JoshHeyward.com

A thought on Missional Communities

Josh — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 04:44:58 +0000

I came across the below quote during my current read of “For the City” by Darrin Patick and Matt Carter. The below quote is a description and support of the topic of missional communities in the church body.

In regards to missional communities:

“When community is the focus, mission and community both suffer. But when mission is priority, community naturally follows.” -Matt Carter

This is a very interesting concept, and I can definitely see how this can be the case. When a group of people are united together by a mission or are “on mission” together, their community thrives as a natural result. I have seen this happen first hand in both church and para church organizations. What are your thoughts on this perspective?

Photo of the Day–Shots from Boone, NC

Josh — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 04:37:16 +0000

Below are two shots from a hike I took this past weekend in the Boone, NC area. By the way, these were taken with an iPhone….Enjoy!

And one more…

What the Bible Really Says About Sex

Josh — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:01:43 +0000

The following is an excerpt from an article written by Pastor Mark Driscoll entitled “What the Bible Really Says About Sex” found on FoxNews.com. In the article, Pastor Mark contrasts what our culture says about sex with what the Bible says. The article is phenomenal as it hits on several issues and appeals to God’s original intent for sex. Pastor Mark does an amazing job tackling this issue, and as he is an amazing writer and communicator, I have nothing further to add. Enjoy.

Sex is a selfish act, a conquest of personal fulfillment.

That’s the mindset of most people in our culture regarding sex—even if it’s only subconscious. For the most part, our society celebrates the process of hook up, shack up, and break up.

All you have to do is take a moment to observe the way sex is communicated in our culture.

Thousands of articles are churned out on how to cope with a past of multiple partners and how to find the next one.

Porn is a massive industry, generating $10 to $14 billion annually in revenues.

Nearly every sitcom on the air seems to make light of sleeping around, and films like “No Strings Attached” and “Friends with Benefits” lure young eyes to the theater, while a sex-crazed Tucker Max boasts about his conquests and skyrockets to the top of the New York Times bestseller list, becoming a cult hero for young slackers everywhere.

It also explains why sex trafficking is a $32 billion global industry, 45,000 to 50,000 young girls are trafficked in the United States every year, and why one in 12 youths experience sexual victimization, including sexual assault and attempted or completed rape.

The problem, however, is not sex.

It’s us.

what-bible-really-says-about-sex/#ixzz1iSA0ZO6E

Happy New Year

Josh — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 04:50:37 +0000

So another year has come and gone. In a few short minutes, we will all be ringing in the new year of 2012. Wow! It is hard to believe that 2011 is over…

In regards to New Years, I have never really understood the hype. Growing up, I saw people get all geeked out for a ball dropping out of the sky with the turning of a second. Family and friends got so excited and wanted to “celebrate” the new year. I’ve just never understood why people go so excited…big deal another year has come and gone…haha.

I was talking to my wife, Mel about this very thing earlier this evening and how I did not understand why people get so stoked about New Years. As she does so often, she offered a very interesting perspective to set me straight. She went on to explain how so many people are always looking for something more. They see New Years as a new start–they begin new things/resolutions, and they see the new year as a chance to start over. The sad thing is that a new, fresh start can’t be found in the ticking of a second to dawn a new year or a ball drop but rather can only come from Jesus.

Wow! She is so right! I have never thought of it like that. We as people always look for a fresh start–an opportunity to start things new. That’s what is so appealing about the new year-that’s what is so appealing about anything new for that matter.

Anyway, I just wanted to share that on New Years. I for one will look at New Years differently from now on–a chance to point to the Gospel and the grace of God. Know that a true, fresh start can only come through Jesus.

Happy Christmas

Josh — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 18:12:40 +0000

Hello all…just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Christmas. I hope that you enjoy today with your families. It is my prayer that you would be blessed and be a blessing during this Christmas season.

Most of all, take a moment to to truly thank God for the gift of His son, Jesus. Without his life, death, and resurrection we would be still be lost. Thanks be to God that He gave us His son.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Photo of the Day – 7 Dec

Josh — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:05:08 +0000

The following two photos are from the ACC Championship this past Saturday in Charlotte, NC. Congrats to the Clemson Tigers on their rout of the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Tim Tebow Responds

Josh — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:04:53 +0000

The following excerpt is Tim Tebow’s response to former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer’s comments about Tebow toning down his references to Jesus Christ and his faith:

“If you’re married, and you have a wife, and you really love your wife, is it good enough to only say to your wife ‘I love her’ the day you get married? Or should you tell her every single day when you wake up and every opportunity?

“And that’s how I feel about my relationship with Jesus Christ is that it is the most important thing in my life. So any time I get an opportunity to tell him that I love him or given an opportunity to shout him out on national TV, I’m gonna take that opportunity. And so I look at it as a relationship that I have with him that I want to give him the honor and glory anytime I have the opportunity. And then right after I give him the honor and glory, I always try to give my teammates the honor and glory.

“And that’s how it works because Christ comes first in my life, and then my family, and then my teammates. I respect Jake’s opinion, and I really appreciate his compliment of calling me a winner. But I feel like anytime I get the opportunity to give the Lord some praise, he is due for it.”

Hats off to Tim Tebow. I have the highest respect for this guy. He endures criticism, yet continues to focus on Jesus and giving his all on and off the football field. Tebow is right on with his marriage analogy too–one should tell his wife that he loves her at every opportunity. Furthermore, every chance we get we should take advantage of the opportunity to give honor and glory to Jesus. Without Him and His grace, we are nothing. Like I said, I have the utmost respect for Tebow; he is wise beyond His years and knows that Jesus is the source of His strength. God Bless Tim! I know God will continue to use you in the NFL and beyond.

Photo of the Day – 28 Nov

Josh — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:13:38 +0000

Below is a photo from our house earlier this evening. My lovely wife Mel and I just finished decorating the Christmas tree in the den. I had to time this photo just right so that most of the blinking lights would be lit-haha. I absolutely love this time of year! Enjoy…

Photo of the Day – 21 Nov

Josh — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:36:54 +0000

So I couldn’t decide on just one today, so here are three:

Like I said, I couldn’t decide on one photo. The above three are some of my favorites from a recent trip to Clemson, SC. The scenery was phenomenal with all of the fall colors and beautiful landscapes. The first photo is of Tillman Hall. The second photo is of the service man statue at Military Heritage Plaza–this plaza is a reminder of Clemson’s military heritage as Clemson A&M from 1889-1955. The plaza is also a memorial to all those members of the Clemson family who have served in the US military. The third photo is of Tillman Hall taken from Gantt Circle.

Paul was a MAN!

Josh — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 04:16:08 +0000

I was reading in Acts 20 yesterday and was absolutely blown away at the boldness and tenacity of the Apostle Paul. I’ve read about Paul all of my life, but as of late, his realness has stood out all the more. The more I read about him and read his letters, the more respect I have for the guy. No matter what he goes through, he responds as a man who has been wrecked by Jesus and the Gospel.

Paul gave his all for the Gospel. “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” Acts 20.24. Nothing else mattered to him except doing what Jesus had charged him to do. He knew that he was called to preach the Gospel. He gave his all for that. This speaks volumes as to the type of man that Paul was. He was obedient, and he was going to stop at nothing to preach the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say in verse 27, “for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” Wow! What a man! Paul spoke the truth–the whole truth of the Gospel–even those aspects that insight discomfort and conviction. This too just speaks to the type of man that Paul was.

Paul’s life is an amazing response by someone who has been ruined by the grace, power, and love of Jesus. Paul couldn’t help but preach the Gospel–Jesus had given His life for him and he had to tell everyone. This truly challenges me in how I should respond to the grace of Jesus. The least I can do is tell others about the Gospel and to speak the truth boldly and in love.