Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:14-15

Hey Crew! It’s been a little while since I have written a new newsletter so it feels good to jump back on deck. This week I am actually going to be addressing something that will apply to us all, as servants in CM, but I think it spills over the boat into all believers.

The verse I began with this week is a hard one to swallow. You mean I am to do ALL THINGS without complaining? But I don’t want to...it’s so hard (oops...did it again). This verse is such an important one to keep in the front of our minds, why? Because it is SO EASY to begin complaining and arguing over everything.

The food we have (or lack of)
The clothes we wear
The car we drive
The job we have (don't have)
The friends, family, spouse we have

If we truly wanted to we could complain about everything all the time. In fact, with facebook & twitter I can complain with a few well selected status updates and get a string of comments to help fuel my pity party. I know...I've done it too.

But I must once again die to myself and take up my cross & obey the instruction God has given me - "Do EVERYTHING without arguing or complaining..." The good news is that there is a reason to do this...it's so we may shine like stars in a wicked and perverse generation.

This (once again) brings me back to social media. Crew beware. Your status, tweets, and texts are being seen my a wicked and perverse generation. The people in your friends list are getting a constant stream of your thoughts and they are seeing (or not seeing) Christ in your words. When we complain or argue we are telling the world that God is not as good as He we think He should be and this causes the unbeliever to mock out Lord.

Do we go through hard times, yes.
Do we struggle with things, yes.
Do we have to complain about those things for all to see, no.

This is not a post designed to beat up on everyone or point to anyone in particular. I am a social media guy and I need to guard my texts too. Here are a few questions to ask as you update you status:

1) Does it glorify God?
2) Am I complaining?
3) Does it benefit or hurt my church or Pastor David?
4) Can it cause someone to stumble?
5) Will it draw an unbeliever toward God?

Think about these things as you update and tweet. For those who are rebellious and have not jumped on the facebook bandwagon, this word still applies. As we teach kids and minister to parents be careful not to complain about serving or a troublesome child. While we may have the roughest day ever, we must still guard our tongues and make sure we are glorifying our Lord even amidst hardship.

So, now that the conviction boat has left the port ;-) , let me say that you all are the most amazing people in the world. I am blessed each week as I co-labor with you all each week in CM. Your hearts for the Lord and for service continue to bless me and Kat. Thank you.

Also, we look forward to another amazing VBS this year with you all! (June 13th-16th).

“Then David said, ‘This is the house of the Lord God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel.” 1 Chronicles 22:1

For those who were in the service Thursday you know that it was a night of amazing announcements and Bible teaching.

First, we learned that Pastor Shawn and family have heeded the call of God to move to Birmingham to begin a Calvary Chapel. This is an amazing step of faith and a whole new adventure for the Bumper family. While we will miss this amazing couple and their two little one’s we rejoice knowing that what God has begun in this place is now branching off into other parts of the country.

Second, we got to be in attendance as pastor David and pastor Chas took the platform and announced that the Lord has opened the door for us to purchase the new building! This building is part of the Dudley property and includes a 50,000 square foot sanctuary that has the ability to hold 5000 people at once! The other 30,000 feet will house many other areas of ministry including The Disciple Ship. Of course, with 300+ kids coming through at a time we are going to need all hands on deck when we move over there.

Finally, pastor David brought an incredible teaching which was both challenging and exciting. We were in Chronicles 22 and PD spoke of David preparing the temple. God did not allow him to build it, but even with that news David went full force at making preparations for his son Solomon. As he spoke about the temple and then relayed it to our fellowship he said two words that resonate in my ears even today - come expecting.

These two words caused me to stop and think…”Am I doing that?”

Do I walk in the doors of the church and expect God to do amazing things? Do I sit down to listen to a teaching and expect God to speak to me through His word? Do I lift my voice and hands in worship and expect God to meet me there?

If not… I should.

As we turn a page in the story of Calvary Chapel of the Triad and see a new building on the horizon let’s come expecting.

Expecting…people saved.

ministry opportunities.

the power of God.

lives changed.

children experiencing God.

and so much more.

Are you ready? I know I am. As we come expecting let’s also come before Him in prayer. Pray for pastor Shawn and Christy. Pray for wisdom and provision with this new building.

Then come expecting God to answer.