Campus Ambassadors@Monroe Community College

Campus Ambassadors@Brockport University

The Divine Romance - Hosea 2

Don't Slip

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at the University of Mary Washington

T. Pope at River of Life Worship Center

REVIVE UMW - Back to the Savior

REVIVE UMW - Back to the Altar

Maple Springs Church of the Brethren Revival (Part 3)

Maple Springs Church of the Brethren Revival (Part 2)

Maple Springs Church of the Brethren Revival (Part 1)

Calvary Chapel Spotsylvania Men's Retreat - Back to the Future

Calvary Chapel Spotsylvania Men's Retreat - Back to the Basics

Debt Free at Kent State University

ACAC Youth Camp: Invert the Story - The Inversion (Part 4 of 4)

ACAC Youth Camp: Invert the Story - The Conversion (Part 3 of 4)

ACAC Youth Camp: Invert the Story - The Reversion (Part 2 of 4)

ACAC Youth Camp: Invert the Story - The Perversion (Part 1 of 4)

Proof of Purchase is Change

CrossFit (Part 2)

CrossFit (Part 1)

The Wine of the Wedding - John 2 at Pine Springs Camp

The Temptation to be Served: Affection

Local Newspaper Article on Area Personality: Timotheus Pope

Pope drawing on faith in his work with children

The Temptation to be Spectacular: Approval/Acceptance

The Temptation to be Satisfied: Appetite

Timotheus Pope shared 3 messages on relationships with the students at Disciple Now on Memorial Day Weekend. The three messages come from Matthew 4, speaking of the Temptation of Jesus Christ. This is message 1 of 3. Grab your Bible, a pen, and a highlighter as T. Pope dives into The Temptation to be Satisfied.

The 412 Youth Conference: The Wake Up Call

The 412 Youth Conference: The Wake Up Call from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This video was shared by Timotheus Pope at the White Oak Grove Community Center at the 412 Youth Conference on February 26, 2011. T. Pope passionately shared a message entitled "The Wake Up Call" from Romans 13:11-14, challenging them to wake up to the spiritual truth of the ticking clock, trash to clean, and tailored clothes.

Judges 6-7 Devotional Moment

Reflections from South Africa

T. Pope has returned to the States

Ladies and Gentlemen, friends and family, I am back in the good ole United States of America. It is good to be on this soil. We landed here this morning and I am both refreshed and exhausted. It is crazy to think that yesterday morning, I was speaking to over 250 young men at Durban High School in South Africa. Yet, it has proven true yet again that the Lord brings us rest and refreshment so that when He sends us into the Valley, we have ample rigor to face the day with the power and Passion of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:13-29).

I am blessed and thankful to have had the opportunity to serve the Lord in the ways that He has allowed me to serve, and I count it a privilege to be able to have you as a partner in that ministry.

Each day, we were (and are continually) blown away by the responses of the youth with which we interacted. It was overwhelming to see God's hand move so mightily and to be reminded of how BIG He is and how so incredibly small we are...I am. I beg of you to continue to pray for me, and the team with which I served. As those of you who have encountered missions know, it bears a lot of the same after effects as mourning the loss of a loved one. The most important time is the next few weeks/months of debriefing as the Lord continues to test and prove His perfect will in our lives as we have worshiped, fellowshipped, and enjoyed community in the name of Jesus and for His sake. I ask you to pray for Hansell Smith, Katie Campell, Grant Campbell, Taylor Wallace, Glen and Marian Campbell, Emily Campbell, Deb and Barry Austwick, and the Van Vuuren family. Thank you SO much.

I am putting together a testimonial video with some footage of our travels and pictures. Thank you so much again for ALL of your support, love, and encouragement.

Lastly, the Lord has spoken very clearly and specifically for me to take some time off from speaking, preaching, and teaching. So I am taking the month of April as a sabbatical from itinerant preaching. The only engagements that I will attend are those to which I previously committed. I ask you to pray for me in that time as I focus ALL of my attention on true worship, my wife, and my three children. Thank you again for your support, friendship, and wisdom. Grace and Peace!

T. Pope is in South Africa

What up fam?! We are here in South Africa getting to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Durban. We arrived last Saturday and hit the ground running. We were at Olive Tree Church on Sunday morning and planning Sunday afternoon. Starting early Monday and Tuesday morning, we went to Durban Girl's College and facilitated a Courage retreat from roughly 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. On Wednesday, we facilitated a Courage retreat at a Township school near Durban and then I got to run a basketball clinic and share my testimony with a few students. Several gave their lives to the Lord. It seems that every where we go, we are getting GREAT responses and people are HUNGRY for Gospel Truth. Thursday we went into downtown Durban to Addington Primary, an inner-city school, to facilitate a Courage Retreat with over 200 students. Then we went to iMfolozi as a team to enjoy a little down time and see some indigenous wildlife.

We were up at 4:30 a.m. to go on our tour Friday morning, and let me just say, God's creation here is AWESOME!!!! We saw a chameleon, laughing hyena, indigenous birds, a martial eagle, water buffalo, babboons, an African elephant, a warthog, a wildebeest, giraffes, zebras, and rhino. It was absolutely amazing. We have spent some time at the beach, overlooking the Indian Ocean and I have just been taken by the Lord's beauty revealed through creation (Psalm 19; Romans 1).

Friday night, the Lord gave me the opportunity to preach at Westville Baptist Church to about 200 youth. Several made decisions to follow Jesus and others made the decision to recommit their lives to the Lord. It was AWESOME!!!! The Lord is truly working here in RSA and I'm loving seeing His hand move.

Saturday morning, we were up at 5:45 and headed to the beach for a surfing lesson from the Dad of our host family. It was AMAAAAAAZING!!!!

We sent 3 of our teammates home yesterday (Saturday) and are using today (Sunday) and tomorrow as refreshment days (Tomorrow is a national holiday). On Tuesday we will do a Courage Retreat at Clifton Boy's School, Wednesday at Durban High School (all boys), and Thursday I'll speak in the morning at DHS to 10th grade boys and then head to the Durban airport to come home.

Though my time here has been physically exhausting, it has been SOOOOO spiritually refreshing. For those of you who are praying, have prayed, and will continue to pray, THANK YOU!!!!!!! I love you. Grace and Peace.

Breakaway 2011 featuring Timotheus Pope – Part 5: The Plot

Breakaway 2011 featuring Timotheus Pope – Part 5: The Plot from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

Timotheus Pope teams up with the Cornerstone Ministry of The Falls Church to challenge teenage students to fervently pursue God's heart, turning from the lies of Hollywood. This message is the fifth of five messages presented at Rockbridge Younglife Camp where Breakaway occurred. In this one, T. Pope finishes out talking about the Plot for the Christian. What now? Where did we go after salvation? What do we do? How shall we then live? Timotheus Pope answers these questions using Romans 12:1-2. Enjoy!!!

Breakaway 2011 featuring Timotheus Pope – Part 4: The Protagonist

Breakaway 2011 featuring Timotheus Pope – Part 4: The Protagonist from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

Description: Timotheus Pope teams up with the Cornerstone Ministry of The Falls Church to challenge teenage students to fervently pursue God's heart, turning from the lies of Hollywood. This message is the fourth of five messages presented at Rockbridge Younglife Camp where Breakaway occurred. In this one, T. Pope talks about The Protagonist from 1 Peter 2:21-25. Every story has its hero, and the Hero of the Scriptures is Jesus Christ. Listen in to see how our Hero saved the day!!! Enjoy!!!

Breakaway 2011 featuring Timotheus Pope – Part 3: The Pretenders

Breakaway 2011 featuring Timotheus Pope – Part 3: The Pretenders from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

Timotheus Pope teams up with the Cornerstone Ministry of The Falls Church to challenge teenage students to fervently pursue God's heart, turning from the lies of Hollywood. This message is the third of five messages presented at Rockbridge Younglife Camp where Breakaway occurred. In this one, T. Pope talks about The Pretenders from the combination of the Synoptic Gospel texts regarding the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30), specifically, the reality that no one is good, but God and if we are not perfectly living out God’s good, then we are lost without God in this world, and our “good” is only pretending. Enjoy!!!

Breakaway 2011 featuring Timotheus Pope – Part 2: The Performers

Breakaway 2011 featuring Timotheus Pope – Part 2: The Performers from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

Timotheus Pope teams up with the Cornerstone Ministry of The Falls Church to challenge teenage students to fervently pursue God's heart, turning from the lies of Hollywood. This message is the second of five messages presented at Rockbridge Younglife Camp where Breakaway occurred. In this one, T. Pope talks about The Performers from Luke 18:9-14, specifically, the reality that we cannot earn our way to God through good works through amplified actions and dignified deeds. Enjoy!!!

Breakaway 2011 featuring Timotheus Pope – Part 1: The Producer

Breakaway 2011 featuring Timotheus Pope – Part 1: The Producer from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

Timotheus Pope teams up with the Cornerstone Ministry of The Falls Church to challenge teenage students to fervently pursue God's heart, turning from the lies of Hollywood. This message is the first of five messages presented at Rockbridge Younglife Camp where Breakaway occurred. T. Pope first talks about The Producer from Psalm 115, specifically, the futility of false idols, the heart of the Holy One, and the blessing for all believers. Enjoy!!!

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at VCU

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at VCU from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

Timotheus Pope teamed up with IV to challenge college students at Virginia Commonwealth University answering three questions that happen to be the same question: 1) WHY did Jesus have to die? 2) Why did JESUS have to die? and 3) Why did Jesus have to DIE? Listen to the heart of the Gospel in this message. Enjoy.

Love Cafe 2011: Don't Settle for Less Than God's Best

Love Cafe 2011: Don't Settle for Less Than God's Best from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

Timotheus Pope joins Focus and Du Rag Ministries at Old Dominion University for Love Cafe 2011: Love in 3D. Given the task to talk about the true soul mate, T. Pope uses Ephesians 3 to drive home the width, length, depth, and height of God's love in this message entitled Don't Settle for Less than God's Best. You will be challenged and encouraged. Enjoy!!!!

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 4: The Law of Liberty, Part 3: Skilled in the Law

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 4: The Law of Liberty, Part 3: Skilled in the Law from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This message was presented by Timotheus Pope to the kaloes at SB2Dub Citikidz during Baseline. This video was edited and produced by Summer's Best Two Weeks (aka SB2Dub) Citikidz. This particular video features Timotheus Pope's message from our second study on Bibliology (the study of God's Word) called the Law of Liberty, which emphasizes the inerrancy of Scripture, the power of God's Word, and attributes of God's Word. This is part 3 of 3 talking about being Skilled in the Law from James 1.

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 4: The Law of Liberty, Part 2: The Significance of the Law

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 4: The Law of Liberty, Part 2: The Significance of the Law from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This message was presented by Timotheus Pope to the kaloes at SB2Dub Citikidz during Baseline. This video was edited and produced by Summer's Best Two Weeks (aka SB2Dub) Citikidz. This particular video features Timotheus Pope's message from our second study on Bibliology (the study of God's Word) called the Law of Liberty, which emphasizes the inerrancy of Scripture, the power of God's Word, and attributes of God's Word. This is part 2 of 3 talking about the Significance of the Law from James 1.

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 4: The Law of Liberty, Part 1: The Source of the Law

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 4: The Law of Liberty, Part 1: The Source of the Law from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This message was presented by Timotheus Pope to the kaloes at SB2Dub Citikidz during Baseline. This video was edited and produced by Summer's Best Two Weeks (aka SB2Dub) Citikidz. This particular video features Timotheus Pope's message from our second study on Bibliology (the study of God's Word) called the Law of Liberty, which emphasizes the inerrancy of Scripture, the power of God's Word, and attributes of God's Word. This is part 1 of 3 talking about the Source of the Law from James 1.

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 3: The Advocate, Part 3: The Acquittal

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 3: The Advocate, Part 3: The Acquittal from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This message was presented by Timotheus Pope to the kaloes at SB2Dub Citikidz during Baseline. This video was edited and produced by Summer's Best Two Weeks (aka SB2Dub) Citikidz. This particular video features Timotheus Pope's message from our third study on Soteriology (the study of Salvation) called the Advocate, which highlights the vicarious suffering and substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. This is part 3 of 3 talking about the Acquittal from 1 John 2.

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 3: The Advocate, Part 2: The Atonement

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 3: The Advocate, Part 2: The Atonement from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This message was presented by Timotheus Pope to the kaloes at SB2Dub Citikidz during Baseline. This video was edited and produced by Summer's Best Two Weeks (aka SB2Dub) Citikidz. This particular video features Timotheus Pope's message from our third study on Soteriology (the study of Salvation) called the Advocate, which highlights the vicarious suffering and substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. This is part 2 of 3 talking about the Atonement from 1 John 2.

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 3: The Advocate, Part 1: The Arrangement

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 3: The Advocate, Part 1: The Arrangement from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This message was presented by Timotheus Pope to the kaloes at SB2Dub Citikidz during Baseline. This video was edited and produced by Summer's Best Two Weeks (aka SB2Dub) Citikidz. This particular video features Timotheus Pope's message from our third study on Soteriology (the study of Salvation) called the Advocate, which highlights the vicarious suffering and substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. This is part 1 of 3 talking about the Arrangement from 1 John 2.

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 2: The Defendants, Part 3: The Costly Consequences

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 2: The Defendants, Part 3: The Costly Consequences from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This message was presented by Timotheus Pope to the kaloes at SB2Dub Citikidz during Baseline. This video was edited and produced by Summer's Best Two Weeks (aka SB2Dub) Citikidz. This particular video features Timotheus Pope's message from our second study on Hamartialogy (the study of Sin) called the Defendants, which emphasizes the federal nature of Adam's Sin, total depravity, and the pervading curse. This is part 3 of 3 talking about the Costly Consequences from Genesis 3, Romans 3:9-23 and 6:23.

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 2: The Defendants, Part 2: The Common Conviction

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 2: The Defendants, Part 2: The Common Conviction from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This message was presented by Timotheus Pope to the kaloes at SB2Dub Citikidz during Baseline. This video was edited and produced by Summer's Best Two Weeks (aka SB2Dub) Citikidz. This particular video features Timotheus Pope's message from our second study on Hamartialogy (the study of Sin) called the Defendants, which emphasizes the federal nature of Adam's Sin, total depravity, and the pervading curse. This is part 2 of 3 talking about the Common Conviction from Genesis 3, Romans 3:9-23 and 6:23.

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 2: The Defendants, Part 1: The Criminal Case

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 2: The Defendants, Part 1: The Criminal Case from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This message was presented by Timotheus Pope to the kaloes at SB2Dub Citikidz during Baseline. This video was edited and produced by Summer's Best Two Weeks (aka SB2Dub) Citikidz. This particular video features Timotheus Pope's message from our second study on Hamartialogy (the study of Sin) called the Defendants, which emphasizes the federal nature of Adam's Sin, total depravity, and the pervading curse. This is part 1 of 3 talking about the Criminal Case from Genesis 3, Romans 3:9-23 and 6:23.

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 1: The Judge, Part 3: The Judge's Courtroom

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 1: The Judge, Part 3: The Judge's Courtroom from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This message was presented by Timotheus Pope to the kaloes at SB2Dub Citikidz during Baseline. This video was edited and produced by Summer's Best Two Weeks (aka SB2Dub) Citikidz. This particular video features Timotheus Pope's message from our first study on Theology (the study of God) called the Judge, which highlights the majesty, sovereignty, and glory of Almighty God. This is part 3 of 3 talking about the Judge's Courtroom from Psalm 50. The full version is available on the Unleashed Curriculum DVD (a 5-disc set). For more visit us at citikidz.blogspot.com or e-mail us at citikidz@sb2w.org.

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 1: The Judge, Part 2: The Judge's Covenant

Unleashed Curriculum - Study 1: The Judge, Part 2: The Judge's Covenant from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This message was presented by Timotheus Pope to the kaloes at SB2Dub Citikidz during Baseline. This video was edited and produced by Summer's Best Two Weeks (aka SB2Dub) Citikidz. This particular video features Timotheus Pope's message from our first study on Theology (the study of God) called the Judge, which highlights the majesty, sovereignty, and glory of Almighty God. This is part of 2 of 3 talking about the Judge's Covenant from Psalm 50. The full version is available on the Unleashed Curriculum DVD (a 5-disc set). For more visit us at citikidz.blogspot.com or e-mail us at citikidz@sb2w.org.

Next Generation Warriors Conference: Gut Check (Daniel 3)

Gut Check from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This message was presented at the Next Generation Warriors conference at United Baptist Church in October 2010. All of the audio is in tact, but the video is missing a few clips. The text is Daniel chapter 3. T. Pope is challenging, hard-hitting, and relevant to this culture with a message we all need to hear: Gut Check

Men's Prayer Breakfast: Barnabas, the Encourager

Men's Breakfast from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

This video features Timotheus Pope speaking on the value of a "Barnabas" in male relationships at the Men's Prayer Breakfast of Maple Springs Church of the Brethren. This is a message that every person needs to hear because we all have Paul's in our lives that need someone solid to vouch for God's amazing work!

ReVamp: The Way Music Was Meant to Be

ReVamp: The Way Music Was Meant to Be from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

On a cold, snowy night in Richmond, Va at the Robinson Theatre, youth and parents gathered to experience music the way it should be. Along with musical guests Hadar, Shad-E, Latasha Woods, Applejaxx, 3 Spikes, and DJ SuchNSuch from CMR's most recent release (Level 3:16), Timotheus Pope shared the Gospel and this video is that message preached from God's Word found in Luke 15. For videos and more go to youtube.com.

Don't Waste Your Sports by C. J. Mahaney

Don't Waste Your Sports from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.

C.J. Mahaney
1 Corinthians 10:31
August 31, 2008
Covenant Life Church; Gaithersburg, MD

Athletes in Action: Rutgers Night Chapel (featuring Timotheus Pope)

Athletes in Action: Rutgers Night Chapel (featuring Timotheus Pope) from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

On December 3, 2010, going into the last game of the season versus WVU, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights players and coaching staff packed tight into a hotel conference room to hear Timotheus Pope share a message from God's Word found in Luke 15 called "Coming Home." Hear T. Pope speak on sports and competition, faith, family, and coming home to the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Gospel Message at Latrobe Skating Rink

Christmas Outreach at Latrobe Skating Rink from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

Timotheus Pope shares a message of hope and salvation with K-12 students at a skating rink in Latrobe, Pa as a part of a Christmas outreach. From John 3, Timotheus breaks down the Gospel for all who are willing to hear.

God's Love & Justice

God's Love & Justice from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

SB2Dub Citikidz Lifeline Webcast Episode 1 with Special Guest Chris Johnson of DU RAG Ministries: Breathing to Death

Living to Death from Timotheus Pope on Vimeo.

Crossroads' Web Cast - Episode One with Special Guest Timotheus Pope

Crossroads' Web Cast - Episode One from Jay Higham on Vimeo.

Higher Definition: Competing for God's Glory (Philippians 3:7-14)

“The problem with competition is that it’s almost always tied to self-promotion.”

I read an article called, "Is it a Sin to Win?" in which the above statement was shared. The statement is somewhat insightful, but misguided for at least three reasons. Reason #1: Competition is not properly defined in the article. Reason #2: The article assumes that competition is a problem. Reason #3: The statement seems to lack a Biblical perspective on competing for the glory of the LORD.

Based on the etymology of the word competition, the definition of the word is “joint seeking” or “striving together.” Often we assume competition has to do with individuals or groups battling against one another to see who is “top dog.” Competition is individuals or groups “jointly seeking” or “striving together” a common prize. Thus, when we return to the basics, much like when viewing an HD Television, we can more clearly see the detail within the bigger picture.

If we have no operational definitions, then we lack orientation. Lacking orientation often produces misguided assumptions. Defining words like “win,” “lose,” and “success” is necessary to understand the importance of allowing Christians to “jointly seek” and “strive together.” “Win” means “to overcome,” “attain by effort,” or “reach the mastery.” “Lose” means “ to be deprived of,” “not retain,” or “to give away; to waste or let go.” Success is “the achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted” or “the discovery and mastery of that which is sought for.”

Clearly, these words in context of competition completely complement our Creator. After all, almost EVERYTHING in life is a competition by this definition because we are constantly jointly seeking, yes, even in Wal-Mart. We are ALL looking for that shortest line to check out or that special toy for our children that is selling like hotcakes or that new cd or latest video game. The LORD has made us for relationships in which we “jointly seek” and “strive together.” Paul often used competitive illustrations to awaken minds to spiritual truth. “Do you not understand that all who run in a race run, but only one receives the prize? So, RUN, in order that you might win. And every man who strenuously labors for the mastery is temperate in all things…I therefore run in this way, not without assurance; I fight in this way, not as one who swings aimlessly at the air; but rather I control my body, and make it my slave so that by any means, when I have preached to others, I am not disqualified,” (I Corinthians 9:24, 26-27). 

I believe with all my heart he encourages the saints to compete, i.e. “strive together, jointly seeking the same prize.” That prize is the extravagant of knowledge of God the Father and Jesus whom He sent (John 17:3; Philippians 3:7-14). Sports provide a perfect opportunity for all participants to learn how the body of Christ should encourage one another to continue to strive for the mastery of the LORD Jesus and through the rules and standards can more quickly point to the reality of sin than perhaps in other module.

Steven James, in the article “Is it a Sin to Win?” asks the question, “How can I love, serve, and honor someone I am wholeheartedly trying to defeat?” I answer that, by evaluating the heart. Here at Summer’s Best Two Weeks, we are dedicated to Hebrews 10:24, “And let us thoroughly examine one another to spur one another on to love and good works.” We teach that the point of sports is not to defeat your opponent. The point of sports and competition is to bring glory to the Father by exploring the gifts and talents He’s given and share them with the rest of the world for His glory. Listen, if we treat each competition, practice, and training as if we are doing it SOLELY for God's glory, then we will be REALLY tough to beat when we step onto the competition field, court, mat, etc.

Paul says in Philippians 3:7-10, “But the things that were advantageous to me, those I consider LOSS for Christ. Yes without doubt, and I count all things LOSS for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord; for whom I have allowed the loss of all things, and do count them as garbage, that I might WIN Christ, and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which comes through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which comes from God by faith. That I might know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, being made one who conforms to His death…” Paul redefined winning and losing, so that we might understand how to live successfully. When saying “ALL,” he includes some of the “good” things in his life, but he understands that the greatest good is the LORD and thus, he considers those “good” or even “great things” disadvantages. Through competing for Christ, we get the unique opportunity to renounce the world’s view of sports and competition and redefine winning, losing, and success biblically. We teach and learn that winning is pursuing excellence by doing our absolute best considering the gifts and talents the Lord has given, while serving others through including, encouraging, training (if possible), and challenging teammates and opponents. We teach and learn that losing is missing the mark of God’s standard by exhibiting selfishness and pride in competition and in any other part of life, whether shown in attitude or felt in the heart. We care less about who finishes first or last, gets the answers right, or overcomes the opponent. We care most about who achieves success through seeing him/herself in the bigger picture, which shows the beauty of striving together because generally how one competes is how he/she lives. Success is refusing to let God’s law of love depart from the mouth and mind due to sports, but rather letting a continual meditation on God’s Word bring a prosperous end, whether in sports or in life (Joshua 1:8).

Though the world has corrupted what God has given, let us not through out the baby with the bath water. Satan’s job is to pollute all things God has made, sports/competition included. We operate a Christian sports camp in order to preserve what the LORD has given us.

In conclusion, success is NOT about being the winner of the highest price or praise, as is seen most evidently in our culture through the decision of professional athletes this summer. Rather success is about being the winner of the highest prize, the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you pressing toward that mark?

BABY ANNOUNCEMENT: KAYLA MERCY POPE

On Saturday, May 8, 2010, Kayla Mercy Pope, a gorgeous little girl, was born at 5:40 p.m., weighing 8 lbs. 14.7 ounces, and 21 inches. Please continue to pray for her and for Kendra as they both recover from the intensity of labor.

The P-3-1 Woman

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!

It’s exciting. She’s nice and her value is priceless/

None fairer less comparing her to Jesus the Christ/

Let me describe her to you. You’ll find that you too/

Contend to have friends more like her than like you/

Her husband is struck; commits all to her trust/

She loves; does him good. Never brings him corruption/

She works with her hands. She obeys God’s commands/

Buys a field. Keeps it tilled. A vineyard’s been planted/

No need for alarm. She doesn’t even need an alarm/

She gets up while its dark and strengthens her arms/

She gives food to her house. Her lamp can’t go out/

She needs light at the spindle to finish a silk blouse/

She makes them to sell: coverings, shirts, even belts/

Everyone knows her and her family real well/

Her husband’s an elder. He’s known in the gates/

It’s because of the love of the wife that he praises/

Even her kids call her blessed, and I too can attest/

The P-3-1 woman, what a precious investment/

I hasten to stress for an example, its best/

Just to wait till the day that you see her upset/

She still speaks with wisdom and will kindly address/

The frustrated, naked, poor, and oppressed/

Her clothing is honor and she knows beauty’s vain/

She excels all the others in her joy and her fame/

Neither beauty and favor is the reason they praise her/

It's her sweetened demeanor, for by grace she's been saved/ 

Of all those I know, none is fairer than she/

Whose God is her refuge and Jesus her peace./

Romans 12:1 - The Will of God

To truly understand the will of God, one must first understand God's Personality. The selfless love God has for us looks out for our best interest at all times, under any circumstances. He has a spotless character with a perfect track record. If God has never failed, why are we so arrogant to think that we will be the first person God lets down. We act like our case is too much for God to handle. It's like we think God is in Heaven saying, "You know ___________ (insert your name), I have NEVER failed! But you...YOU are just TOO MUCH! YOU just don't get it. I know I said I would never leave, nor forsake you, but you know what, I was tired of being God anyway. I'm going on vacation." That is NOT who our God is. He is the Sovereign God of creation, the perfection of beauty, majestic and holy in ALL splendor. He is ALL powerful, All-knowing, Everlasting, and Self-Sufficient. He has the right to be who He is and do what He chooses whenever He wants to. Yet, we can be sure that His intention is not to hurt us as if He is a God who doesn't care. NO! As a matter of fact, He cares so much that each of us is actually a part of His Plan.

The Lord's heart desires that we first get saved (Luke 19:10; Matthew 20:28; John 3:16). Salvation frees us from the power, penalty, pollution, and ultimately the presence of Sin. Once we are saved from sin, we become sanctified, that is separated from the powers of this world, the pleasures of whoredom, and the pressures of wickedness. He sanctifies us by the Truth of His Eternal Word (John 17:17). He equips us for service in His kingdom. We must learn to respect the time God gives us on this Earth, and redeem the time we have used pursuing our own selfish desires. WAKE UP! Don't you see! When we understand God's Personality and ultimate plan to turn us into Jesus, we will naturally, supernaturally uphold the Lord's Principles.

At some point in our lives, Jesus has to become all that matters. Everything else in our lives must die by our hands or we can be sure that it will die by God's hands because He has called us to relationship with Him, and oh is He jealous over us. We were made for God, NOT the things of this world. When we "Can't get no satisfaction..." it is because we are looking in the wrong place. This world was neither made, nor meant to satisfy us. That is God's job. If that is true, wouldn't it make sense to continue to run to Him, NOT just for consolation from trouble, but because in His presence is the fullness of joy and pleasure forevermore (Psalm 16:11). You see, the best way to know God's will for your life is to live God's will right now. And right now the Lord desires that you get to know Him by entrusting your entire life to His perfect care.

The Vital Signs of the Saints - Prayer

So this morning I was convicted of a truth that I would like to share with you. I have often quoted Dr. John Alexander, who once said, "Prayer is not only a PART of the work. Prayer IS the work."

As I reflected on that statement this morning I was convicted of the reality that I do not pray near enough. I'm not talking about hoisting up words to the Almighty so that He can rain down melodies from Heaven. I'm talking about the continual openness to the Lord aligning my heart with His vision and mission. Jesus never allowed the business of a day to overshadow the mission and vision that He communicated to His followers. In Luke 4, as Jesus read in the Temple, He said His intentions, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed me 1) To PREACH the GOSPEL to the poor; He sent me 2) To HEAL the brokenhearted, 3) To PREACH DELIVERANCE to the captives, and 4) RECOVER SIGHT to the blind, 5) To FREE those who are bruised, 6) To PROCLAIM the acceptable year of the Lord. This mission is wrapped up in the vision statement of the Lord Jesus Christ: "To give My life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28).

What does that have to do with prayer? You might remember in Matthew 9:35-38 that Jesus was moved with the multitude because were like "sheep with no shepherd." Notice that Jesus did not instruct the disciples to become Rambo Christians who would assassinate the multitude with the Gospel. Rather He said, "Pray..."

The categorical distinctive here is the recognition from the Son of God that ministry is God's job from first to last. Our spreading of the Gospel is contingent on the vibrancy of our relationship with the Lord that begins and ends with aligning our heart with His will through prayer. Jesus prayed. Was that to cover everything on somebody's wish list? NO! It was the supernaturally natural partaking of a relationship with the Father. It was the surrender of His heart that overflowed into the outpouring of God's Spirit, who ultimately then completed the work. Notice the overwhelming love of the Lord, revealed in Isaiah and read by Christ, makes the Almighty somehow completely "other"-focused, while remaining true to Himself as Yahweh, the Self-Existing, All-Powerful, I AM that I AM, I am God All By Myself One and Only. Thus, we see Christ-like humility in the total submission of His will to the Father, and therefore we receive what we ask, when we prayer in that same character of submissive obedience.

Adrian Rogers said it best, "If you have a problem with prayerlessness (that is, you don't pray enough), it is not prayerlessness that is your problem. Pride is your problem." Have we learned to do life without God? Have we learned to write, preach, teach, sing, serve, record albums, train, etc. without the overwhelming presence and essence of Jesus consuming our entire lives?

If you want to know the answer to the questions above examine your life of prayer. Do you find yourself spending unhurried time with the Lord, basking in His presence? I'm not talking about pontificating or levitating in a room somewhere with your legs in the Criss Cross Applesauce or lotus position waiting for God to blow out the windows. Rather, I am talking about the supernaturally natural communion that is VITAL to the Christian's spiritual heartbeat. I'm talking about the openness that see God's agenda in the midst of the phone calls, sticky notes, and daily planner. If not, I can guarantee that you are living by something other than faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. His death gives us access into God's presence. And there we find rest for our weary souls.

Process - Romans 13:10

Many times, the Word says Jesus worked "as He went" (Matthew 9:9; 26:21). This reminds me that the process is just as important as the end result. Today, you may be in the middle of great pain or great promise, great conflict or great celebration, great rivalry or great revelation. Enjoy the process of learning to walk by faith and not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). As you walk, the only answer for questions about your walk may be "Jesus, and that's my final answer!!" Example. Why do you want to leave your job? Jesus! Why are you so excited? Jesus! Why do you spend money with so much purpose knowing where every cent goes? Jesus! How is it that you long for a future reality that you have never seen? Jesus! Where will the money come from? Jesus!! Why are your eating habits so healthy? Jesus!

Think about this. Whatever concerns you is something God can totally take care of without you. God can pay your bills without you. He can go to work without you and do a much better job. God can take care of your pet without you. He can care for your friends and family, AND He can take care of the church without you. He can command soldiers and bring them to faith WITHOUT you. But there is one thing God CANNOT do without you and that is have a relationship with you. Without [put your name in this blank], God CANNOT have a relationship with [put your name in this blank]. That process of relationship is top priority. Have you ever stopped to think of the vastness of the universe, in relation to the brevity of our lives? God is the Author of the Universe, and out of all the things and beings He could've chosen to show the greatest extent of His love, He chose humans. The LORD loves you. He is not in Heaven saying, "Gee, I hope this puny human never figures out that I really want him/her to know Me or that I want to bless her/him with the abundance of my Being." Our LORD desires so desperately to give us the Kingdom [His reign and rule by way of relationship] (Luke 12:29-31). How fresh is your relationship? Do you have a crush on Jesus? He definitely has a crush on you. Why? Because He made you and me for Himself (Proverbs 16:4; Colossians 1:16-17; Revelation 4:11).

This week can be really good or really bad. Remember, the ultimate purpose of our lives is to know and love God as much as He loves and knows us. Live in that purpose knowing that NOTHING you do is haphazard. Every phone call you make, trip to the supermarket or bank, meal, and/or meeting is for the purpose of getting to know the LORD as you walk with Christ. Spend time in His presence. Therefore, as you study, take exams or give exams, pay bills, go to work, sit in your office, plan activities, etc., please remember that your focus determines your perception of reality. What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? The difference is focus, attitude, and outlook. Who are you trusting to get you through this week? Where is your heart focused? Do you love Jesus more today than yesterday? Is your relationship fresh? What metaphor would you use to describe your relationship with Jesus?

“Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.”

– William A. Ward

More Potty Training - HEBREWS 12:1-2

You may remember from a previous blog that my son is potty training. You might also remember that I said he loves having fun, playing games, and enjoys his toys. He’ll play by himself in his room for hours on end. He doesn’t like to stop for anything. We introduced this whole “going on the big boy potty” concept, and his world is upside down. Got that fresh in your mind.

Okay, so, yesterday, I walked into the house after work and heard, "I gotta go potty, Mommy." I heard those memorable dancing footsteps of a boy who waited waaay too long. Then I heard, "Uh oh, Mommy." I knew that an "accident" had occurred. I ran to the bathroom and there was my son with a small trail of something behind him. I proceeded to give my son that prophetic exhortation of being focused and aware of when he needed to go potty to keep from having "accidents." His 2 year old response was, "It's okay, Dadda, it was just an accident."

To be honest, it didn't hit me until about 2:00 AM as I wrestled in my bed, having some unrest in my heart, that the "accident" had become and "incident." My son is too young to recognize the severity of learning to potty train now because perhaps in his mind it is "okay." After all, it's just an accident.

If you are like me you have heard the statement, "I fell into sin," or "I slipped into sin." The reality for many of us is that we hardly ever recognize that James says that sin is the part of the equation right before death. Long before that, we are led astray and enticed. You see, Simeon loved playing with his sister and his toys so much that he neglected to let go of the waste in his system. For those who would say, "He's two, it's only water." Hey, Hebrews 12 talks about the sin "and the weights that so easily set us back." And think, for the next 30 minutes, he couldn't play with his toys, because we needed to clean the carpet, rinse him off, and give that prophetic exhortation. Even Jada's world was cracked up by his "accident" because she couldn't play in his room at that time either. But that didn't stop either of them from crying. It was like they were begging to go into the room. I mean, who cares that urine is soaking the carpet or that it is on toys that often end up in my 15 month old daughters hands and (if you know that age of children) mouth. If you think THAT'S nasty, keep reading.

I stressed the importance to Simeon of staying focused and aware, being vigilant and alert, and it didn't hit me until 2:00 a.m. that the exhortation was to me as well. I can get so distracted with family, work, sports, relaxation, teaching, writing, fundraising, etc. that I neglect to check my own heart. I get led astray and enticed, and before I know it, I am spiritually having an "accident." Yet, sometimes we say, "Well, it's okay. Nobody is perfect." It's like we're immaturely begging God to let us go play in the room where the stinch of our sin saturates certain relationships and memories. And some of those toys that are poisonous spiritual urine end up in our immature hands and mouths. And that "accident" becomes an "incident."

Oh that we would live each day as mature believers, getting the waste out as soon as we feel it coming, being proactive and vigilant, aware and focused.  How can we do that? The writer of Hebrews answers that question so eloquently, by "...looking to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith..." Where are your spiritual eyes today? Is God's only way to get you to look up by knocking you flat on your back? Just remember, you can't be focused on Jesus and on the world at the same time.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY - ROMANS 13:10

A little boy was running around the house, and his mom told him to sit down for breakfast. He did so, and upon sitting he screamed, "What about my treat?" "What treat? Where did you get that idea?" his mother asked. "From you," he said. "When I do good you give me something." His father chuckled and said, "You have the wrong idea about mom." With a very loving, patient, and instructive look, the mother said, "He's right. Can't you just be good, for nothing, like your father? He does not ask for a treat."

Isn't that the idea we have about God sometimes? We think He only acts in reaction to us. Do you know the story of Job? Job was a god-fearing, upright, and innocent man. Everybody knew it, for even God testified to Job's excellence (Job 1:8). In one week Job lost everything; everything, except faith. Faith IS NOT the ability or capacity to change things into the way we want them. Rather faith is the courage to face things as they are. We have this concept of God that MUST change, for faith IS NOT just receiving from God the things we want, but accepting from God the things He gives. Through Job's trials, he learned that God was ALL he had, ALL he needed, and at the end, ALL he wanted (Job 42:1-5). The striking conclusions we arrive at when suffering, seemingly for no reason, are: 1) God is NOT who we think He is. 2) Faith/Trust/Confidence coupled with communication is key to ANY relationship. 3) We find out the TRUE nature of LOVE.

Why did Job serve God? Was it because of the blessings? No. Health and wealth? Doubt it. Prosperity? Not likely. Rewards? Uh-uh. Understanding? Definitely not. Job served God for nothing. He loved God for God, not because of what God could do. That's what you and I want. Isn’t it? We want someone to love us for free, without strings attached, for nothing. God wants that too (John 4:23-24). When you encounter the fiery trial of suffering and evil, you see what kind of faith you have. Will you be faithful to God right now, even though it may seem like He is not faithful to you? Are you helplessly in love with Jesus? I've learned that love is that passionate commitment that's left after ALL has been stripped away or given away (Job 1:20-23). If we love the Lord, we will keep His commands (John 14:15). If we center our lives on keeping His commandments rather than love, we will never come to know the delight in the duty.

Each day, each of us can express the depth of Christ's love to the world and to our Father. Christ's love requires unconditional obedience to the Lord and unconditional openness to the Lost, for Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners because of His great love (Matthew 20:28; Luke 19:10; John 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:1-10; I Timothy 1:15). 

“Only when we give joyfully, without hesitation or thought of gain, can we truly know what love means.”

- Leo Buscaglia -

Potty Training - Phillipians 3:7-14

As many of you know, there comes a time to take off the diaper and begin what has been conveniently called “Potty Training.” I always wondered why the word “training” was a part of that phrase. I never thought days (weeks) would go into teaching and practicing pulling up a pair of underwear. But now, I understand the “training” part of that phrase in a way that I personally never thought I would. The good news is it’s my two-year-old son training, not me. Or is it?

My oldest son is A LOT like me. He loves having fun, playing games, and enjoying his toys. He’ll play by himself in his room for hours on end. He doesn’t like to stop for anything. Well, since we have introduced this whole “going on the big boy potty” concept, his world has been drastically affected.

So there we were playing just 4 days ago, my son was having the time of his life, when all of a sudden he looked at me with the face of immanent concern, and I knew he needed to potty. He was so distracted playing that he either neglected to tell me or didn’t even recognize his need to relieve himself. Either way, when he finally said something, we were 3 seconds from what has been so gently called an “accident,” as if wetting yourself is like breaking an expensive glass vase at a neighbor’s house while throwing a football or wrecking your car in a snow storm on your way to Wal-Mart to get more butter on a night when the authorities have advised everyone to stay home. Like a complete moron, I asked my son, “Do you need to go potty?” He crossed his legs and began to shuffle to the bathroom, which answered my question. Urgently I ran behind him, helping him pull down his pants and get on the potty. About half a second after I sat him down he began using the restroom and I began my prophetic delivery of “training,” exclaiming with urgency, “Son, when you have to pee, you need to get to the potty as quickly as you can. We are trying to teach you to go on the big boy potty, so you don’t grow up peeing on yourself everywhere you go. Do you understand?”

In an instant, it hit me, as I realized, we are NOT training him to potty just to keep him from wetting himself later in life. Rather, this is a vital step to maturity. I think we would all agree that if a person still wets him or herself after a certain age/time, there is an issue with that person’s maturity level. In the same way, God’s sanctification process in our life is a vital step to maturity. God does not require us to let go of certain relationships, habits, jobs, friends, churches, doctrines, actions, feelings, thoughts, etc. just to keep us from sin or waste. He does it so that we might grow into the fullness of who HE has made us to be. It’s about maturity. It’s about knowing Jesus more deeply. Paul understood that fact as he wrote to the Philippian Church.

As we continue to mature, we must constantly ask if there are areas of our lives where we have not learned the basic principle of potty training, that is, counting all things but “dung,” that we might gain understanding of who Christ truly is. In what way are we living completely distracted by the things of this world, so much so that we either fail to recognize or we outright neglect our need to communicate our areas of weakness to the Father?