Light the Darkness

A Look Back

I've taken the time recently to go back through my blogs and look at the year in review.  It is facinating to see the providence of God and to remember so many good times.  I also went through my journal today to reread about how God was at work in my life, with Belinda, our family and our church, Indian Creek Community Church.  There are many things that stand out to me as reminders of God's faithfulness. 

Here are some thoughts on what I've learned:

There were some tough times.  In several cases they were hard to understand or accept at the moment but God was always at work in ways beyond what I could see.  He consistently provided what I/we needed at the time and over a longer period of time brought good out of the situation.  If I can be appropriately humble and surrendered and at the same time relax into God's care it is a good combination. I'd like to exercise more faith and live with joy even when the times are challenging.

God keeps stretching me and it is for my good.  I started praying at the beginning of the year that God would teach me to abide with Him.  Shortly after that He put the idea in my mind to pray that I would also be pruned.  Pruning and abiding go together if you read John 15.  Along with pruning I felt led to pray that I would embrace the disciplines of God.  I asked if He would grow me to be more like Him.  That is a painful prayer!  But a good one.  Multiple times I've been pushed out of my comfort zone and tempted to complain only to remember my prayer.  I would have to say that this has been one of the most constructive things I've ever asked of God--albeit one of the most difficult. 

I continue to hear from God that we are in a "new day".  I noticed Ben Stears was saying the same thing in his blog.  We were independently led to the same scriptures in Isaiah.  I've been calling it a "new chapter" but the other day Patty  said, "I think it is a whole new book."  I believe this has to do with the multiplication we've been called to at Indian Creek.  Other words I've heard are things like "there is a turning", "a flood is coming", and "a new thing".  I believe God has very good things ahead for us as we are faithful to Him and live out the vision He has given to us. 

One final thing, some of the very best things have come from times when it looked the worst.  In those cases it is easy to see that the wisdom and power come from God and not from us.  It is in times like those that our faith demonstrates it's viability.  I need to learn to increase my expectation that when I'm in a time like that it is going to be a great story in the end.

I was very encouraged by what I read.  God is at work and we can trust Him.  Thoughts like this make me look forward to the new year.

Favorite Blogs

There are several blogs that I read regularly.  I learn a lot and it is a good way to keep up with friends.  I thought I would share my favorite blogs with you as this year winds up.  I'm not going to rate them or put them in order just share the links and let you do your own reading.  I'm grateful for those who take the time and effort to put their thoughts out in the blogsphere.

Belinda reminded me as I was writing that these are on the side of my blog and I know they are but I want to call out the joy, appreciation and value they bring to me.  Blog reading is my perferred way to read and grow. Thank you favorite blog writers

www.belindakendall.typepad.com       My wife's blog about life and family

www.daveferguson.typepad.com        Lead Pastor CCC, Founder New Thing Network

www.evotional.com                           Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor, National Comm Church, Author

http://stearsb.blogspot.com/            Ben Stears, Indian Creek Comm Church, Gardner campus

http://www.judysturman.typepad.com  Friend, leader at Indian Creek

http://www.xanga.com/kjlevitt        Daughter, Director Project Partner

http://www.xanga.com/drummn77    Son, "my life told in random pieces"

http://www.troymcmahon.typepad.com/   Troy McMahon, Pastor, Restore Comm Church

http://www.janetmcmahon.typepad.com/  Janet McMahon, Co-Founder, Restore Comm Church

http://www.originsfaith.com/        James and Tammy Vogt, Church Planters from Indian Creek

http://www.pattyrobb.typepad.com   Friend, Co-worker at Indian Creek

http://pauldfitzgerald.typepad.com/  Counselor, Director Heart Connexions

Tim Tebow

My brother-in-law, David Pollitte showed me this video of Tim Tebow's most recent mission trip to the Philippines.  I admire how that although Tim is a Heisman Trophy winner he has not allowed his fame on the football field to go to his head.  Obviously he has a heart for God and he has a heart for missions.  Enjoy.

Thank You

I hope I don't have any new material to write about sickness after this blog for a loonnggg time.  Wow! Just last Monday in a prayer circle I thanked God that I've had probably the best six months of health I can remember.  Man, did that change quickly.  If you don't like to hear about the creaping crud just skip to the last paragraph. 

I fought a bad headache going into the Christmas Eve services but made it through just fine.  Thanks for your prayers.  Then on Christmas Day I heaved well into the morning.  I did find myself wondering during the night how God designed a system that food can go in and come back up when something is not right inside. 

I wasn't sure if I could make it to Kentucky but Belinda put me in the back of the Jeep and drove the whole way.  She did a great job driving.  I was glad to find the bed.  The next day, Saturday, I should have put a pillow in the bathroom.  In all of my 51 years I've never experienced anything like this.  I didn't know if I could speak in Morehead First Church of God like I agreed to do weeks ago in that condition.  I told Belinda that if I tried she probably should make a Wal-Mart run for Depends.  My strategy was not to eat anything so I was on an involuntary fast for two days and I felt weak every time I stood up.  However, when I went to write the message it came very easily.  Once that happened I began to believe God wanted that message delivered. 

On Sunday morning I woke up, and except for the shower, was able to avoid the bathroom.  I ate some  Saltine crackers and drank half of a Sprite.  My devotions were in Isaiah 41-44 where I read about God's strength being provided to his own.  I felt like the words were personally directed to me.  I decided that I was going to try to stand and deliver that message regardless of the cost.  My niece Kayli Pollitte, sang a special about God's provision in time of need, Call on Jesus, and I felt the Holy Spirit moving among us.  I believed at that point God was up to something special.  He gave me the strength I needed and it all went well.

I truly appreciate all the prayers, tweets, Facebook messages, and email support.  I'm blessed to have such a loving, supportive group of friends and family.   I praise God for what I consider to be a miracle.  Thanks for being a part of it. I posted the song below in case you want to listen to Nicole C. Mullen sing, Call on Jesus.

God's Providence and Care

We made it safely to Kentucky.  Belinda drove all the way and I was like a body in the back seat.  One way to describe how I felt is to say there was a storm in my stomach.  There still is--but the storm seams to be subsiding some.  In two days I've had 1and 1/2 banana and two servings of applesauce to eat so I don't see how there is any fuel for the storm but somehow there is.  I'm supposed to speak tomorrow at the Morehead First Church of God so I'm praying for strength. 

As I rode in the car I reflected on God's providence and care.  Two people I've been praying for recently got very good news.  Margaret Outler received the news from the doctors who did her MRI that they couldn't find the tumor.  They said it was a miracle.  I love it when there is a story like that!  I'm so happy for Margaret and Brad.

And I heard on Christmas Eve that Amy Tyler was a the doctor's earlier in the day and they couldn't find evidence of her tumor.  That is great news.  They are going to continue chemo but they are very encouraged.  I was thrilled.  Literally my knees went weak when I heard the good news.  I've been praying for Amy and Kyle and God is intervening. 

I will leave the deciding to God about when, where and how He works but it is good to know we are in His care.

What I got for Christmas

After three great Christmas Eve services I was hoping for a quiet, restful Christmas day.  It started out that way.  My parents were in town and my brother and his family came up from Oklahoma City to visit.  We ate a ham dinner with pecan pie for dessert.  We played the game, Apples for Apples and enjoyed each other's company.  We started watching a movie and that's when my day took a turn for the worse. 

I started to get sick at my stomach and it was not the mild version.  I'll spare you the ugly details but I spent most of the night running back and forth to the bathroom.  I have decided "wrenching" is a better word than "throwing up" if that gives you any clue.  It's been about 24 hours now and although there is nothing left to empty my stomach it still hurts like crazy.

However, we've planned for months to go to KY today so we are on the way.  I crawled in the back seat and Belinda is driving.  We'll probably get there about 3 a.m. I'm hoping I don't infect them.  I'm praying for the short version of whatever this is.

My prayer has been to glorify God in the good times and the bad.  I'm grateful for God's loving providence and an understanding, helpful family.  I appreciate your prayers.  This is one Christmas present I didn't want.  However, I know many have it much worse than me.  If Jesus experienced all that this life has to offer there is no reason to believe we get to skip all the difficult stuff.  I'll let you know how this turns out.

Text from Christmas Eve

Here is the text Download Redeem_Your_Relationships_Final from the Christmas Eve message.  Thanks for all who made the evening so special.

I Bless the Rains in Africa

Tonight in the Christmas Eve service I told a story about a young man who found his way back to God when he heard the song Africa by Toto.  There are many versions on YouTube but I chose the one where you could get the best effect of the words.  This guy was high and playing Grand Theft Auto when the car radio in the auto he stole played this song.  The words hit him like thousands of voices singing Just as I am in a Billy Graham crusade.  When he reached the words that he hates the man he has become he left the game, called his dad, went home and checked into a treatment center.  He turned to God to restore and redeem his relationships and He did.  His life totally turned around.  If you want to hear the rest of the story you can listen to the podcast by going to Indian Creek and clicking on resources from there choose media and you can listen to a streaming message or download the mp3.  You can subscribe to the Indian Creek podcast and get it on iTunes if you prefer.  God will keep reaching to us through any door we leave open.  He is seeking a rich and eternal relationship with you right at this very moment.  Revelation 3:20 says He is knocking, open the door.

Christmas Eve Invites Out

I got my personal Christmas Eve invites out!  I'm ready for Christmas now.  Somehow no matter how many songs we sing or presents we open it isn't Christmas for me until I continue the mission Jesus began with His birth.  This is what it is all about!  Now the prayers I'm praying for tomorrow and the message I'm speaking have increased importance because I'm hoping my friends come. 

It is probably not too late to make a phone call.  You can be like me, scanning the crowd for those ten faces or so that I'm looking to see.  Wow!  This makes Christmas real and personal.  I can't wait!

Gary Kendall

Repurposing Your Resources

Here is the Download Repurposing Your Resources message from today at Indian Creek Community Church.  We had great crowds considering the weather, the chill factor was 10 degrees below zero. I proclaimed the congregation honorary Alaskans!  You know our weather policy--if it is Sunday we are open.  And that's not because I'm from Alaska, even though that part is true.  It is because we have the most important mission in the world, helping people find their way back to God.   

My favorite part of the message was the exercise we did in the third point.  I think it was an unforgettable moment.  People truly got it--you could see it in their eyes. If you weren't here I hope you'll read about it and perhaps repeat it in your setting. 

Now, we are praying about a full house for Christmas Eve and hundreds of decisions for Christ. 

Gary Kendall