Chip Wheeler.com

Enjoy The Journey

I had planned to write about the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18 this morning – and how Jesus teaches us to long for and pray to God. But after spending some time on facebook last night – I decided to have a more patriotic feel to our “Friday Thoughts” edition.

Facebook is an incredible thing (by the way if you are a member of facebook and have not become a fan of River Hills Church – you can do so at any time). I’ve been able to connect with friends that I haven’t seen for decades, communicate with people in an instant who live thousands of miles away, see pictures of my friend’s kids, and see the struggles and delights of life that occur in those who write. But what has been most intriguing to me lately is a “fan page” that has to do with my family history. A distant relative has written a book and tracked our family tree all the way to 1705 when our first relatives stepped onto the shores of Virginia. What is amazing to me is that there is a lot of detail pertaining to their marriages, deaths, military service and faith. It is as if I hear their echos through the pages of time and I try to imagine who life must have been like for them as the made the trek to frontier of North Carolina and then to Georgia in the 1820’s.

After staying up way to late and reading about their service in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, founding of counties and Mercer college, and their presence at Appomattox when the Civil War ended – I’m compelled to put down a few thoughts about my appreciation for our nation. I’m not one to talk a lot about patriotism. Not because I don’t believe in it, but because lifting up the name of Jesus Christ is far more worthy and significant. However, I do think it is important to step back and be thankful for one’s heritage. Here are a few things that I am thankful for as it pertains to being an American:

1) Hot-dogs – I know that sounds silly, but where else in the world can you go to the “Pool Room” in Monroe, GA or “Casey’s” in downtown Winder and get a perfectly prepared hot-dog with slaw and chili.

2) Football – not soccer, but football. I must confess it makes more sense to call soccer football, but since I am an American I am inclined to call it “Football.”

3) The Interstate – I love taking long rode trips through the country side, but its nice to get to point A to point B as quickly as possible.

4) Freedom of Speech – I think this is vitally important to all Americans – and while I do not agree with much of what people say, I am thankful I have the freedom to communicate the gospel and hope that it will change our “speech”.

5) Un-arranged Marriages – I’m thankful that I got to pick my wife (although I firmly believe that God planned for us to be together from the start of eternity) – but I’m grateful to live in a culture that says “you can marry who you want.” I have friends in other parts of the world who don’t have that privilege.

6)  A “better than you” attitude – Now I know many will read this and think “this is the problem with America – how can you write that.” I have many friends overseas and when I say “better than you” this is what I mean: the attitude that we can do anything and accomplish any goal that we put our mind to. It is the idea that working hard and having a unrelenting tenacity to accomplish the impossible. For example: Landing on the moon (which has its 40 year anniversary this month). I fear that my generation may be losing that attitude.

So there are a few things that I am thankful for. I pray for our nation – and all the nations – and I ask God that we would honor him by not taking this for-granted. Have a great 4th.

What an incredible day at River Hills yesterday. I am blown away with all that is happening in the life of our church. New faces, awesome momentum, changed lives and above all – God is doing great stuff. After a week of camp it was refreshing to come and worship with the River Hills family – I truly love our church. Here are a few thoughts from yesterday:

1) The greatest tool that God uses to see people come to Christ – I believe – is other people. God has been using so many of you to care for and reach out to others in your area of influence. You deserve to be commended for all that you do and continue to do in caring for others the way Jesus does.

2) We finished up “Just Joy” yesterday. This series was a little longer than previous talks – but how cool was it to look at an entire book of scripture from beginning to end? God really used this series in my life – and I hope it impacted you as well.

3) In order to maintain “Just Joy” – we must grasp the “Joy Of Perspective.”

4) I loved the definition of “lovely” in Philippians 4:7 – it means “grace attracts.” What are you thinking about in your life that lines up with “grace attracts”?

5) Our night of prayer and worship was great last night – awesome time of prayer and we participated in communion. Our next planned event is in August.

6) Don’t miss this Sunday – July 5th – come to worship in your shorts – we’re going to have Coke and watermelon in lieu of muffins and coffee (we still may have coffee ).

7) I’m so glad to be home – it was great having my family back in worship together as God intended.

Have a great week – look forward to seeing you Sunday – have a great 4th of July.

I just finished speaking to a group of students and adults at a youth camp called “Engage” in Dry Creek, LA. It has been a while since I had the opportunity to spend a week teaching students in a camp setting – but it has been such an encouraging week. I’m fired up about what God is doing around the nation and the world – and I’m excited about flying into Atlanta later on today and hugging my wife and kids.

Over the course of the week God has been teaching me a lot of stuff:

1) I’m so honored to be the pastor of River Hills Church. I love our folks and the mission of bringing truth and people together. Looking forward to Sunday and spending the day with our church – and teaching God’s truths. I do not take for granted all of you who serve and attend on a weekly basis.

2) It was really nice not to have to worry about anything – set-up, nursery, sound, greeting, air-conditioning – and just teach God’s word. I am truly passionate about that and it was great to focus all my energy on that one thing.

3) I’m fired up about sending our students to a mission trip/camp next summer.

4) I preached a sermon last night called “Dream Big” – it was the portion of a message from March 30, 2008 – check it out:  www.churchatriverhills.com/sermon-archive – we need to remember to continue to pray God sized prayers. Please respond to this post and let me know some of the “God-sized prayers”  you are praying for River Hills.

5) God has uniquely equipped us and designed us for this mission – we have to maintain a level of tenacity in connecting with the people in our area.

6) I’m humbled and amazed that God allows me to do what I do – thank you for all your encouragement and love.

Look forward to seeing you all this Sunday – check out a post I did earlier this week called the sweetness of repentance. Off to the airport – love you guys.

Currently I am in Dry Creek, Louisiana speaking with students from Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Most of the students are here for missions, but some are here to have a “normal” camp experience. There is nothing in Dry Creek, LA – except a really nice camp ground, a convenience store, a butcher shop in the convenience store, and Benjie Loyd (my good friend and pastor of Dry Creek Baptist Church – a scholar and almost gentleman). There is no cell phone coverage and I’ve only been able to hijack my friend’s Internet connection during morning recreation – so needless to say – I’ve had time to think.

There are so many things I’m not proud of – things that I’ve done, things that I’ve not done – baggage. Some these past shortcomings haunt me, some I’ve been able to put behind me – but I’m proud of none of them. For all of us, we have done things that we will never be able to reconcile intellectually and get over emotionally – but can we ever find peace? The answer is yes – but it is only through the sweetness of repentance.

Repentance can be understood as walking one direction, realizing that you are going the wrong way, and then turning and going the opposite direction. On a spiritual level, repentance is necessary for salvation. One cannot know Jesus without first acknowledging that they need Jesus – that they’ve had short comings. Not only that for a Christian to experience growth, they must have a level of repentance – they must be willing to constantly turn from the wrong and face what is right.

The mistakes may still haunt us, but the peace can be experienced because:

1) We have acknowledged that what we have done is wrong and therefore rebels against the glory of God.

2)  We know that the sacrifice of Jesus and the victory he had over sin and death is now ours because Jesus is within us.

3) Our God is a God of 2nd chances.

We can have peace with God – but the reality is that for many people they may believe in Christ, they miss salvation because they refuse to come to a point of brokenness – repentance. For others of us we don’t grow in our relationship with Christ because we don’t repent for the things that we do wrong – thus bringing about chaos in our hearts.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 7:10 that godly sorrow leads to repentance and that repentance leads to salvation and this leaves us with no regret. What an incredible verse!!! Do you feel guilty or “bad” for something you have done wrong – then try this out: repent! Godly sorrow leads to repentance – and that to salvation – and that will leave you with no regrets.

I really want to be a person who leaves earth one day with no regrets – I think all of us do. But in order to do that we have to embrace the sweetness of repentance.

Happy belated Father’s Day to all of our Dads – I hope it was good day for you. Yesterday was another great Sunday at River Hills Church. If you missed yesterday – here are a few thoughts:

1) Almost done with our “Just Joy” sermon series. Big Idea from yesterday: God calls us to “go deeper” and that requires “striving” on our part.

2) We are to strive for maturity – which means that we are to seek to “grow-up” spiritually speaking.

3) We are to strive for discernment – which means we are to make “right choices.”

4) I love our worship team – they get better every week. Looking forward to the months to come.

5) Next week is our last week of “Just Joy” – you don’t want to miss this because we’re tying up all the lose ends from the book of Philippians.

6) Pray for me this week – I have the opportunity to speak to students in Southwest Louisiana. I hate being away from my family, but I love the opportunity to share the timeless truth with others. Pray that God would bless my words and ignite a passion in the lives of these students.

7) Our student minister, Chance, leaves for a four week mission trip to Crossroads Camp in North Carolina – he also made the next level for American Idol – so pray for him. Also pray for our intern, Will Clark, he is in Costa Rico right now on a mission trip. I’m so thank for these two young men and their passion to bring truth and people together.

I love our church and the momentum that we are carrying through the summer is incredible. Can’t wait to see everyone Sunday morning – and looking forward to sharing with you the last episode of “Just Joy.” Have a great week.

Do you have a Mary or Martha heart? This is question that I’ve been asking myself all week long. The Gospel of Luke tells the story of Jesus visiting two sisters, Mary and Martha. While Martha was busy preparing lunch, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to his teaching. When Martha finally had had enough, she complained to Jesus that Mary should be helping her, Jesus responded: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken for her.” In other words: “Martha, you should be sitting and listening – so chill out and quit whining about your sister.”

I find myself busy with the troubles of life – and ministry – so how do I develop a heart like Mary? Here are some thoughts:

1) Have I scheduled time to spend with Jesus on a daily basis? Statistically speaking, people are more likely to do what they schedule/write down.

2) Do I have a plan to study the Bible? Develop a plan to start reading the Bible – begin with the Gospel of John and read small portions until you’re done and then start another book of the Bible.

3) Does my heart break for those who are far from God? Constantly questioning if I’m concerned about the the things of God versus the things of life is impertative in developing a heart like Mary.

4) If no one showed up at church on Sunday – would I still be in love with Jesus? When our dreams don’t come true, can we maintain an level of joy because our passion is Jesus first?

5) Is impressing God more important to me than knowing God? Jesus wants us at his feet not at his side first and foremost.

Have a great weekend – see you Sunday.

What an incredible day at River Hills. Great things continue to happen each week – and I’m incredibly pumped about next week. Here are some thoughts on today….

1) Embracing the joy of losing means that we choose to be confident in what is accomplished for us rather than what we can accomplish.

2) “Who let the dogs out” – we did – how do we put them back up: being confident in in Christ and considering all other things rubbish.

3) It was great to have Brandt and his new bride back leading worship this week.

4) We must become “Christ-o-centric.” It is what we are created for.

5) Our first annual fishing tournament was interested: big fish award goes to Tammy Martin – 2 inch long bream. Most fish award goes to Johnny Ketchum – 2 minnows. Next year we’ll be fishing somewhere else.

6) Read II Samuel 20:23. Every felt like you’re trapped in a pit with a lion? We can be confident that we win in the end.

7) Another person requested to be baptized this week – that never gets old.

Have a great week and look forward to seeing you Sunday.

Yesterday was an incredible day at River Hills Church. I am astonished at the size of our summer crowd as well as the number of first time guests. God is doing some really neat things in the lives of people and in the life of our church. After not being with our church last week – because I was on vacation – it was so good to be back with our folks. Here are a few thoughts from yesterday:

1) The worship was incredible. Thank you to Robert Williamson (our guitar player) and his family (+ one friend) who came and led worship. They rocked the house. Can you imagine being in their home growing up – I’m sure it was loud. Seriously, yesterday was a powerful worship experience.

2) We are crowded in our “Kid’s Connection” rooms. This is an incredible blessing, but we do need help in those areas. Please let us know if you would be willing to help – especially in the 3-5 year old room.

3) We learned that we are to become a “2nd Mile Servant” – be willing to go the extra mile in the name of Christ.

4) We started our summer seminars last night – and we immediately jumped into the deep end of the pool. Great time with everyone who came.

5) We had more people come forward to make their relationship with Christ public this week through baptism – awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome.

6) I know I’m getting ahead of myself – but July 5 is “Wear Your Shorts To Church Sunday” – unless you really don’t like shorts – just “Wear Your t-shirt” to church.

7) I had more fun at church yesterday than I have had in a long time. God was active in the hearts of many people – and I’m so thankful for that.

Have a great week everyone – love you guys.

I’ve been on vacation this week – so I’ve tried not to “think” about too much this week, but I do have a few thoughts coming out of a much needed time away. First of all everyone should take time to rest. I’ve been burning the candle at both ends since January and even my body was telling me to take some time off (my blood pressure this week was 100/80 – which is really awesome for me). It was great to spend some uninhibited time with the family and to not worry about Sunday morning (Chance and Will did an incredible job).

Secondly, I have determined without hesitation that I would much rather stare at the beach from a distance rather than spend time sitting on it. You heard me right – I don’t like the sand, the heat and the fact that I’m expected to swim around in nature’s restroom. But there is something about the beach that is tranquil, refreshing and downright relaxing. I could literally feel myself recharging as I just sat and stared (I could only do that when the kids were napping by the way).

Finally, I’m ending my vacation with an enormous expectation of God moving in my life, my family and in the life of our church. I will be honest: it is very difficult to leave River Hills on Sundays. Its not that I don’t trust our volunteers and leadership – its just that I’ve invested my life into the vision that I feel like God has given as it pertains to River Hills – and I get nervous. As I lie awake on Saturday night praying and worrying – I felt that God was asking me not only to pray for our church – but individually asking Him to bless those in our church. So in my little mental rolodex I began to pray for each individual and family. Now I’m sure I missed many people – but during this spiritual exercise God began to calm me and it made me realize that the church goes so far beyond me – but River Hills is “our” church. All of us have a vested interest and I pray that all of us are seeking “God’s will be done” in our church.

So I leave my vacation with two challenges for our church:

1) Take the time to take care of yourself. Rest, relax and stretch your spiritual muscles.

2) Own the vision of River Hills by calling it “our” church – because it is.

I’m fired up about this Sunday. Rollin, our substitute worship leader, will be back in Brandt’s stead this week and we’ll be dealing with the “Joy of the 2nd Mile.” We also being our summer seminars this week – so make it a point to be there for those. Have a great weekend.

Greetings from North Myrtle Beach!! Some of you thought that I wouldn’t be able to write a Sunday Reflections – yet some of you were probably hoping that I would not write a Sunday Reflections, but sitting here staring at the high rise that blocks my view of the ocean – I am inspired to write.

First of all I want to fill you in on our worship leader, Brandt’s, wedding: they got married. As long as my signature is valid in South Carolina – they are happily married couple headed to the beautiful beaches of Key West. It was a great time for family and for many River Hills folks who made the trek to Myrtle Beach to celebrate the occasion. Get ready to welcome Mrs. Megan Farmer to our church family next week.

The reports I received from our Sunday worship experience were great – here are a few thoughts:

1) Will Clark, one of our esteemed interns, brought it yesterday. We are blessed to have some young, godly men on our team.

2) Thanks to Rollin for leading worship in Brandt’s stead. I look forward to worshiping with him next week.

3) Our attendance was down – but we had many first time guests and one person came to Christ.

4) Chance Belcher, our student minister, offered incredible leadership yesterday – he made yesterday happen.

5) Thanks to all the volunteers who came out early and worked so hard at getting our worship center ready.

I’m pumped about being back with you next Sunday. Thank you so much for the time off – me and my family needed it. We’re going to be talking about “The Joy Of The 2nd Mile” this Sunday – don’t miss it. Have a great week – love you guys – and I love our church.