"What Do You Do?"

Does anyone else see the issue with this sign? I entitled this "What Do You Do?" for a reason. kelly and I drove up to this sign in a parking lot in Norcross, Georgia. I was in a state of confusion for a few minutes. But then it made me think - I'll pose the question to you. Have you ever been in a place in your life when you were unsure which way to go. I mean, you came to a point in your life where you needed to make a decision, but the next step forward seemed so conflicting. What do you do?

The Easter Choice

I once heard a pastor say that Easter was the easiest time to preach - the easter message was a homerun service. I agree that it is a message packed with the good news of salvation offered through Jesus Christ, but it is hard to deliver the message in a way that is fresh and inviting. Many people come every Easter and they expect to the hear the story of Jesus dying and rising again. But do they expect for their life to be changed. And here lies the rub. I don't want people to come and just hear the same story. I long for lives to be changed. I long for people to choose Christ. So to me, the Easter message is not so easy. This past Easter I had the privilege to preach a message entitled "The Easter Choice." Take a look at my message below.

The Easter Choice (9:39) from steven brumbeloe on Vimeo.

True Hospitality!

Kelly and I had the privilege of going to Kenya in November of 2010. This trip was life-changing. One of the greatest things I brought away from this trip was the hospitality of the people. We were welcomed into every village with open arms. Check out the video to see what I am talking about and to get a glimpse of our trip. Enjoy!

"Less Is More"

This picture has been in our home for over a year. It defines simplicity of life. We have titled this masterpiece "Less Is More." We love the picture frame but can't decide what to do with it. Actually, I think we have decided. "Less Is More" has found a warm place in our hearts - I think we will leave it hanging in the kitchen where it belongs.

The Church As Counter Cultural

Does the church look any different from the rest of the world? I mean, could a non-believer identify the differences in the actions of a believer. Christ taught his followers to live counter cultural lives. Over the centuries the church diverted from Jesus’ teaching. Sadly, we hold scripture, the letters written in red, in our hands and mind and it lies dormant there. Somehow, the head knowledge of God’s instruction needs to transfer to the heart. Why? Because out of the heart comes action.

At one point in the red letters of Scripture, Jesus taught his disciples to take the narrow gate and stay away from the broad gate. From a worldly standpoint, the wide gate and path seem logical. Something about the largeness attracts people – everyone is doing it. Many individuals take the broad way, but it leads to ruin. All of a sudden the narrow gate, which probably leads to a bumpy and not so wide path, appears attractive. Christ teaches that life, not destruction, exists at the other end of the path.
Humanity that followed Christ heard him teach about loving one’s enemy. Can we say counter-cultural? Yeah, the followers of Christ knew to love their neighbors, the one’s they got along with. But a new teaching arose. Like the people in the original text, the modern Christian grapples with the concept of loving a person who treats them wrong. Something else about this passage cannot be forgotten - Christ added to that command to pray for your enemies. Wow, the Son just lost his mind; he went way overboard. Well, not really, Christ simply exhorts, no he commands believers to live different.
Let us not forget about the Scripture that urges believers to put aside selfish ambition, shoulder their cross, and follow Jesus. What a hard concept to grip in a world consumed with individualism. Not many people are chomping at the bit to give up his or her life. No one wants to die to his or her own plans. Submit to the authority of another person – not going to happen. Apparently, few people are excited about what Christ calls true life – which is found in losing one’s self and picking up a cross.
The words inspired by the father and given to the disciples and the modern church intend to lead humanity to an abundant life. Abundant life requires a cost – walking a narrow path, submission, loving one’s enemy, and much more. The Disciples received the speech of the Son in order that they might live out those truths they believed. Christ’s instruction were clear - – receive the teaching, make it a part of the heart, and let it overflow in actions.
Here lies the encouragement. Make a stance against the world and the way it lives – live counter culturally. Let the world see a difference in you. Amen!

Do You Trust Me?

There is a reason that these signs are marked like they are. On my way to the mountains i came across these signs and immediately applied them to my life. I feel as though God used these signs to tell me this is much like my life. On this particular weekend God kept bringing to my mind the question "do you trust me?" Honestly, i had to answer - no, but i want to. I believe God wants me to go slow because there are curves that i can't see around but he can. Too many times i take matters into my own hands and the result is a nasty wreck around the corner - i am impatient, i want things to happen now.

So my prayer is: Lord, help me to trust you - You take me around the corner at the speed you want me to go.

Explore Venezuela

Explore Venezuela

“Look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting.”
These words spoken by Jesus to his disciples apply so aptly to the country of Venezuela. All around the city of Barquisimeto is fertile soil that produces beautiful and tasteful fruits and vegetables - and boy are they ever cheap. Much of the fruits and vegetables for the entire country come from the state of Lara (Barquisimeto is the capitol of the state of Lara). Just as the the ground is fertile, so are the hearts of the people.

It seems that the people of Venezuela are so open to the gospel. Like most other people in the world they are looking for the one thing that will satisfy their lives. Humanity was made in the image of God - meant to be in a relationship with him - and most people search and search for this - God's initial plan.

I sense a feeling of excitement about the Gospel of Jesus Christ while visiting Venezuela. I think the one thing that excites me the most is the fact that the average age in Venezuela is 23. In Barquisimeto alone there are 13 universities. If the Gospel could be shared with this young population the country of Venezuela could be changed dramatically over the next few generations. This is an exciting vision and an exciting prayer.

The Power of Speech

Do you remember the old episodes of Batman? The Penguin or The Joker constantly stirred up danger in Gothom City, which led to battles with Batman and Robin. During fight scenes words such kapow, zap, bam, or clunk flashed on the television screen– these terms expressed defeat or victory for the dynamic duo.

Much like the Batman episodes, spoken words lead people to victory or defeat. James 3 states, “A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything – or destroy it!” Words contain power. The old saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me” is false. Therefore, one should carefully choose every utterance. A careless word uttered out of the mouth contains the potential to destroy. Reckless language cuts and maims. Big mouths destroy souls – including the mouthpiece. Slipshod chitchat only proves that a speaker can talk out of both sides of the mouth. Words that empower and encourage lead to victory and allow individuals to shine – this is true for both the speaker and the one spoken to. Prudent use of language directs one toward salvation, healing, or holy living. The choice lies within each individual to use the gift of language to heal or hurt.

Looking for "Baby B"

Early January kelly and I got the good news, "you're pregnant." Considering we have had two miscarriages in the past year, we were excited but cautious. But thank the good Lord, everything has been great. "Baby B" is growing like a weed and we can't wait to see him around September 22. I have heard some nightmare stories of women during their pregnancies, but Kelly has been great - a little more tired than normal but still a real trooper. We are in the middle of preparing the baby room and deciding on names - we have heard "B-loe, Baby B, and Baby Brum - all we have come up with for the present time is "Boy."

See ya soon, son.