I've moved!

OK, not physically, but technologically. If you have bookmarked http://www.bradraby.blogspot.com/, or subscribe to my site via a feed, you'll want to go to http://www.bradraby.com/, and subscribe, bookmark etc. over there.

The site has been totally reworked, and now includes resources like sermons and podcasting etc.


Enjoy!

- Brad

Some thoughts

It's been a long while since I've done some serious thought dumping at www.bradraby.com, so here goes!

Thought #1: I've never said "I wish I had a fever and was sick to my stomach" until today. My little girl Rylee is really sick for the first time. I hate her being sick. I wish I could take it away from her. I'd gladly be sick in her place.

Thought #2: Youth in Revolt, the latest R-rated high school debauchery comedy comes out this Friday. I noticed under the ratings the phrase, "Parent's strongly cautioned." Dear parent, If you let your child be entertained by this garbage - it is the child who needs to be strongly cautioned. Cautioned that their parents lack of wisdom can result in a generational slide filled with bad decisions that lead to pain and regret. Dad and mom...Be Smart. Kids, be smart even when mom and dad aren't.

Thought #3: I spent 4 hours helping an 82 year old woman install a new computer and sync her IPod with podcasts she had downloaded. I really enjoyed it. I like helping elderly people with technology, and I really find it awesome that an 82 year old likes using a computer and IPod. Plus, we had some great theological conversation ranging from dispensationalism to reformed theology.

Thought #4: I don't think wearing a suit and tie on Sunday is a sign of spirituality as a Christian minister. I do think it is a sign that one is lacking in spiritual maturity if they think it does.

Thought #5: Traditions that at one time make local churches very effective for the Kingdom, can eventually over time and several cultural shifts force those same churches to be very ineffective for the Kingdom.

Thought #6: It often takes more energy and effort to convince people to "buy in" to a vision, than it actually does to carry out the vision.

Thought #7: The reason for #6: We are not very good at Philippians 2:3.

Thought #8: The Smokey Mountain Brewery's Ale Steak is delicious.

Thought #9: I married a woman above my league. By far my most significant accomplishment.

Thought #10: The BCS/Bowl System isn't about money so much as it's about the % of the money that goes to the big power schools/conferences. You see a playoff system would produce huge money, but the pieces of the pie would end up being more evenly distributed to smaller schools/conferences that had great seasons. The bowl system guarantees the SEC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 10 etc a HUGE piece of pie with guaranteed bowl tie ins. A playoff system couldn't guarantee that. Ironically the NCAA is a non-profit organization.

Feel free to share your thoughts!

Good night,

-Brad

Who cares? We do.

HT: Mint.com

The Big Give

I hate to admit this, but every now and then I get inspired by something Oprah does. I was espeacially inspired when she did "Oprah's Big Give". It birthed the seeds of a vision for The Big Give in our Student Ministry here at South Harriman Baptist Church. Come along with me for a few seconds on a journey to show Big Love to needy children this Christmas.

We are partnering with a local elementary school to make this Christmas season the best ever for some local children.
Here's the plan: We want to raise $500.00 to take a family, specifically the kids to Walmart for a Christmas shopping spree. Imagine the look and emotions of a needy child running through Walmart picking out what they want for Christmas. We want to capture it on video, and make it a memory to last forever.
How can you help? Would you be willing to sacrifice to make this the best Christmas ever for some needy families? We know it's not about the gifts, but the love of Christ shining through us.
Would you be willing to partner with us for $10, $20, $50 or even a $100?

How many people can we bless this year? It's up to us. If you would like to donate to this cause please send a check made out to: South Harriman Baptist Church by December 9th, with the notation "Big Give" in the memo portion of the check. You can mail the check to:

South Harriman Baptist Church
626 Ruritan Rd.
Harriman, TN 37748

I hope you'll be a part of "The Big Give" Check back often for details, and the video!

- Brad

A little sabatical

I've been a relatively avid blogger for 4 years or so now, which amounts to around 350 posts here at BradRaby.com, but I needed a little break. It was unannounced, so for those who come here regularly - sorry I didn't give you any notice. In the last three weeks here's a little of what has transpired for me:

1) My baby girl Rylee has turned 6 months old! Wow, she has changed my life. I love her and her mother so much.

2) I've accepted the role of interim preaching pastor at South Harriman Baptist Church while we look for a senior pastor. South Harriman is a great local expression of the body of Christ and it is my honor to preach the Word of God every Sunday. We're in a series called Directionally Challenged...check it out HERE.

3) In the Student Ministry we've been excitedly watching the Construction of our new Student Center. Check out the progress for yourself HERE.

4) Hey, IT'S FINALLY FOOTBALL SEASON BABY! Go VOLS! And what would football season be without some drama from Brett Favre!

5) Did I mention that I will be attending the Colts vs. Patriots game on November 15th. So pumped.

Hey, isn't God awesome?!

- Brad

Thoughts and Reflections from my 10 year High School Reunion

** updated version **

1.) Holy Cow!, It's been a decade since I was in High School. Time flies!

2.) Remnants of distant memories can be brought to life again when you are around the people you created them with. It was easy to remember the funny moments, unique traits that apply only to my High School mates, Football games, etc.

3.) It's weird how some people look very similar to the way I last saw them 10 years ago, and some of us (I include myself in this category when I see pics from 10 years ago) look quite different.

4.) We aren't kids anymore, although many of us have kids. I think the DJs were pretty disappointed in how wild we were NOT.

5.) The 10 year reunion made me want to stay in better touch with my High School friends. I had lunch with one less than a week later. After graduation I couldn't wait to get away, and going off to college and moving to Florida was great for me. However, 10 years later I want to reconnect.

6.) I graduated High School with some really great people.

• 1 is a missionary in the Middle East
• 1 is a doctor and has done incredible medical/humanitarian work in a third world country, and has a passion to use his gifts to do more.
• Several are teachers - need I say more? Some of which work with kids in what is perceived by many as hopeless situations.
• Several are passionate about their faith in God and desire for redemption and good in mankind.
• Several are in public service.
• Several are serving or have served our country in the military.
• We love our children. I know that seems normal and not necessarily something to list as admirable - but I've seen some pretty unloving family scenarios in my line of work.

Our teachers said they had high hopes for our class of '99. I'd say we're off to a good start in the first 10 years.

7.) Social Networking has changed things drastically in our culture. It's great to stay up-to-date via Facebook etc.

8.) Fashion has changed much more for the ladies than for the guys! Wow, those puffy shoulder formal dresses are hilarious.

9.) I really wish I could have reconnected with several people who couldn't make it. Maybe another time.

10.) There are several things I would do differently if I could go back in time. However, I don't want to go back in time.

Had a really good time.

- Brad

In Remembrance

This weekend is the one year anniversary of passing of Mike Ward. I didn't know Mike well at all, as a matter of fact we had only had a couple conversations. However, the legacy he left in his family and friends make me feel like I knew him.

Watching the grace that Bev, Logan and Abby have lived this past year has been inspirational to me. Logan the student has discipled his youth pastor by living for and proclaiming the Glory of God. Bev's words at church after camp demonstrated the strength of a woman who is clinging to the cross - the Anchor of our Hope. Abby's infectious spirit of joy...well it's a joy to be around.

I love you guys. And in remembrance here is the repost of "Painfully Beautiful from 1 year ago.

Painfully Beautiful - Originally Posted, July 23, 2008

Many of you readers out there have seen the news story of Mike Ward. Mike and his family were on vacation in Florida where a strong rip-tide current began sweeping his daughter several yards into the ocean. Mike went in to save her, and another girl. The girls were saved, but Mike was overwhelmed and did not make it.

Mike, his wife and two teenage children are members of South Harriman Baptist Church, which I now serve in as an Assistant Pastor.

I spent a couple of hours with the Beverly, Logan, and Abby yesterday. It is a dreadfully painful time. The heartache and the shock is still very real. There was weeping from dozens of family and friends there to support them. The grief of a lost husband and father ran deep, very deep.

Yet, as I stood there praying silently, what I saw was beautiful. A band of brothers and sisters in Christ providing unending support, care, and love for this family. Men who drove through the night to escort the body of their deceased friend back home. A 14 year-old teenage man who told me, "God will give me the strength, I know it." A broken family trusting in a loving God. A mountain of food and provisions for the week. People I've only known for a couple of weeks - people I'll now remember for a lifetime.

What I witnessed last night was the arms of Jesus, in the form of the church, wrapping this family tight with with His love. Love for a family, whose husband and father, had lived just as the Savior:

Giving his Life for another.

- Brad

Just a Taste

This morning I woke up and checked the news...not in a newspaper of course, but online. The headlines on most new sites have something to say about North Korea launching 7 missiles as a protest or something to the US on our National Freedom Holiday.

The thought that came to my mind was simple: "What if these people in North Korea, and others in the world could just get a taste of what we celebrate today."

Today I'll join millions of other Americans grilling out and watching fireworks with my family. Celebrating in full what it means to be free. It's easy to take for granted - seems I do just about everyday.

Later on, I checked my Twitter, and saw Brad Powell's tweet: "Happy Freedom day. Hope you're experiencing the ultimate freedom. John 8:36 - So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

If only people could taste the freedom found in Jesus Christ. The grace and forgiveness that is free to us, but wasn't for the One who paid for it. May we celebrate freedom today, but more so may be pray that people receive freedom!

- Brad

I Like Free Stuff

Especially really good free stuff!

The book Crazy Love by Francis Chan has really challenged my view of God lately. Actually it has challenged my view of the relationship I have with my God. I haven't talked it up much...I'm not sure why...maybe because it is pretty intense...maybe because it's message is just sinking in...I don't know.

But, today I learned that the audio version of the book is being offered for FREE!, so I thought I would get the word out. Let me HIGHLY encourage you to visit THIS LINK and download this audio book. Hey, go by the paper version too.

Let me warn you. Don't read it/Listen to it if you're not ready to get uncomfortable with your Christian life. It may shake you up, really, it's Crazy.

- Brad

FLIP!

Well, yesterday we returned home from Student Life Camp in Gatlinburg, and it was FLIP! (Had to be there kinda thing...I guess across the pond in England the expression 'flip' is to say something is awesome, great, off the chain etc.)

I've been to, or lead groups to somewhere close to 15 camps. This years was out of this world like no other. Jesus met with us. Jesus changed us.

I'll share more here real soon as I get some of the pictures and videos together.

Come back in the next day or two.

- Brad

Let God do the fighting.

We all have battles. We all have enemies. We all get mad. Real mad. We even have good reason to fight, but there is a better way.

David had done absolutely nothing wrong to Saul. In actuality David had preserved Saul's kingdom from the hands of the Philistine army. David had done for Saul what no one else was willing to, or could do.

However, David found himself constantly on the run for his life from the King of Israel.

Then one day there was a golden opportunity for revenge. There was an easy payback. There was even encouragement from everyone around David to get 'even' - no one would blame him after all. But David didn't. He didn't take his revenge, he didn't get even, he didn't fight.

In 1 Samuel 24 David was in a cave unbeknownst to Saul. It seemed like the opportune moment to strike a deadly blow and end this real life - life or death game of hide and seek. However, David was bigger than his enemy. David let God take care of his critics and his enemies. In verse 6 & 7 David said to his men in response to their urging for him to fight Saul:

"He said to his men, "I swear before the Lord: I would never do such a thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed. [I will never] lift my hand against him, since he is the Lord's anointed." With these words David persuaded his men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul."

Charles Stanley is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta. He has been a faithful pastor for many years. When you see one of the In Touch broadcasts on TV, you see a pastor and a local church that God has used mightily in Atlanta and all over the world. You might be surprised how things were in the beginning though. Stanley was a man who would not compromise the message of the Word of God. It seemed to some that he spent too much time emphasizing evangelism. He had numerous enemies in the church when he began his ministry there. Influential enemies. During one especially contentious business meeting at the church one of those enemies actually punched him right in the face.

What happened next won the day. Instead of getting up and physically defending himself. Charles Stanley calmly, and peacefully responded to the man's punch with grace.

That night the battle was won. Not by Stanley, but by God. He had refused in months prior to air his defenses from the pulpit, and on that night he had refused to even respond to violence thrust upon him. He had been, however, praying for months that God would remove the enemies of the Gospel in his church. As he said years later, "I fought the battle on my knees".

We can fight, or we can let God fight for us.

Who's the better Warrior?

- Brad

From the QT...

Here's a good principle from my Quiet Time this morning. I'm studying 1 Samuel right now. In chapter 8 Samuel has grown older - and like Eli, his children have wandered from the LORD. This, along with the pressure to conform to what all the other nations around them were doing prompted the people of Israel to ask Samuel to appoint a king over them for rule.

They already had a King, but were really good at rejecting His Word. They wanted a human king like everybody else. Here is how it reads in the HCSB:

1 Samuel 8:4-6a: 4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and went to Samuel at Ramah. 5 They said to him, "Look, you are old, and your sons do not follow your example. Therefore, appoint a king to judge us the same as all the other nations have."
6 When they said, "Give us a king to judge us," Samuel considered their demand sinful..."

That last expression: "Samuel considered their demand sinful" caught my attention because of what Samuel did next. We might expect Samuel to go into mighty prophet mode and just let the nation of Israel have it with a hell fire brimstone sermon, but that wasn't Samuel's next move.

I might have expected Samuel to reason with them about the benefits of the Judge system. You might expect Samuel to simply ignore their request and remind them that they already have a King. But that's not what Samuel did next. Check this out:

1 Samuel 8:6b "...so he prayed to the Lord." Samuel took his battle to the Lord in prayer first.
Furthermore, this is what really stood out to me this morning, and I hope you will consider it too: Samuel made sure his thinking ("Samuel considered their demand sinful") was in line with God's thinking.

I think it is a wise lesson for me to learn to pause before I interject my opinion on various situations, and make sure what I think is aligned with what God thinks.

- Brad

Thanks

For all the visits to http://www.bradraby.com/. There have been over 5,000 in the last year - which I really can't believe that many people would come and return to listen to my occasional dribble and musings. So Thanks!

So here is what is going through my mind at 10:26 pm on Thursday evening.

- Rylee is sleeping, and unless she has an unusual night will sleep till almost 8AM tomorrow. I am really loving this stage more than the get up every 2 hours in the middle of the night. Rylee is 3 months and 1 week old today. Time Flies.

- This affects me deeply in ways I never imagined before Rylee.

- I love God's Church and how He is using people all over this globe for his glory. NewSpring baptized about 800 people this month. Take that Satan!

- The NBA is just 'ehh' to me these days.

- I love it when some of my old time fundamentalist friends come to the dark side.

- Skype is amazing. This week I talked with my cousin in Baghdad and counseled some friends in Florida.

- Barack isn't as bad as one side of the isle thinks.

- Barack isn't as good as one side of the isle thinks.

- I'm more excited for Student Life in Gatlinburg than my students are. Louie Giglio, Steve Fee, David Crowder Band, Leeland...oh yeah, I'm stoked.

- I married up.

- Way up.

- She has rocked my World:


Good night,

- Brad

Adding some energy to my run

I need to lose about 40 lbs. 25 is probably a better goal. So, I went running this evening, and ran a little longer, and with greater pace listening to Lincoln Brewster melt the strings of his guitar.

This was today's running music, take a listen and get stoked because TODAY IS THE DAY!


- Brad

Music I'm like'n right now...

Any time I'm in a service where Kristian Stanfill is leading worship I feel like charging hell with a squirt gun. There is no shortage of energy or passion with the KSB. The words to his songs are really amazing. The theology is deep. The music is rocking.

He leads worship at North Point Community Church. Check out his website and buy this album!








I'm a big fan of Crimson Flow, a brand new band, not just because I like their music, but because they are good friends. Eric and his lovely wife Anissa both attended Tennessee Temple U where I am also an Alumnus. I know they love God, and His Church.

They desire to lead people into intimate worship with Jesus Christ, and do an awesome job at it.

Get to their website, or by their Album from I-Tunes HERE.

- Brad

Nashville

Julie, Rylee and myself headed to Nashville yesterday for a day at our State's Capital. I had some official business - praying to open the Senate session, for which my uncle Ken Yager is a member of.

Funny thing - I thought I was the guest of honor - until after I stepped away they introduced the real guest of honor. Country Music Singer Marty Stuart. I took 30 seconds to read my Biography, and 30 minutes to read his. BTW, his hair looks like that in real life.

- Brad

5 year olds can remind you to be thankful

This week my nephews are visiting us...mainly to see Rylee.

Sometimes kids can be so blunt, that it is sweet at the same time. Such was the case this morning during breakfast.

Jay, my wild 5 year old nephew said to Julie out of the blue, "I heard your babies were dying, but this one [Rylee] isn't dying."












After he said that, I smiled, and thanked God above for a healthy little girl. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable kindness!

- Brad

5 things i'm tired of hearing

5. "Slept like a baby." What does that mean? You sleep 2 hours then wake up to eat...sleep 2 hours, then wake up to eat...sleep 30 minutes, wake up to just cry a little??????????

I have a new baby, I don't want to sleep like one!

4. New Local Radio shows instead of syndicated ones. It started here in Knoxville with losing Jim Rome, now they are taking away the last part of Mike and Mike in the Morning - the best sports show in the USA for some more discussion on Jonathon Crompton and the Vols spring practice?

I love the Vols, but our local talent is killing me. Please I'm tired of hearing it!

3. "Let's meet about it." Discussion and idea exchange is important, but I go to way to many meetings. How about: Let's 'Do it'.

2. "We want to keep everybody happy" Since when did our mission in life become pleasing men. What about God? I wander how many times we kept God unhappy because we kept 'everybody' happy?

1. Contemporary and Old Fashioned. I am so exhausted at the contemporary vs. traditional debate. I don't want the 'Old Time' Religion. I want an up-to-date, relevant, "can help me where I am at" relationship with Jesus Christ. There is nothing Old Fashioned about God. He is I AM, not I WAS.

I'm tired of God being put in any box - whether it be the box the organist sits on, or the box you store your electric guitar. Worship, Spirituality, and Righteousness have been defined by styles of music and ministry for too long.

If you think God only likes the music you like, whether it be Martin Luther or Mercy Me, get over yourself.

--

Ahh, sometimes just venting on my keyboard is cathartic. If you get offended by what you have just read, that's OK. Just start playing the song "Why can't we be friends"

- Brad

The Pendulum Swing

On February 20th Julie and I had our first child , Rylee Grace. The first three days were filled with the joy and excitement of our beautiful new born miracle. We were just in awe of how precious this little child was to us.

Then, on Monday we brought her home and all the sudden ‘it’ hit me. Those of you who are parents must know what I mean. For a while the pendulum of elation of her coming into the world swung to feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. All the sudden I realized I had to take care of this little girl, provide for her, protect her, teach her the ways of the Lord. It was an emotional moment for me. I find myself checking on her every noise, squeak and cry. I am so attentive to her every need.

After a few hours of those feelings something bigger dawned on me. As much as I love Rylee – it doesn’t even compare to the Heavenly Father’s love for us! In that moment I imagined how in tune God is to our every noise, squeak and cry. He loves us with an extravagant love.

After all – ‘Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.’ – John 15:13

- Brad

A late Birthday present

Sunday was my birthday, and I received numerous B-day wishes from people all over, and am so thankful for the thoughts.

I received a late birthday gift from God this morning and wanted to share it with you. It comes from my quiet time in John 17. The chapter is an awe inspiring look into the life of Christ as He prays for God's will in His life, His disciples life, and in our life.

This morning was one of those days in which something I had read numerous times before jumped off the page as brand new and overwhelmed me emotionally. It happened in verse 23. "I am in them and You are in Me. May they be made completely one, so that the world may know You sent Me and that You have loved them just as You have loved Me."

That expression...that God the Father loves me as he loves God the Son...God loves me as much as He loves Jesus...WOW! I have asked the question "How could God the Father allow His Son to die for sinners on a cross?" Because He loves this sinner as much as He loves Jesus!!! Oh my!

How could we ever feel unloved? What a gift!

- Brad