TMICHAELWILKES.COM

blog moved...

2011-12-09T00:59:00.001-06:00

I decided to move my blog to a website. Type tmichaelwilkes.com in your address bar or click the title of this post to get there.

mw

Behind The Scenes

2011-11-10T06:37:00.001-06:00

A few days ago my oldest daughter was talking about what she wants to be when she grows up with her Nanna (grandmother). She ultimately decided she wants to catch bugs for a living. She learned that entymologists study bugs but decided she didn't want to study them, she just wants to catch them. This decision came after she decided she no longer wanted to make movies. She said, "I really want to make movies when I grow up, but that might take too long. When we made that little movie with daddy it took a looong time." Then she learned that real movies can take up to a year to make before they are released. So, she said she couldn't do that.

We watch movies but rarely think about all the hard work that goes into making that 2 hours of video. There are hundreds of specialists spending thousands of hours doing what they do best. Most of them are never seen in their work but their skill adds to the quality of what is seen.

I thought about this as I read Hebrews 1 this morning. The chapter is about the superiority of Christ over all created beings. The last verse reminded me of something that brought my heart to worship our Triune God for the awesome way he works in my life and yours.

Speaking of the role of the subordinate role of angels the author says:

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)

So, the picture is that like all the specialists working behind the scenes to make a movie great, God has commissioned angels to work in the unseen realm in our lives. Their focus is ultimately to help us realize the fullness of the power and presence of Christ. It is a mind-blowing thing to try to understand what is going on that we cannot see. Remember Elisha and the chariots of fire in 2 Kings 6. Elisha prayed that he servant's eyes would be opened to what was going on behind the scenes. They were and he was amazed. God opened the eyes of my mind today and reminded me that he has created and commissioned angels to serve and fight for us to know the salvation of God in Christ. I don't know what they are up to at this moment but I know they are sent by God for you and me. When you feel like nothing is happening or things just aren't going well. Remember God's got this and his specialist are working diligently behind the scenes to display the glory of God through your life to all who will watch it.

I'm gonna miss my NCBC family

2011-10-09T12:59:00.001-05:00

October 9, 2011

My Dear Family of New Covenant Baptist Church,

On September 9th I received a letter from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Wake Forest, North Carolina stating that I have been accepted to the Doctor of Philosophy program in Applied Theology.

This means Melissa and the girls and I will be moving. This move is something God has put on our hearts and confirmed in many ways over the past few months. We also believe that God has called me to pastor one of His churches. Currently we are waiting on His leadership and trusting that he will bring us to a church that we can love and that will love us as we work together to make disciples.

I would not move my family if God was not leading us. It is no easy thing for me to leave this church family. You have loved me. You have loved Melissa. You have loved our family. 12 years ago, it was through the ministry of New Covenant that I came to know the Lord Jesus as my savior. It was by members and ministers here at New Covenant that immediately I began to be discipled. On December 31, 2000 I was baptized at New Covenant. It was here, as a senior in high school, after preaching my first sermon (which was to the youth group), that I met the woman of my dreams.

It was you who helped counsel Melissa and me as we moved into marriage. You have celebrated with us as each of our four beautiful daughters was born. You have watched them grow with us and helped us understand what biblical parenting and a godly home looks like. It is here at New Covenant that I was trained for ministry, and ordained.

The summers of 2000 and 2001 I served here as an intern, as did Melissa in 2001 (we were not allowed to date then, so we weren’t technically, we just got married the following summer). In 2003 I started serving part time as high school youth pastor while in college. In 2004 I joined the pastoral staff officially. We have shared our lives with you, but we want you to know that you have shared SO much more with us. You are our family and you always will be.

I can remember so clearly when over 7 years ago, I had graduated college and had been serving as the part-time youth pastor here at New Covenant Baptist Church. It was time for me to take the job I had been preparing for as a Software Engineer. I went to the office for one day and knew in my heart that I was not free to take the job. I knew I would serve the Lord wherever he placed me, but I was reluctant to say that I was “called to ministry.” There was no clarity of a calling, just a burden to serve.

I came to the elders and they were gracious and gave me the opportunity to serve as the youth pastor and an associate to Bro. Keith. As I have served over the years along side you all, I have had the opportunity by God’s grace to make a difference in many of your lives while you have greatly impacted mine. Some of you have heard from the Lord as I have shared his Word with you. Some of you have spent many hours working through Bible studies with me in my home, here in my study, and around town. I have counseled with some of you and tried to help by seeking God’s will and God’s presence with you through tough circumstances. We have been to many camps, retreats, conferences and mission trips together. We have partied together, we have prayed together, we have worked together, we have grown together.

I hope, by God’s grace, this season has been a blessing to you church family. It has been to Melissa and me. Because of all that we have been through over the years we have learned and grown a great deal. We want to express our deepest and most sincere Thank You to you. Thank you for bringing us in. Thank you for investing in us. Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve here. Thank you for supporting us. Some of you gave sacrificially to help us financially over the years for different needs—not the least of which was to get through Seminary in New Orleans. Because of your help, I know with certainty that God has called me to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2), and to mobilize the members of the church for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12).

Now, I hope that you will send us out. We are still co-laborers with you in the Kingdom. In this new direction that God has given us what weighs heavily on my heart is that we will glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and honor you New Covenant. We want your investment in us over these past 12 years to matter and to multiply.

So, in a couple of weeks we begin a new journey. We will not be here but you will be with us in our hearts and in our work. We are sad and we are happy. Please pray for us. There are things for us to finish up here and doors that still need opening in North Carolina. We will always look forward to the opportunities that God gives us to come home and enjoy the sweet fellowship of our family at New Covenant. And we are excited to see the great things that God has ahead for New Covenant as you serve Denham Springs the gospel.

In Christ, For Christ,
Michael, Melissa, Laney, Allie, Kierstyn, and Sophia Wilkes

Listen to me God...?

2011-09-23T05:35:00.003-05:00

I read Psalm 54 this morning and verse two struck a chord in my heart. "O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth. Ps 54:2

I know you, like me, have wondered if God hears our prayers at times and what we could do to 'get his attention' or increase the probability that he will hear and act. As I thought about this wrestling of the soul regarding prayer, I remembered what Jesus taught about prayer that will be answered in John 14.

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

If you or I want to be able to pray effectively, like James speaks of the effective prayers of a righteous man, we must first believe in Jesus. This is belief that sits at the core of our being and shapes our values and everyday behavior. If we believe in Jesus, that he is Lord of the universe--Creator, Sustainer, and the One and Only Savior--then we live with passion for him that is observable to others and a sense of urgency that keeps us focused on his mission. In short, according to these verses, if we believe in him we will do the works he did (and even greater! what a statement, and quite a mystery indeed). What you believe is what you live, the rest is just religious talk.

This faith in Jesus gives us opportunity to have an audience with the Triune God. He answers the prayers that we pray "in his name." This is no magic formula that you can tack on to the end of your prayer in hocus-pocus fashion that guarantees its effectiveness. The key to understanding what Jesus means when he teaches that we must pray "in his name" is found in what he says next: "this I will do that the Father may be glorified in the Son." Prayer in the "name of Jesus" is prayer that is in line with the heart of Jesus. It means to pray God's will, for God's glory, not just to ask God to meet our selfish needs.

God, give us your heart. Teach us to pray effectively in Jesus name. Grant us life-transforming faith so that our lives will reflect you and show hope to the hopeless surrounding us everyday.

Nicaragua Mission Trip

2010-12-05T12:23:00.002-06:00

Please be in prayer for Melissa and Me. We are with a team from Southside Baptist Church and Mr. Perry Verret in Nicaragua. Our work this week will be to distribute food and Christmas toy packs as well as gospel tracts and Bibles in different villages here. We are staying at the NCO compound (www.nchristo.org) in Diriamba.

Here is our tentative schedule for the week...
12/4/10 ‐ Saturday
Pickup at Airport
Go to Eskimo for late lunch
Go to compound and upload and unpack

12/5/10 ‐ Sunday
Devotional time
Begin organizing toys/gifts
Purchase and deliver beans and rice ‐ May have to purchase on Monday 12/6

12/6/10 ‐ Monday
Devotional time
Organize toys/gifts
Sack beans and rice
Trip to Oriental Market for remainder of needs/Bibles
Pickup Minden group

12/7/10 ‐ Tuesday
Devotional time
Distribution at School
Reset for next day deliveries

12/8/10 ‐ Wednesday
Devotional time
Distribution at Tuestepe and Tipitapa
Reset for next day deliveries

12/9/10 ‐ Thursday
Devotional time
Distribution at La Palmeria
Meeting with BMDMI children ( afternoon/evening )

12/10/10
Devotional time
Delivery to Ms. Connie ( toys )
Free day
Prepare/Pack for departure 12/11

12/11/10 ‐ Saturday
Depart to airport no later than 8:30 am

In Prayer

2010-11-17T10:52:00.003-06:00

O Lord, in prayer I launch far out into the eternal world, and on that broad ocean my soul triumphs over all evils on the shores of mortality. Time, with its gay amusements and cruel disappointments never appears so inconsiderate as then.

In prayer I see myself as nothing; I find my heart going after Thee with intensity, and long with vehement thirst to live to Thee. Blessed be the strong gales of the Spirit that speed me on my way to the New Jerusalem.

In prayer all things here below vanish, and nothing seems important but holiness of heart and the salvation of others.

In prayer all my worldly cares, fears, anxieties disappear, and are of as little significance as a puff of wind.

In prayer my soul inwardly exults with lively thoughts at what Thou art doing for Thy church, and I long that Thou shouldest get Thyself a great name from sinners returning to Zion.

In prayer I am lifted above the frowns and flatteries of life, and taste heavenly joys; entering into the eternal world I can give myself to Thee with all my heart, to be Thine for ever.

In prayer I can place all my concerns in Thy hands, to be entirely at Thy disposal, having no will or interest of my own.

In prayer I can intercede for my friends, ministers, sinners, the church, Thy kingdom to come, with greatest freedom, ardent hopes, as a son to his father, as a lover to the beloved.

Help me to be all prayer and never to cease praying.

-----------------

I was reflecting this morning on my need for God's Spirit in my life and was led to think about my prayer life. I found great encouragement in the things that Jesus taught on prayer in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) and in this writing on prayer from the Valley of Vision. If you do not own this book I encourage you to get a copy. The language forces you to read slowly, but it is worth it.

I was convicted today as I prayed of what I will call the sin of Simon. In Acts 8 Simon say the power of the Spirit working through the Apostles and offered them money (v. 18-19). Peter rebuked him severely. I have never thought of myself as committing this terrible wrong, but today I realized it is the same thing to desire and ask God for the powerful working of his Spirit for self-centered reasons. How foolish we are!

God, make us more concerned about your glory through our lives than our glory. Make us more concerned about your Spirit being grieved than our own grief. Help us truly be led by the Spirit, and not try to just "lead with the Spirit"--it won't work. Take control!

Father, make us most concerned about "holiness of heart and the salvation of others." We get so distracted by the things of this world and the everyday tasks that we must do. Yet, we realize that the tasks you have for us are primarily a means for our sanctification and that others will encounter you through us.

Our New House

2010-03-04T10:06:00.002-06:00

What a testimony of God's faithfulness...He led us to sell our house in walker that we built over four years ago. Yesterday we were able to purchase this house in Denham Springs for a great deal! God has led us in this direction and has been good and faithful to provide. Buying this house already allows us to be more free to serve in God's Kingdom. It is a hobby Melissa and I have developed to build and remodel. We are excited about the journey and the opportunities it opens up for us in following Christ. We look forward to beginning the work and moving into the house. Anyone who wants to help do some work...I'd be glad to give you a chance ;-)

Hello Again

2010-01-31T13:39:00.003-06:00

Just thinking I would like to hit the blog again...it has been quite a while. So, I'll say that not much has changed....I guess there is some testimony to share on second thought.

First, we sold our house. Yep, that's right. We loved that house. Melissa and I felt the LORD was leading us to sell our house. We weren't real sure why to begin with, but we knew it was best to step out in faith and do it. We listed it and the day after the pictures went online we had two calls from people who made appointments for the next day to look at it. They were both interested, and before the next day we had our house sold!

That was confirmation of God's leading. We thought it may take a while to sell, but Melissa did pray before we listed it that the first people who came to look at it would buy it...He answered. As of the end of last week we have a contract to buy another house in town to fix up. There is a testimony in the way this one has come about but I will save it until we live there and all is done...At the very least this was a great move for us financially. It makes us able to do so much more in serving God. It has been a good thing for our family to grow together in following God's leadership.

Also, this is my final semester of my Masters of Divinity degree at New Orleans Seminary. I graduate in May, but it will be a lot of work till then. Recently I took up a new hobby as well. I started SCUBA diving. Currently I am working on my level 1 open water certification through PDIC under the instruction of David Baylis at Liquid Planet Divers. We are planning our open waters dive toward the end of March in Florida.

Youth Canoe Trip Info

2009-08-02T14:41:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, August 5th

Leave NCBC @ 8:00 AM.

Return @ 6PM (Will eat pizza for dinner and go to service which ends at 8)

Will canoe Magee's Creek in Tylertown, MS. Cost is $20, and bring your own lunch in ziplock back with your name on it.

Bring: swimming wear (modest = one piece or dark shirt over), towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, wear shoes that can get wet (i.e. sandals, crocs, etc)

Download & Print Medical Release/Permission Slip here.

Pics from last year's trip:

Hope you will come with us!

Bible in 90 Days Challenge

2009-08-01T18:19:00.002-05:00

Let's start Monday (8/3/09) and finish Sunday (11/1/09). I dare you.

What I DO want for my birthday

2009-06-10T12:21:00.002-05:00

click the title...

Birth of Kierstyn Love Video

2009-05-17T14:45:00.005-05:00

(be sure to click the HQ on video to watch in higher quality)

And here are some pics on facebook:

Album #1

Album #2

We are so excited. God has been good in allowing us to have another perfectly healthy girl.

-mw

Kierstyn Love and Melissa

2009-05-15T15:49:00.001-05:00

Kierstyn Love Wilkes

2009-05-15T13:04:00.003-05:00

This is our new baby girl! She is our third girl...We are so excited. She was born at 7:50 AM on May 15, 2009. She weighed 7 lbs and 11.6 oz, is 20.25 in. long (and in case you are interested her head is 13.75 in diameter). She is healthy and beautiful and Melissa is doing well! Thanks for prayers.

mw

A baby

2009-05-01T17:51:00.001-05:00

It's funny how quickly nine months goes by now. Reminds me of how fast thirty seconds seemed to fly by when I was scurrying to find a hiding place. Just the other day melissa got pregnant with our third. Now we are two weeks away from bring a full on family of five. May 15 @ 7:30am. What do you think boy or girl? Pray for us

mw
from phone

Balthasar Hübmaier

2009-04-17T10:45:00.004-05:00

Die Warheit ist untödtlich. (Truth is unkillable)

It is probably true that most of Christendom today does not know the name Balthasar Hübmaier as they do the great Reformers—Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli. Perhaps he was not of such significance to the mainstream Reformation as these three, but he was at least the most radical of them all. Hübmaier was, at one time, the most prominent leader for the Anabaptist Reformation movement. He was a German/Moravian theologian who actually gave a group of radicals during the Reformation a reputable voice as he became one of the most well known theologians of the Reformation era. As an Anabaptist, he was of course, the butt of all persecution—whether from Catholics, Lutherans, Reformed, or civil government. Anabaptists were the most despised group by all other parties, but perhaps the most biblical of them all. It is possible that Protestants today owe the greatest debt to the Anabaptists of all the Reformation movements since they were the boldest, sacrificed the greatest, and brought some of the most cherished baptistic distinctives closest to home for modern day Free Church traditions. In his living, in his teaching, in his writing, and in his death Balthasar Hübmaier lived by the principle, “Truth is immortal.”

Born sometime between 1480 - 1481, Hübmaier was a successful priest who in the process of his ministry fell in love with Scripture. In 1521 He began to study the New Testament more deeply, especially Paul's letters, and realized he did not properly understand the gospel. He fell in love with Jesus over an idea and religion and began to preach the gospel for the first time. Mostly he was not well received. His most significant ministry lasted only about three years (1525 - 1528) then he was martyred. He was not a perfect man, but certainly one worthy of honor since he stood and left a legacy for the church. He wrote several books a tracts for the Anabaptists. Some of his best were on believer's baptism, the lords supper, Christian's role in society and government. My favorite short tract (maybe just because of the title) is "On Heretics and Those Who Burn Them."

He was captured and arrested and tortured for his faith twice by Zwingli, and both times he recanted...(not my favorite part of the story). He was human, though and it offered him the opportunity in 1527 to baptize over 6000 men in Moravia as he escaped there from Zurich. God used him mightily, then he was arrested by Catholic leaders and burned as a heretic. They rubbed gunpowder in his long beard, beat him and set him on fire. The whole time he spoke forgiveness to his accusers and stood faithful as his wife was the main one encouraging him to face his death boldly. Three days later she was martyred also by the typical "third baptism" given to Anabaptists; they tied a stone to her and tossed her into the Danube River.

Hübmaier gave some good insights about interpreting Scripture:

“If we put beside these obscure or brief passages other passages on the same subject, and bind them together like wax candles, and light them all at once, then the clear and pure splendour of the Scriptures must shine forth.”

And, he was a bold yet humble man who said many times in his writing:

"I can err, for I am man, but I cannot be a heretic, for I am willing to be taught better by anybody. And if any one will teach me better, I acknowledge that I shall owe him great thanks; I will confess the error, and in accordance with the decision of the divine word I will gladly and willingly, with greatest obedience, submit myself to you and follow you most carefully, as followers of Christ."

Let us today stand on Truth. "Truth is Immortal."

-mw

(I just wrote a paper on this man and have made it available here if you want to read more).

New Message Series...

2009-04-13T14:35:00.004-05:00

What does it mean to "be the church"? Let's look at the core, examine ourselves, and see what God thinks about how his bride is representing him in the world today. Everyone is welcome.

New Covenant Church (in the Main Worship Auditorium)

7:00 - 8:00 PM (Come at 6 for Adult or Youth Fellowship times if you wish)

Random Videos

2009-04-02T12:34:00.005-05:00

Does spaghetti really grow on trees? I had no idea...

Thomas is the youth pastor at Don Ave Baptist Church, but I am sure some record label will snatch him up soon and he won't have enough time for youth ministry anymore...

Keith Goodson showed me this one and I like it...

Jonathan Edwards

2009-03-23T15:35:00.004-05:00

Jonathan Edwards is probably the most well known "fire and brimstone" preacher in history, and of course, he is one of my heroes in the faith. In a day where it is so unpopular to mention the reality of Hell and the terrors of it, it is quite a jolt to read Edwards' work. It is actually refreshing to those whose hearts burn for the glory of God, I think.

Edwards was born October 5, 1703 and died March 22, 1758. He is one of the mighty men of God used during the Great Awakening in America. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy acknowledged Edwards to be America's most important and original philosophical theologian in history. This man, by the special grace of God, contributed much to the Kingdom of God.

He was genius. By the age of 6 he had mastered Latin. He entered college, at YALE no less, at the age of 12 and graduated as valedictorian at 16. He began his significant writings at the age of 10 and had the mind to write on so many different things like nature and metaphysics, philosophy, (biblical) Calvinistic theology, church history, biographical works (such as David Brainerd), revival, and various aspects of science. By the age of 20 he took on his first pastorate and ultimately became associate pastor of Northampton at the age of 23 and senior pastor upon his grandfather's death when he was 25. This was a large influential church but in his boldness and genius (and I would argue, the power of the Holy Spirit) he shook the church to the core. He challenged their religiosity and stood up against the unbiblical practice of the Half-Way Covenant (look it up).

Jonathan Edwards was a scholar pastor who spent 13 hours a day in his study! He would often forego meals to spend all of his day in study. He was not a very charismatic personality, yet mighty things happened when he spoke. He was criticized for the highly emotional things that took place under his preaching like "swooning, outcries, and convulsions." He spoke out against these things saying they were not proof that God's Spirit was at work, yet when he preached sometimes men would be so gripped and their affections so stirred by the Word and power of God that various reactions occurred. Some historians report that Edwards was actually a soft-spoken preacher who read his manuscript. He was so passionate though and his words so Holy Spirit drenched that hearers would be drawn in and on the edge of the pews with fingers clenched to the seat by the end.

Everyone should read his most popular sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." Which was used so mightily of God the second time he preached it, not the first...

(You can also listen to Mark Dever preach this sermon here.)

Also, preachers would greatly benefit from reading John Piper's notes on preaching from life and ministry of Jonathan Edwards in the book The Supremacy of God in Preaching.

Oh how we can learn from those who have gone before us...

March 28

2009-03-14T12:41:00.003-05:00

Our Topic for teaching this month is "Theology Proper" or the study of God himself. Come join us and invite friends who you think might be interested.

It starts at 7:00pm, Saturday March 28 in ROOM 122 @ New Covenant.

Thanks Thomas for doing this video!

From the mouth of atheists...

2009-03-13T09:01:00.003-05:00

I have seen this video on another blog and also was shown it in chapel at NOBTS yesterday. I like it so much that I wanted to post it here...so all three of you people who read this would see it :) Just so you are informed, this is Penn from Penn & Teller the magician/entertainers. Also, in case you don't know this word he uses:

proselytize - verb. convert others to another faith or religion.

Now, I looked at this guys website and realized how much he absolutely hates the church, the Bible, and the idea of God...I am grieved, but what is worse is how he understands the need to share your faith more than so many Christians.

I hope we will stop being what John Piper calls "Wimpy Christians" and start standing up for Christ. We don't have be jerks, just real, live, compassionate followers of Christ who tell people what they need to hear in a way they need to hear it.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses... (Acts 1:8)

Are we walking in the Spirit with this evidence that we constantly give witness to Jesus and the good news of salvation that can only be found in Him?

press on!

Understanding the Bible

2009-03-09T21:24:00.004-05:00

So how do we understand the Bible? So many people have trouble getting into the reading of Scripture because they don't grasp it. I think there are a lot of things that can help people understand the Bible, like study tools (commentaries, concordances, etc.) and methods of proper interpretation. My pastor said in a conversation a few months ago that most people just don't read the Bible the right way. I think that is very true. We have a tendency to read by verse and chapter. Remember that is not how the Bible was written.

For instance, as I have been studying 1 Peter lately, I thought about important things like the original intent of Peter in writing and the cultural context and was gripped with vivid imagery that opened up my eyes in a whole new way to the words. I realized it was written to churches scattered (because of persecution) in Asian Minor.

I envision a house church receiving a letter from Peter like this...

God was working mightily in the hearts and lives of those in the fellowship. They were united, and had to be because of the intense suffering and persecution that was upon them. Perhaps loved ones from among the fellowship were pulled away and tortured for their faith. Perhaps some from among them were forced to die the death of a martyr. Possibly they were forced to meet in different place currently because their last place was found out and burned. Yet, they worship. Yet, God works powerfully in them and people were still coming to Christ though it wasn't safe.

While meeting and worshipping together there was a knock at the door... Do we answer it? They obviously know we are in here. What is going to happen if we open it? What will happen if we don't? Last time there was a knock two men were pulled out and beaten so badly that one died. Stillness... And finally, the lead elder walked over to the door as everyone watched. As the door opened it was a messenger--a fellow believer. And, he came with a letter from Peter! What encouragement.

So, I am sure these believers decided to look at verses 1-5 of the first chapter of Peter's letter and then come back to it next Sunday when they came together again. Right? No! They took it and read the whole thing like you and I would a letter from someone very important to us. Here lies a major disconnect in how many approach the Bible. They forget that there are "books" of the Bible that are letters or narratives or poetry and they have purposes.

If you want to understand the Bible, you have to read it the right way. Understand what type of writing you are reading and read it appropriately. That is basic to understanding any writing...and it is certainly true with God's Word. Don't try to read just a few verses looking for that magical verse that will fix all your problems and answer all your questions. Let God's Word speak what God intends.

Now, if the Holy Spirit does not live in you then you can't understand Scripture. Sure you can pick up on historical facts and propositional truths, but God gave us His Word for so much more than that.

Just some thoughts....

OVERFLOW

2009-01-28T13:51:00.004-06:00

A group of guys and gals (college age and just older) have been meeting at my house on Sunday nights to study Concise Theology by J.I. Packer. Our goal is to study theology for living it out and teaching others. We live in a pretty shallow world and hopefully God will stir in our hearts and enable us to grow deep and at the same time be real.

We are going to do a gathering once a month (or so) that will be overflow from our discussions as we work through Packer's book. We have decided to call this [monthly] gathering OVERFLOW for obvious reasons. I hope it will be a blessing to the group as we all learn to grapple with Theology and even teach it in a meaningful way although none of us completely understand God. We are convinced that He is knowable and wants us to know Him and make Him known...and so we try and trust Him. Zeal Ministries [Mark Goodson and others] will be coordinating these gatherings and offering mission and service opportunities that highlight the topic of theology we are teaching. Also, Aaron Cousino, Brook Landry, Molly Bergeron, Christy Charrier, and Thomas Bowen, who are involved in the study, will be leading in worship with music that uplifts our topic.

Pray that God would use this gathering...and you are welcome to come if you would like (provided you are reading this before January 31st @ 7PM). We will meet in ROOM 122 (New Covenant Baptist Church, Denham Springs).

WHAT'S A VENDING MACHINE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

2009-01-25T14:13:00.004-06:00

Well, I have resumed school. One week down to be exact. This is the most expensive semester of school yet for me. I am not afraid to disclose the amount of my tuition to you...it was $2500 for the semester. The reason it is so high, is because I am doing 9 hours on campus and 5 online. Online classes are steep...I had to do this because I really need to take more than 9 hours and my only other option with the way the courses I needed were offered this semester was to go another day of the week.

With this said, I am grateful God that I received 2 scholarships covering all but $710 of my tuition. I had the task of seeking God for how to cover the balance. Really it is just an opportunity to trust God...but, I am like you...I worried. Money is tight and I don't see any way in the economy they will be getting better anytime soon. Well, unless you take into account God's economy. Did you know there is no lack in Him? Ok, you know that but do you trust him when you cannot see how He will provide, or do you back down and run away from what you were certain he called you to do?

My tuition was due Friday, one week ago. I still did not have the money, but I put it on my credit (ouch!). I knew that either God would provide or I would be dropping my online classes to get the money back, but I was pretty sure I needed to take the classes. Melissa and I both prayed about this during the course of Thursday and Friday. And, would you know that Friday night on my way to an LSU Gymnastics meet with my family I received a phone call...

"Hey, I know it is a long shot, but I called about 2 and 1/2 months ago about a vending machine you had for sale...Do you still have it by chance? I meant to come by and look at it, but I have been so busy getting ready to open my new business that I dropped the ball."

I was upset about 2 and 1/2 months ago, when I ran the ad, because I received 2 calls from men that said they were going to meet me to look at them and just never showed up. I did not run the ad again...He came the next morning and picked up the vending machine and guess what...

I was selling it for $800. That was just enough to pay my tuition and tithe with $10 to spare.

So, I pay my tuition and gladly tithe to the church...and give the extra $10 as well because it is all His! What a privilege it is to be a child of God. Even though I struggle, I love walking with God. I love that he knows our needs and takes care of them. I love that I have no idea what will come of tomorrow or ten years from now, but that He has a good plan where I will be allowed to magnify His name!

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.

1 Jn. 3:1a

A Great Trip

2009-01-19T17:40:00.006-06:00

I returned one week ago from a brief trip to Central America where a dear friend of mine is serving to build a pastor training center. Some men from our church went to do a construction project on the road to the center. Also, I had a chance to preach at the church he attends. It was my second trip to preach with an interpreter (my translator did fantastic!). It is different, and you cannot say as much in as little time. But, I enjoy it because it really allows me to see firsthand that God's Kingdom is so much bigger than what I am accustomed to seeing. I think when the gospel is coming from Greek to English and then to Spanish there is a great demonstration of God's heart--crossing barriers to save people.

I enjoyed the times of fellowship with the men and I feel like God did some significant things through us and especially in us. If you are one who was praying for us...thank you!

Also, God gave me two great opportunities to share the gospel with individuals on our flight home. On the first plane I shared with a young lady from London named Laura. She worked in marketing and had never been to church before in her life! She was completely uninterested in anything spiritual. God opened the door for me to share what he has done in my own life and it was apparently meaningful for her to hear. I was able to challenge her to seek after God and not be distracted her whole life by meaningless things. From what I could read in her countenance, I think she may consider looking into Christ's offer of salvation. Also, I was able to share with a Mexican man and leave with him a Spanish New Testament. Someone mentioned in prayer at the beginning of our trip that God may have us going just to share the gospel with someone on the plane even...who knows how God will use us.

I resume school this week. I am taking a total of 14 hours (9 on campus and 5 online) please pray that all of it will help me more effectively glorify Christ. I do not want to be caught up in the busyness that is common today. Lord, help me stay at your feet!

Semester At A Glance

2008-12-21T16:10:00.000-06:00

First, I want to say thank you to all of you who have supported me prayerfully, financially, and or with encouragement this semester. (Chances are if you are reading this then you fit into one or more of those categories!). It has been a good semester. It was tough in many ways because I think in some ways the newness is wearing off of the seminary thing and so much of what I am doing.

Yet, God grew me tremendously and showed much of himself to me. I finished well this semester! Not to brag (because I would report how I was doing even if it was terrible), but I did finish with a 4.0 this semester which brings me to a 3.87 overall with 47 hours completed on the Masters degree. It was no easy task, but I like to try my best...I am so thankful to my wife and kids for their understanding for the long hours and late nights of studying. Melissa is my coach! She will not be happy if I do not make "all A's". I am tempted to think Melissa cares more than both me and God about the particular grades I make...

More important than grades is the growth that the Holy Spirit has wrought in me through the process of studying, reading, and writing. I know that God has grown me more over the past year of Seminary than ever in my walk with him. For this I praise Him! and I thank all of you and my Seminary friends and profs.

I have a break until the end of January. Before I go back I will have the opportunity to go on a mission trip to join a friend in Central America who works with pastors of underground churches. I am looking forward to this work trip and then starting school.

Thank you for reading, (because it means you probably care) and please continue to pray for us as we desire to spend our lives making much of Jesus among his creation.

Reformation Day

2008-11-11T22:15:00.006-06:00

As I think about our reasons for thanksgiving as sons and daughters adopted into the family and kingdom of our God, they are many. Indeed, proper theology always leads to thanksgiving and adoration of our subject—Theos. I know we are thinking more about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday; time off school and work, time with family, and hopefully time for genuine worship. However, I cannot help but bring something up from a few days ago that is on my mind. How many of you celebrated that “holiday” at the end of last month? Come on, I know its controversial but I want to encourage you to celebrate October 31^st with your whole family. This is a time we should remember, and proclaim for the generations ahead. (For those who just gasped, I want you to know my family and I do not celebrate Halloween, it just happens that we celebrate on Halloween…keep reading). I celebrate the value of what began during the Reformation on October 31. In case you don’t know why, here it goes.

Many call Dr. Martinus Luther, aka Martin Luther, the “Father of the Reformation.” It was on October 31, 1517 that he nailed the famous 95 Thesis to the door of the Wittenburg Chapel in Germany. This paper spoke out against the evils of the Roman Church in his day. Its original title was Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences since it was 95 statements against the practices of selling pardon from sins and purgatory so that cathedrals and the like could be built. Luther wrote it in Latin to be read by his fellow professors and priests and did not think it would have such an impact, but it was the catalyst for a widespread move amongst the Church to return to salvation by faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed in the Scriptures alone. Sure, there are many negative things that happened in those days, and the man, Martin Luther, was far from perfect. Yet, I believe he was one of God’s champions, used mightily by our King to bring the Word of God to common people and call them to trust in it. His intentions were not to split the Church, but to bring her back to the Truth. He believed every believer should study theology and not just be told what they need to believe. So he translated the Scriptures into German, the common vernacular of the people he lived amongst.

Has your opportunity to study the Word been a blessing in your walk with God? Imagine life without being able to read the Word and thank God for the boldness of men who have gone before us and stood on it in the face of opposition. I call October 31^st Reformation Day and henceforth extend the invitation in years to come for all who want to join me in celebration…Not sure how we will celebrate, but we will! For starters, even though it is late, you should get some popcorn and buy the movie Luther and watch it.

I leave you with some good insight from Martin on studying scripture, “If in a text I find a nut with a shell too hard to crack, I fling it on the Rock Christ and I get the sweetest kernel out of it.” Happy Belated Reformation Day, add some content to your Thanksgiving this year.

Childlike Theology

2008-09-11T07:19:00.002-05:00

Children are such a blessing from God. I enjoy the two that God has entrusted to Melissa and me so much. I actually took my daughter (Laney) on Monday. We went to a movie, to eat and get ice cream, and we were supposed to go to Lifeway to get her a new book, but it was closed (Gustav...). She is so precious. The most exciting thing to me was how excited she was to go on a date with her daddy. I told her ahead of time that we were going to go (actually I asked her if she want to go) and she was so excited. I love that! Our date is not the point of my entry though...

A couple weeks ago, we were driving to visit some friends and we had some portraits Melissa shot of them to deliver. Laney asked a question in the car that really got my wheels spinning. While looking at the picture of our friends (one of our mentors actually) she asked, "Why do him love God so much?" She is 3 years old! But, something she has picked up about this man makes her think of someone who really does love God and she wanted to know why...There is a lot that excites me about that, but some things really impacted me personally.

First, I realize that people really can recognize genuine love for God and people as opposed to rote religion in my life...even simpleminded three-year-olds. With this, what is it that people wonder about me and you? Do people wonder about our great love for our savior? Do people wonder how we live with such passion and zeal for our God and his kingdom? Does my daughter want to know why I love God so much? Does my wife? Do my friends? Do yours?

We let Laney ask our friend this question before we left that night and it was precious.

The next morning I actually came to Psalm 116 in my quiet time. I found it really amazing that this very Psalm is the perfect response to this question: Why do you love God so much?

1I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my pleas for mercy.
2Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
3The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
4Then I called on the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!”

5Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
our God is merciful.
6The Lord preserves the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7Return, O my soul, to your rest;
for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

8For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling;
9I will walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.

10I believed, even when [fn1] I spoke,
“I am greatly afflicted”;
11I said in my alarm,
“All mankind are liars.”

12What shall I render to the Lord
for all his benefits to me?
13I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord,
14I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.

15Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints.
16O Lord, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your maidservant.
You have loosed my bonds.
17I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving
and call on the name of the Lord.
18I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
19in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!

Next, and from these verses, I think about why I love God so much and why you should too if you are his child. God allowed me to recognize the snares of sin and death that entangled me. Man does not admit all alone his insufficiency, but for the Grace of God revealing it to him. Many will die sinners and separate from God and not really care much about it. I thank God that He loved me first and allowed me to see my helpless state, and even put me in a season of misery so I could recognize my need for Him.

Then he delivered me, as Paul puts it, from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son. He allowed me to recognize my misery not to leave me in it, but that I might know His deliverance. The gospel became real to me, not just religious lessons. Jesus saved me. He loved me while I was a sinner, spitting in his face and taunting him with my rebellion, he sent his son Jesus to bear the wrath and judgement of the father for me.

He gave me a life that is characterized by love. I love him because he put his love in me...in the new life he gave me...when He brought me from death to life, to the land of the living. What a blessing it is to be a part of God's Kingdom!

2008 Olympics

2008-08-15T16:07:00.006-05:00

I am not much of a TV watcher except right now. I must confess that every night that I have been at home since August 8th I have been glued to NBC until the late hours of the night. There is something so fascinating to me about the olympics. I don't usually like to watch track or swimming or gymnastics or ping pong or diving but in the olympics I hate to miss them. I have even signed up for text message alerts for certain events that I don't want to miss.

Did you know that you can actually see a lot of events that are not televised online at nbcolympics.com. I have been able to see the Redeem Team play a bit on there since I have not caught them on TV. I think the fascination comes from knowing that in every event we are watching the best of the best in the whole world compete for a few moments in something they spend their entire lives training for. I love the fact that men and women come from nations all over the World in one city to give their best for their country.

And, I have often thought amidst international competition of the greats and national anthems being played of how big GOD is....He has led me to spend some time on Isaiah 40 meditating on it consistently over the past several weeks.

15Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,

   and are accounted as the dust on the scales;
   behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.
16Lebanon would not suffice for fuel,
   nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.
17All the nations are as nothing before him,
   they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.

---and---

21Do you not know? Do you not hear?
   Has it not been told you from the beginning?
   Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
22It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,
   and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;
   who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
   and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;
23who brings princes to nothing,
   and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.

Billions watch the greatest sporting event of all and I am reminded that compared to our great GOD this is all nothing! He is great in power, great in holiness, his judgement will be complete and I am so thankful for how far reaching His grace is....to rescue sinners who were doomed and bring us back into never ending fellowship with Him. If you have been born again, you are His child; his people. So think about our role as His own in His created world that is dark and lost...

9Get you up to a high mountain,
   O Zion, herald of good news;
lift up your voice with strength,
   O Jerusalem, herald of good news;
   lift it up, fear not;
say to the cities of Judah,
   "Behold your God!"

more to come...

Haiti Summary Video

2008-08-10T14:52:00.003-05:00

For those of you who saw the video in church (at New Covenant) this morning and wanted to see it again, and for those who were not there here is our summation video with footage and some pictures that span our whole trip. Thanks again for your prayers!

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray earnestly, therefore, to the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth laborers into the harvest....Matthew 9:37-38

Are YOU one of the laborers we are called to pray that God would sent out?

Think about it...

Home and well!

2008-08-09T21:39:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the delay...many have called to see if we made it home since I did not post. We are and it is good to be here! We were delayed in Port-au-Prince Tuesday night, but we did get to fly out. So, we made it to the US about 11:30pm so we had to stay the night in Miami since we missed our connecting flight. We got to bed about 2am and made it home about 3:30pm on Wednesday. It was a great trip! God did many wonderful things through us and in our hearts as well. Thank you all for praying!

I am preaching and giving a report at New Covenant tomorrow and will try to post video here afterwards.

more to come...

Sunday and Monday

2008-08-04T21:23:00.002-05:00

On Sunday we preached twice. The first service started at 6am and the second at 9am. They have Sunday School before both services. Believe it or not, the first service is the one everyone attends. Even the second service was almost full of people, but the first service had more people crammed in than I would ever think possible. In America, a sanctuary the size of this one may seat 400 to 500 but they had well over 2X that amount (just guessing here)....you could not walk around. It was quite a site to see, and a great experience. The Lord seemed to move in people's hearts as we challenged them to be kingdom minded Christians that bear fruit. We ran out of time and could not give an invitation in the first service, but in the second service I know at least on man accepted Christ (even though it was not an "evangelistic" message...God's Word is POWERFUL!).

Monday we led a team of people to share the gospel in a public place. There is a soccer park in Petion-ville where lots of people of all ages hang out. We gave out hundreds of tracts, New Testaments, some used the flipper-flapper, and some the EvangeCube to share the gospel. Melissa, Pudens, and I had the opportunity to lead many people to Christ today...we were trying to keep names to continue to pray for them, but it happened too quickly. Others who went with us also were used of God to bring people to faith in Christ. It was a great day! But, quite exhausting...Some of those that received Christ asked for tracts to share with others. It was great. We have given out all the Bibles except about 20 New Testaments that we saved for the airport. It is such a good place to share the gospel with people. Pray for us.

We have the day tomorrow here in Haiti, our flight leaves at 5pm and we should be in New Orleans at 11:15pm (if there are no delays).

more to come....(maybe not from Haiti though)

Video and Pics from Saturday

2008-08-03T20:59:00.005-05:00

This is from our trip to the beach and training leaders of the Nazarene Church in Petion-ville to share their faith. Read below for more info...

Saturday (Day 5) In Haiti

2008-08-02T19:51:00.002-05:00

We just got back from Domino's!!! It was craved very much since Melissa's stomach was upset from the food, and we have been wanting meat. We spent half the day at the beach and it was beautiful. We were the only ones there except a few guys that wanted to sell us food and seashells....God obviously led us to this particular beach though because we were able to lead two of the men to Christ. It was incredible to see their receptivity to the gospel. We used the EvangeCube to share the gospel story. Once they accepted Christ we gave them a New Testament in French.

When we got back to Petion-ville we went to the Nazarene Church and taught leaders from the church how to do personal witnessing. We gave them some tools to share their faith with their neighbors like over 1000 tracts, about 75 flipper-flappers (from Child Evangelism Fellowship), and three EvangeCubes. We taught them how to use them and the LOVED them. I wish we could have given them many more, but it is all we could bring...I will post some video later.

more to come...

Days 3 & 4 in Haiti

2008-08-02T19:40:00.002-05:00

This is video from Thursday and Friday...On Friday we were able to preach at the Nazarene Church in Petion-ville. It went really well...thank you for praying for us. We have been able to share the gospel with people on the street every day and it is really amazing how they absorb it. When you begin to share the gospel with people on the street in America they want to ignore you....it is exactly the opposite here. We have been able to lead many to Christ.

more to come...

Day 3

2008-07-31T22:20:00.002-05:00

This last picture is of the VIAHMO (Vision for Haiti and the World) Executive Committee. They are all pastors in the Port-au-Prince area. Some of them moved back to Haiti after the Lord put it on their heart and gave them a vision to see Haiti changed by revival. We met with them and gave them about 75 French New Testaments and we will bring about 100 tomorrow and a French Bible for each of the leaders. This would be a possible missions connection. I have a book that is written by Rev. Maxo Joseph (The visionary)....I have to learn French before I can read it though, or else get help. We also had the opportunity to minister to the family of our driver (Jean Marc) as we visited his house today....we had to change cars 3 times today because of car trouble. And, we brought a Bible to one of Pudens' friends that he led to Christ about 4 years ago. It was a great time of fellowship.

We will preach as I shared last time tomorrow about 11:00am. The prayer service actually starts at 7:00am. It is a prayer and fasting service. They pray and sing until 11, then we preach and they end around noon. Not quite like we do it in the states! Pray for us that God's Word be delivered powerfully and unhindered.

more to come...

First Full Day (Day 2)

2008-07-30T22:02:00.003-05:00

Video footage from today...

Today was a great day as far as I can see. The three of us had the opportunity to start off the day together with a good time of prayer...God moved in our prayer and then moved us all day afterwards. We went back to the airport in Port au Prince because they lost Pudens' luggage. They did not have his luggage yet (will try again tomorrow) but we decided since there were so many people there to start talking and sharing the gospel with. We gave them french tracts and ended up giving over 100 people Bibles. Most of these we had a chance to talk with them first. Pudens' friend Raoul joined us. We were able to pray with several and some accepted Christ! One man we shared with and prayed for was a Voodoo priest! It was tense at first, but God moved and softened his heart. He said he was going to go home and burn all his voodoo things and that he was going to come to the church where we are preaching on Sunday...we promised to give him a Bible when he comes. I will not share his name here, but pray for him.

We were able to share with others throughout the day, and God is working also on our driver's heart. His name is Jean Marc and he watched us share Christ all day. He is not a believer but he asked for a Bible this afternoon and came to prayer service with us. Join us in prayer for him.

The prayer service was at the church that we will be preaching. They introduced us tonight and we just joined with them (although we couldn't understand a bit of it). The prayer service was from 4:00 - 7:00...they also have prayer meetings at 5am every morning and a special prayer gathering Friday at 11am I think and there is a message at the end. We will be preaching on Prayer. I do not feel like I have any place to share a corrective word on prayer with such people, but God has definitely pressed it on my heart. The primary text will be Colossians 1:9-14. Pray for us that God's Word may go forth unhindered and powerfully. We will walk the streets and do more evangelism tomorrow, but that is all we know for sure; nothing is planned.

We did share the gospel with one man at the airport who listened then about 30 minutes later approached us with his name and number on a piece of paper because he is a pastor and wants us to come to his church. We have not called him yet, but will tomorrow.

more to come...

Arrived!

2008-07-29T21:54:00.002-05:00

Finally in Haiti!!! (and quite tired) Tomorrow morning we will start really trying to sense what God is leading us to for the next week. We will meet with the Pastor of Eglise Nazareen de Petion-ville.

We are already planning to preach there Friday and twice on Sunday, but we will find out what other opportunities are there for us to serve and share Christ.

Haiti is pretty WILD...People everywhere and no one knows how to drive....or maybe we don't know how to drive like them. Everyone just knows when to zig and when to zag, when to go and when to honk--nothing like USA.

We met lots of really neat people in the airport (which we ended up spending most of the day at). We met one of the most popular bands in Haiti; who play voodoo music. They want us to contact them and come to a show, but I'm not so sure about that. We also met a few other missionaries and a team of youth that are here to do VBS in a boys home they have built...we may try to connect with them this week...

more to come...

Please Pray For Us:

* strength (tired and slightly sick)

* God's direction in our planning tomorrow.

* Special moving of God's Spirit during prayer service tomorrow (wed.) night.

* Provision...things are a bit more expensive than we expected.

Packing and Going

2008-07-29T08:48:00.005-05:00

We made it to Miami and are currently sitting in the airport waiting for our flight to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. We have about 4 hours here and will spend most of it with Pudens planning the trip.

Last night we packed the Bibles in our suitcases...We are bringing 360 lbs of Bibles and did not have to leave very many behind...Praise God! This is important because God's Word will not return void, it always accomplishes the purpose for which it is sent. Yes, we really believe that!

I have decided that it is probably not a good idea for us to tell customs in Haiti that we are bringing in 6 suitcases full of swords.....although we are. Pray that God will deliver His Word to ready hearts and that there will be eternal fruit.

Pray For Haiti

2008-07-24T08:32:00.002-05:00

Maybe you have seen our prayer bookmark....if not here it is.

If you use skype

look for us at night while there....

our skype name is michaelwilkes

No promises, but we will try to have it working.

Something New

2008-07-21T14:13:00.000-05:00

We have never been to Haiti...It is exciting to have such an opportunity. We leave in 1 week to go to Haiti for 8 days. It will be just Melissa and me along with a friend named Pudens. We will be right outside of Port-au-Prince most of the time. It is one of those trips where we do not have a packed itinerary, but just felt impressed by the Lord to go and so we are. We will distribute as many Bibles and tracts as we can while going to communities to share the gospel during the days. I will be preaching at a Nazarene church in Petionville on Sunday (8/2/08). It is possible that we may also speak in some other churches while there. I have never preached with a translator....should be fun!

Pray for us! Haiti is an extremely poor country (poorest in western hemisphere) with many problems, one of which is extreme spiritual darkness. Many of the people are Catholic, but it

is the extremely distorted version of Catholicism that is open to including spiritist practices. FYI that is not Christianity (John 14:6).

Depending on where you read, anywhere from 70% to 90% of Haitians are in bondage to voodoo. Pray that God would use us as a part of the work that He is doing in Haiti.

We will also attempt to visit a Compassion site where our youth at New Covenant have begun to sponsor two children.

Info on Haiti from CIA Factbook

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ha.html

I think I will have internet so I will try to post while there...maybe one a day.

Some Random Stuff...

VBS was lots of fun!

Jerusalem Marketplace is where it's at.

Here is my fam...the tribe of Asher (I am the Apostle Peter in this picture also...) Good tan huh

the reason I don't have a mustache....

you should have seen Melissa's face when

I showed up to breakfast at camp with it!

Raccoons need hamburgers too (or two)...

This raccoon came out at tickfaw state park to retrieve a down burger at a kid's bday party. I didn't get a pic, so I suggested we drop another and, well...here is is

MISSION CAMP 2008

2008-07-01T09:17:00.000-05:00

So, it was great. Last year our students responded well to Student Life Camp at Daytona Beach. Who wouldn't, right? Well, I was concerned that they would possibly be disappointed since this year we went to LA Tech. But, we did a mission camp. We had the opportunity to minister to kids from inner city West Monroe. They absolutely ate up the love that our students showed them.

The students had the opportunity not only to love and play with them, but to share the gospel with several of them. The day camp we helped with was not a "Christian camp." It is a government funded camp that is held at two locations in West Monroe - the Community Center and Riser Elementary. We were at both sites for 3 days. Before going I gave each of the students something called a "flipper-flapper" that I got from a friend with Child Evangelism Fellowship.

check it out here...

http://www.cefonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=130

I gave the students instructions on how to use this tool to share the gospel with kids. I wasn't sure how they would respond.

[By the way, this is the same tool I will be using in Haiti 7/29 - 8/5 to share with kids in the communities. I have a friend who is translating a quick gospel presentation into Creole that Melissa and I will memorize....pray for us!]

Our students did share the gospel with the kids and they were amazed at how much that little tool peaked the interest of the kids (Good job CEF!). One seven year old girl told one of our girls that she understood and wanted to ask forgiveness for her sins and give her life to Jesus...Praise God! We are praying for her and will try to make contact...

God moved in the hearts of students and all said they enjoyed the camp in Ruston MORE than last years at Daytona Beach! Wow...

"It is more blessed to give than to recieve." Have you ever truly experienced the reality of this truth in your own life?

What a great thing it was to recieve the gospel and then eternal life! But, have you experienced what it is like to give it to others? That is the stuff our life should be made of. Heaven awaits us, but eternity is already in motion for those of us who know Christ. We remain here on earth...alive...because people need to hear and see the Christ and his gospel.

watch our camp video... (sorry we didn't have the best camera...)

Press On! (Luke 9:62)

Getting Ready for Missions Camp

2008-06-12T14:53:00.001-05:00

I am excited about taking the students to Ruston.

I know...that sounds strange.

What is so exciting about Ruston?

You're right, there isn't much exciting about the location,

but we are going to have to opportunity to serve the community while at camp.

We will be working with a secular summer kids camp helping with activities. It is such a great opportunity to share the love of Christ with people who would know it otherwise.

I am upset that more students did not want to go, but I am confident

that those of us who go, will be challenged and grow much spiritually.

This I look forward to!

There are 15 of us going.

Pray for us, especially the students.

We will be there june 23-27.

I will try to remember to post some photos and/or video when we return

Great Videos, I think

2008-06-10T21:02:00.000-05:00

It has been almost six months....wow! Time flies. I just wanted to throw up some great video of my kids...

could not get the other video to load...check it out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWnhoz-_OKY

Things are going great, God has grown me and my family a lot in the past six months. Currently I am on break from school and looking forward to starting back full on in August.

We are leaving with the students for Missions Camp in Ruston on June 23 for 5 days.

Pray for Melissa and Me as we will be going to Haiti July 29 - August 5 to share the gospel along with Pudens--a friend I met in New Orleans who is from Haiti.

Full On - Full Time

2008-01-28T09:05:00.000-06:00

It's official, a new season of life...God is good! I realize my need of His strength as we continue to serve and follow Him. On the drive home from New Orleans after my first day of class last week this thought hit me: I am a full-time husband and dad; I am a full-time youth pastor and associate at church; and now, a full-time student commuting to New Orleans.

Each of these requires a lot of time. Can't tell how much, but full-time always = a lot of time.

Every week has 168 hours. No matter how you shake it, that is all that will come out. Sounds like a lot of hours, but it isn't. This is the equation that I must keep balanced for probably the next several years:

3(full-time) + lagniappe <= 168 hours/week

I am fully confident that it happen, and even more, God will make this into a fruitful and exciting journey for my family and me. Please pray...as I am fully aware that, of myself, I am incapable of doing any one of these full-time's well.

So...Lord, wife, kids, church, school...let's rock and roll!

Is Disney Really Vacation?

2008-01-10T10:09:00.000-06:00

CINDERELLA'S CASTLE WITH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
(sorry it's a cell phone pic)

I guess it depends on what vacation has come to mean to a person as to whether a Disney trip really qualifies. I guess it has all the elements of a vacation that are necessary--and even some in excess. However, it does lack one element; rest. Every time I have been to Disney world I have come back tired. It is go, go, go, and more go. Then, you leave feeling exhausted and like you didn't do enough at the same time. Or at least I do...

Parking....

enough said. I didn't get to take a pic of where we parked the day it was storming....this was not good. It was a good trip, full of tests and opportunities. The girls had a great time.

Of course Laney wanted to wear a princess dress everyday.....

We did get to go to an Orlando Magic Game. They played the Rockets and it was a great game. My brother-in-law got to go shoot on the court in a contest during a time-out. He won and it was cool.

It is so good to be back home. I am looking forward to starting school in a couple weeks. Also, It has been exciting to be a part of the youth ministry at New Covenant. God is doing some awesome things in student's lives. I am currently holding a grudge against Rebekah Farlow, though, because she threw a pie in my face last night..... :)

Press On and Enjoy God's Fulness!

Michael

Oh, yeah....GEAUX TIGERS!

before and after

2007-12-26T10:53:00.000-06:00

As mentioned in a previous post, last month was No-Shave No-Vember. Since, however, many of us grew attached to our beards we extended it into Don't-Shave De-Cember. I didn't quite make it. Not sure why, just got tired of having that beard. I had already passed the itchy and even the hurting stages of beardity, so it was not uncomfortable. I can't explain it, I just had to get rid of it. So, here are some pictures. I figure all three of you who look at my blog are interested in seeing them. They are cell phone pics so the quality is poor.

BEFORE: (12/20/07)

AFTER: (12/23/07)

By 2008 I will shave it all off. Some are pushing to extend this celebration into what has been deemed as Manuary, but as for me it is plain ole January.

I finished my final semester at Liberty! Not because I earned a degree, but because I am in process of transferring to NOBTS. I am excited because I just found out that I aced the final and my term paper for Systematic Theology II. I enjoyed the work of research that went into the project.

We had a good Christmas, but it was busy. Laney is learning and beginning to understand the concept that God loves us and sent his son Jesus who was born of Mary. She was excited to talk about it and celebrate with us this Christmas. I think the fact the she gets presents when we celebrate Jesus' birthday helps to make it exciting.

NOBTS

2007-12-10T14:22:00.001-06:00

Last week Melissa and I spent Monday and Tuesday in New Orleans touring the seminary campus and meeting with professors. We really enjoyed it. Everything just seemed to make sense. So, we are moving forward. I turned my application in and an now waiting. Hopefully all my credit will transfer without any problem. I was so encouraged to talk with some of the men I was able to sit with. Walking with God is such and awesome journey! I am blessed to be able to live a life surrendered completely for His purposes. I know I have not risked my life on the mission field as of yet (nor is that my plan, but we must be willing) but this Jim Elliot quote has ministered to me in my thoughts lately:

"He is no fool, who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

That is so good. It reminds me of Paul's statement, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." There is truly nothing I would rather do than to serve the God of my salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ, with all of my life.

As we came home, I once again realized how much God has blessed me with a wonderful wife and two beautiful little girls. I love them more everyday. It is cool just to try and imagine how life will play out for us; and even cooler to live it as God orchestrates all things.

Blogging Beginnings

2007-11-27T11:27:00.000-06:00

I have thought many times that blogging was a waste of time, yet many other times that it was a great idea. I am not sure which is true, but I will give it a try so I can find out.

Currently, I am busy...aren't we all.

I am in the process of finishing my last course at Liberty Theological Seminary and hope to transfer to New Orleans for next semester. You could pray for me. I am greatful that God is giving me direction, but there are still many obstacles that I must overcome. Nothing major; just things like transferring credits without losing any, time considerations, financial issues, etc.

God is doing some cool things in me and I hope to share.

Peterson, Jim

2007-01-01T00:00:00.001-06:00

Peterson, Jim. Lifestyle Discipleship: The Challenge of Following Jesus in Today’s World. Colorado Springs: Navpress, 1993.

Programs don't make disciples; disciples make disciples. Peterson's experience with the Navigators has proven to him that regardless of where a person is in their walk with Christ, real relationships are crucial to bringing Christians to maturity. All disciples should multiply themselves by investing in other people. Lifestyle Discipleship explains well the difference between focusing on behavior and going beneath the values that cause behavior to the worldview (or beliefs) that cause values. He explains how to disciple in a way that helps people grow from the core of who they are outward instead of simply asking people to change what they do. It is a good book to read for anyone who is interested in living a lifestyle of making disciples.

Coleman, Robert

2007-01-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

Coleman, Robert E. The Master Plan of Evangelism: with Study Guide by Roy J. Fish. Old Tappan, New Jersey: Revell, 1964. (Study guide, 1972).

The plan Jesus used for evangelism was mostly in his time spent with his disciples whom he chose to follow him. God’s plan is to get the gospel to the entire world and his strategy is through making disciples. The Master Plan of Evangelism follows Jesus strategy, as evident in the Gospels, to make disciples. It is systematic; working from the selection of disciples to their reproduction. Every serious disciple should read The Master Plan of Evangelism and the study Guide by Dr. Fish makes it great material for a 13 part study to be used in the discipleship process.

TMICHAELWILKES.COM

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Behind The Scenes

I'm gonna miss my NCBC family

Listen to me God...?

Nicaragua Mission Trip

In Prayer

Our New House

Hello Again

Youth Canoe Trip Info

Bible in 90 Days Challenge

What I DO want for my birthday

Birth of Kierstyn Love Video

Kierstyn Love and Melissa

Kierstyn Love Wilkes

A baby

Balthasar Hübmaier

New Message Series...

Random Videos

Jonathan Edwards

March 28

From the mouth of atheists...

Understanding the Bible

OVERFLOW

WHAT'S A VENDING MACHINE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

A Great Trip

Semester At A Glance

Reformation Day

Childlike Theology

2008 Olympics

Haiti Summary Video

Home and well!

Sunday and Monday

Video and Pics from Saturday

More Video From Friday

Saturday (Day 5) In Haiti

Days 3 & 4 in Haiti

Day 3

First Full Day (Day 2)

Arrived!

Packing and Going

Pray For Haiti

Something New

MISSION CAMP 2008

Getting Ready for Missions Camp

Great Videos, I think

Full On - Full Time

Is Disney Really Vacation?

before and after

NOBTS

Blogging Beginnings

Peterson, Jim

Coleman, Robert