tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68280427405362394182012-01-24T14:36:47.015-05:00Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.comBlogger671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-89899024764366236932012-01-24T10:52:00.002-05:002012-01-24T10:57:16.961-05:00

We would be wise to heed the Biblical proverb, "Though it cost all you have, get understanding." I will be quick to tell you that there are many things that I do not understand. When I was in elementary school, some of the hardest things for me to grasp were the concepts of color and taste. I don't mean the difference between yellow and blue or between sweet and sour. My parents were great

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-14140247336780710912012-01-23T19:30:00.005-05:002012-01-24T11:35:14.546-05:00

 Yesterday, we concluded what may be my favorite series so far! The series, ImPerfect, took a common word (imperfect) added an apostrophe and a space and made it I'm Perfect. Thanks to our design team, the puzzle pieces fit together perfectly. (Pardon the pun.) It's no big feat grammatically, but it is a big deal when God does it in your life.   Photos by Amber Anderson What part of

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See if you can find the common denominator in the following verses. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his

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After you watch this video, you may be inspired to make a difference in someone's life. If so, let me know. I could use some help as we work in our city to help one person at a time change their destiny.

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-62240720134299469622011-11-16T17:24:00.001-05:002011-11-17T17:02:30.175-05:00

We have become mean. The “kinder, gentler America” is a thing of the past, and we have become downright mean. If you think you’re going to pull out in front of me from your driveway to the street, think again. I will run over you before I let you get ahead of me. I don’t care that you just got a call from your teenage daughter who was in an accident. Get behind me! If you think I’m going to

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-87749959476397464052011-10-13T01:02:00.000-04:002011-10-13T01:03:01.107-04:00

You’ve probably noticed that hard times will expose the weak players on a team. This is true if you’re a quarterback, a manager, a pastor, or a five-star general.  It’s also true in a family or in a group of friends.  Adversity will reveal a person’s true character. In a former life, I worked for a man whose strategy was to weed out weak team members and fire them. Since that workplace

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At Transformation House this Sunday we will have our first water baptism service since we started the church in February.  I am STOKED!  Our second one is scheduled for October 30.  These two Sundays will be very special.  Seeing people surrender and connect to Jesus is an awesome experience.  The last baptism I attended was at Brookwood Church earlier this year when my cousin's daughter was

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-39137217263900995632011-09-09T17:40:00.001-04:002011-09-09T18:16:54.274-04:00

People arrive for the Candlelight Memorial for Trey Pennington I’ve been reflecting this week on why the death of Trey Pennington affected me so deeply.  We lived in the same city but had never met.  I only knew of him through the internet.  We weren’t Facebook friends and had never exchanged emails, but when I learned of his death, I felt a sense of loss.  That seems odd when there was no

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Death is not a pleasant subject, but it’s one I have encountered a lot this week.  I am preparing for the graveside memorial service of a friend - the fourth memorial service I’ve attended this week.  Let me share some observations I’ve made this week: ·         All funeral homes and mausoleums stink. You can dress them up with flowers or spray them down with insecticide, but they still

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Have you ever wondered why we use the word "service" to describe what we do in church on Sundays?  Our service happens after we leave the building, so service seems to be the wrong name for our Sunday gatherings.  I'm not a big fan of "worship experience" either since worship is just a part of what we do.  The problem is that I don't have a better one.  Any suggestions? Our new series

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-31661262855422520642011-07-29T23:20:00.000-04:002011-09-02T21:24:57.690-04:00

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-3166888835028534872011-07-24T12:39:00.001-04:002011-07-24T12:39:45.939-04:00

So proud of Pastor Josh. Today was his first sermon at Transformation House. Here he is with his (new) wife and his (not new) grandparents. His sermon was The Identity of Freedom.Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.3

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In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus gives us hope for overcoming a burdened, tired existence: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. As a child in Sunday school, I memorized these verses, and I have to admit

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-9832893359368736662011-07-05T02:47:00.000-04:002011-07-05T02:47:26.034-04:00

The Jews who were born in Egypt knew nothing but slavery.  Even though it was oppressive, they preferred it over freedom because it was comfortable and familiar to them. (Numbers 14:4) I suspect that sometimes we cop the same attitude, "The journey to freedom is too hard.  I don't want to have to suffer in order for my life to change." Oh, we don't actually say those words, but that is

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Our current sermon series at Transformation House is Chosen by the King, Leadership with a Twist.  When I announced the title someone said they thought Chubby Checker was going to show up.  (If you're over 40, think about it.  If you're younger, Google it.)  The point of this series has been to show that everyone is a leader.  God has given us all a role to play in someone else's life as we

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Approaching Greenville on Wade Hampton Boulevard reminds me how great a task is before us. Transforming a city one person at a time requires a long-term commitment. Our Transformers have made this a priority in their lives and are sacrificing their own agendas in order to follow God's call. Wouldn't you like to be a Transformer?Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.9

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It is a beautiful spring day in Greenville!Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

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Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

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Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-31209594819645322232011-05-07T23:18:00.000-04:002011-05-07T23:18:15.245-04:00

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-33488857503340801212011-05-06T18:32:00.002-04:002011-05-06T18:48:26.972-04:00

I just drove by a church sign that read "An idea is salvation by imagination."  What?  Why would you ever want to imagine that you are saved?  I know that is not what the quote means, but unfortunately for these folk, that's exactly what is happening. Now let's be fair, this isn't really a church at all.  It's a group of people who believe just a choice few verses from the Bible and hold no

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-5024277543101994732011-03-11T01:59:00.002-05:002011-03-19T01:29:10.790-04:00

I got to spend the day with friends and colleagues at NewSpring Church in Anderson.  I have been to Newspring several times for other events, but this was the first time I've attended Unleash.  If you're interested you can click here view videos from previous years. I won't give you a lengthy description of the conference, but let me say that the volunteers were phenomenal - as always.  You

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-21289651659031512142011-01-22T00:21:00.006-05:002011-01-22T14:21:48.655-05:00

Now, to be honest, my mom didn't use that phrase much when I was young.  I respected and obeyed my mom as much as my dad.  She could dish out the punishment and discipline too.  Maybe you heard it more than I did, "Your father is going to wear you out when he gets home." I've been looking around the family this week - not my children and their children, I mean the family of God.  My

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-86906047166818346352010-12-29T02:32:00.002-05:002010-12-29T02:37:31.140-05:00

I want to say thanks to everyone who made Holiday on the House possible.  Everyone who participated knows without a doubt that it is more blessed to give than to receive.  We gave the following letter to the families we assisted last week. We feel honored to be a part of your Christmas celebration this year.  This is one of our favorite times of the year because of what this holiday means. 

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What can I do to make life easier?  Have you found the answer to facing the overwhelming difficulties life can bring?  For some reason, when we near the Christmas season it seems that more people face depression, the stack of bills seems higher, the weather is colder, and the car doesn't want to start.  How can we avoid the utter anguish that all of this brings?  If Jesus, the Prince of Peace,

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-76910208504555287512010-10-11T19:08:00.001-04:002010-10-11T19:28:15.135-04:00

All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.  Proverbs 16:2 Church has always been a part of my life.  I mean, I was in church from Day One, but I don't remember one sermon or Sunday school lesson that taught a Biblical view of sexuality.  Never.  Not in a gentle, G-rated lesson in Junior High, not in a youth group setting, and not even from the pastor in the 

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-33798536574985971692010-10-05T18:47:00.000-04:002010-10-05T18:47:44.802-04:00

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-33196617635186992812010-09-20T12:02:00.001-04:002010-09-20T14:18:04.948-04:00

When you were a kid, did you ever line up with your friends at a line drawn on the sidewalk ready to race to the end of the block?  Remember the anticipation? Ready, set, GO! That's where I feel I am now - standing with my toes touching that line.  I'm ready to charge toward the goal. For me, that goal isn't the end of the block, it is establishing a minstry center in the heart of my hometown

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-9288198102297919832010-09-20T08:52:00.003-04:002010-09-20T11:54:33.929-04:00

Steven Furtick gave us a copy of his book last week.  What a dude!  This is not a book review, because I have not finished reading Sun Stand Still yet.  I want to encourage you to order your copy today.  I've just started and already think everybody should read it. Early in the book, I read this: This book is not a snuggie.  The words on these pages will not go down like Ambien.  I'm not

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-19478107293873413212010-09-17T23:40:00.003-04:002010-09-19T03:47:58.341-04:00

NewSpring Church, Anderson, South Carolina Another week, another conference!  I think this is my last conference for this year - unless I'm invited to another one.  I am not a conference junkie, but this one was so close, and I admire the speakers.  I expected to receive a lot from the #NLC2010, and I was not disappointed.  I was pleased by several other things too: 1) The teachings were so

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-12975019870700256942010-09-13T16:54:00.003-04:002010-09-13T23:35:11.170-04:00

Last Thursday, I drank from a firehose.  For nine hours on 9/9/10 (thus, The Nines) I watched the video conference with nearly 100 speakers at 6 minutes each.  I was thankful for the break every half hour.  (By the way, I need a new comfortable chair for my desk.  Donations accepted.)  I wasn't sure I would last the entire day, but it was so encouraging and challenging that I couldn't pull

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-53211785444899831842010-09-05T01:51:00.002-04:002010-09-07T11:07:11.467-04:00

You know how it is when someone catches you offguard with a question.  You have to think about it for a while before you can come up with the appropriate response.  That happened to me this week when someone asked me what is different about me.  What has changed in my life?  I wasn't sure of the answer.  After all, I see myself as a completely different person now compared to who I was just ten

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-58266003910775110882010-08-24T01:00:00.002-04:002010-08-24T01:07:47.722-04:00

So, how bad did you mess up?  Bad enough that you want to quit?  Enough to feel disqualified, unworthy, or incapable of fulfilling you dreams and goals?  Have you convinced yourself now that you just don't measure up and you never will? I'd like to suggest before you throw in the towel, that you give it another go.  Seriously, how bad could it really be? After all, if everybody who failed

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-90751955887504616202010-08-20T22:55:00.003-04:002010-08-21T21:58:19.317-04:00

Someone recently told me that I look as if I've had an easy life.  I nearly rolled off my chair laughing, because immediately I thought of the bad days, the hospital stays, the struggles with temptations to sin, the addictive behaviors, losing a job, losing a friend, the death of family members, broken promises, betrayals, depression, financial woes, and more recently, my sister's stroke and my

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-40507631813744124372010-07-27T13:39:00.007-04:002010-07-27T16:53:18.702-04:00

Don't get me wrong; I love the arts and have a special affinity for artists who can take a large, blank canvas and create something beautiful - or at least interesting.  I enjoy visiting our local art museum and seeing paintings that have been around for hundreds of years and more recent sculptures. I could spend all day going from floor to floor and exhibit to exhibit.  But, I stand by my

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-44529210035292974202010-07-22T15:32:00.008-04:002010-09-20T10:26:22.050-04:00

Yesterday morning, during my prayer time, I was captivated by God's miraculous nature.  I was preparing for my day and anticipating having lunch with Pastor Chris and a friend who has been a tremendous blessing to Transformation House over the past 9 months.  At the same time, I didn't want this to just be another ho-hum day.  In my prayer I began to rehearse miracles from Biblical times:  blind

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-49061044201342802482010-07-15T02:15:00.005-04:002010-07-19T14:40:52.738-04:00

It was great to be able to hear from the Lead Team of Quest Community Church for the past few weeks.  This past Sunday we wrapped up the series, Cracking the Code.  Each week we were compelled to examine our relationship with Jesus in a fresh way.  Participating in this series was also a training exercise for us.  We learned to clearly communicate our faith in a way that opens the door for

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-84591013996072174102010-06-07T07:39:00.000-04:002010-06-07T07:39:12.781-04:00

What my latest video is all about: Preparing to launch Transformation House, the focus of our prayers has shifted. "If we have His presence, we have His provision." Naked and unashamed Fire, smoke, lightning, thunder Liberty, freedom, transparency, intimacy "Practicing the Presence of God" defined "It's not about building a church." He's irresistible. In this video, I suggest that there is

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-61548712471556342132010-04-21T09:35:00.003-04:002010-04-21T14:41:35.101-04:00

It was absolutely not what I expected!  For about a week before Chris and I left for Lexington, Kentucky, I had feelings of apprehension about attending The Uprising.  I knew there would be church leaders there from all over the country from all different size churches, and I dreaded being around them. See, I've been to many church conferences over the years.  I know the routine.  Everyone

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-85239845196707733672010-04-09T07:53:00.004-04:002010-04-09T08:00:42.590-04:00

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-30681966562735111282010-03-31T17:12:00.002-04:002010-03-31T17:14:56.190-04:00

Last Sunday, my friend Tom Vinegar brought us a truckload of resources to get us set for ministry to people in downtown Greenville.  Tom should know how, he's been a member of a downtown church for over 20 years and recently retired from Greenville County Mental Health.  He has such a gentle, compassionate approach that his pastor's heart is obvious as you watch him interact with others. I

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-87340709346416437492010-03-21T20:08:00.001-04:002010-03-22T07:25:29.618-04:00

I really enjoyed our time together tonight.  Pastor Chris shared with us the importance of sharing the Gospel.  He related his own experience of being drawn out of a life of darkness and loneliness - not through being scolded, shamed or condemned, but from being loved.  He said he realized that his old lifestyle came about because he felt that no one else understood the pain he was feeling and

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-49817114412846760172010-03-19T01:34:00.002-04:002010-03-19T17:08:45.648-04:00

I have always been fascinated by the intricate details that you can find by reading a map or an encyclopedia. Even as a child, I would pull maps from the glove box to follow a vacation route or sit for hours on a rainy day with the SA-ST volume of the encyclopedia. Now, the age of digital information has me hooked. This may be part of the reason I was originally drawn to Steering through Chaos,

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-31414918520349590122010-02-15T08:50:00.001-05:002010-02-15T08:53:36.653-05:00

We have been given so much.  God has given us everything from the very breath we breathe to our eternal salvation.  His motivation for giving us so much is summed up in John 3:16, "For God so loved that He gave..."  It comes as no surprise then that He would expect the same of us.  Romans 12 lists other gifts that He has given to all of us.  After Paul lists the gifts in verse 8, the very next

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-87417263226062210702010-01-25T00:13:00.003-05:002010-01-25T08:53:32.092-05:00

Tonight, we continued our IN THE BEGINNING series with part two of Created with Purpose. For anyone trying to discover their purpose in life, here is some advice: Make a decision.  Don't wait for writing in the sky before taking a step into your destiny.  I believe God has already put in you everything you need to carry out your purpose.  What are you passionate about? Where are you gifted? 

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-83838008091218570792010-01-21T23:04:00.004-05:002010-07-20T10:55:34.252-04:00

Here are the notes from last Sunday's Bible study. Does your birthplace, or your heritage, or your name, or your past circumstances determine or affect your purpose?  Maybe your father was a doctor.  Does that mean you will grow up to be in the medical profession?  Because you are born into poverty, does that mean you are destined to be poor your whole life?  If your name is Butler, will you

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-82732832286378392010-01-21T00:46:00.005-05:002010-01-21T01:00:57.774-05:00

At our Transformation House Bible studies, we are looking at what the Bible says about God as Creator.  In our first meeting, we looked at how God created the church.  One of Jesus' main objectives was to build His church (Matthew 16:18 and Colossians 1:17-18). Our main point was that everything we do in the church and as the church is ALWAYS relational.  God's very first observation after

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-31993747471602597082009-12-20T01:18:00.001-05:002009-12-20T02:47:26.084-05:00

Since I grew up in church, and I have spent many years as a pastor and worship leader, I kind of think that I've seen it all.  I have worshiped in small, quiet chapels and in stadiums with up to 60,000 people.  I've sat all alone on the beach meditating on God's word, and I've sung and prayed at the top of my lungs while driving down a busy Interstate.  I have stood quietly with tears streaming

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-55019653835266847192009-11-30T18:32:00.003-05:002009-12-20T02:50:31.786-05:00

The Christmas story is full of interesting characters, exciting encounters, dramatic tension, and supernatural wonders. Nestled in the midst of this wonderful and familiar story is a little promise that we cling to two thousand years later. When the angel Gabriel appeared to announce the Virgin Mary’s upcoming pregnancy, Mary’s first response was to ask how this could be. She found some

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-33130062888975537942009-11-17T09:21:00.001-05:002009-12-20T02:50:11.606-05:00

It's ok to brag as long as you have something to brag about, and I do.  I serve a mighty God.  He is faithful and good.  He is loving and just. From Jeremiah 9:23,24 Don't let the wise brag of their wisdom. Don't let heroes brag of their exploits. Don't let the rich brag of their riches. If you brag, brag of this and this only: That you understand and know me. I'm God, and I act in loyal

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-20565342591595563592009-11-16T10:05:00.004-05:002009-12-20T02:51:08.460-05:00

This morning, I picked up my Bible before I rolled out of bed the second time - the first time was to feed Miles and put him back to bed.  When I opened the Bible, I just started reading where my eyes fell on the page, and I read these words of Solomon: "I'm about to build a house of worship in honor of God, a holy place for burning perfumed incense, for setting out holy bread, for making

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-79705098850595695372009-11-09T00:44:00.005-05:002009-12-20T02:51:45.890-05:00

Veteran's Day comes up this Wednesday.  Today, the city of Simpsonville held its annual Veteran's Appreciation Ceremony in front of the Veteran's Monument on Main Street.  I was honored to be asked to offer the benediction. Even though November 11 is my birthday, when I read that date or hear it mentioned, I always think first that it is Veteran's Day. I want to share with you my brief prayer

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-19447953362251640562009-10-28T02:25:00.001-04:002009-12-20T02:52:35.030-05:00

Have you ever just been driving down the road when suddenly you see something that brings a smile to your face?  Ever been sitting in your favorite chair, minding your own business, when your spouse or a child runs up and gives you a kiss - for no particular reason?  How about flipping through an old photo album when a photo brings back a fond memory that was long forgotten? We had one of the

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-44175406018837228542009-10-23T08:41:00.003-04:002009-12-20T02:52:47.008-05:00

Matthew 6 Do not do good just to be noticed. Do not pray publicly to get man's attention. Do not pray long prayers. Do not put on a gloomy face. Do not announce when you're fasting. Do not be a hoarder. Do not worry. Do not worry. Do not worry.

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-23033647450936685682009-10-15T22:04:00.007-04:002009-12-20T02:53:05.381-05:00

Judy tells me this needs to be our theme song.  Yes, ma'am. Transformation House

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-36198157271564980572009-10-12T10:07:00.001-04:002009-10-12T10:10:02.495-04:00

After four days in North Carolina at a ministry retreat, I'm at home on a rainy Monday morning.  The high temperature today will be 58 degrees, a reminder that summer is over.  While we were at the beach last week the skies were clear and the temperature was in the upper 80's.  That's quite a switch in two days! That reminds me of a "suddenly" verse in the Bible.  The first chapter of Acts

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-6396386676419668942009-10-02T10:01:00.002-04:002009-12-20T02:53:30.143-05:00

I guess I tend to lean toward being sentimental, emotional, touchy-feely, and sometimes sappy or corny. That's me; deal with it. Fortunately, I have plenty of level-headed people around me who can keep me in check. I have lots of favorites: favorite beach, favorite teacher, favorite street, favorite restaurant... You get the idea. I'm glad that my parents instilled in me the importance of

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-33180000889570589902009-09-30T01:22:00.002-04:002009-12-20T02:54:02.490-05:00

Recently, I preached a sermon called Hearing From Heaven. I was trying to encourage the church to hang on doggedly to whatever word or vision they have received from God. Now, I'm getting the chance to live out that message. I knew as I was preaching that I was preaching to the choir - or to myself in this case. I asked them (and myself): What are you looking for? Direction? Answers? Strength?

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-57469072293511687592009-09-28T18:40:00.001-04:002009-12-20T02:54:16.252-05:00

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-12336963515157238522009-09-23T09:06:00.004-04:002009-12-20T02:55:19.174-05:00

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-13893928067957518412009-09-21T01:24:00.003-04:002009-12-20T02:56:02.291-05:00

     2 Corinthians 5:14-21 reads, "For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.      So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-35202545970554639392009-09-20T01:46:00.003-04:002009-12-20T02:56:30.967-05:00

From Mark 2:1-5 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. Q1: Do you know where to find Jesus? So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, Q2: Are you aware of needs around you? carried by four of them. Q3: Are you strong enough to help

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-12599738648575938882009-09-03T01:04:00.007-04:002009-12-20T02:57:05.648-05:00

Today, Pastor Chris and I had a very helpful conference call with Jason Morehead, exec pastor at NewSpring. We had a chance to tell him about our vision for ministry in downtown Greenville. He said he loves downtown Greenville. So do we. We were actually sitting on a bench on Main Street while we were talking with him. We asked him questions about NewSpring's start and asked for some advice.

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-64883645541830526622009-08-06T00:23:00.005-04:002009-12-20T02:57:31.454-05:00

Drove through downtown with Pastor Chris today. Saw some For Lease signs, Available signs, For Sale signs, and Coming Soon signs. Lord, show me your sign. Greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done in this city...

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-63191109634865591562009-08-05T00:06:00.006-04:002009-09-23T07:55:11.144-04:00

I Corinthians 9:1,2 There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. For I know your eagerness to help... At this point, I have only shared my vision for Transformation House with my immediate family and a very few close friends. They are all praying with me to discern God's direction as we launch this ministry. I love it when you know that you know that God is leading

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-87056053981734786732009-08-04T01:19:00.004-04:002009-12-20T02:58:04.038-05:00

Watched a couple of video interviews with pastors who have started churches from scratch. They were very encouraging. I believe that with God giving direction and us following closely and quickly, we will see this happen in ways beyond our expectations. I've been drawn to 2 Corinthians 9 this week: 1There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. 2For I know your

Pastor Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11858133350640987822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6828042740536239418.post-6057672492856900902009-08-02T22:50:00.008-04:002009-09-23T07:55:40.428-04:00

Today we had an afternoon in Cleveland Park in downtown Greenville. The kids had a great time on the playground. Gavin fell from the top of the bars and claimed he broke his finger. (He was fine.) But we weren't there just for fun; we had a family meeting to discuss how to carry out the vision God has given us. We are looking forward to having a place of ministry in downtown Greenville and

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