A Heart to Heart with Mooresville's Mayor After a Moral Lapse

Mayor Chris Montgomery

Chris Montgomery is the Mayor of Mooresville, North Carolina (he also happens to be a Christ follower). The news broke a few weeks ago about intimate emails that he sent from a town email address to a woman who was not his wife. He has said he will continue to serve until his term ends, but not seek re-election. He wants to work on his faith and family.

Jesus was not the stone throwing type and neither should the church be. Chris agreed to do an interview for Randumblog that I pray will be an eye opener for us to see that this could happen to anyone. My hope is that anyone dealing with secret sin will be able to hear Chris’ heart and flee one of the many self-destructive paths our enemy places before us.

Nate: I appreciate your willingness to do this interview for Randumblog. My hope is that my readers gain a clearer understanding of how truly challenging political life can be.

Chris: Thank you for asking me to participate, Nate. It was kind of touch and go there for a while. But I have been blessed with good friends and family who have supported me unconditionally. I have been very overwhelmed. I have been even more thankful.

I would contend that LIFE is challenging. The politics just added to it in my case. But everyone has their demons. That statement is not designed to be a cop-out, just fact. Quite literally, my saving grace was realizing I had Jesus Christ. He was always there. I just ignored the Bible or pretended not to need him. That is a recipe for disaster, particularly when you have been chosen to lead. It has been a tough road. But the weight was lifted once I realized how much God loves his children.

Nate: First, I would like to apologize for myself and other Christians in Mooresville who have neglected to lift you up in prayer. I believe God has called us to this and I for one have failed you as a leader in this way.

Chris: No one has failed me. It was quite the opposite. But it's not about deserving each other. We have already been accepted. Who else do you know that would give his only son's life for a bunch of sinners? It's overwhelming when you think about it.

Nate: People in positions of leadership (especially believers) tend to be targets of the enemy’s attacks. What advice would you give to others in leadership positions in the area of fidelity?

Chris: Well first let me make it perfectly clear that my wife and I love each other. We have volumes of stories and experiences, not to mention three beautiful children. But I, like most men, thrive on attention. Of course some of that is human nature. However, the thought process should go further than that. I for one am very narcissistic and am learning to deal with changing that behavior. I believe putting God as your number one priority is the first step. Then back it up with daily devotions and scripture. My wife has helped me build such faith. She is my rock. 

Nate: It seems that many Christians tend to shoot their own wounded or distance themselves from those who have fallen. It is easy to swell with pride and think that it could not happen to us. If you could go back five years and give a much younger Chris Montgomery some advice—what would you say?

Chris: "Pride comes before the fall."; "Check yourself before you wreck yourself." Leave your ego at the door." "There is no I in team." -- We were all taught these proverbs and lessons as kids, but some people get so wrapped up in themselves and agendas that the message gets lost in the shuffle.

I have been in advertising sales for the last twenty years. Salespeople are trained from the get-go to appear confident, wear a smile, and provide solutions better than the competition. I fell prey to my own pitch. In a nutshell, I would tell the younger Chris Montgomery to be more humble and less assertive in most situations.  

Nate: I know that you have asked for forgiveness in this situation. You said in a letter to the town commissioners that you are going to, “…focus on my faith and family.” How can my readers pray for you specifically as you do this?

Chris: Don't pray for me, pray for everyone. Ask God to show ways to help others. Pray that leaders everywhere make sound decisions, personally and professionally. Or as my wife says, "Let go, let God.”

Nate: Thank you for your time and straightforward answers. You have given us a lot to think about as we take stock of our own lives.

Chris: It has been my pleasure. If this virtual Interview can influence one reader, you and I have made a difference. 


Another Interview from Randumblog:
Jerry Jenkins on The Brotherhood

To Err is Human, To Laugh is Divine

       Is sarcasm a spiritual gift? I sure hope so. If it's not, then I sent my thank you card to the wrong address. And I am not talking about sarcasm with malicious intent. 


      Whether it is a gift or not, God obviously has a sense of humor. He showed it when He asked Adam where he was hiding, when Jesus got the Sanhedrin to argue over the resurrection, and even when Nebuchadnezzar was living like a cow. Read the Bible--the God who invented laughter was not taken by surprise when mankind started laughing.


      We have four pastors on staff at my church, and we love to mess with each other. The following is an email from our lead pastor with my response below it (hope you have as much fun reading it as I had writing it).


Disclaimer: any similarity between my jokes and your church is purely intentional (don't be so serious).


Hello my friends,   
  

We will have a pastor's meeting tomorrow night, February 16, at 7:00 PM at Borders. 

   We will be discussing the first four chapters of Developing the Leader Within You, as well as preaching plans for the next few weeks. 

   Thanks,

   Pastor Tom

My response:


Fellow Pastors,    
                                                 
   I will start preparing now!

   I'll bring the Holy water or Mountain Dew (Heaven's Nectar)

and Ray, can bring a sacrificial lamb (but petting zoos are closed right now--you may have to get lamb chops). Make sure to wear your Pope hat Tom (not the pirate one), and Jeff, see if you can round up a few snakes from the lake by your house (and I don't mean your relatives next door).

   I'll call ahead to instruct the female baristas to wear a head covering. Jeff, if you get there early, please wait outside until I arrive with the Holy water so that we can properly exercise the demons from Borders (they entered the store because of the secular music they play). Except for the one that came with the shipment of Bill Marr's new book, New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer (one demon per pallet).

   If you believed any portion of this email, you are not a Christian according to 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 which says,

He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies.

   If you fall into this category then message me back and I will ride my bicycle to your house to give you a copy of the 4 Spiritual Laws and a Gideon Bible that I received for free with a hotel room. We had multiple rooms on our last youth trip so I now have enough Bibles for every last one of you heathens.

May God be with you all,

The Reverend Nate Garrett


      What do you think? Have you met Christians who look like they were weaned on a lemon? You know, the ones that seldom smile and live like they believe laughter is foolish? Well, if you are in Christ, then you wear His name, and the name of Jesus is anything but lame.  

St. Valentine Died for Love!

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."-- John 15:13 


      Regardless of whether or not you have a "Valentine" to spend this day with, you do have someone who loves you deeply. God sent His valentine over 2000 years ago, because His heart was broken for you. Jesus gave His life to gain one thing, your heart.


      We know very little about St. Valentine except that he was a priest and a Martyr. He is not known to be in love with a woman or extremely romantic (although some legends claim these things), but he was in love with his God. The same love that led him to his death as he would not renounce the one who died for him. 


      Are you holding back what He died to claim? How can you be His today? On this Valentine's Day carve out some time to spend with your true Valentine.

Egypt is Free. Are You?

      Egypt took its first steps toward freedom yesterday as President Mubarak voluntarily called it quits after 18 days of protests by Egyptians.  The protesters were calling for an end to dictatorship and a beginning for Democracy. As the events unfolded, I, like many Americans, watched in disbelief.
     
      I was reminded of when our former President, George W. Bush, said, "As long as the Middle East remains a place where freedom does not flourish, it will remain a place of stagnation, resentment and violence ready for export." Before anyone thinks that Randumblog is toeing any particular party line, I will also quote President Obama, who said, “And I know that a democratic Egypt can advance its role of responsible leadership not only in the region but around the world".
      
      I am excited to see this freedom taking place in Egypt and around the world. Today people in Algeria and Yemen held similar protests. We could be seeing the start of a peace movement in the Middle East  (cue the doomsday preachers). 
     
      These countries have had dictator after dictator with little change and no freedom. It reminds me of the journey each one of us is on regardless of our type of government. We are all slaves to our nature. The Bible calls it sin. It is a desire to choose our way over God's way. Even when we think we have overcome a particular sin a new dictator (sin) will step up and rule our life demanding our time and attention.
     
      When Jesus died, He ultimately defeated this enemy for anyone that will finally realize that we do not need a new dictator. We need freedom. He offers that freedom. Many of us have already protested our sin by appointing a new ruler over our lives, leaving our old dictator out of power. This does not stop sin from trying to make a political comeback in our lives, but it does stop it from attaining its goal of complete power over us. Jesus said, "Whoever the Son sets free is free indeed."

      What about you? Are you still living under an autocratic rule, or have you opted for a life of freedom? Political peace may change aspects of the way you live, but Christ changes who you are from the inside out. Do you really want to see change in this world? God wants to not only have a relationship with you, but to work through you to love others as He brings hope to His fallen creation. It is as simple as turning from your sin to Him (you will be forgiven because Christ's death paid the penalty). Tell God you are ready to follow Him and He will begin a relationship with you that will continue even after death (we have hope because Jesus was  raised from the dead). 
      
      Many of my readers are already believers, but some of you are not. I implore those of you who have not accepted Him, to choose FREEDOM from serving the same old masters, and find rest for your soul.


The pictures in this post were made exclusively for Randumblog by Laura at 
Strengthening the Chain in California

Without Deodorant You Will Be-Odorant

    
      After working in student ministry for more than 10 years, I have come to recognize three things about seventh graders:
              1. Give me an army of seventh graders and I can take over the world.
              2. They are happy doing just about anything as long as it involves being loud.
              3. Seventh grade students smell terrible!
    
      Don't get me wrong, I love seventh graders. They are full of energy and love to hang out with caring adults. But let's face it folks, facts are facts.

      Fact 1: Students' hormonal levels are changing drastically in, or around, seventh grade.
      Fact 2: Parents are going through denial about their little boy/girl growing up (this results in lack of
                  training in proper hygiene).
      Fact 3: They avoid taking a shower like the plague, especially while on youth trips.
      Fact 4: They are constantly moving, which leads to constant sweating.
      Fact 5: NO ONE CAN SMELL THEMSELVES!

      Many times adults and youth workers shy away from speaking the truth into the lives of our stinky disciples. Their peers however, are another matter. I have often laughed when thinking about one smelly preteen telling another smelly preteen that they need a bath.

      The same is true in life. How much easier is it for us to notice the stink of bad decisions on the people around us than on ourselves? We know they are being dumb and can't quite figure out why they keep making the same mistakes. We become judges in our own minds, not realizing that we stink just as bad.

      Seeking out accountability can act as spiritual deodorant. You need someone else in your life with the guts to speak up when you need a bath in God's grace. If you do not have such a person, you need to find one. It can be a mentor or a good friend. Give them permission to ask you the tough questions, and be honest with your answers. As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend- Proverbs 27:17. 


      We need to remember--NO ONE CAN SMELL THEMSELVES!

Faith or Fear? What Force Do You Rely On?

  
      When a new Volkswagen commercial debuted during the Super-Bowl, it already had over 7 million views on YouTube. It starred a six year old dressed as a pint sized Darth Vader. Over 100 million people watched the big game, and the YouTube video has since increased to around 22 million views. It has already placed first on both Hulu and YouTube in votes for best commercial.
    
      If you have not seen it yet, then you have been in a coma for the past few days. It features a young boy imagining that he can use the force to manipulate objects with his mind. When he points his hands at their car, his father turns the engine on remotely. I immediately thought of my son, Luke, (named after Luke Skywalker) who waves his hand at every automatic door that we come to.
    
      It is this childlike imagination that we seem to lose as we grow older. We still have dreams and desires that seldom make it past the chopping block of the cynic within. The part of every adult that wants to remind us of our limitations. We stay where it is safe, because if we don't try, then we will never fail. Meanwhile, our vision is crushed underneath the boot-heel of realism.
  
     What if your vision is more than just a dream? Could you inadvertently be running from a calling that may turn out to be your purpose in life? Jesus says, if we have faith, we can cast a mountain into the sea.
  
     What if you could put your fear to rest and your faith to the test? You could raise your hands to that obstacle in your way. You could stare down that mountain in your life. And maybe, just maybe, your heavenly father would stand back watching your faith and move the mountain for you.
  
      Our God is the God of the impossible. What has He asked you to do that you have been putting off?

If you enjoyed this post you may also like:
Childlike Faith

Leave the Stitches In

           When my son, Luke, was two, I received a call from his preschool. He had tripped while running and fell flat on his face. Well, not flat actually, because his head came to rest on a toy that was just pointy enough to do some damage. It was not pretty--my little boy had a deep gash in his forehead.

            We went to his pediatrician, who recommended going to the emergency room. A plastic surgeon was going to meet us there. He did not need plastic surgery, but it made me feel better to think that someone in the cosmetic field would be doing the stitches. I was hoping he could keep my son, Luke, from having a permanent scar.

            We had been waiting several hours when the doctor finally arrived. He had me hold Luke down since they were short staffed. Luke gazed into my eyes with a look that said, “Why are you letting him do this to me?”. It hurt me to watch the stitches go in while I held my terror struck boy down, but I knew it was for his own good. The short trial would be over soon and the healing process would begin.

            The whole situation reminded me of how God deals with us. It is not fun to endure the natural consequences for our sin, but it helps us learn. Often we realize we are on the wrong path through his gentle prompting. He longs to free us from the pain of our bad decisions, but knows consequences are ultimately part of the healing process.

            There are times when we turn our back on God. Rather than rethinking our actions, we plunge headlong into sin’s deadly embrace. This can result in scarring that we carry as a painful reminder of our former selves.

            Within days, Luke had pulled his stitches out (Ouch!), leading to a permanent scar on his forehead. I thought of all the wasted time in the ER that ultimately resulted in nothing. We are often convicted by God, and know where He wants us, only to pull out the stitches and choose our own way.

            Solomon reminds his son, “My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights" (Proverbs 3:11-12). We need to realize that the discipline process is a healthy one, designed to lovingly correct and bring us back into His fold.  

            Learning from our mistakes and accepting responsibility for our actions leads to growth. It is this attitude of embracing discipline that caused God to call David a man after his own heart. Would we have the courage to ask God to show us where we have gone wrong well before correcting is needed? Try to imagine David’s passion for God as he prays the following words, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23-24).

            My advice? The next time God does a check up—leave the stitches in.

Bicycling in the Dark-A Recipe for Ministry Disaster

      I remember having reflectors on my bicycle as a kid. They were handy as a safety feature but pretty worthless in the dark without a light shining on them. Bikes sported just about everything back then: reflectors, horns, pegs, and in my sister's case, a basket. Yes, it had everything but a light of its own.
     As leaders, we should be like reflectors. It doesn't matter if you teach Sunday school, a small group, or even pastor a church-we should be reflecting a light that is not our own.
     I have seen churches, youth groups, and small groups over the years crumble after a leader steps down. Why does this happen? Who is to blame? Both the leader and the followers share in this responsibility.
     Followers often put leaders on a pedestal and believe no other leader could fill his/her shoes. These"believers" run to the next vibrant and engaging speaker and do the same to him/her.
     As leaders, we often love to hear accolades of how good we are doing and how God is using us in someone else's life. We walk a tightrope between our own ego and God's glory. The glory should belong not to the one using the gifts but to the gift giver.
    We need to recognize that we will not always be around. Are we preparing our ministry for our eventual exit? Any of us could die this week.
    What would become of your ministry? Are your followers His followers? Your people need to be able to continue on without you. This means letting go and empowering your staff and volunteers to share more of the load. They need buy-in to change their point of view from helping with 'your' ministry to working in 'our' ministry.
    We must also help our followers to see that following you as a leader rather than seeking God through your ministry is idolatry. This false perception is perpetuated by us. When we give out fish rather than teach the art of fishing we enable our idol worshipers to continue looking at a light-less reflector. We are not God and need to practice continual glory shifting in order to keep pride from taking root in our life. Lead with Christ's legacy in mind. In fifty years people will be celebrating what God has done rather than mourning a dying ministry and wishing for the glory days when you were at the helm.
     Stop pedaling in the dark and ride toward His light. If it is always about Him, then it will be fine without you.

If you liked this post you may also enjoy:
10 Ways to Be More Effective as a Leader

Epic Snow Storm Collapses a Building

     During the snow storm today the Triton Technology building collapsed in Easton Massachusetts. You have to check out the video below (unless you subscribe on Kindle). It is EPIC! Are steel buildings prone to this type of damage? I don't know, but that cannot be normal.
     What about us? How much can we take before eventual collapse? How many items can we have on our plate? If you feel like you are collapsing or burning out then do something. Choose to take something off of your plate. You cannot do everything. Choose what is important and begin to delegate, cancel, or quit other things. Did I say quit? Yes, because your health and well being is not worth continuing to do what drains the life out of you.
     It is better to be effective in a few areas than unproductive in all.

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We Do Not Get a Groundhog Day

     
          Well Groundhog Day officially starts in a couple of hours. Do you remember the movie Groundhog Day? It was always one of my favorites. I have liked Bill Murray since Ghostbusters, but I really love how it makes me think. What if I could live my day over again? What would I do differently?
       In the movie Phil uses his new found immortality to woo a girl. I can't help but think about more important things to work on. Like not saying something rude to someone I hurt, spending more time with my family, or living more for God. 
      What about you? How many wasted days have you had? What about today? Would you change anything if you could have a do-over?
       Unfortunately, we do not get a do-over in real life. We have one shot to make it count. One shot to raise our children, one shot to show Christ's love to a hurting world, and one shot to leave a legacy that matters.
       James 4:14 says, "How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone." The time to act is now. The Poet C.T. Studd wrote, "Only one life 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last". What are you doing that will last? What do you know in your heart that you should be doing?
       Do it now! Don't wait. We do not get a Groundhog Day.




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Don't Make Chuck Norris Angry!

     You may be surprised to know that there are "pot shops" in Los Angeles. As strange as this may sound, it only gets weirder. There is a new brand of Marijuana available (for prescription only) called Chuck Norris' Black and Blue Dream. The weed gets this name for having a kick to it.

     Chuck Norris is widely known for being a conservative Christian. He recently helped Mike Huckabee campaign for president. Chuck's Kick Start program has helped to keep over 60,000 kids off drugs and out of gangs.

     He has yet to come out publicly against using of his name without permission. This is the most scary part of the news story. No one has reportedly heard Norris say anything on the matter. Now, we know he can't be happy since he is a role model for students, but his silence should tell us something. It should also tell the pot shops something. 

     They should be afraid. When someone is high their reaction time slows down and they will need all of the quickness they can muster when Chuck finally comes to town.

A few of my favorite Chuck Norris facts:
1. When Bruce Banner gets mad, he turns into the Hulk. When the Hulk gets mad, he turns into Chuck Norris.

2. Chuck Norris can strangle you with a cordless phone
3. There used to be a street named after Chuck Norris, but it was changed because nobody 

crosses Chuck Norris and lives.

4. Chuck Norris once kicked a horse in the chin. Its descendants are known today as Giraffes.5. Chuck Norris was in all 6 Star Wars movies ... As The Force.
What Chuck Norris facts would you add to this list? Be sure to leave a comment below.
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Randumblog's Interview With Jerry Jenkins

     There are very few people (with a pulse) who have not heard of the Left Behind series from Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. They have sold over 70,000,000 copies and still continue to climb. Jerry Jenkins has a new book out called The Brotherhood (my complete review here).


     He agreed to do an e-interview for Randumblog about the book's release. I am excited about the chance to interview a writer who has authored over 175 books. Please feel free to share this article with others so we can get the word out about this amazing book.

Nate: Good morning Jerry. Thank you for agreeing to do this e-interview. I know you are a busy man so I will keep it brief. In fact this may be your first interview in a while that does not mention the sweeping success of the Left Behind series. Oops, I guess I just blew that one.                                                                                The Brotherhood is coming out on February 1st and I must say I am excited. What inspired you to do a cop drama?

Jerry: As the son of a police chief and the brother of two cops, I was raised in the milieu and always fascinated by it. I love police thrillers and cop shows on TV. And in a previous life (in the sixties) I actually worked three cases as an undercover drug buyer--a narc. Believe me, writing is an easier way to make a living. Plus, I set this story in Chicago, where I lived for 35 years, so this was sort of a labor of love. 

Nate: This is the first book that has actually moved me to tears and I am not just talking about the sniffles. I had to stop reading it for the rest of the day. Were you going for tears when you decided to take the story in a painful direction? 

Jerry: I teach that if there are no tears in the writer, there will be no tears in the reader. It's only fair that you cried while reading, as I cried while writing. I wasn't necessarily "going" for tears; I was just telling a story that happened to move me.  

Nate: The story's main character Boone Drake is very easy to relate to. Is he based off of anyone you know? 

Jerry: My characters are always composites of people I know. I might use one person's name, another's gender, another's hair, another's voice, etc. And I have lots of cops in my extended family, so their personalities, histories, and even elements of their cases find their way into the story. 

Nate: The plot involves police drama, loss, and even the mafia. I have always been a fan of mafia movies. How much research did you have to do on Chicago's seedy underworld? 

Jerry: Yes, I always do lots and lots of research. And I'm still doing it, as The Brotherhood is the first of a trilogy. 

Nate: The Brotherhood really handles the, 'Where's God when I'm hurting' question in a way I could understand. What would you like to see people take away from Boone Drake's experiences? 

Jerry: Hopefully each reader takes a personal message from the story--whatever he or she needs at the time. As you say, where-is-God-now is a big element here, so whether the reader is going through something as deep as Boone or just the normal struggles of life, there should be something here for him or her. 

Nate: Last question Jerry. I have been reading some interesting things on your Twitter account (@JerryBJenkins) about your recent trip to China. What was the single best moment of your trip? 

Jerry: On the way home Dianna and I stopped in Bangkok and met our sixth grandchild, an almost-four-year-old boy named Max. Our son and daughter-in-law haven't even met him yet, though they have been in the process of adopting him for three years. It was bittersweet. He's so cute and precious, and he's happy and in a good place, but it killed us to leave him. He needs a home and family, and we pray that will happen soon. 

Nate: Thank you again for your time. The Brotherhood is available in stores now or for order online at Amazon and other retailers. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series. 

Jerry: Thanks, Nate. Happy to say The Brotherhood is available for Kindle too.

Want more on The Brotherhood?
Check out author C.J. Darlington's interview with Jerry Jenkins
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