The Ridge Church » Pastor’s Corner

Guest Blog by Wendy Dexter

pastorjoey — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:10:59 +0000

Crazy, Freak, or On Fire?

I’m waiting at the light to go back to work from lunch and this nice blue Cadillac turns in front of me and I see something that makes me smile. On the side of the door in those white peel off block style letters is, Jesus Loves You. This “cute” old man driving his nice Cadillac downtown has bought peel off stickers to put this message on his car, a Cadillac no doubt! At first I giggled a minute. I almost rolled my eyes, which would be my reaction in the past. But this time I smiled and said, “Yes Jesus does love me, and he loves you man, thanks”. It got me thinking… That one unconventional insane action brought me a smile and inspired me to dig deeper.

The past few weeks I also keep passing this white work van that is spray painted in all neon colors different verses and “Christian” sayings. It honestly reminds me of a youth t-shirt from the 90’s, when neon graffiti was cool. Oh wait… It’s cool again isn’t it…? So back to the point, most people, including myself at one time would say what a weirdo, that’s such a turn off, he’s just a crazy Jesus freak. Your normal reaction is to be critical and negative or feel very sorry for their obvious mental condition!

Now for a moment, follow me to a different viewpoint. I would say that these types of believers are not crazy, they are not insane. They are on fire for God. They are Jesus Freaks, which is an honor to be. They obviously don’t care about what others say about them, or the dirty looks I’m sure they receive. These folks see a bigger picture, the bigger vision. They are taking their love for God, worshipping Jesus outwardly & ministering to everyone who sees their vehicle. Someone who has never heard the name Jesus may see this wonderful old man driving his slow moving Cadillac around town and start wondering who this Jesus is. The man with the van, that says Holy, Holy, Holy on the front, and Jesus is coming are you ready? May be just the thing someone needs to come back to that relationship with God that they walked away from years ago. He in his way is being a light in the world.

How many Christians are scared to even tell another they go to church or even less tell people they have a relationship with Jesus. In Luke 9:26 the word says “anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”

Jesus came and was very unorthodox in his approach, his leadership, his ministry. He lived life differently. He lived an example for us to follow. He didn’t sit quietly in the temple to not upset the normal. He went beyond the borders; he truly touched people by being different, by being “crazy”. I pray that each one who is a believer can swallow their pride, be led by the Holy Spirit and live the life God designed for you. I pray that we will all may be on fire for God. I challenge you to be inspired to become a Jesus Freak. Give them something to talk about! You never know it may just lead to one life changed…

It Only Takes One,

In His Service,

Wendy

Who’s There?

pastorjoey — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:12:33 +0000

Ever had a time when your alone and hear a noise. You quickly turn while uttering the phrase Who’s There? Your thinking someone is here but you can’t see them. Are they friend or foe? Or you safe or in danger? Actually this happens to us all the time. I mean every moment of everyday of our life. There is always someone there. Psalm 27:9 of the Message paraphrase David says “God … You’ve always been right there for me!” To which I say ABSOLUTELY … Be Encouraged today … He’s There!

Until Next Time

Great Adventure

pastorjoey — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:13:50 +0000

Wow! It took a lot of work. There were tons of ideas, many workers, but One Vision and it happened! The new Great Adventure Children’s Ministry opened here at the RIDGE yesterday and was it ever Great! A special thank you goes out to all those who spent long days and very long nights working for the completion of this new and exciting ministry. Just stop and consider “Just One” child accepts the Lord as Savior because he/she comes in here and realizes church is a cool place … You played a part in that!

To my many workers / volunteers and to my Children’s Pastor who took the Vision and worked so hard to make it reality. Thank You! It is Great to serve along side of you! All for His Glory!

Here are a couple of Pictures of the Great Work

Be Blessed,

Expand the Kingdom

pastorjoey — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:03:33 +0000

The title of this blog is really what I Believe God is doing within the RIDGE Church and to use that phrase I often use once more. “God is messing me up with it in a Good way.” See here is what I mean! We are doing Great things in our ministry and Christ is changing lives! That is Awesome! But here is the thought … we can do more! We must Expand His Kingdom! Important not OUR Kingdom – His!

See one thing I see happening in so many churches today is we get comfortable, complacent, and feel entitled that Our Church should be for us to enjoy. While we must certainly enjoy and love our church, we must remember it is not “ours” it is His. And the Kingdom we are building must never be ours … He has each person here for a purpose and a plan in order to further His Kingdom on earth. After all we pray in the Lord’s prayer, “Thy Kingdom Come Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven!”

Consider today How can you build His Kingdom? Is it witness to a friend? Is it listening to someone who is hurting? Is it starting a ministry? Is it being a part of another ministry? There are countless numbers of ways each of us can build His Kingdom today and frankly we don’t do it by sitting in church on Sunday.

Working for the Kingdom

Remember Who Called You

pastorjoey — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:11:39 +0000

For a little while now, few weeks maybe a month, God has been dealing with me about something that is very common in ministry … Criticism or Negative Talk! That’s right good Christians tearing each other down. Now if your reading this thinking wow I’m in ministry or I go to church and I’ve never faced any criticism, then friend get ready it is on the way! Anytime you are doing something for God the enemy is not happy and will use anyone he can to disrupt you. And so this morning I saw a quote from Pastor Ed Young which read, “God is preparing you (even if criticism is coming your way) for what He has prepared (Called) for you (to do).” My emphasis added. Pastor Young’s quote says it best. I would say it this way Remember who Called YOU! When people are negative we have to love them because Jesus loves them and we should too, but we don’t have to listen to them. In fact if we do we are replacing Him with them. Look up, Rejoice and Smile, God is preparing you for what he has prepared for you to do!

Be Blessed,

God is A.B.L.E.

pastorjoey — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:56:59 +0000

Wow! I wanted to take a moment and update my blog so especially the RIDGE Church will know what God is doing outside the walls. If you know me you know it is my heart to see the church get outside and be the church; otherwise sitting ina building thinking we are entitled to all we have is a country club, not a church! Ok, Ok, that was the sermon part … let me tell you about last night! Last night was the first meeting of the ABLE Ministry and it was incredible: a great venue, fantastic food, a key note speaker that brought a message of encouragement and excitement and the best part was you could hear his passion and heart in every word. Maybe your thinking what is ABLE … ?

ABLE or Atlanta Business Leader Enrichment is a ministry of the RIDGE Church designed especially for Business Leaders. It’s a ministry designed to help business leaders come together with each other, share their Faith and encourage one another as we bridge the gap between the Board Room and the Church. That’s right Business Leaders growing in their faith together! So often we think of the business world as cut throat, climb to the top at any cost Monday through Friday living even though on Sunday Jesus teaches us to Love one another!

Let me tell you what I experienced last night in a room full of 60+ executives from the Atlanta Area. I heard excitement and encouragement about being a part of ministry. Business Leaders are ready to get involved in ministry. Something we all know is that the things going wrong in this world are because we are taking Jesus out of everything: Kids can’t pray in school, Ten Commandment are not allowed to be displayed publicly, business leaders are not always allowed to tell an employee who is struggling and hurting that Jesus Christ loves them and cares. Doesn’t Matthew 6:33 say “Seek First His Kingdom and His Righteousness” then things will be given … ?

The RIDGE Church and specifically ABLE is joining together with men and women business leaders to Seek His Kingdom and His Righteousness, to encourage and equip today’s leaders to make an impact for Christ in the lives of their own circle of influence … Get Ready RIDGE Church, Get Ready Atlanta … This is going to be GREAT! How can I say that, because God is Able!

It’s the Business of Things

pastorjoey — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:09:39 +0000

This morning I was thinking how so many times people say, “You know Pastor running a church is the same as running a business!” And I realize there are different schools of thought on this. But I want to pose the thought today that being a Christan is a lot like being a Business Executive!

Now you may think first off, no way! Often times business people are thought of as people who step on the little man, do whatever it takes to make it to the top, out for self all the time. I’m sure there are those is business who do act and live this way, but here is a News Flash I have seen countless number of People who act and live this way inside the CHURCH! So we can’t lay this rap on the business world. Some folks just don’t get it regardless of where they spend the majority of their time. But here last night at our church I was a part of a conversation with two Business men. An one said to the other, “Hey do you know (Name Omitted) he is a great guy, wonderful businessman, really successful, President of a huge Corporation. He is going to be at our meeting in a few weeks I’ll be sure to introduce him to you so you guys can get to know one another. It will really be great I assure you”

Now what happened right here was just Good Business NETWORKING … These two successful business men were doing what they are good at in their field they Networked! And this morning God revealed to me I do this all the time. As a Pastor I Network! Here’s how it sounds … Hey listen there is this guy who I would love for you to meet. He is the CEO, the CIO, you name it! A Success like none other, captain of industry. I can assure you when you meet Him your life will be different, you will often wonder how you ever lived without knowing him, would it be Ok if I introduce you to Him maybe over coffee or something … Sure What’s His name? Oh! The guy I know His name is JESUS!

So I guess the saying is true … Church really is like a Business … All Christ asked us to do is to NETWORK!

Be Blessed

The responsibility is yours

pastorjoey — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:24:38 +0000

I have to admit the past couple of days I have simply enjoyed reflecting on the incredible Worship and anointed message by guest Pastor Todd Smith here at the RIDGE Church this past week. What I want us to remember is this, the Responsibility is yours! Now what do I mean by that? Well lets consider some Real Truths we are faced with: 1)Truth is you and I are experiencing the life changing move of God in our lives and our church. 2)Truth is we must tell others what is happening. Known as building up and edifying His Church. 3)Truth is God died for everyone not just us. 4) Truth we are responsible to tell others what He is doing. Also know as making Disciples. 5) Truth when we do we are a part of seeing others lives changed. Our lives make a real difference. 6) Truth when we do what God has purposed for us to do He anoints us with His Spirit … Remember Todd’s message!

See the Truth is it is your responsibility to make sure that others do not miss the incredible move of God that is happening here … enjoy it Yes! Welcome it in your life Yes! But don’t keep it to yourself! Tell the World Church, tell the World. So as you reflect on the awesome responsibility God has placed before, do the work He has called and equipped you to do … and oh yeah and make sure, make very very sure, you’re not complaining or cramping your church.

Be Blessed,

A Weekend to Remember

pastorjoey — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:15:33 +0000

The fast has ended, we are starting back to the other foods, Hopefully SLOWLY!

I felt I must certainly write about the absolutely incredible Weekend that we experienced here at the RIDGE Church! Those of you who were with us Saturday Night and Sunday Morning I imagine by now if you had thoughts that the fast just wasn’t connecting you with God like you had hoped those thoughts are a thing of the past! Boy did God show up and show off in this place. It was absolutely incredible to say the least. People Worshipping like never before, hands being raised that other wise would stayed by their side! Literally person after person on their face before God at an Alter like never before … and not just during on song but time after time, people praying and being released from hurts and burdens … I would say it this way I feel like those of you who were here would agree … Things Will Never be the Same! We will NEVER be the Same! Not now No way for we experienced Christ and we REMEMBER WhatHe did for us! Some many of you gave your all to HIM and I am proud to be called Your Pastor!

All I can say to those who missed it is simply … Man did you miss it, my words above can’t express what happened here. There is No way we could ever duplicate such an incredible Worship atmosphere like was in this place for the very first Saturday Night service and then followed up with an awesome Celebration Sunday like none other. In 14 years of ministry I have never seen a group of people come together for a weekend experience and just ”Jump into” Worship like they did here. Words can’t describe what you missed. This was Truly a WEEKEND to REMEMBER!

RIDGE Church I’m going to ask you to … REMEMBER, REMEMBER, REMEMBER your God moments … You just had one this past weekend! Keep the attitude of Praise, Keep the Heart of Worship Sunday’s coming and we can meet again.

Be Blessed,

Fasting Day 17

pastorjoey — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:13:10 +0000

I beleive that one major problem with our country and if I might pick a little bit, even our churches today is that we must get to the place where we are desperate for God again. We must begin to desire Him more than anything else, yes even more than food or drink, this is why we fast. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is often referred to as the Faith chapter. Verse 1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (NIV) Alright there is how the Bible defines faith … Now let’s also consider what the writer of Hebrews says about Faith in verse 6, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (NIV) Ok without Faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God … now there is more here as well … If you are a Christian you became a Christian because you believe that God is who He says He is. Like the verse says You Believe He exists. That’s two points we see in this verse but there is a third as well He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

So let’s put these three things together in our words … Since you’re a Christian you believe that God exist and you can’t please God unless you have faith in Him but if you have faith and earnestly seek Him (Which we’ve learned is done by fasting) He will reward you. You know I imagine all of us would want it to said of our life that WE PLEASE GOD …

If you want to please God, you must Believe God. In other words take Him at his Word. Like the Corinthians said in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (NIV) Now let’s imagine Daniel and the boys (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) they joined Daniel on his fast to not eat the Kings food and certainly walked by faith rather than by sight. Consider what they saw on their way into the furnace. It had been heated seven times hotter than normal. The heat was so intense that it killed the guards standing by the doors. If they had walked by sight, they would have said, “Well here goes the Bar-B-Q guess we’re going to be ashes” Instead they walked on in the furnace saying “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.” (NIV)

Do you feel like you’re headed to the furnace? Is the heat getting turned up? Are you on your way to having a Bar-B-Q or do you have faith which pleases God that He will deliver you! Faith is the evidence of things unseen. God I don’t know how you’re going to do this, God I don’t understand but I know no I Believe YOU can!

Remember Jesus put the emphasis on how great our God is, not how great our faith is. With only a tiny bit of faith, like a mustard seed, we can move mountains, and nothing shall be impossible with God. Matthew 17:20

Be Blessed