
- Photo credit: Chance Craven 
 
I've got a heart for churches that are on their last breath. I'd love to see more of these at one time thriving churches revived and renewed. It breaks my heart to see a church that has been around 20+ years close down. 

I would love to see more of these churches really grab a hold of what's at stake and the opportunity they have..If they'd be willing to get a little uncomfortable, there's great potential to do something big. 

If, I could challenge a church that is in midst of shutting down it'd be:

1. Embrace a new vision and direction. Allow a new pastor the freedom to come in and led you in a new direction and vision...what do you have to lose anyways?

2. Don't throw away the previous generations investment. Many dying churches have had many of dollars and hours invested in it from the previous generations. It would be a shame that because a current generation isn't willing to repent or do what it takes would throw away all that has been invested. 

3. Get over yourself and repent. Many churches will shut down, because a current generation of people will not repent of sin nor give up their preference of a program, music style, and/or selfishness. Please don't become a bitter group of people that are just waiting to die. 

4. Leave a legacy. For churches with an elderly demographic, spend the rest of your remaining years investing everything you've got into the coming generations that need Jesus.

5. Donate your facilities to a newer church. Maybe you could bless and help further the vision of a newer church. It would be a great blessing by joining teams with a new church that needs a permanent facility.  

I say all this in a spirit of humility and hope. I don't want to see another piece of church property sitting vacant, because the church died and disappeared. 

Jesus had to have his diaper changed

I was reminded of the humility of Jesus the other night. We tend to think of Jesus this time of year as the cute 8 pounds baby Jesus studying Baby Einstein DVDs. 

But, have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus, the creator and author of life, humbled himself to the point in which he would go through the experience of becoming a baby. 

Having his diaper changed, throwing up on himself, learning how to read and write, and develop as any other baby would have to. Jesus humility of giving up his throne for 33 years to eventually die on a cross for the sins of the world, is just utterly amazing. 

In what ways can you take his lead and humble yourself today to serve others? 

Using every moment I've been given

 
I've been working at the coffee shop for awhile now. It's been an amazing journey learning how to make macchiatos, waking up earlier than 90% of normal people, and meeting new people. 

But, the thing I've enjoyed the most has been the opportunities Jesus has given me:

I've grieved with strangers over a miscarriage.
Secretly prayed for the restoration of a marriage.
Shared in the joy of becoming a first time dad.
Called to a higher degree of holiness, because people are watching me.
Invited people to church more.
Increased my influence beyond what I could imagine.
Increased in the amount of people I know.
Encouraged and put smiles on people's faces. 

You see. I've got a window of about 2-3 minutes with each person that comes through these doors. I'm trying to make the most of each second...seeking ways to make a difference in every moment I've been given with each person. Hoping Jesus uses those precious moments for His glory. 

Not sure what you do for work, but change your perspective today. What are you doing with the relationships and opportunities you've been given in your work place? Be encouraged that wherever God has you, use it. 

Whittaker's 1st Thanksgiving

 

I snapped a couple pictures of our son over the Thanksgiving weekend. Whittaker is now 8 weeks old! Crazy how fast it's gone by. Looking forward to spending our 1st Christmas with him. 

 

Gearing up for next year

Just wanted you to know,

I've spent a lot of time lately gearing up for some blog post and series for 2010.I'm devoting most of December to just writing for boydbettis.com.  I'll still post some this month, but saving a lot of the good content for next year. 

Also,

I had a pre-load post that posted earlier than it should have a couple weeks ago. Sorry about that. I plan posting the four part series on my 'four challenges to my generation' in January. So, be on the look out next year for that series.  

Not sure what happened...I must of enter the wrong date! 

Looking forward to sharing next year with you here at boydbettis.com!

Four challenges for my generation

Through out the last 3-4 months I've been thinking hard about what I really would want to challenge my generation of leaders and believers in Jesus with. 

I've got four words that keeping coming to mind over and over again that I've been exploring and meditating on how I can challenge people daily with. 

Beginning this week I'll sharing briefly about each challenge I'm challenging myself with and hopefully challenge my peers with as well. 

Saturday Three

1. I've got a random stack of bills on my desk from the hospital where Brittany delivered...apparently if anybody who is doctor and pokes their head in the door to say hi is allowed to send you a bill. We've got bills from doctor's that really didn't do anything but come say hello my name is doctor so and so...here's a bill for that. 

2. The Wheel of Fortune bus is in town auditioning people and I was planning on auditioning. But, decided to not waste my Saturday standing around hoping to make it. 

3. Looking forward to preaching again next week to the college students at Westside Baptist Church. I had a good time preaching there last week. 

Ways we can honor others for free

One thing that has challenged me the most from my time at Impart was the culture of honor displayed through Elevation Church. So, I thought of a few ways we can honor others for free: 

- Respect people's time show up on time.
- Show up to meetings and places prepared. 
- Look the person in the eyes when you are talking or being talked to.
- Don't pull out your phone and browse the web when someone is talking to you.
- Stand to your feet when the person you are meeting enters the room.
- Speak highly of others when they aren't around. 
- Ask often, 'Is there anything I can do for you' rather than 'Can you do this for me'
- Write a hand written thank you note expressing the impact the person has had on your life.
- Stop winging it all the time...prepare something.
- When the alloted meeting time is over, end the meeting. 
- Shake the persons hand and thank them for their time before a meeting. 
- Regardless of why a person calls you on the phone always end with 'Thank You' 
- Stand and applaud your Pastor as he takes the stage to preach the word of God.
- Stand and applaud your wife, leaders, volunteers, and __________ often. 
- Be organized.

How about you...what could you add? I'd love to hear some ways we can honor others better.