Thoughts – Page 5 – Nickcarnes.com

November 24, 2008August 19, 2009

Brenden Foster Dying Wish Update

11 year old Brenden Foster is no longer with us on this earth, but his legacy will live on. He lost his battle with cancer since I posted the first story about him HERE. As you can see in this new CNN Report, Brenden inspired several groups, including some schools to get involved in helping the homeless who are less fortunate than any of us who have the capabilities of viewing this blog right now.

I wonder how many of us would lie in a hospital bed with only a few days left on this Earth and instead of thinking about the sad state we were in, would spend our time thinking of others and how we could help them? I can’t help but to be inspired by Brenden. I can’t help but to ask myself, “What’s my excuse for sitting still?” I can’t help but to ask, “What’s your excuse for sitting still?” Shane preached this morning about “The Kingdom” and his main point was, The Gospel is lived out with your hands and feet, not your body in a seat.

If you live in the CSRA, especially if you attend The Church @ Greenbrier, you can join us at The Augusta Rescue Mission, this Thursday (yes that is Thanksgiving) to serve the poor and homeless a Thanksgiving meal. It starts at 9 a.m. and most people are working until 2 p.m., but you are free to leave earlier if you need to. Join the Conversation, What can you do to make Brenden’s dying wish come true?

Video URL: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/11/22/jaffe.wa.boy.dying.wish.obit.komo

November 19, 2008

Can God Get A Loan?

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord – and he will repay you! Proverbs 19:17

I found this verse interesting. People always talk about being ‘the hands and feet of Jesus’ to help those who are in need, but how about the ‘bank of Jesus?’ I think a lot of us look at giving to the poor in terms of what we have financially, we make comments like, “When God blesses me with extra, then I can give to others.” However, I get the impression that God works like this, “You give from whatever I’ve already given you, and then I’ll repay you based on your kindness.”

To me this puts a new perspective on Matthew 25:40 (MSG) where Jesus says, whatever we do to those overlooked and ignored, we do it to Him. Proverbs is saying that we are not giving our money to the poor…we are giving a loan to God, he’s just predesignated that he wants the money to go, and he wants it to go to those who are overlooked and ignored. This promise from Proverbs is not limited to “Christians.” I see tons of secular businesses that are very successful, and many times if you look behind the scenes they are highly involved in charitable giving. I just think the Church should be leading the way…

This is personally something I have to work on. My family is definitely not rich, but that cannot be an excuse! Join the Conversation…What do you think? Is God’s credit good enough at your bank?

November 18, 2008

Hypocritical People

A few weeks ago I was given the privilege to preach at my church for our series Rock Band, relationships in Concert. This was a tough message for me, I seriously felt like I was speaking at a counseling session. It was probably tough because of the hypocrite story I shared in the message. Despite that, I had several people come to me afterward and share that they received some encouragement or help from the message, so I thought I would post it here, in hopes other people may do the same.

CLICK HERE to download the Audio.

I am not the best speaker in the world, but I trust that if God gave me the opportunity to speak, he can overcome the flaws to get his message across. For more messages from The Church at Greenbrier CLICK HERE for instruction to our podcast or HERE to go straight to the Greenbrier I-Tunes podcast.

November 14, 2008June 30, 2010

Walk On – ESPN Video

This is an inspirational story about DJ Gregory, who had a dream to walk every hole of every golf tournament; you’ve got to watch this!!! It’s about 12 minutes long, but well worth your time.

Kevin Carroll’s formula to be successful in achieving your dreams is as follows:

Dedication
Responsibility
Education
Attitude
Motivated

Join the Conversation: What do you dream to do/accomplish in life? What do you have to overcome to accomplish that dream?

November 11, 2008

Happy Veteran’s Day

We honor our veterans today for their service and sacrifices for our Country and our freedom. I can never say enough to express my gratitude for all that you have done. As a Country, we don’t say thank you enough! Some of you are still living while others have past away, but you will always be appreciated in my heart.

Thank you!

Join the Conversation: Do you have any veterans in your family or amongst your friends that you would like to thank today?