Wedding Bells

Saturday June 18, 2011 our youngest son was married to Katie in Englewood, Florida. If you want to see more pictures just use the links below.

Julie and I and my parents flew down, which meant we did not get to visit with several friends on the return trip as we planned. But flying was easier on all of us. We were also pleased that a number of family and friends made the trip. Our whole gang stayed in Buchan's Landing Resort which is on Lemon Bay - a wonderful place for us to gather and celebrate. We watched dolphins swim by each morning, and I enjoyed taking pictures of the beauty and wildlife in the area. Julie was a wonderful host for those gathered - one morning she prepared breakfast for 27!

The wedding took place in the Green Street Church which was the first church in Englewood and is now operated by the historical society. It was lovely setting for a ceremony that honored the Lord as they made their commitment to each other.

I shared with those gathered at the rehearsal dinner that families are very stretchable - as proven by the fact that both of our families are enlarged by this marriage; Katie's family have warmly welcomed Brian and we are delighted that Katie has become part of the growing Waggoner clan. They will be living in Richmond Virginia where Brian will pursue his chosen career in law enforcement.

We also got in a little relaxation after the wedding, Julie and I enjoyed the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and colleting a few seashells along the way, not to mention taking some pictures of some outstanding sunsets! We are glad to be back in WV and looking forward to be worshipping with the folks at Mt. Calvary Baptist on Sunday.

Jesse

Wedding Photo Album

Florida Photo Album

Prison Stories

Have you ever noticed how so many Bible stories take place in a prison? Think about Joseph in Egypt, Sampson, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul, Silas, the Apostle John, and John the Baptist come quickly to mind. This band of jail-house brothers are each part of the story God is trying to tell in the Bible and maybe He needed to get our attention in a particular way.

But why prison bars as a backdrop for the message God is trying to communicate? The metaphor of prison is one that jars our senses. It invades our minds with images of being helpless, hopeless and with little or no control. It touches the soul where the soul feels stuck and bound, where the only hope is on the outside as there are no useable resources for escape on the inside. It connects with the season in life where every day runs into the next and every day seems the same. Where there is little point but existing to do it all over and over again. One does not have to be literally in lock down to be acquainted with the prison syndrome. The addict knows about prison. So does the person who has been rejected and passed over. So does everyone who has ever hoped for more from life and not being able to see a way to get there. It is known by everyone who waits for word from an erring child or a wandering spouse. The feelings of confinement by a disability, injury or disease can also feel prison-like.

I have come to believe that it is for these that the prison stories are sprinkled throughout the pages of Scripture are special messages for you in those moments when you are the one in one kind of a prison or another, they are mini-dramas to help you know that life in prison is not the kind of life God intends but sometime it is only through the experience of being out of control that we really come to terms with what it means for Him to be in control.

For the next several weeks I am doing a study of a dozen or so of these prison stories and I want to invite you to either follow along or at least pick up your Bible and find your way to a prison story and in so doing you can find the kind of freedom that God desires for you to experience each day.

Blessing,
Jesse

The Family

"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. (Psalms 127:4)

When I became a father at the age of 22 Julie and I had no idea the adventure we were embarking on. Now after nearly 3 decades of marriage and years of raising children I am a blessed man. The raising of children, maintaining a marriage and growing a getting along are part of God's plan to make us all better. We, as I suppose all do, have had our struggles and pressure points. But this I know - it has all been worth it - every minute of it, the boring and long moments, the short and scary moments, those moments with more questions than answers, those moments of success and failure, those moments of pride and pain. Altogether they form a tapestry of God's grace and faithfulness. I really don't have anything more profound than that to say today but that is enough! To Him be the glory.

In case you are wondering the picture above was taken on Easter Sunday after we returned from a wonderful time of worship. Left to right (Back Row) Brandon and Heather Waggoner, Eric and Jessica McVey, (Front row) Katie Barnard, Brian Waggoner, my bride Julie and yours truly.

The picture below includes my parents Sam and Evelyn Waggoner and Brandon's dog Jaya just had to get into the picture. Click on the pictures to view a larger version.

Blessings,
Jesse


ings,

Life Update - Spring 2011

I thought it is about time for a personal update, I will post some of my thoughts from the Word next time. I have been busy serving the good folks at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church as their Interim Senior Pastor. I have enjoyed being in the pulpit preaching three times a week. If you want to follow my preaching ministry you can use these links:

www.podcast.waggonermedia.com (Sunday Morning series)

www.podcast2.waggonermedia.com (Sunday evening messages)

I have been excited to be part of two new ministries through MCBC - the first is we have begun a second Sunday Morning service. It meets at 9 a.m. in our Connection Theater; the second service remains at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. I have also been busy putting together a new ministry to men. The Lord has provided a great core of men to get things off the ground and we are expecting the Lord to continue to bless this ministry. The teaching for the Man2Man group is being recorded and will be available later. I have been working on putting together a video set so that this teaching can be on video and audio. (The picture above is a test shot from the studio set-up).

Things with the family are face-paced these days. Brian is graduating in May and getting married to Katie in June. We will be making a trip to Florida for this great event. Brandon and Heather are going to Uganda for missions work for the month of July. Also in July Jessica and Eric are expecting a baby girl and Julie and will be grandparents at a shockingly young age :) Julie has remained busy with teaching piano and she volunteers at Thomas Memorial Hospital.

May of you have asked about my Doctorate program, well last Tuesday I was informed that my Dissertation has been accepted and this means all work is completed for me to be awarded a Doctorate Degree in Biblical Preaching. Not sure when I will have a diploma in hand but I am glad to have this completed. If you want to take a look at my work you can download a eBook copy of it using this link:

www.waggonermedia.com/archive

I want to conclude by thanking all of your for your kindness and love you have shown to all of us over these last few months.

Blessings,
Jesse

Answered un-prayed prayers

"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:26)

There are those moments, as the above verse reminds us, when we don't know what to pray, or even have the ability put words to our needs, to frame our feelings in sentences and all we are left with are groans. Yes prayer is a "hotline" to heaven, a resource to bring Heaven's power to bear on our needs. But what about when we can't even pray? It is at those moments the Holy Spirit enters into the process and offers our prayers for us. He frames our cries in words that are fit for God's ears. He offers prayers that fully capture our heartache. What blessing!

But let's take this to a higher level, our God is so gracious to hear us and answer our prayers that we have never really prayed. The Holy Spirit has even done the praying for us. God so wants to have intimate fellowship with us, He is so eager to hear our requests and so eager to answer prayer that He can't wait for us to turn our heart toward Him. He is so desirous of us, that He will even complete the process of prayer for us. What blessing!

So, if He is so anxious to hear from you, make sure you do. He is waiting. What blessing!

Jesse

Got Peace?

We all have watched in horror at the devastation in Japan. A massive earthquake, whole cities being washed away by a tsunami and then the unthinkable of nuclear reactors melting down. At moments like this we are at a loss for words and at a loss for peace. Graciously God caused my mind to flash back to some words found in Psalm 46 – allow me to share them with you.

"God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains
be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling."
(Psalm 46:1-3 NKJV)

Did you catch the part about the earth being moved and the oceans roaring? Sounds like this is just what we need. To remember that in spite of it all and whatever happens God is our refuge. We can and must trust Him. Trust begins with prayer and praise. Maybe these events can serve as wake-up call for us to get on our knees before our God and renew our trust and dependence on Him.

The next to last verse of this Psalm tells us that after we have acknowledged His place and power we must do as He commands…

"Be still and know that I am God"
(Psalm 46:10)

He is, He has been and He ever will be God. For that I am thankful and in that I trust.

Jesse

PS: The above is part of my current Bible Teaching series at Mount Calvary, hope you can join us in person or online for this study.

My Time is In His Hands

Tonight at 2:00 a.m. the governement of the United States has decreed that all clocks shall be moved forward by one hour. This is to allow more daylight in the evening hours. For today I asked on One Daily Question if folks were a fan of daylight savings time, and as usually the vote is split.

But my vote is no, I must confess I have never been a fan of daylight savings time. For in reality were are not getting more daylight, time is not changing we are just all agreeing to change our schedules!

Really only God controls time, He started the clock ticking and He will keep it wound. There is a verse that I think of when I think of time:

"My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me." (Psalm 31:15)

This reminds me that the events, length and path of my life are in His control, right there in His all powerful hands. Hands that have never made a mistake, never slipped or grown weary. He is involved in this second and the next second and the minute after that. I want to lift my voice in praise of the God I love and serve, and then relax in His care. Why don't you do the same - isn't it about time you did?

Got your wedding invitation yet?

Are you checking your mail daily for the invitation to arrive. As a public service I want to give you a "Save the Date" warning, April 29, 2011 is the date Prince William will wed Kate Middleton in West Minster Abbey. I am sure you won't want to miss it.

I have always believed in being prepared, so just in case you happen to run into the Queen of England or other royal person at the wedding, here are some of the official rules for meeting royalty

• Women should curtsy and men should nod their heads

• If the Royal person offers a hand, the handshake should be short and not hard

• Allow the Queen or other royal person to leave the room first; backs should never be turned toward the Queen

• During meals, the Queen eats first and when she stops the others at the table stop

• If something drops at dinner do not speak; someone will retrieve it quietly and without fanfare

So why all the fuss? Because there is a place for showing honor to a person of a superior position. Honor is a key ingredient to any relationship. The Bible is clear, both in family and in society in general, in that He expects us to honor others (Eph. 6:2, 1 Pet. 3:7, 2:17). We often seek honor for ourselves when we need to heap it on others. So you may not meet a king or queen this week but there is someone in your life that you need to treat like one; do it to honor the God who has made us all.

So you and I can both show honor in the biblical sense regardless if we get an royal wedding invitation not.

Blessings,
Jesse

Have a spare 65 hours?

It currently has 65 hours of Bible teaching, 112 individual sermons in 20 different sermon series. What you ask? My new podcast. I have been working for the last few weeks of creating a complete archive of all of my online Bible teaching material and you can now access any or all at:

www.podcast.waggonermedia.com

If you are looking for complete series with downloadable study notes and some with online videos you can access the Bible teaching section of my website:

www.WaggonerMedia.com/teaching.html

Also both my evening and morning messages from each Sunday are archived on the podcast by Wednesday of each week. Thank you so much for your love and support. The ministry at Mount Calvary Baptist is such a blessing. The folks there are so supportive and they have a wonderful pastoral staff. We are working on plans for starting a second Sunday morning service on Easter. Keep praying!

Blessings,
Jesse

Who is the Greatest?

Who is the greatest homerun hitter in major league baseball history? That question should be easy, or is it? A quick look at stats will show that Barry Bonds ended his career with 762 homeruns, end of arguement, or is it? Questions of a "lively ball" and the use of steroids make his record in some purist's minds suspect. So maybe it is Hank Aaron, his 755 homeruns stand untainted. However there are some who argue that Babe Ruth should still get the nod, since he played in a day of shorter seasons, during his first four years (1914-1918) with the Red Sox he as a pitcher and not playing every day and the spitball was not banned from baseball until the 1921 season!

It is not my point to settle this argument but to illustrate that arriving at the point of determining the greatest no simple matter. Who is greatest is always debatable when it come to humans and human effort. However when it comes to God there is no doubt that He is the Greatest. He is at the top of every list (if not the list is wrong) in charge of everything and above everything. He is unique, one of a kind, holy!

Here is a thought that will revolutionize your thinking, the one who is greatest cares about you. He is willing to involve Himself in your life. He knows all about you and loves you anyway. He understands what no one else does, He can do what no one else can do. He is crazy about you. Get a handle on that and other opinions really don't matter.

The Greatness of God will be the subject of my Sunday morning messages at Mount Calvary beginning this Sunday. We will be looking at just how great our God is, you will be moved to worship, grow and serve in ways you have not thought of before!

You can also follow this series on 58 WCHS radio Sunday's at 7:30 a.m. or you can listen on line on my podcast page you may also download study outlines here.

Jesse

Heart of Jesus (parts 2 & 3)

I am in the "red zone" with my dissertation and almost all of my time the last two weeks has been taken up with research and writing and addtions to my blog have suffered. Until I can get back to writing on a regular schedule I offer you the follow two audio sermons - this is part 2 & 3 of "The Heart of Jesus Series."

Blessings,
Jesse

In Your Darkest Hour (Luke 7:11-17)

Broken People Wanted (Luke 7:37-50)

The Heart of Jesus

Finish this statement: "You really know who your friends are when __________________."

That statement can be completed several ways but in my mind real friends are those who are there for you when no one else is. The ones who take the initiative to check on you. That ones who will not let you go through whatever life hands you alone. Real friends are those who lend a hand when it is unpopular or inconvenient to do so.

By this definition real friends are rare and the make-believe kind are a dime-a-dozen. Before I sound like I am complaining – I know that I need to work on being a real-friend and I am thankful that I am blessed with some choice “real friends.” All that to say – the Lord Jesus is indeed a real friend. He is the one loves when we are unlovely, forgives when we are guilty, and will never, repeat never, abandon us (see Rom. 8:38-39). With Jesus we have a Savior who is more than someone who offers help to look good; Someone who reaches out due to some external motivation. With Him we have His heart. You can trust His heart, even when it doesn’t look like it, even when it doesn't feel like it, even when it seem illogical, Even when no one else is trusting – you can trust His heart.

This is the study I am currently working on and sharing with the folks at Mount Calvary Baptist Church on Sunday mornings. This is also available on my podcast or you can listen in at 7:30 a.m. on WCHS beginning this Sunday, January 9th. I trust we together can learn to trust the heart of Jesus.

Listen to The Heart of Jesus (part 1)

WCHS Radio

New Ministry for Me

Someone once said if you want to make God laugh show him your five-year plan. Life is not always what we expect but as we follow Him it is always blessed. As many of you know this year has been a time of unexpected changes in my ministry life. I concluded my 2+ years of ministry in the pulpit of Bible Center Church in April. In August, I completed my 12 years of ministry at BCC. I have spent the last months traveling, (including a wonderful time serving missionaries in South America) and accelerating work on my Doctorate Degree.

Now the Lord has revealed what the next step in my ministry is to be. Through a remarkable set of God-controlled events I will begin serving as Interim Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Charleston beginning in January. Pastor David Mitchell has served there wonderfully and faithfully for the past 24 years and is retiring the last Sunday of 2010. Mount Calvary Baptist has served in the Kanawha Valley for more than 100 years. The Church is blessed with a wonderful staff and excellent facilities located just off the Westmoreland Exit of I77 (one exit north of the 77 - 64 split). I will begin filling the pulpit on Sunday January 2nd and after the service on Jan. 9 the congregation will vote on the recommendation of the Deacons to approve this. I am looking forward to getting to know and serve the people who worship at Mount Calvary.

Another development is that Mount Calvary Baptist will also launch a Sunday morning broadcast on AM58 WCHS on January 2nd from 7:30-8:00 a.m. This spot has been served by Pastor Bobby Sizemore as a ministry of Elkview Baptist Church for many years, and I will do my best to continue to serve the listeners with quality Bible teaching in that location and time. Listen in if you get the chance.

While I wait for the Lord to direct to an opportunity for a full-time and permanent ministry I am excited to tackle this next task. I would appreciate your prayers in these next days. Thank you so much for all of the love and encouragement so many of you have shown over the past months.

Blessings,
Pastor Jesse Waggoner

Listen, It's Christmas

I have recently been involved in an online conversation about why God would choose Shepherds to be the first ones to hear about the birth of His Son. The comments generally revolved around the connection to Jesus being the Good Shepherd, the Son of David who was a Shepherd or the fact that they were low and humble. While thinking about this I come to an even more fundamental and I believe, profound conclusion: God wanted to deliver a message. That night He chose the extraordinary means of a multitude of angels filling the sky, but He got the message across; a message of peace and goodwill and a Savior born. He directed them via the angelic announcement to find Jesus wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.

God does not often use such extreme measures to deliver news to us. He usually speaks through His all-time best seller and the only book He has written; the Bible. Our responsibility? To listen! In this case you have access to the source documents, to firsthand accounts of what God had determined for you to know. What a blessing to know that God wants to speak to you.

This Christmas please plan to invest some time digging into God’s Word, privately and with others. He has delivered on His part, are you delivering on yours?

Jesse

Video Version of this teaching

That thing is huge!

Recently I needed to move a large bookcase my father had built for me (see picture below) it is beautiful, and has a built-in 55 gal. aquarium. It is huge and it is heavy. It is way beyond my ability to move. I remember that someone once said that the one thing better than having a truck, is having a friend that has one! So I called a dear friend who showed up with a huge truck complete with hydraulic life and couple of other well-muscled men. I still had to shoulder my corner of the bookcase but the gracious help of these friends got the job done.

Peter describes our Lord as “the God of all grace.” Earlier we looked at the “God” part and the “All” part, so now we want to think about the “Grace” part. Grace can be defined as God’s help in our need. That is why the bookcase story is a great example of this. The gracious act of these made a job that was too big for me possible. His grace can move even impossible things that maybe staring at you. Those things that keep you up and night and steal your joy in the day. He can move it!

So what is that huge – immovable thing in your life? That one thing that is way too big for you to budge? Maybe it is time to trust in the God of all grace. Count on His help to be there for you in your need. Renew your confidence in His showing up when you need strength beyond yourself. He won’t let you down.

Jesse

Veiw Video version of this teaching

More research

Would you take three minutes and help a seminary student out? I have added three quick questions to my ongoing poll which is part of my research for my Doctoral Dissertation. I need as many responses as I can get, I so appreciate your taking the time to answer these three questions. NOTE: You will have to use your browsers "Back" button to get back to the questions page to answer the next question. Thanks so much for your help!

To take the poll go here

Running out of time (The God of All Grace part 2)

"But may the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you." (1 Pet. 5:10)

I have a limited amount of time to write this before getting to my next scheduled thing. In fact I always have a limited amount of time. In reality I have a limited amount of everything – time, energy, opportunity, money, etc. and if you want to know the truth, so do you! We are finite every day and in every way.

As we think on the second part of the description of God as being “the God of all grace” I want to dwell on the “all” part. He is not limited in His grace. It never is in short supply, the transportation system to bring grace from the throne to you is never disrupted, it never runs out no matter how much you need. He is a God of unlimited grace. He is infinite every day and in every way.

So the next time you feel like your needs exceed God’s ability, or the reach of His compassionate grace – let this verse stop you and redirect you. He has not used up His allotment of grace on all the other needy people and left you without – He is the God of all grace. Thank Him for that today and live like that today – you had better get started time is short.

Jesse

Video version of this teaching

Here are some recent family pictures - enjoy!

The God of All Grace (1 Pet. 5:10) part 1

"But may the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you." (1 Pet. 5:10)

For some reason a phrase from this verse had lodged itself in my mind over the past few days. Did you notice how Peter addresses God? He calls Him "the God of all grace." Stop what you are doing for a few moments and think about that. We have in our lives, caring for us the God of all grace. I will address the last two thirds of that phrase later but think for a moment about the fact that He is the GOD of all grace. If he were gracious and not God, He at best would be a benevolent person but not have the ability for that good will to do anything in our lives. No the "all grace" is empowered by the omnipotent God!

God has never seen a tight spot He could not get us out of. He has never faced a dilemma that did not have a third option. He had never faced a disease He could not heal. He has never encountered an obstacle he could not overcome or a roadblock He could not remove. He is able to deliver grace to you.

Are you in need of some encouragement today? If so, remember this; the God of all grace is on your side and He delights when His children turn to Him in faith and seek His help. So...what are you waiting for?

Jesse

Video Version of this teaching

A (non) Drive Time Video on Gratefulness

As many of you know it has been sometime since I have made any new Drive Time Videos - I will spare you the details for the absence but I am make a new series of videos that while not from the road are from the heart and more importantly from God's Word. As always I appreciate your support and feed back. Just click the play button on the video below or if that is showing click the link to go to a webpage where you can view it.

Blessings,
Jesse


Click here to go to video page

Know your preacher?

I need your help. Usually I try to write items on this blog to inform, entertain or inspire you but this offering is a little different. As most of you know I am working on my Doctoral Dissertation and as part of that project I am doing some original research. My subject is the role of the hearer in the preaching process. What I need is your opinion. Since I spend most of my time behind the pulpit I need to know what the person in the pew is thinking. I will do these polls over a period of time in three question segments. It should only take a minute or two of your time but your input will be a great help to this seminary student.

Just click the link below to get started and let me thank you in advance for your participation, Also, please feel free to pass this on to anyone you may like, I could use all the opinions I can get. All responses are anonymous; so tell me what you think of preaching, listening and preachers like me.

Jesse

Please note that after you click "VOTE" after each set of answers, you will be taken to a results page, use your browser's "Back" button to return to the page to answer the following queston.
TAKE THE POLL