When you are just meeting someone you would potentially like to date, you get a lot of the same questions. "What is your favorite color?", etc. One I've heard a lot is "What do you look for in a girl?". I think this is a trap question for guys. Every person knows what they are attracted to. I have heard preachers say "Adam didn't have a choice with Eve." but since Adam and Eve had babies, we have a wide assortment to choose from. I, too, have my list of what I am attracted to. So, I started thinking about standards, not physical attraction standards but rather hardline standards. I'm getting to that age where "beggars can't be choosers" starts applying, but I still hold my standards. I thought I would list my standards for you:
1. Christian
2. Single, and wants to date me.
3. Virgin
4. Non-divorced
5. Close proximity
If I were living hundreds of years ago, I would be limited to my village; however in today's society with online dating, Facebook, quick travel, etc. it is possible to meet almost anyone. I have yet to meet one girl that has met all 5 of my criteria. I had a discussion with my friend about it, and he said I might have to start making some exceptions. So let's look at them again:
1. I can't budge on her being a Christian. Jesus is my main relationship, and if she can't share in that then I don't want to spend the time explaining it.
2. It is rather necessary for her to be Single and interested if we are to enter a relationship.
3. In today's society it is very hard to know for sure if someone is a virgin. For most of my early 20's I gave everyone the benefit of the doubt, but now I'm completely jaded. I am a virgin, and I'm waiting for my wife, but I have no idea about anyone else. Given the circumstances surrounding the situation, I can make an exception here. It's a tough, sex-driven world and we all make mistakes. I cannot judge in this area.
4. I have been blown away by the number of girls I have met who are younger than me and divorced. Usually, they married someone in the military. I have to add something to this in that I count "We lived together then broke up" as a divorce too. Basically, if you lived together I assume you're not a virgin. Call me "old-fashioned", but I was raised to believe that marriage should never be entered lightly. It is a lifelong commitment. "Til Death Do Us Part" is not a suggestion. It's not "Until You Get Fat", or "Until You Cheat On Me". I am in no way condoning cheating on your spouse. "Do Not Commit Adultery" is pretty explicit. However, marriage is a covenant bond made in the sight of God. If you're upset that he/she cheated on you, read Hosea. I usually stop pursuing a girl if I find out she is divorced. I'm torn on the subject, especially if she was cheated on, but if the marriage can end so quickly it makes me doubt the security of our possible marriage. I know nobody plans to cheat on their spouse. Back to the military marriages, my sister is in one and I think they are doing quite well. I pray for them daily. However, I hear about her friends' divorces, and it kills me. I also have personal friends who are products of military divorce. Being apart from a spouse for extended periods of time hurts, I'm sure. And, I get it, you want to have sex before they leave. Who wouldn't? But wait, sex outside of marriage is wrong, so let's get married so we can have sex! Oh you're gone for a year, and my great guy friend comforted me; or I was deployed for a year, and there were these girls in the city...you know what I'm saying. I have really digressed...I could write a whole other post on divorce, but I won't. Let's just say I'm torn on the matter of whether or not it is a deal-breaker. It's just a lot of added baggage that I am not ready to deal with :/
5. This issue has arisen with online dating, etc. It's very hard if I cannot see you regularly. Words on a screen, or text messages, etc. only go so far to develop intimacy. I have to be able to stand being in the room with you, and vice versa. I want you to be comfortable with me. I added this standard because I know some girls who meet the hardline standards, yet are a thousand miles away. It's too emotionally taxing. Plus, there is a trap of getting too emotionally involved to where you get more content with the idea of the person than the person themselves. It's just a dangerous situation that I have introduced myself to, and got out of. I try not to knock it if I don't try it. It's just too emotionally taxing for me. I can't really make an exception here.
So, all of these standards point to faith. Do I have faith that God created a girl out there who meets all 5 of my standards? She could have red hair, black hair, no hair, etc. in 50 years we'll both look like crap. Will we both love and pursue Jesus? Will we be committed to each other? Will we have sexually known only each other? Will we be each others' only spouse? Will she be in my same zip code? That comes back to whether or not I meet my own #1. Am I pursuing Jesus? Am I seeking to grow daily in my relationship with Him? I admit, I've had a dry spell. I got caught up in feeling sorry for myself that my communication with Him was only one-sided. I have repented, and I'm dusting my sword off.
Let me also say that if you're a girl reading this, and you are divorced, or not a virgin, etc. please do not think I am putting myself higher than you, or condemning you, etc. I am not at all. You are loved, you are forgiven, and I am just a fellow sinner saved by grace. I am in need of daily forgiveness. I am aware that the odds are against my meeting a 5-point girl, but as long as we're both pursuing Christ then all else is under the blood, as they say. This subject was just on my mind.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Palm Sunday
WoW. It truly has been a whole month since I have last written. Allow me to explain:
The first week of March was spent in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, which turned out to be a lot of fun. I work with great people in the Great American Conference, and the city of Bartlesville threw everything they had into making it a great week for all of us. I cannot thank them enough.
The second week of March I got to go back to Georgia to see friends and family. I loved that week! I miss Watkinsville First Baptist Church so much it hurts. I miss the friends I had, the adults I could look up to, and the children I could lead. The welcome I received from my Fight Club brothers was worth the 9hr drive by itself. It really highlighted all that I have been missing here in Arkansas spiritually.
The last two weeks of March passed in relative silence here in Arkansas. Given the short length of time that I planned to be out here, it was very hard for me to try to get involved somewhere. It still is. Now that it's April, and my time with the GAC is over May 8, I have entered 'survival mode' in the sense that I'm just trying to get through a day at a time to get to the next step.
I believe this is a huge failure on my part. Boldness, attack, aggressiveness, initiative, etc. are not my normal personality settings. When I am around bold people, I become bold. When I see a problem, I attack. When I am told to do something, I do it. When I seek out opportunities, and am stymied, I am quick to get discouraged. Believe me, no one is more aware of my faults and imperfections than myself.
Two weeks of inactivity, and being left alone with my thoughts, is not very healthy for me. I also went the better part of those two weeks without my main addiction, Coca-Cola. It was a good time. Unfortunately, I hit "the sauce" again Thursday and have relatively drowned myself these past few days. I know I need to stop, and I think that I will be able to let it go again since it has become clear to me that I feel better without it than I do with it. Addictions suck. I can be thankful that I am not addicted to heavier things, but at the same time it's still slavery to something that isn't my Savior.
Speaking of my Savior, He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey about two thousand years ago. We take this day to remember and celebrate that. "Hosanna!" "Yay!", but in a week it will be "Crucify Him!". How fickle we are! How fickle I am! I may not be screaming "Crucify Him!", but I nail Him to that cross every day and night by my actions. My sins put Him on that cross. He didn't have to die for me. I don't deserve it. I did not ask for it. I honestly did not know or care. He died for me while I was yet a sinner. He did it because He loves me. (Romans 5:8) Most of the time, I do not even love myself. I have done some cool things in my life, things that I can be proud of, but that doesn't mean I love myself. Since I do not love myself, I do not expect others to love me. I have lived so much of my life serving others that I honestly do not care what happens to me. If I die alone and in obscurity, so be it. I ultimately want my life to reflect Christ and His Kingdom here on earth. I know that when I get to Heaven, I'll probably muck out stables in His Kingdom. Still, when the King is good, the people are happy :)
Given that, I have been doing a lot of thinking about legacies, writings, etc. As I read God's Word, I see ordinary people placed in extraordinary situations, and by the grace of God they prevail. These people were not perfect, but everything points to God's glory. I wonder how much of my life points to God's glory. Right now, it probably doesn't. Whether I am in a great mood, or a dark mood; whether I love myself, or hate myself; God is still on His throne. He was on His throne before He created me, and He will be on His throne for eternity. I make no difference. I read the letters of Paul, which comprise most of the New Testament, and even then we only get a glimpse of a few days of Paul's life where he actually put pen to paper. We weren't there on the days where he was pissed off. We weren't there on the days where he just sat and made a tent. All we know of him are the words he put on paper. He could have lied, he could have exaggerated the truth, we cannot know. We take it on faith. God showed me the importance of writing things down a few years ago, and despite my imperfections and failures I try to do so. It may not be as flowery as Paul's writings, but I do what I can. I shock myself at my brutality and honesty in my journal. Not everything in that journal makes it on here, and vice versa.
I read the Gospels, and we only see a few glimpses of a few days in the life of Jesus. I read all four accounts of the Triumphal Entry today, and what if the 'crowds' shouting "Hosanna!" were just 10-20 people. What if the "triumph" was scoffed at by casual onlookers. Because of writing, we understand it to be a huge event. In either case, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of entering Jerusalem on a donkey. A week later, He hung on a cross for our sins. This just goes to show that His divine plan will be fulfilled regardless of what we think of it! There is a God, we rebelled against Him, He loves us and died for us, and regardless of what you may think He is coming back. This is just the way it is. Whatever counter arguments, rationales, etc. they do not matter. He was born, He lived, He allowed Himself to be murdered, and HE ROSE AGAIN! He is coming back. He does not need my permission to be God. I love Habakkuk 2:20 "But the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him." I love that God is the One saying that. He is God...shut up! He loves you...shut up! He died for you...shut up! He came back for you...shut up! It blows my mind.
It floors me that no matter what mood I am in, I cannot *not* believe in Him. Renouncing Him is impossible for me. I may not feel saved, or I may not be a useful part of the Kingdom, but at the same time I believe with every part of me that He is real. I cannot eloquently put my finger on it at times, but He is still God. He is still on His throne. He will reign eternally. You decide what you will do about it. Hosanna.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart Kingsley
The first week of March was spent in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, which turned out to be a lot of fun. I work with great people in the Great American Conference, and the city of Bartlesville threw everything they had into making it a great week for all of us. I cannot thank them enough.
The second week of March I got to go back to Georgia to see friends and family. I loved that week! I miss Watkinsville First Baptist Church so much it hurts. I miss the friends I had, the adults I could look up to, and the children I could lead. The welcome I received from my Fight Club brothers was worth the 9hr drive by itself. It really highlighted all that I have been missing here in Arkansas spiritually.
The last two weeks of March passed in relative silence here in Arkansas. Given the short length of time that I planned to be out here, it was very hard for me to try to get involved somewhere. It still is. Now that it's April, and my time with the GAC is over May 8, I have entered 'survival mode' in the sense that I'm just trying to get through a day at a time to get to the next step.
I believe this is a huge failure on my part. Boldness, attack, aggressiveness, initiative, etc. are not my normal personality settings. When I am around bold people, I become bold. When I see a problem, I attack. When I am told to do something, I do it. When I seek out opportunities, and am stymied, I am quick to get discouraged. Believe me, no one is more aware of my faults and imperfections than myself.
Two weeks of inactivity, and being left alone with my thoughts, is not very healthy for me. I also went the better part of those two weeks without my main addiction, Coca-Cola. It was a good time. Unfortunately, I hit "the sauce" again Thursday and have relatively drowned myself these past few days. I know I need to stop, and I think that I will be able to let it go again since it has become clear to me that I feel better without it than I do with it. Addictions suck. I can be thankful that I am not addicted to heavier things, but at the same time it's still slavery to something that isn't my Savior.
Speaking of my Savior, He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey about two thousand years ago. We take this day to remember and celebrate that. "Hosanna!" "Yay!", but in a week it will be "Crucify Him!". How fickle we are! How fickle I am! I may not be screaming "Crucify Him!", but I nail Him to that cross every day and night by my actions. My sins put Him on that cross. He didn't have to die for me. I don't deserve it. I did not ask for it. I honestly did not know or care. He died for me while I was yet a sinner. He did it because He loves me. (Romans 5:8) Most of the time, I do not even love myself. I have done some cool things in my life, things that I can be proud of, but that doesn't mean I love myself. Since I do not love myself, I do not expect others to love me. I have lived so much of my life serving others that I honestly do not care what happens to me. If I die alone and in obscurity, so be it. I ultimately want my life to reflect Christ and His Kingdom here on earth. I know that when I get to Heaven, I'll probably muck out stables in His Kingdom. Still, when the King is good, the people are happy :)
Given that, I have been doing a lot of thinking about legacies, writings, etc. As I read God's Word, I see ordinary people placed in extraordinary situations, and by the grace of God they prevail. These people were not perfect, but everything points to God's glory. I wonder how much of my life points to God's glory. Right now, it probably doesn't. Whether I am in a great mood, or a dark mood; whether I love myself, or hate myself; God is still on His throne. He was on His throne before He created me, and He will be on His throne for eternity. I make no difference. I read the letters of Paul, which comprise most of the New Testament, and even then we only get a glimpse of a few days of Paul's life where he actually put pen to paper. We weren't there on the days where he was pissed off. We weren't there on the days where he just sat and made a tent. All we know of him are the words he put on paper. He could have lied, he could have exaggerated the truth, we cannot know. We take it on faith. God showed me the importance of writing things down a few years ago, and despite my imperfections and failures I try to do so. It may not be as flowery as Paul's writings, but I do what I can. I shock myself at my brutality and honesty in my journal. Not everything in that journal makes it on here, and vice versa.
I read the Gospels, and we only see a few glimpses of a few days in the life of Jesus. I read all four accounts of the Triumphal Entry today, and what if the 'crowds' shouting "Hosanna!" were just 10-20 people. What if the "triumph" was scoffed at by casual onlookers. Because of writing, we understand it to be a huge event. In either case, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of entering Jerusalem on a donkey. A week later, He hung on a cross for our sins. This just goes to show that His divine plan will be fulfilled regardless of what we think of it! There is a God, we rebelled against Him, He loves us and died for us, and regardless of what you may think He is coming back. This is just the way it is. Whatever counter arguments, rationales, etc. they do not matter. He was born, He lived, He allowed Himself to be murdered, and HE ROSE AGAIN! He is coming back. He does not need my permission to be God. I love Habakkuk 2:20 "But the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him." I love that God is the One saying that. He is God...shut up! He loves you...shut up! He died for you...shut up! He came back for you...shut up! It blows my mind.
It floors me that no matter what mood I am in, I cannot *not* believe in Him. Renouncing Him is impossible for me. I may not feel saved, or I may not be a useful part of the Kingdom, but at the same time I believe with every part of me that He is real. I cannot eloquently put my finger on it at times, but He is still God. He is still on His throne. He will reign eternally. You decide what you will do about it. Hosanna.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart Kingsley
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
No Room in the Inn
As I write this it is 1am CST on Thursday, March 1 (happy birthday Gegot!), and I cannot sleep. I attribute that to the Coke I drank about 2hrs ago. Caffeine withdrawal headaches are mean. I went all day Tuesday without a Coke, and paid the price on Wednesday. Wednesday was probably my 2nd worst day in this job.
My first major task for the GAC was to book hotel rooms for the conference MBB and WBB teams who would be participating in our conference tournament here in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where I am writing from. Coming into Bartlesville, I was confident that all rooms were secure and accounted for. Around 4pm CST Wednesday I found out just how wrong I was. There was one AD that I just completely forgot to book, so that was my fault. There were about four other instances where the hotels dropped the ball as well. My representative with the Bartlesville Sports Commission is a saint, an angel, etc. God used her in miraculous ways today, and we were able to place everyone in a room Wednesday night with issues to be sorted out for the remaining nights, hopefully. Even I changed rooms tonight! I went from having 2 Queen beds to 1 King to help our GAC Sports Network guys out, so that was a blessing. I am writing this as a testament to how awesome God is even when I drop the ball.
I was also reminded of something powerful, and I must chronicle it. I do not care if 'chronicle' is not a verb, I just made it one. It struck me as powerful that Jesus Himself was humble enough to be born in a manger in a city where there was no room for Him in an inn. He could have been born in a palace, surrounded by servants, etc. Instead He chose a manger surrounded by animals and smelly shepherds. I remember the ordeal today where an AD did not have a room, and it still mortifies me. Granted, it is my job to supply the rooms, and for the most part they were all ready, but still...it is expected, nothing less than the best. I am not saying the AD should be prepared to sleep outside, not at all. Surely, I would relinquish my own room and sleep in my truck (Scarlet made the trip to OK!) than have my failure cause a detriment to someone else. I hate failure, yet I fail so much. My greatest fear is to fail the GAC, which means I fail UGA, which means I fail my family, etc. By the grace of God, through the BSC and Conoco-Philips, all of the GAC affiliates have a place to lay their heads tonight...and I cannot sleep. The irony is palpable, but blessed. I am desperately dependent on the Hand of God to keep me alive and functioning. He has brought to my heart things to pray about that I can guarantee nobody else in this city is praying for, and it keeps me awake. Someone as insignificant as me can still irreparably harm an event like this, and it terrifies me. I'm all well and good with getting no recognition for any small good thing I do, hey, it's my job. However, when one small failure could instantly bring all wrath down on me, I stay up at night praying. I am excited about this trip. I have been looking forward to this trip. I pray God's blessing on this tournament this weekend. I pray for safety for everyone involved, and for a fun time for all. I pray for healthy competition for His glory. No matter what He sees fit to do with me, I will honor Him. I am fully aware of how wretched I am, and that allows me to be more aware of His grace and mercy in my life. I am unworthy of it, but I pray for it in abundance because I need it. I am like a toddler knocking everything over, and not yet potty-trained, and I feel that He is a loving Father who puts up with me because He loves me. I pray for that love to shine through so that everyone around me can see it despite myself.
There was no room in the inn in Bethlehem for the Savior, but because of Him Bartlesville, Oklahoma, rests peacefully tonight on the eve of the GAC Basketball Tournament. I pray I shall soon be asleep peacefully as well. If you read this, please pray for us out here. And as Paul said, "Pray also for me..." because I sure need all the help I can get. Amen.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart L. Kingsley
My first major task for the GAC was to book hotel rooms for the conference MBB and WBB teams who would be participating in our conference tournament here in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where I am writing from. Coming into Bartlesville, I was confident that all rooms were secure and accounted for. Around 4pm CST Wednesday I found out just how wrong I was. There was one AD that I just completely forgot to book, so that was my fault. There were about four other instances where the hotels dropped the ball as well. My representative with the Bartlesville Sports Commission is a saint, an angel, etc. God used her in miraculous ways today, and we were able to place everyone in a room Wednesday night with issues to be sorted out for the remaining nights, hopefully. Even I changed rooms tonight! I went from having 2 Queen beds to 1 King to help our GAC Sports Network guys out, so that was a blessing. I am writing this as a testament to how awesome God is even when I drop the ball.
I was also reminded of something powerful, and I must chronicle it. I do not care if 'chronicle' is not a verb, I just made it one. It struck me as powerful that Jesus Himself was humble enough to be born in a manger in a city where there was no room for Him in an inn. He could have been born in a palace, surrounded by servants, etc. Instead He chose a manger surrounded by animals and smelly shepherds. I remember the ordeal today where an AD did not have a room, and it still mortifies me. Granted, it is my job to supply the rooms, and for the most part they were all ready, but still...it is expected, nothing less than the best. I am not saying the AD should be prepared to sleep outside, not at all. Surely, I would relinquish my own room and sleep in my truck (Scarlet made the trip to OK!) than have my failure cause a detriment to someone else. I hate failure, yet I fail so much. My greatest fear is to fail the GAC, which means I fail UGA, which means I fail my family, etc. By the grace of God, through the BSC and Conoco-Philips, all of the GAC affiliates have a place to lay their heads tonight...and I cannot sleep. The irony is palpable, but blessed. I am desperately dependent on the Hand of God to keep me alive and functioning. He has brought to my heart things to pray about that I can guarantee nobody else in this city is praying for, and it keeps me awake. Someone as insignificant as me can still irreparably harm an event like this, and it terrifies me. I'm all well and good with getting no recognition for any small good thing I do, hey, it's my job. However, when one small failure could instantly bring all wrath down on me, I stay up at night praying. I am excited about this trip. I have been looking forward to this trip. I pray God's blessing on this tournament this weekend. I pray for safety for everyone involved, and for a fun time for all. I pray for healthy competition for His glory. No matter what He sees fit to do with me, I will honor Him. I am fully aware of how wretched I am, and that allows me to be more aware of His grace and mercy in my life. I am unworthy of it, but I pray for it in abundance because I need it. I am like a toddler knocking everything over, and not yet potty-trained, and I feel that He is a loving Father who puts up with me because He loves me. I pray for that love to shine through so that everyone around me can see it despite myself.
There was no room in the inn in Bethlehem for the Savior, but because of Him Bartlesville, Oklahoma, rests peacefully tonight on the eve of the GAC Basketball Tournament. I pray I shall soon be asleep peacefully as well. If you read this, please pray for us out here. And as Paul said, "Pray also for me..." because I sure need all the help I can get. Amen.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart L. Kingsley
Friday, February 10, 2012
James, the brother of Jesus
We had our 8th grade guys read James last week. I don't ask the students I lead to do thing I wouldn't do myself, so I read James as well. Here are my thoughts:
James 1:5 tells me that if I lack wisdom, which I do, I should ask God for it because He gives generously. James 1:6 tells me that I should ask in faith though. James 1:7 tells me I should not just assume that God will give me anything. God is Father, not Santa. We have all declared war on God, so it's a miracle that He even deigns to save one person! He owes me nothing, yet He gives me everything. That blows my mind. James 1:12 tells me that if I persevere to the end, I will get the crown of life. James 1:13-15 tells me to avoid temptation. It is not God who tempts me because He wants me to grow closer to Him. He does allow me to be tempted, however, and I cheat on Him daily :( I am Gomer, yet I do not want to marry a Gomer (read Hosea). I am a wretch who expects comfort! I am detestable, and made potable only through the blood of Christ. James 1:19 tells me I should be:
James 2 starts off dealing with partiality. I've been a very partial person. I prefer rich and overlook poor. I've judged books by their covers. I am guilty of not loving others as I love myself. James 2:10 says that if I break one of the Commandments, I am guilty of breaking all of them. I admit my guilt. James 2:13 assures me that mercy triumphs over judgment. God is Just, so the fact that He has mercy on just one person is a miracle. We need to recognize just where we stand before God before we can claim to have any little understanding of God. No one knows the mind of God. We are like dogs following our master. We understand signals, and we obey or disobey. When we realize where we all stand, that we have all declared war on God, we realize that rich/poor, White/Black, American/not, etc. all are equally in need of a Savior. We are convinced that the harder we work, the better we are, yet in terms of salvation that is not the case. James then goes on to say that faith without works is dead. Faith is not salvation. Faith is belief in the unseen that leads to action. I have faith that a chair will hold me, but if I don't sit down then what good is that chair to me? If I have faith that Jesus saves, yet I don't dedicate my life to that belief, then what good is Jesus' salvation for me? I still have to reach out and accept a free gift. True belief leads to action. If I believe I'm going to be hit by a bus, I jump out of the way. I believe that Jesus saved me despite anything I've done, so I dedicate my life and livelihood to my Savior. Jesus saves those who enter the relationship with Him. That relationship lasts for eternity. He is not a "get out of Hell free" card even though we escape His absence (Hell) by gaining His presence (Heaven). Our goal tends to be to escape Hell without truly realizing what Hell is. Same with Heaven. We perceive Heaven as "good", but we overlook the fact that it is good because it is God's intimate, eternal presence. If we don't want a relationship with Him on Earth, we will be disappointed in Heaven. The point is to fall more in love with Jesus to the point where we obey Him more than we love ourselves. He gives to us so that we can give to others. We live in pursuit of Him to one day be with Him. If we love someone, we act on that love. We pursue, engage, marry, etc. As a man, I will either live for my family, or stay single, but either choice will be for the glory of God. Because I believe in Jesus, I work hard to advance His kingdom in the hearts of people regardless of who my employer is. If I just sat at home and did nothing, it would be apparent that I had no true beliefs.
James 3 tells me about how wicked my tongue is. No arguments there :/ James 3:9 says that I use it to both bless and curse. Amen. James 3:1 tells me that teachers will be judged with greater strictness. I have been called to teach, and I take that responsibility very seriously. It gives me accountability.
James 4 warns against worldliness. James 4:4 says friendship with the world is enmity with God, and vice versa. I realized last summer that this world has absolutely nothing to offer me. This world is Satan's dominion, and I'm on the opposing team. He hates me and wants to destroy me, yet the worst he can do is kill me. Either way, God gets the glory and I get to spend eternity with Him. James 4 also points out that conflicts occur over resources and possessions, but that shouldn't be because God gives generously. We don't have because we do not humbly ask Him for it. We're taught to fight and take, not love and ask. James 4:6 says God gives grace to the humble. I am so thankful that God humbles me without humiliating me. I can humiliate myself enough on my own! James 4:7-8 tells me to resist Satan and draw near to God. Satan tempts me away from God, yet God wants me to draw closer to Him. Of course, God is preferable, but my flesh longs for it's old idols a lot. I lose more than I win :( I honestly don't know why God still puts up with me. James 4:10 says "Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." I love that song too. I serve God because He saved me, not because I hope to gain anything from Him. Still, He promised to take care of me. It's crazy. That's where humility is vital.
James 5:16 tells me that the prayers of a righteous man are powerful. Since there is none righteous, no not one, I pray in Jesus' name.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart L. Kingsley
- James is only 5 chapters.
- James and Paul seem to contradict on faith vs. works-based salvation. If you plant an apple seed, an apple tree grows. If the seed of the Spirit is planted in your heart, you should bear fruit. The works don't save you, but they should make your faith evident. Remember, you can fool others, but you can't fool God. Check your roots.
- This particular James is Jesus' brother, as in Mary and Joseph's son. Remember, Joseph wasn't Jesus' father. God is the Father. The Bible clearly states (Mark 3:31, etc.) that Jesus had brothers and sisters through Mary and Joseph. I don't know, if I had to grow up hearing "Why can't you be more like Jesus?!" every day, I'd probably resent Him too. In Luke 4:24 Jesus says that a prophet is not acceptable in his hometown, meaning it's hard for the people who have known you your whole life to accept any authority from you. Jesus was rejected in His hometown. He told them that their rejection would cost them salvation, and they tried to kill Him in His hometown.
James 1:5 tells me that if I lack wisdom, which I do, I should ask God for it because He gives generously. James 1:6 tells me that I should ask in faith though. James 1:7 tells me I should not just assume that God will give me anything. God is Father, not Santa. We have all declared war on God, so it's a miracle that He even deigns to save one person! He owes me nothing, yet He gives me everything. That blows my mind. James 1:12 tells me that if I persevere to the end, I will get the crown of life. James 1:13-15 tells me to avoid temptation. It is not God who tempts me because He wants me to grow closer to Him. He does allow me to be tempted, however, and I cheat on Him daily :( I am Gomer, yet I do not want to marry a Gomer (read Hosea). I am a wretch who expects comfort! I am detestable, and made potable only through the blood of Christ. James 1:19 tells me I should be:
- Quick to hear: Sometimes I listen. Sometimes I just wait for my turn to speak. I need to be a better listener, and pray for discernment and wisdom to serve those I listen to.
- Slow to speak: This was never me! Nobody would say I'm slow to speak. I really need the Spirit's help with this!
- Slow to anger: I turn all of my anger inward on myself. I don't ever explode. I do, however, get frustrated extremely easily. I panic, tell everyone, and then I have to update everyone when things change. I am annoying! I am sorry if I've annoyed you
James 2 starts off dealing with partiality. I've been a very partial person. I prefer rich and overlook poor. I've judged books by their covers. I am guilty of not loving others as I love myself. James 2:10 says that if I break one of the Commandments, I am guilty of breaking all of them. I admit my guilt. James 2:13 assures me that mercy triumphs over judgment. God is Just, so the fact that He has mercy on just one person is a miracle. We need to recognize just where we stand before God before we can claim to have any little understanding of God. No one knows the mind of God. We are like dogs following our master. We understand signals, and we obey or disobey. When we realize where we all stand, that we have all declared war on God, we realize that rich/poor, White/Black, American/not, etc. all are equally in need of a Savior. We are convinced that the harder we work, the better we are, yet in terms of salvation that is not the case. James then goes on to say that faith without works is dead. Faith is not salvation. Faith is belief in the unseen that leads to action. I have faith that a chair will hold me, but if I don't sit down then what good is that chair to me? If I have faith that Jesus saves, yet I don't dedicate my life to that belief, then what good is Jesus' salvation for me? I still have to reach out and accept a free gift. True belief leads to action. If I believe I'm going to be hit by a bus, I jump out of the way. I believe that Jesus saved me despite anything I've done, so I dedicate my life and livelihood to my Savior. Jesus saves those who enter the relationship with Him. That relationship lasts for eternity. He is not a "get out of Hell free" card even though we escape His absence (Hell) by gaining His presence (Heaven). Our goal tends to be to escape Hell without truly realizing what Hell is. Same with Heaven. We perceive Heaven as "good", but we overlook the fact that it is good because it is God's intimate, eternal presence. If we don't want a relationship with Him on Earth, we will be disappointed in Heaven. The point is to fall more in love with Jesus to the point where we obey Him more than we love ourselves. He gives to us so that we can give to others. We live in pursuit of Him to one day be with Him. If we love someone, we act on that love. We pursue, engage, marry, etc. As a man, I will either live for my family, or stay single, but either choice will be for the glory of God. Because I believe in Jesus, I work hard to advance His kingdom in the hearts of people regardless of who my employer is. If I just sat at home and did nothing, it would be apparent that I had no true beliefs.
James 3 tells me about how wicked my tongue is. No arguments there :/ James 3:9 says that I use it to both bless and curse. Amen. James 3:1 tells me that teachers will be judged with greater strictness. I have been called to teach, and I take that responsibility very seriously. It gives me accountability.
James 4 warns against worldliness. James 4:4 says friendship with the world is enmity with God, and vice versa. I realized last summer that this world has absolutely nothing to offer me. This world is Satan's dominion, and I'm on the opposing team. He hates me and wants to destroy me, yet the worst he can do is kill me. Either way, God gets the glory and I get to spend eternity with Him. James 4 also points out that conflicts occur over resources and possessions, but that shouldn't be because God gives generously. We don't have because we do not humbly ask Him for it. We're taught to fight and take, not love and ask. James 4:6 says God gives grace to the humble. I am so thankful that God humbles me without humiliating me. I can humiliate myself enough on my own! James 4:7-8 tells me to resist Satan and draw near to God. Satan tempts me away from God, yet God wants me to draw closer to Him. Of course, God is preferable, but my flesh longs for it's old idols a lot. I lose more than I win :( I honestly don't know why God still puts up with me. James 4:10 says "Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." I love that song too. I serve God because He saved me, not because I hope to gain anything from Him. Still, He promised to take care of me. It's crazy. That's where humility is vital.
James 5:16 tells me that the prayers of a righteous man are powerful. Since there is none righteous, no not one, I pray in Jesus' name.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart L. Kingsley
Arkansas 2
I am sorry my blogging has been slacking. I've been rather lazy, to be honest. When I'm not working, I'm usually watching TV or playing video games in my nice apartment. I've been trying to get plugged into a local church, and so far I've only found a youth group to get involved with. I miss the Spirit-filled community of WFBC, but I'm doing what I can at RFBC. I spent 2 weeks with the 6th grade boys, and they were cool, but they desperately needed another leader with 8th grade guys. I jumped in with the 20+ 8th grade guys, and I've been working with them these past 2 weeks. It's been good, but since it's only once a week I am still hurting spiritually. I still have Scripture, and I still have the Spirit, so I'm nowhere near dead, but I'm not as vibrant as I was last year. I know God has a purpose in bringing me out here, so I'm just taking it one day at a time.
I spent last weekend in Weatherford and Oklahoma City, OK. I'd never been to OK before, and the parts I saw were nice. OKC is very nice. So far I have seen 8 of our 9 schools play basketball against each other. I also saw one of our provisional members play last weekend. So, technically, 9 out of 10 schools. I'll get to see the final one tomorrow most likely. Since I live right down the road from Arkansas Tech, I have seen most teams when they come to play Tech. I saw SWOSU, HSU, SAU and OBU on the road. All the rest I've seen at Tech. I've met a lot of nice people, and I'm enjoying myself.
I got all of our teams placed in their hotels for the basketball tournament, so I get to spend the next two weeks making sure everything stays straight with that. I'm really looking forward to our week in Bartlesville, OK. The Bartlesville Sports Commission has been fantastic in coming alongside us to put this event on. After this I'll still have to work the Golf, Tennis, Softball and Baseball tournaments, so I will be kept busy.
I'm Athens-sick, but I'm surviving out here. I spent a good chunk of my spiritual life as a spiritual loner, then God showed me what Christian community should be, now I'm back to being a loner. I guess if you could sum up my emotions in a word it would be "longing". Longing for what I've lost, longing for a purpose, etc. I have a job to do, and I will do the best I can (Colossians 3:23). I know God will not forsake me :)
For the Kingdom,
Stuart L. Kingsley
I spent last weekend in Weatherford and Oklahoma City, OK. I'd never been to OK before, and the parts I saw were nice. OKC is very nice. So far I have seen 8 of our 9 schools play basketball against each other. I also saw one of our provisional members play last weekend. So, technically, 9 out of 10 schools. I'll get to see the final one tomorrow most likely. Since I live right down the road from Arkansas Tech, I have seen most teams when they come to play Tech. I saw SWOSU, HSU, SAU and OBU on the road. All the rest I've seen at Tech. I've met a lot of nice people, and I'm enjoying myself.
I got all of our teams placed in their hotels for the basketball tournament, so I get to spend the next two weeks making sure everything stays straight with that. I'm really looking forward to our week in Bartlesville, OK. The Bartlesville Sports Commission has been fantastic in coming alongside us to put this event on. After this I'll still have to work the Golf, Tennis, Softball and Baseball tournaments, so I will be kept busy.
I'm Athens-sick, but I'm surviving out here. I spent a good chunk of my spiritual life as a spiritual loner, then God showed me what Christian community should be, now I'm back to being a loner. I guess if you could sum up my emotions in a word it would be "longing". Longing for what I've lost, longing for a purpose, etc. I have a job to do, and I will do the best I can (Colossians 3:23). I know God will not forsake me :)
For the Kingdom,
Stuart L. Kingsley
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Arkansas
"Arkansas, Arkansas, I just love my Arkansas..." That song has been in my head every time I've thought of Arkansas since Middle School thanks to a friend of mine. Well, now I am here in Arkansas. It's been a month since I've updated this blog, despite my time in the Word. It's all just been a whirlwind of packing, moving, unpacking and getting situated. I tell myself I'm half Arkansas since my mom is from Arkansas. Sure, I like the Hawgs as my team in the West as well. I'll always be a Dawg though. All of my previous experiences in Arkansas have been in the Ozark Mountains, so being here in Russellville is new to me. Let me begin at the beginning:
The original plan was to have the moving company pick up my stuff in Athens the Friday before the New Year. They would keep my stuff on the truck and go do other jobs until that next Wednesday when they would meet me in Arkansas to offload. My mother was in Montana with my sister and amazing nephew (PEYTON!) for that whole month, so it was just us men. I enjoyed my time at home, and had a lot of plans for the New Year weekend. Well the Wednesday night before New Years I get a call from the moving truck saying they would be in Athens to pick up my stuff that Thursday. Due to that, they would be able to be in Arkansas that Friday. I knew there was a slim chance I would be able to make it to Arkansas, sign the lease, get the key, offload, etc. that Friday since it would take me a full day to drive to Arkansas. So, I frantically packed my truck that night much to the dismay of my father and brother. I was not ready to leave. I had no idea when the moving truck would get to Athens, so I woke up at 6:30am and drove straight to Athens. I proceeded to wait, and nap, until about 4:30pm when the moving truck finally showed up. Before they started loading, I had a talk with the driver about scheduling. After about half an hour of debate, we decided that he would put my stuff in a storage unit near Russellville, and give me the information. So, I had to pay for extra storage that I didn't plan for. This arrangement allowed me to go back home for the weekend though, and carry out my original plans. I had prayed about it, but I realized that God's timing is not my own. I was able to leave early, and I was willing to leave early. God had told me months before that when my exodus came, it would come fast, and so it had. I call it my "unleavened bread" scenario. For some reason, God allowed me to step back from alert readiness and spend a few extra days with my family. I am very thankful for that.
However, Wednesday did come, and I had to get into my truck and drive to Arkansas. The drive was long, but scenic and uneventful. I wish I didn't have to do it alone, but I had good God time. Jeremy Camp's "Desire" from his "Restored" album was on repeat in my truck. I stopped for the night in Conway, Arkansas, which was apparently the wrong side of town, but I had no issues. The girl at the front desk and I have a mutual friend. Random, I know. Small world. I saw 5 states in one day. I enjoyed a steak for dinner, and slept well. I had a very nice room, but no time to play in it. Early that next morning I drove the remaining 50 miles or so to Russellville, and Spring Lake Apartments. The apartment complex is massive, and right next to I-40. My apartment is at the very back corner of the complex. I signed the lease, got my keys, and unpacked my truck. The apartment that I rent is furnished with a washer/dryer. It's also 2-bedroom/1-bathroom. It is massive. I always said that my little apartment in Athens was more than I needed, but this apartment is much more than I need LoL. I am thoroughly enjoying living in it so far. After 2 weeks, all is well. My neighbors are nice, and the landlord is very nice. That's the thing about Arkansas, everyone here is nice! A lot of times in Georgia it was hard to be nice to people, or people were mean for no apparent reason. If someone was nice, they had an ulterior motive. I'm still wary here in Arkansas, but it's a lot lighter.
Russellville is a bit more industrial than I imagined, but it's still a nice town. They got a Chick-fil-A last October, and it's nowhere near the same as the ones in GA (different chicken), but it's nice to know God has a presence here (j/k). The reason I came here is the Great American Conference. It's Division 2 and just started last year. It includes 9 schools so far: Arkansas-Monticello, Arkansas Tech, East Central, Harding, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Southern Arkansas, and Southwestern Oklahoma State. There are 3 full-time staffers and myself representing the GAC. I know it will be different here than at UGA, but so far so good. I have a lot to look forward to. Last week I took my first ever road trip for basketball. The SID and I went to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to watch Southern Arkansas play at Ouachita Baptist. It was a great trip, and I met some good people. Arkansas Tech is right here in Russellville, so I'll be more able to attend their home games and see conference play. I'm here until at least May 11, when I graduate from UGA with my Masters Degree. Between now and then, I have the Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Golf, Men's and Women's Tennis, Softball, and Baseball conference tournaments. I finally get to see sports through event management eyes. I had a good relationship with the EM crew at UGA, but my only exposure was Ticket Sales, which was a different branch altogether.
As far as spiritual growth goes, I'm seeking a place to get plugged in. I think I've found a church that I can really sink my teeth into, so that's good. I truly miss WFBC, and my friends there. I know the harvest is abundant, with few workers, and I desperately want to be one of those workers. It's the only thing that matters eternally. I hope I can do my best here in the GAC, for the glory of God, but I know God brought me out here to do things for Him in my spare time. Two weeks in I am a weird combination of apprehensive and optimistic. We'll see how it goes. All prayers appreciated :)
For the Kingdom-
Stuart L. Kingsley
The original plan was to have the moving company pick up my stuff in Athens the Friday before the New Year. They would keep my stuff on the truck and go do other jobs until that next Wednesday when they would meet me in Arkansas to offload. My mother was in Montana with my sister and amazing nephew (PEYTON!) for that whole month, so it was just us men. I enjoyed my time at home, and had a lot of plans for the New Year weekend. Well the Wednesday night before New Years I get a call from the moving truck saying they would be in Athens to pick up my stuff that Thursday. Due to that, they would be able to be in Arkansas that Friday. I knew there was a slim chance I would be able to make it to Arkansas, sign the lease, get the key, offload, etc. that Friday since it would take me a full day to drive to Arkansas. So, I frantically packed my truck that night much to the dismay of my father and brother. I was not ready to leave. I had no idea when the moving truck would get to Athens, so I woke up at 6:30am and drove straight to Athens. I proceeded to wait, and nap, until about 4:30pm when the moving truck finally showed up. Before they started loading, I had a talk with the driver about scheduling. After about half an hour of debate, we decided that he would put my stuff in a storage unit near Russellville, and give me the information. So, I had to pay for extra storage that I didn't plan for. This arrangement allowed me to go back home for the weekend though, and carry out my original plans. I had prayed about it, but I realized that God's timing is not my own. I was able to leave early, and I was willing to leave early. God had told me months before that when my exodus came, it would come fast, and so it had. I call it my "unleavened bread" scenario. For some reason, God allowed me to step back from alert readiness and spend a few extra days with my family. I am very thankful for that.
However, Wednesday did come, and I had to get into my truck and drive to Arkansas. The drive was long, but scenic and uneventful. I wish I didn't have to do it alone, but I had good God time. Jeremy Camp's "Desire" from his "Restored" album was on repeat in my truck. I stopped for the night in Conway, Arkansas, which was apparently the wrong side of town, but I had no issues. The girl at the front desk and I have a mutual friend. Random, I know. Small world. I saw 5 states in one day. I enjoyed a steak for dinner, and slept well. I had a very nice room, but no time to play in it. Early that next morning I drove the remaining 50 miles or so to Russellville, and Spring Lake Apartments. The apartment complex is massive, and right next to I-40. My apartment is at the very back corner of the complex. I signed the lease, got my keys, and unpacked my truck. The apartment that I rent is furnished with a washer/dryer. It's also 2-bedroom/1-bathroom. It is massive. I always said that my little apartment in Athens was more than I needed, but this apartment is much more than I need LoL. I am thoroughly enjoying living in it so far. After 2 weeks, all is well. My neighbors are nice, and the landlord is very nice. That's the thing about Arkansas, everyone here is nice! A lot of times in Georgia it was hard to be nice to people, or people were mean for no apparent reason. If someone was nice, they had an ulterior motive. I'm still wary here in Arkansas, but it's a lot lighter.
Russellville is a bit more industrial than I imagined, but it's still a nice town. They got a Chick-fil-A last October, and it's nowhere near the same as the ones in GA (different chicken), but it's nice to know God has a presence here (j/k). The reason I came here is the Great American Conference. It's Division 2 and just started last year. It includes 9 schools so far: Arkansas-Monticello, Arkansas Tech, East Central, Harding, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Southern Arkansas, and Southwestern Oklahoma State. There are 3 full-time staffers and myself representing the GAC. I know it will be different here than at UGA, but so far so good. I have a lot to look forward to. Last week I took my first ever road trip for basketball. The SID and I went to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to watch Southern Arkansas play at Ouachita Baptist. It was a great trip, and I met some good people. Arkansas Tech is right here in Russellville, so I'll be more able to attend their home games and see conference play. I'm here until at least May 11, when I graduate from UGA with my Masters Degree. Between now and then, I have the Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Golf, Men's and Women's Tennis, Softball, and Baseball conference tournaments. I finally get to see sports through event management eyes. I had a good relationship with the EM crew at UGA, but my only exposure was Ticket Sales, which was a different branch altogether.
As far as spiritual growth goes, I'm seeking a place to get plugged in. I think I've found a church that I can really sink my teeth into, so that's good. I truly miss WFBC, and my friends there. I know the harvest is abundant, with few workers, and I desperately want to be one of those workers. It's the only thing that matters eternally. I hope I can do my best here in the GAC, for the glory of God, but I know God brought me out here to do things for Him in my spare time. Two weeks in I am a weird combination of apprehensive and optimistic. We'll see how it goes. All prayers appreciated :)
For the Kingdom-
Stuart L. Kingsley
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Watkinsville First Baptist Church
This blog entry is for my WFBC people. I really feel like Paul writing to the Philippians because you can tell he truly loved them.
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27)
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13)
I love WFBC largely because I know the Holy Spirit is present and driving that church. I hope to find a Spirit-driven church in Arkansas. I know that wherever I go, I carry the flame of the Holy Spirit inside me, and it only takes a spark. God is Faithful. I'm very thankful.
I am thankful for Lead Pastor Carlos Sibley. He sets a great example as a father and a husband. He spoke at Fight Club near its inception, and he spoke softly and about Kindness. It was a different approach to our militaristic mindset, but it was a message we all needed to hear. From Pastor Carlos I take the example of quiet strength. I also see his example of a manager. He assembled a team of five different associate pastors, and by their powers combined they have WFBC. He does not micro-manage, and that is awesome. If God places me in a leadership position in the future, I hope to have his personal bearing that leads to respect. I'll be praying for him and his family as they lead WFBC.
I am thankful for Pastor General Vic Doss. He is also a great example of a father and a husband. He started it all for me really. I had visited WFBC before, but opted to attend Athens Church for 1.5yrs. In August 2009 General Vic started Fight Club, and after that it was lights out. Through Fight Club I learned what it means to be biblically masculine. I was introduced to other great men in the church as well as college-aged guys who had a passion for growth. The community and bond of brotherhood forged in that basement for 2.5yrs will carry me and strengthen me in my travels. I won't physically be in the same room as these men, but we are united through the Spirit. From General Vic I learned the passionate, intense, no-filter side of Christianity. Sometimes the Spirit hits you in the soft spots, and that's what I needed. I'll be praying for him and his family as he continues to lead Fight Club and the college group. I will pray that God helps him manage his time between his blood family and his church family. I pray for all of my Fight Club brothers wherever they end up. I pray for the future of Fight Club, and the future generations that will take part in it. God truly has an army in Watkinsville, and I'll wear my service patch proudly. I really can't write enough about General Vic. I am so thankful.
I am thankful for Worship Pastor Jason Dominey, and the worship "Domineytion" every Sunday morning. Worship is more than just singing, sure, but they have the singing down to a science. I love Crowder, Tomlin, et al. but when I get to Heaven I'm finding the Watkinsville Worship stage. Every Sunday, no matter how I was feeling that morning, the worship led me into the throne room of God and I was able to cast all of my cares, confess my sins, etc. and sing with a clear Spirit by the end.
I am thankful for Discipleship Pastor David Holt. When I open the dictionary of words I've learned to "pastor" I see my grandfather's picture. Pastor Holt's picture is now right next to my grandfather's. Just in terms of pure research, topics, etc. My grandfather was not as energetic, but their voices sound the same to me. In Pastor Holt I see a humility that is underneath the surface in that he was the lead pastor of his own church for about 17 years, yet he places himself under the authority of Pastor Carlos now. If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I'd like to have Pastor Holt's preparedness. I am thankful for the time I was able to spend in fellowship with him at his home and with his family. I hope to be as personable in my life.
I am thankful for Youth Pastor Joel Shinpoch. Joel's close to my age, but he's a solid example of a young father and husband. It was very easy to work for him. I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with the WFBC Middle School youth group since August 2010. As a youth leader, I had my small group of 6th and 7th grade guys, but we all led all the kids at one point or another. I am my own worst critic, and I'm glad that Joel put up with me even when I did not feel like being there on a Wednesday night. Also, because of Joel, I only had to buy lunch maybe two Sundays a month :) Joel is a great example of a manager. He assembled a ragtag group of people and made them youth leaders. He is a master organizer and planner. My personality is more shoot-from-the-hip, so that made me even more difficult to deal with at times :) If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I hope to have even just a little bit of Joel's organization and managing skills. I hope I can have even just a little bit of Joel's graciousness too when I encounter people with personalities that differ from mine. I'm so thankful for Joel and the opportunities he gave me.
I am thankful for Children's Pastor Scott Carson. I did not get much time to get to know him, but I know that it takes a special person to deal with children. At Camp Icthus I work with 8-12 yr-old kids, and that has shown me that 12 is about as low as I can go in ministry and remain sane :) As a child, I remember bits and pieces of AWANA and Sunday School. Right now I just get frustrated when I can't talk to an 8 yr-old about Predestination, etc. Pastor Scott has a level of grace that I probably never will possess, and that is amazing. It just shows God's organizational skills, and how He puts the right people in the right places at the right time. I know Watkidsville will be a success because of Pastor Scott's faithfulness. If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I hope to have his patience and graciousness.
So WFBC has 6 pastors. They are husbands and fathers, and good examples of each. They are very different men with different personalities, but together they make up the body of Christ. I hope that I can emulate their positive examples in my life from here on out. Lord knows I have my own negatives! I am deeply thankful that they each tolerated me in their own way. I'm sad I have to leave this fellowship. I'm sad I won't get to go on college retreats, or work with the youth, or watch football with Pastor Holt, etc. anymore. I pray that I can be of some use to the Kingdom out in Arkansas, and that these pastors would be proud of me. I can leave knowing that WFBC is secure. My Fight Club brothers are strong, the youth are strong, the leadership is strong. I am truly thankful for the time I was given at WFBC. If God sees fit to bring me back in the future, I'll hit the ground running. If this is the last time I see them this side of Heaven, then as I said before, I'm finding the Watkinsville Worship stage.
Obviously, there are so many more people that I've been involved with at WFBC, but it would take forever to list and thank them all. By naming the leaders, you can put yourself in that category and know that I am thankful for you as well :) If I ever did anything to frustrate you, or wrong you, consider this my written apology. I love you all.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart Lloyd Kingsley
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27)
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13)
I love WFBC largely because I know the Holy Spirit is present and driving that church. I hope to find a Spirit-driven church in Arkansas. I know that wherever I go, I carry the flame of the Holy Spirit inside me, and it only takes a spark. God is Faithful. I'm very thankful.
I am thankful for Lead Pastor Carlos Sibley. He sets a great example as a father and a husband. He spoke at Fight Club near its inception, and he spoke softly and about Kindness. It was a different approach to our militaristic mindset, but it was a message we all needed to hear. From Pastor Carlos I take the example of quiet strength. I also see his example of a manager. He assembled a team of five different associate pastors, and by their powers combined they have WFBC. He does not micro-manage, and that is awesome. If God places me in a leadership position in the future, I hope to have his personal bearing that leads to respect. I'll be praying for him and his family as they lead WFBC.
I am thankful for Pastor General Vic Doss. He is also a great example of a father and a husband. He started it all for me really. I had visited WFBC before, but opted to attend Athens Church for 1.5yrs. In August 2009 General Vic started Fight Club, and after that it was lights out. Through Fight Club I learned what it means to be biblically masculine. I was introduced to other great men in the church as well as college-aged guys who had a passion for growth. The community and bond of brotherhood forged in that basement for 2.5yrs will carry me and strengthen me in my travels. I won't physically be in the same room as these men, but we are united through the Spirit. From General Vic I learned the passionate, intense, no-filter side of Christianity. Sometimes the Spirit hits you in the soft spots, and that's what I needed. I'll be praying for him and his family as he continues to lead Fight Club and the college group. I will pray that God helps him manage his time between his blood family and his church family. I pray for all of my Fight Club brothers wherever they end up. I pray for the future of Fight Club, and the future generations that will take part in it. God truly has an army in Watkinsville, and I'll wear my service patch proudly. I really can't write enough about General Vic. I am so thankful.
I am thankful for Worship Pastor Jason Dominey, and the worship "Domineytion" every Sunday morning. Worship is more than just singing, sure, but they have the singing down to a science. I love Crowder, Tomlin, et al. but when I get to Heaven I'm finding the Watkinsville Worship stage. Every Sunday, no matter how I was feeling that morning, the worship led me into the throne room of God and I was able to cast all of my cares, confess my sins, etc. and sing with a clear Spirit by the end.
I am thankful for Discipleship Pastor David Holt. When I open the dictionary of words I've learned to "pastor" I see my grandfather's picture. Pastor Holt's picture is now right next to my grandfather's. Just in terms of pure research, topics, etc. My grandfather was not as energetic, but their voices sound the same to me. In Pastor Holt I see a humility that is underneath the surface in that he was the lead pastor of his own church for about 17 years, yet he places himself under the authority of Pastor Carlos now. If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I'd like to have Pastor Holt's preparedness. I am thankful for the time I was able to spend in fellowship with him at his home and with his family. I hope to be as personable in my life.
I am thankful for Youth Pastor Joel Shinpoch. Joel's close to my age, but he's a solid example of a young father and husband. It was very easy to work for him. I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with the WFBC Middle School youth group since August 2010. As a youth leader, I had my small group of 6th and 7th grade guys, but we all led all the kids at one point or another. I am my own worst critic, and I'm glad that Joel put up with me even when I did not feel like being there on a Wednesday night. Also, because of Joel, I only had to buy lunch maybe two Sundays a month :) Joel is a great example of a manager. He assembled a ragtag group of people and made them youth leaders. He is a master organizer and planner. My personality is more shoot-from-the-hip, so that made me even more difficult to deal with at times :) If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I hope to have even just a little bit of Joel's organization and managing skills. I hope I can have even just a little bit of Joel's graciousness too when I encounter people with personalities that differ from mine. I'm so thankful for Joel and the opportunities he gave me.
I am thankful for Children's Pastor Scott Carson. I did not get much time to get to know him, but I know that it takes a special person to deal with children. At Camp Icthus I work with 8-12 yr-old kids, and that has shown me that 12 is about as low as I can go in ministry and remain sane :) As a child, I remember bits and pieces of AWANA and Sunday School. Right now I just get frustrated when I can't talk to an 8 yr-old about Predestination, etc. Pastor Scott has a level of grace that I probably never will possess, and that is amazing. It just shows God's organizational skills, and how He puts the right people in the right places at the right time. I know Watkidsville will be a success because of Pastor Scott's faithfulness. If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I hope to have his patience and graciousness.
So WFBC has 6 pastors. They are husbands and fathers, and good examples of each. They are very different men with different personalities, but together they make up the body of Christ. I hope that I can emulate their positive examples in my life from here on out. Lord knows I have my own negatives! I am deeply thankful that they each tolerated me in their own way. I'm sad I have to leave this fellowship. I'm sad I won't get to go on college retreats, or work with the youth, or watch football with Pastor Holt, etc. anymore. I pray that I can be of some use to the Kingdom out in Arkansas, and that these pastors would be proud of me. I can leave knowing that WFBC is secure. My Fight Club brothers are strong, the youth are strong, the leadership is strong. I am truly thankful for the time I was given at WFBC. If God sees fit to bring me back in the future, I'll hit the ground running. If this is the last time I see them this side of Heaven, then as I said before, I'm finding the Watkinsville Worship stage.
Obviously, there are so many more people that I've been involved with at WFBC, but it would take forever to list and thank them all. By naming the leaders, you can put yourself in that category and know that I am thankful for you as well :) If I ever did anything to frustrate you, or wrong you, consider this my written apology. I love you all.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart Lloyd Kingsley
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