A New Work

The first moment I considered writing is not to be found in my memory, but in recent days it has been on my heart more than ever. Perhaps it was when I met one of my heroes, author and Pastor Henry Blackaby, when the idea went from a thought to a life goal.

Dr. Blackaby was speaking at a nearby church to a gathering of area pastors. Long ago I learned never to pass up the opportunity to learn at the feet of a master of his trade, so the staff and I made it a point to go for a visit. His message was inspiring, but meeting him after the event was where the true blessing was found.

Back at the book signing table, Dr. Blackaby had a rare moment where nobody was crowding him. Seizing the opening to introduce myself, I shared how his work had greatly blessed my life. At that moment, Dr. Blackaby spoke into my life, affirming the work I had been pondering for some time.

"Brandon, If my work has blessed you in any way, and if God has spoken to you through it, then you need to write it in a book. The world needs to hear from men of God who are willing to share their story."

Those words sunk into my soul, empowering me to consider what I once thought impossible. Today I am prayerfulling considering what it is that God has for me to write.

 

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Hillcrest Welcomes the Annie Moses Band April 19th @ 7pm!

Hillcrest Christian Church is proud to present the Annie Moses Band Live in Concert, April 19th, 7pm!


Come check out the outstanding and eclectic sound of the Annie Moses Band!
Admission is free (love offering will be taken).

call the office (972-542-6070) for details or check our website.

My wonderful wife!

God has poured incredible blessing on my life!  Aside from my salvation, the greatest blessing God has given me is the love of my wonderful wife, Eleanor!  Today, our home has seemed vacant as Eleanor is a bit under the weather.  As I was praying for her earlier, I was reminded of all God has done in my life by placing such an extraordinary woman at my side.  

As the kids and I attempt to go about our day, I am amazed at all my wife does.   We have been doing laundry, dishes, fixing breakfast, conducting the usual home school activities, lunch, piano practice, and yet I am certain we are leaving something behind and unfinished.  We are doing our best, but my best effort pale in comparison to my bride! On several occasions the kids have nodded their heads at me as if to say, "Dad is doing the best he can with what he's got... but he's not Mommy."  And they are correct in their assessment!  Eleanor is an awesome woman taken straight out of the verses of Proverbs 31.  I love you, Sweetie!  Get well soon!

Proverbs 31:10–31 (NIV84)  The Wife of Noble Character

¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

¹² She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

¹³ She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.

¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her servant girls.

¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

²² She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

²⁹ “Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.”

³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

³¹ Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.   

local paper highlight's Hillcrest reaching out

Check out this article from the McKinney Courier-Gazette which discusses how Hillcrest Christian Church has reached out to the Riddle Street School!  I love our congregation's commitment to find new ways to honor Christ in the community!  Keep it up Hillcrest!
Back to School: Riddle Street School bounces back from February flood

Talking Donkeys and Messengers of God

Today in my Bible reading I came to a favorite passage, one that encourages me as a preacher and as a follower of Christ.  You can check out the story in Numbers 22-24. 

The majority of this story is about how the Israelites have camped next to the Moabites who had seen how this traveling people was not one they could oppose. In response, Moabite king Balak contacts a prophet to place a curse on the Israelites.  There are several scenes which take place in order to develop the story, but we eventually find Balaam the prophet riding on his donkey to meet with the king, when the Angel of the Lord stood in his path.  What is interesting is that the donkey sees the angel and tries to turn away.  Balaam, not seeing the Angel of the Lord who is waiting in his path,  beats the donkey and yells at it to keep moving forward.  Finally, the angel of the Lord makes the DONKEY speak!

Numbers 22:28–35 (ESV)

²⁸ Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” ²⁹ And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.” ³⁰ And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?” And he said, “No.”

Balaam was confronted by his donkey in order that God could gain his full attention and redirect him. The Donkey was God's messenger!


In a world where people want to listen to celebrity preachers, a society where we desire the insight of the famous commentators of scripture and "experts" on life, it is easy to think that God will not or cannot use ordinary folks in His work.  But God is never limited by our perspective, and this is why I am encouraged by this story.... If God can use a donkey to speak, to convict, to share a message, then God can use anyone who is willing to be obedient to His call. He can use me, and he can use you.  

How might God want to use you to speak for Him today?

A Change of Seasons

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV)

Since my arrival at Hillcrest Christian Church in the summer of 2010 I have been deeply blessed to work with Spencer Long, Minister of Student Ministries.  While Spencer has faithfully served the students and families in our congregation, he has also become a dear friend.  We share a passion for seeing lives changed by the gospel while equipping the Church to faithfully carry out the mission of making disciples.  I have been amazed at the wealth of skill and ability God has poured into this man in the area of relational ministry, especially with those who Churches often struggle to reach.  Spencer has often been one to ask the difficult questions which help others re-examine their commitment to Christ, as well as the motives behind the activities of their faith.  With February 27, 2010 being his final day serving at Hillcrest, I will miss working with Spencer.  I pray that God will pour out His blessing on Spencer’s life!

As Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, seasons change, and this includes seasons of ministry.  Interestingly enough, God is never at a loss for what the next season will entail.  He has greatly provided for Hillcrest through a united vision in our leadership team.  A former student in the HCC youth, Michael Ostick is our new Youth Leader.  A student of Ministry and Religious Studies through Liberty University Online, Michael is excited to take his on going education and put it to work as part of the Hillcrest Ministry team.

What we did not realize until recently is how God was moving well in front of us, preparing the next season of ministry at Hillcrest.  There is great peace to be found in that God has been preparing this transition long before we were aware of it.We will miss Spencer, and we are thankful for how God has used him in the life of our congregation.  Now we look forward into the new season of ministry with great anticipation of what blessings it may hold.

Lessons from being delightfully out of place....

Each Friday, my wife and kids head to a special enrichment program put on by MArCH, a home school co-op here in McKinney, TX.  Caleb and Michaela each take some fun and enriching classes while Eleanor assists the teachers.  But on this particular Friday morning my wife was feeling a bit under the weather.  Her role still needed to be filled, so Dad (yeah that means me) headed off to his first experience of MArCH's enrichment program.  

Upon arriving at the Church where the enrichment day is held, my children directed me through the set up duties which my family assists with each week.  As the signs were hung on each door and directions placed in each hall, I was impressed with the high level of organization employed by this outfit.  This became more apparent thirty minutes later when the near 500 people went about carrying on the days educational activities.

After my children headed to their first class, I went to see where I would be helping first.  This was the wild card of the day as this was my "available" time.  With terror I was assigned to the class for three year olds!  I asked the kind woman if that was "really" where they needed me, to which she assured me that i would survive the hour.  I was not so sure.

As I stepped into the 3 year old class,continuously repeating Philippians 4:13 to myself, God poured out his mercy!  The two mothers who were leading that class must have read the fear written on my face and quickly assured me that they had everything under control.  They welcomed me to enjoy the hour by taking a break.  Oh, yes, God's grace is sufficient!.  

In the next hour, I assisted in the Bottle Cap class. During the next sixty minutes, a dozen or so elementary children poured out their creative gifts in making all kinds of neat art projects.  The women who lead this class provide a fantastic environment for these young minds to expand the limits of their artistic ability!  To some this might just be another day at school, but I found it to be a great example of children learning to emulate their Heavenly Father's creative ability.

My third and final hour at Enrichment day was spent in Mathmania class.  Along with the teacher, I spent the hour working with several young boys who were learning about subtraction. The boys were  fascinated with the game we played, which was designed to teach subtraction through a story of paying a tax collector.  Impressed at the use of the story to teach math, it dawned on me that the greatest teacher ever gave his greatest lessons through stories.  If Jesus used this methodology, it is hard to argue against it's merits.

Overall, my morning of feeling out of place was actually quite fun.  I remain thoroughly impressed at the organization and dedication exhibited by March and the teachers of the Enrichment program.  As a parent, thank you for all you do!  You are greatly blessing the families of MArCH by helping us teach our children the way they should go so that over the course of their lives they will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6).

Witherington on Revelation

Eschatology is always a fascinating topic, one which produces all kinds of theoretical discussion which may or may not have any foundation in scripture.  If you are looking for a serious discussion of the book of Revelation while providing biblical answers to questions about the rapture, the millennium, and other terms which get tossed around  in discussions about the end times, then I have a recommendation for you.  Asbury Theological Seminary NT Professor Ben Witherington III has provided an outstanding resource to answer many of the most common questions regarding eschatology.  In this short text, Witherington provides thorough and accurate exegesis of the biblical text without losing his reader as he pours out incredible stores of knowledge.

Regardless of the eschatological position you hold, I recommend this text with full confidence that you will enjoy the read and gain new insights about the coming of our King.

News that brings me to tears

Tonight as I was catching up on my facebook friends, I received a message from a man who I have not spoken to in several years.  Chris and I worked in surgery together back in Nashville, and I have not heard from him in a while.

This evening, my old friend and coworker brought tears to my eyes. You see, we worked together for more than three years (and that came to a close about 4 years ago), and during that time I shared what Jesus had done in my life with Chris on several occasions.  Each time there was a virtual non-response.  Sometimes Chris shared that he understood what I was talking about, but I often felt I was just not helping him much or that I somehow was letting my friend down by not having the right words to reach him.  When our family moved back to Missouri, I hoped that there was a seed planted in Chris's heart from our conversations.  I have often prayed for Chris, seeking the holy Spirit to somehow us any seed which might have been planted in Chris's heart in order to lead him to Jesus.

Tonight Chris brought tears to my eyes, and I imagine choirs of angels celebrating as he shared that He had turned to Jesus!  Tears fell from my eyes as I rejoiced over answered prayers for Chris!  Seeds planted four or five years ago have taken root along with others which have been planted since!  Thank you Lord God!  Thank you for working on us and through us, even when we feel we have not made a difference!

God blessed us with chicken!

I know it is strange to blog about fast food, but this is deserving.  I really love Chick Fil A!  What a great place to eat!  First, the service is always friendly; especially at the hwy. 380 and 75 location here in McKinney!  Second, the food is great!  Third, they are standing firm in the conviction that Sunday needs to be a day for their employees to worship God.  I must admit that many days after Church I have longed for some waffle fries, but my admiration for their faithfulness is stronger than my hunger.  We all need to follow such conviction in our relationship to God.

And there is another great reason to love Chick Fil A.... they have great customer appreciation deals through facebook.   By simply liking them on facebook you can receive free food on Fridays.  I know there are at least 2 locations doing this, one in McKinney, one in Allen.  I imagine it is common in many locations.  Check it out, and enjoy some Chicken!  I am going to later today!