Thoughts from the weekend:
Being the loving husband that I am - I took Debbie to a White Sox game last Friday evening for Mother's Day. :) :)
(The punch line is that Debbie doesn't care for baseball).
It was 39 degrees.
Yet, we still had a great time.
The White Sox lost.
They are bad.
Did manage to pound down a brat with sauerkraut. Man, those things are good.
Had a great meeting with our adult bible teachers this past Saturday morning. What a wonderful group of quality, godly people. We are working on coming up with a system of discipleship, connecting all of the classes together.
Kind of like spokes on a wheel. Connected to the hub - the purpose and the process of discipleship.
Many, many thanks to Debbie for speaking yesterday. Her presentation was truly anointed!
I appreciated her down to earth, common sense, funny sermon. Many shared how much it meant to them - and ministered to them.
Truly, God knows our name!
We love you Debbie!
Watched a little bit of Sergio Garcia chocking on the 17th hole yesterday at the player's championship. Some can handle pressure - others can't.
It was almost like watching the movie Tin Cup.
Looking forward to the warmer weather this week.
Met several newer people this past Sunday.
We are working hard at assimilating those who are visiting us.
Busy, busy, busy - but it is a good busy.
Love you all!
George
Monday, May 13, 2013
Thursday, May 09, 2013
God is strong
As most of our congregation know, I go to Charter Fitness six days a week.
I walk the treadmill for 40 minutes. 2 miles.
But there is a part of the gym that I dare not trod. It is the section where the free weights are.
The guys (and gals) that are there - scare me to death.
Huge muscles. Arms bigger than my thighs.
The floor to that area is cover with a black rubbery substance. I joke with the guys lifting the weights that I don't dare to walk on it.
(BTW, the guys and gals working out on the weights are some of the nicest people I've ever met).
These people are strong.
Even the women working out in that area are stronger than me - and could beat me up.
Here's what I know: while I am weak - my God is strong.
I need to focus in on that. I need to realize that in the midst of my weakness, my God is strong - and that the more I focus on God's strength and power, the more I find I have the courage to do and to say the things that God wants me to.
Throughout the Bible, God is presented as strong. Powerful.
Who wants to serve a timid God? Who wants to serve a God that gets run over?
In our study in the book of Genesis, we saw that God created the heavens and the earth - and if he did that - and he did, that what can't he do?
Psalms 115:3 says it very succinctly: "Our God is in the heavens. He does all that he pleases."
God does whatever he wants, and when he wants to.
J. Vernon McGee once said, "This is God's universe, and God does things his way. You may have a better way, but you don't have a universe."
That is perfect.
In other words, "When you get a universe, you do it your way. But for now, this is God's universe. And no one holds back his hand."
God is strong.
And because of his strength - I can be strong. God tells Joshua, "Be strong and courageous. be strong and courageous." Over and over again, God says, "Be strong and courageous."
Strength and courage should be a part of our spiritual DNA. It should typify us, characterize us, define us.
We should not be afraid.
Don't be afraid this day, my friends. Your God is strong. And He lives in you.
Just a thought for a Thursday.
I walk the treadmill for 40 minutes. 2 miles.
But there is a part of the gym that I dare not trod. It is the section where the free weights are.
The guys (and gals) that are there - scare me to death.
Huge muscles. Arms bigger than my thighs.
The floor to that area is cover with a black rubbery substance. I joke with the guys lifting the weights that I don't dare to walk on it.
(BTW, the guys and gals working out on the weights are some of the nicest people I've ever met).
These people are strong.
Even the women working out in that area are stronger than me - and could beat me up.
Here's what I know: while I am weak - my God is strong.
I need to focus in on that. I need to realize that in the midst of my weakness, my God is strong - and that the more I focus on God's strength and power, the more I find I have the courage to do and to say the things that God wants me to.
Throughout the Bible, God is presented as strong. Powerful.
Who wants to serve a timid God? Who wants to serve a God that gets run over?
In our study in the book of Genesis, we saw that God created the heavens and the earth - and if he did that - and he did, that what can't he do?
Psalms 115:3 says it very succinctly: "Our God is in the heavens. He does all that he pleases."
God does whatever he wants, and when he wants to.
J. Vernon McGee once said, "This is God's universe, and God does things his way. You may have a better way, but you don't have a universe."
That is perfect.
In other words, "When you get a universe, you do it your way. But for now, this is God's universe. And no one holds back his hand."
God is strong.
And because of his strength - I can be strong. God tells Joshua, "Be strong and courageous. be strong and courageous." Over and over again, God says, "Be strong and courageous."
Strength and courage should be a part of our spiritual DNA. It should typify us, characterize us, define us.
We should not be afraid.
Don't be afraid this day, my friends. Your God is strong. And He lives in you.
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Faith, moms and Abraham
Being that Sunday is Mother's Day, it is very appropriate that we will look at Abraham and Sarah this evening in our bible study (Romans 4:18-25).
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest woman in the world to give birth was Ruth Alice Kistler - who gave birth to a daughter at the age of 57.
There comes a time in every woman's life where she can no longer bear children. It is a normal and natural passage of life that marks a transition form one phase of life to another.
That is what makes the story of Sarah so remarkable.
Sarah is a woman who gives birth at the age of 90 and get this: her husband is 100 years old.
Dr. Luke writes in Luke 18:27, "What is impossible with me is possible with God."
Here's what I know: Our God is a God who can make the impossible possible.
When Abraham heard the news he laughed (at the promise of God for a child - at his age). Sarah also laughed. (What's ironic is that when the baby was born they named him Isaac - which means "laughter").
They wrestled with the promise of God - but at the end of the day - both of them had faith that God would do what he promised.
I want to leave you with this. Something practical.
Where did Abraham and Sarah find the faith to believe? Romans 4:20 tells us that Abraham was "strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God."
Abraham found the will and emotion to believe by resting in God. By trusting in God. And that in turn gave God glory. Abraham and Sarah glorified God by letting God be God!
Why not let God be God today!
In what area do you need to trust God?
Is there something that you've given up on, that just seems dead?
I would suggest that you trust that God can bring life out of that which is lifeless. A dead marriage. A ruptured relationship. A financial situation. A health crisis.
Give it to God right now and let Him "give life to the dead and call things that are not as though they were." (Romans 4:17)
Why not trust more - and let God move?
Just a thought for a Wednesday
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest woman in the world to give birth was Ruth Alice Kistler - who gave birth to a daughter at the age of 57.
There comes a time in every woman's life where she can no longer bear children. It is a normal and natural passage of life that marks a transition form one phase of life to another.
That is what makes the story of Sarah so remarkable.
Sarah is a woman who gives birth at the age of 90 and get this: her husband is 100 years old.
Dr. Luke writes in Luke 18:27, "What is impossible with me is possible with God."
Here's what I know: Our God is a God who can make the impossible possible.
When Abraham heard the news he laughed (at the promise of God for a child - at his age). Sarah also laughed. (What's ironic is that when the baby was born they named him Isaac - which means "laughter").
They wrestled with the promise of God - but at the end of the day - both of them had faith that God would do what he promised.
I want to leave you with this. Something practical.
Where did Abraham and Sarah find the faith to believe? Romans 4:20 tells us that Abraham was "strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God."
Abraham found the will and emotion to believe by resting in God. By trusting in God. And that in turn gave God glory. Abraham and Sarah glorified God by letting God be God!
Why not let God be God today!
In what area do you need to trust God?
Is there something that you've given up on, that just seems dead?
I would suggest that you trust that God can bring life out of that which is lifeless. A dead marriage. A ruptured relationship. A financial situation. A health crisis.
Give it to God right now and let Him "give life to the dead and call things that are not as though they were." (Romans 4:17)
Why not trust more - and let God move?
Just a thought for a Wednesday
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Condemnation and conviction
When we sin, God doesn't condemn us - but we does convict us.
Well, God will send the conviction of his Holy Spirit – the conviction of the Holy Spirit which will woo them back into the faith.
Well, God will send the conviction of his Holy Spirit – the conviction of the Holy Spirit which will woo them back into the faith.
He always responds with grace.
Paul writes in Romans 8:1, “There is no condemnation for
those who belong to Jesus Christ.”
Do you belong to Jesus today?
When you sin, when you have a bad day like Noah, the Holy
Spirit will convict you and never, ever condemn you.
There is NO condemnation. No.
That word "No" is the strongest possible negative in the Greek language.
It means, “no, no..Never…never...not in a million years.
There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.
There is a difference between the conviction of the Holy
Spirit and the condemnation of the enemy.
Paul writes in Second Corinthians 7:10, “Godly sorrow
(conviction) leads to repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret,
but worldly sorrow (condemnation) brings death.”
The conviction of the Holy Spirit makes us painfully aware of
our sinfulness and our failures, but even as it does we are motivated to
confess our sins and try again.
We hear ourselves saying, “I know I’ve failed, but I will do
better next time.”
Condemnation, on the other hand, makes us feel like giving
up. It tells us that we will never be
any different that God is sick of our repeated failure.
That God is ready to wash His hands of us. It drives us into hiding away from God.
The conviction of the Holy Spirit is always very specific
when He convicts us of sin. He puts his
finger on it – identifies it – so we can deal with it and bring it to God and
get rid of it.
Condemnation is vague, general, it leaves us feeling guilty,
unworthy but not really sure why.
It does not identify a particular sin, lest we deal with it
and be delivered.
In fact, the only time condemnation is specific is when it condemns
us of sins we’ve already confessed.
God forgives our sins, He is done with them; he never brings
them up to us again, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he
removed our transgressions from us.”
Psalms 103:12
As you come to God in repentance - God will never, ever reject you.
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
Monday, May 06, 2013
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoughts from the weekend:
What a privilege it was to introduce our new youth pastor, Charlie Bassett, to our church!
Charlie has been an "immediate hit" with all of our kids and church family.
Please be praying with them as they make the transition from Florida to Chicago!
It will be a busy summer for them - moving into the area, youth camps, planning for the fall, etc.
Thank you to everyone who came and helped us move some mulch into the children's playground area this past Saturday!
We really appreciated your time!
I know that Saturday's are busy for everyone - I am grateful for folks who serve in this capacity.
I trust that you are finding our series in Genesis to be spiritually profitable. I know that I take a great deal of personal satisfaction in preparing the messages.
The whole "verse by verse" thing in teaching, gets me into the Word as much as anybody else!
I would ask that you consider inviting your friends to one of our services this coming Sunday morning.
It is going to be a wonderful Mother's Day, as Debbie will be speaking and we will be recognizing and praying for moms.
The White Sox and Cubs continue their downward pilgrimage in the baseball standings.
The positive side of it is that we don't have to worry about spending money on playoff tickets.
Derek Rose needs to play in the series against the Miami Heat. No doubt.
Thought of the day: Just because something is a sin - and I, as a follower of Christ tell someone what the Bible says about the sin - doesn't mean that I hate them. In fact, it is just the opposite - it means that I love them enough to tell them the truth. In love.
Love you all....George
What a privilege it was to introduce our new youth pastor, Charlie Bassett, to our church!
Charlie has been an "immediate hit" with all of our kids and church family.
Please be praying with them as they make the transition from Florida to Chicago!
It will be a busy summer for them - moving into the area, youth camps, planning for the fall, etc.
Thank you to everyone who came and helped us move some mulch into the children's playground area this past Saturday!
We really appreciated your time!
I know that Saturday's are busy for everyone - I am grateful for folks who serve in this capacity.
I trust that you are finding our series in Genesis to be spiritually profitable. I know that I take a great deal of personal satisfaction in preparing the messages.
The whole "verse by verse" thing in teaching, gets me into the Word as much as anybody else!
I would ask that you consider inviting your friends to one of our services this coming Sunday morning.
It is going to be a wonderful Mother's Day, as Debbie will be speaking and we will be recognizing and praying for moms.
The White Sox and Cubs continue their downward pilgrimage in the baseball standings.
The positive side of it is that we don't have to worry about spending money on playoff tickets.
Derek Rose needs to play in the series against the Miami Heat. No doubt.
Thought of the day: Just because something is a sin - and I, as a follower of Christ tell someone what the Bible says about the sin - doesn't mean that I hate them. In fact, it is just the opposite - it means that I love them enough to tell them the truth. In love.
Love you all....George
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Don't quit
Here's something I know:
When you are walking through a trial - don't quit.
Don't get discouraged or frustrated and quit before the test is complete.
Don't bail and don't run away.
God has allowed that trial for a purpose - and that purpose is ultimately to grow closer to Him.
So even though the test is hard, don't lay down your pencil, walk up to the teacher, hand her your paper and leave the room.
Pastor James writes in James 1:4, "Let endurance have its perfect result".
In other words, if you and I don't complete the test (trial) that is before us, we will stunt the growth process God has built into our trial.
I read today of a little boy who saw a cocoon wiggling on the side of a tree. He knew it was a butterfly struggling to emerge, and that when it came out it would be beautiful.
The boy watched the struggle for a while because he wanted to see the butterfly come out and fly away, but he grew impatient as time passed.
So the little boy decided to help the butterfly, which he figured had to be exhausted by now. He broke the cocoon open, but the butterfly inside was unable to fly because its wings were not strong enough.
What the boy didn't know was that the battle to shed the cocoon is necessary to develop and strengthen the butterfly's wings.
The butterfly he "helped" was grounded because the boy let it out too soon.
So - have patience! Don't quit!
You may not like your trial (test), and that is very, very natural. There is nothing wrong with wrestling with a trial emotionally. Emotions will come. We all get discouraged from time to time.
But don't cut the trial short by running away.
Now then, a key point to remember: God has His hand on both the clock and the thermostat of your trial. The "how long" and the "how intense" the trial will be.
And....I am grateful for that.
Just a thought for a Thursday.
When you are walking through a trial - don't quit.
Don't get discouraged or frustrated and quit before the test is complete.
Don't bail and don't run away.
God has allowed that trial for a purpose - and that purpose is ultimately to grow closer to Him.
So even though the test is hard, don't lay down your pencil, walk up to the teacher, hand her your paper and leave the room.
Pastor James writes in James 1:4, "Let endurance have its perfect result".
In other words, if you and I don't complete the test (trial) that is before us, we will stunt the growth process God has built into our trial.
I read today of a little boy who saw a cocoon wiggling on the side of a tree. He knew it was a butterfly struggling to emerge, and that when it came out it would be beautiful.
The boy watched the struggle for a while because he wanted to see the butterfly come out and fly away, but he grew impatient as time passed.
So the little boy decided to help the butterfly, which he figured had to be exhausted by now. He broke the cocoon open, but the butterfly inside was unable to fly because its wings were not strong enough.
What the boy didn't know was that the battle to shed the cocoon is necessary to develop and strengthen the butterfly's wings.
The butterfly he "helped" was grounded because the boy let it out too soon.
So - have patience! Don't quit!
You may not like your trial (test), and that is very, very natural. There is nothing wrong with wrestling with a trial emotionally. Emotions will come. We all get discouraged from time to time.
But don't cut the trial short by running away.
Now then, a key point to remember: God has His hand on both the clock and the thermostat of your trial. The "how long" and the "how intense" the trial will be.
And....I am grateful for that.
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Taking ownership
I had a great conversation last night (for about an hour and a half) with David Dewes and Russ Bettenhausen concerning, "assimilating new people into our church".
It's a great topic - one that I think about constantly.
We are seeing a new influx of people coming to our church and checking us out. I am really excited and jazzed about that.
Here's the question:
How can we get them to "stick"?
How can we lead people to it becoming "your church" to "my church"?
As "our" church becomes "their" church, they will assimilate into our church family.
Nelson Searcy writes about the "Three R's of retention".
Return, relationships and responsibility.
When new guests walk through the door for the first time, our initial goal is to earn return visits from them.
When they do return, our goal evolves to relationship. We desire to place people in a setting that encourages and builds relationships. Small groups are perfect for this.
After creating friendships, we our focus comes from relationships to responsibility.
You see, I will become responsible over something that I "own", something that I care about.
If you have ever rented a car, you know the feeling of a lack of ownership. I mean - you treat the car right, but if it becomes dirty, "oh well", it is not my car. I am not responsible for it.
However, if you own the car, you want to take care of it the best you can. You change the oil. You get the car washed.
Responsibility is always the catalyst that moves people from regular attendance to membership.
It does not matter how well I preach or how passionate our worship team is - if our newcomers do not find relationship and take on responsibility within our church, they will not stay long.
How does that play out practically?
Talk to newer people in the hallways and foyer of our church. Break out of the mold of always talking to the same people every Sunday.
Invite newer people out for dinner. Take them out after a Sunday service. (Debbie and I do this on a consistent basis).
Encourage them to return. Share positive events and happenings of our church.
Invite someone to your small group. Let them meet others who might have similar likes and dislikes.
Follow up with a phone call or an email.
I guess what I am saying is that we each, everyone of us, must take personal responsibility of leading people from return to relationship to responsibility.
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
It's a great topic - one that I think about constantly.
We are seeing a new influx of people coming to our church and checking us out. I am really excited and jazzed about that.
Here's the question:
How can we get them to "stick"?
How can we lead people to it becoming "your church" to "my church"?
As "our" church becomes "their" church, they will assimilate into our church family.
Nelson Searcy writes about the "Three R's of retention".
Return, relationships and responsibility.
When new guests walk through the door for the first time, our initial goal is to earn return visits from them.
When they do return, our goal evolves to relationship. We desire to place people in a setting that encourages and builds relationships. Small groups are perfect for this.
After creating friendships, we our focus comes from relationships to responsibility.
You see, I will become responsible over something that I "own", something that I care about.
If you have ever rented a car, you know the feeling of a lack of ownership. I mean - you treat the car right, but if it becomes dirty, "oh well", it is not my car. I am not responsible for it.
However, if you own the car, you want to take care of it the best you can. You change the oil. You get the car washed.
Responsibility is always the catalyst that moves people from regular attendance to membership.
It does not matter how well I preach or how passionate our worship team is - if our newcomers do not find relationship and take on responsibility within our church, they will not stay long.
How does that play out practically?
Talk to newer people in the hallways and foyer of our church. Break out of the mold of always talking to the same people every Sunday.
Invite newer people out for dinner. Take them out after a Sunday service. (Debbie and I do this on a consistent basis).
Encourage them to return. Share positive events and happenings of our church.
Invite someone to your small group. Let them meet others who might have similar likes and dislikes.
Follow up with a phone call or an email.
I guess what I am saying is that we each, everyone of us, must take personal responsibility of leading people from return to relationship to responsibility.
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Key choices in life
I must admit that there are times in my life where I get discouraged.
When I do, I know that I can rely upon the Holy Spirit go give me encouragement. To strengthen me. I know that there are people around me who will lift me up, if not by their words, then by their mere positive presence.
However, many times, it comes down to simply this: A choice that I make.
Life is full of choices, some of them "big" and some of them "small".
When I begin to lose my joy, when I being to feel down, it all comes down to a choice to move on, keep going and let God have His way.
Author Carol Kent, in her book, "A New Kind of Normal," writes this:
When despair tries to take me under....I choose life.
When I wonder what God could possibly be thinking....I choose trust.
When I desperately want relief from unrelenting reality....I choose perseverance.
When I feel oppressed by my disappointment and sorrow....I choose gratitude.
When I want to keep my feelings to myself....I choose vulnerability.
When nothing goes according to my plan...I choose relinquishment.
When I want to point a finger...I choose forgiveness.
When I want to give up....I choose purposeful action.
My word to you today? Don't give up! Keep on going!
God has a plan and a purpose for your life!
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
When I do, I know that I can rely upon the Holy Spirit go give me encouragement. To strengthen me. I know that there are people around me who will lift me up, if not by their words, then by their mere positive presence.
However, many times, it comes down to simply this: A choice that I make.
Life is full of choices, some of them "big" and some of them "small".
When I begin to lose my joy, when I being to feel down, it all comes down to a choice to move on, keep going and let God have His way.
Author Carol Kent, in her book, "A New Kind of Normal," writes this:
When despair tries to take me under....I choose life.
When I wonder what God could possibly be thinking....I choose trust.
When I desperately want relief from unrelenting reality....I choose perseverance.
When I feel oppressed by my disappointment and sorrow....I choose gratitude.
When I want to keep my feelings to myself....I choose vulnerability.
When nothing goes according to my plan...I choose relinquishment.
When I want to point a finger...I choose forgiveness.
When I want to give up....I choose purposeful action.
My word to you today? Don't give up! Keep on going!
God has a plan and a purpose for your life!
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoughts from the weekend:
I can't tell you how grateful I am to the Lord at the number of people who raised their hand in the second service - signifying that they wanted to start or (restart) a relationship with Christ.
Our worship continues to be lead by the Holy Spirit - anointed by God.
While we plan, while we work, while we plant seed and water, only God can bring in the harvest.
Father, may we see the fruition of our work!
May you show us your favor!
Debbie and I attended a life group leader's luncheon yesterday after the second service.
What a feast we had! David Dewes brought children and ribs - "fall off the bone ribs."
Some of the best I have ever had!
Many thanks to David and Rick Maldener for leading this endeavor!
If you are attending a life group - try one out!
Life groups are a wonderful way of connecting your non-churched friend to Christ - and to Stone Church! While they may not come (initially) to a Sunday morning service - they will probably consider going to a home for a time of food and fellowship.
We continue to receive testimonies of people reconnecting or connecting to Christ in our life groups!
Small groups are a venue where a person can relax, be themselves, worship God and share personal needs.
My privilege to dedicate three kids, "unto the Lord" yesterday. I appreciate the responsibility that parents feel in doing this.
Symbolic acts have meaning as a person comes with the right motivation of heart and spirit.
Derek Rose needs to step up and play for the Chicago Bulls. Now is the time.
Love you all......
I can't tell you how grateful I am to the Lord at the number of people who raised their hand in the second service - signifying that they wanted to start or (restart) a relationship with Christ.
Our worship continues to be lead by the Holy Spirit - anointed by God.
While we plan, while we work, while we plant seed and water, only God can bring in the harvest.
Father, may we see the fruition of our work!
May you show us your favor!
Debbie and I attended a life group leader's luncheon yesterday after the second service.
What a feast we had! David Dewes brought children and ribs - "fall off the bone ribs."
Some of the best I have ever had!
Many thanks to David and Rick Maldener for leading this endeavor!
If you are attending a life group - try one out!
Life groups are a wonderful way of connecting your non-churched friend to Christ - and to Stone Church! While they may not come (initially) to a Sunday morning service - they will probably consider going to a home for a time of food and fellowship.
We continue to receive testimonies of people reconnecting or connecting to Christ in our life groups!
Small groups are a venue where a person can relax, be themselves, worship God and share personal needs.
My privilege to dedicate three kids, "unto the Lord" yesterday. I appreciate the responsibility that parents feel in doing this.
Symbolic acts have meaning as a person comes with the right motivation of heart and spirit.
Derek Rose needs to step up and play for the Chicago Bulls. Now is the time.
Love you all......
Thursday, April 25, 2013
A life of trivial pursuit
Is your life a game of "trivial pursuit"?
Are you satisfied with the mundane? The trivialities of life?
Can I give you a thought today?
We, as a culture, are amusing ourselves to death.
But it is not just our culture. We, as the people who have professed Jesus as Savior and Lord have also allowed our lives to become filled with the trivial.
Trivial conversations.
Trivial fights.
Trivial agendas.
Trivial reading.
Trivial praying.
Trivial views of God.
I am guilty of that and so are you.
It reminds me of a Seinfeld episode. A show about nothing. Dialogue about nothing.
Our culture is filled with people facebooking (yes it is now a verb) and tweeting what they had for dinner and what kind of hair day they are having.
Now there is nothing inherently wrong with that (please don't misunderstand me) - it's just that it is replacing the important things of life.
God has not called us to live a trivial life.
Our life in God is meant to be a great adventure with Him. Knowing him, pursuing Him, living passionately for God and with God - caught up with God' mission for the world.
Discussing the important things of life.
That should seize us, compel us and burn within us so trivial stuff still exists, but it gets a much lower level of importance on our agendas.
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Are you satisfied with the mundane? The trivialities of life?
Can I give you a thought today?
We, as a culture, are amusing ourselves to death.
But it is not just our culture. We, as the people who have professed Jesus as Savior and Lord have also allowed our lives to become filled with the trivial.
Trivial conversations.
Trivial fights.
Trivial agendas.
Trivial reading.
Trivial praying.
Trivial views of God.
I am guilty of that and so are you.
It reminds me of a Seinfeld episode. A show about nothing. Dialogue about nothing.
Our culture is filled with people facebooking (yes it is now a verb) and tweeting what they had for dinner and what kind of hair day they are having.
Now there is nothing inherently wrong with that (please don't misunderstand me) - it's just that it is replacing the important things of life.
God has not called us to live a trivial life.
Our life in God is meant to be a great adventure with Him. Knowing him, pursuing Him, living passionately for God and with God - caught up with God' mission for the world.
Discussing the important things of life.
That should seize us, compel us and burn within us so trivial stuff still exists, but it gets a much lower level of importance on our agendas.
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Which eye are you looking through?
One of the axioms of life is that we see what we want to see - and hear what we want to hear.
We can hear - but not really listen.
And we can see - but not really comprehend.
Many times the negativity and sin of this world remains oblivious to us - not because we aren't aware of what is going around us - but because we choose not to see and comprehend - and then do something about it.
My dear friends, how long can we "turn a blind eye" to the sins of this world?
How long can we "turn a blind eye" to the sins of the church?
How long can we "turn a blind eye" to our own sins?
How long can we keep blaming and pointing fingers at others without approaching the fact that perhaps we are "turning a blind eye" to our own faults and failures?
The phrase "turn a blind eye," means to ignore undesirable information. It means to live in denial.
It means to have Pollyanna view of life - that things are great and will only get better.
That's not to say that I am to become a negative person, not at all. But it is to say that I can be realistically positive - and not turn a blind eye to the evil of this world.
I can turn a blind eye to what is going on in my family.
I can turn a blind eye to what is going on at my job.
I can turn a blind eye to what is going on in my church.
Where did the saying, "turning a blind eye" come from?
The saying comes from a 19th century British naval battle.
Kevin Miller writes:
"On April 2, 1801, during the Battle of Copenhagen, the British fleet was attacking the combined navies of Denmark and Norway.
Three British ships ran aground, so the admiral, Hyde Parker, decide that the fire of battle was "too hot for Nelson to oppose." So Parker sent an order, thorough signal flags, that the younger admiral Horatio Nelson should "Discontinue Action" and withdraw.
When Nelson heard his own signalman relay the order, the pretended not to hear him.
Mesmerized by the thrill of battle, Nelson had no intention of obeying the order. He turned to his captain and said, "This day may be the last for us at any moment," even as a Danish cannonball struck his ship's mainmast, scattering splinter all around him. This was typical of Nelson's stubborn and aggressive approach to war.
In fact, he'd already lost sight in his right yes in a previous battle. So when he pressed again to respond to Parker's order, Nelson told his flag captain Thomas Foley, "You know, Foley, I only have one eye - I have the right to be blind sometimes," and then Nelson held up his telescope to his right eye and said, "I really do not see the signal!"
Sometimes we are like that. With one good eye and one blind eye, when an order comes through from God, we hold up the telescope to the blind eye - and we ignore the leading of the Holy Spirit.
We ignore the evil around us.
I, as a pastor and teacher, have the biblical, God-given responsibility to encourage and lift up the "saints of God", but also to remind us of the fact that we can't ignore our sins and failures.
I have been called to confront - but to confront in love.
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
We can hear - but not really listen.
And we can see - but not really comprehend.
Many times the negativity and sin of this world remains oblivious to us - not because we aren't aware of what is going around us - but because we choose not to see and comprehend - and then do something about it.
My dear friends, how long can we "turn a blind eye" to the sins of this world?
How long can we "turn a blind eye" to the sins of the church?
How long can we "turn a blind eye" to our own sins?
How long can we keep blaming and pointing fingers at others without approaching the fact that perhaps we are "turning a blind eye" to our own faults and failures?
The phrase "turn a blind eye," means to ignore undesirable information. It means to live in denial.
It means to have Pollyanna view of life - that things are great and will only get better.
That's not to say that I am to become a negative person, not at all. But it is to say that I can be realistically positive - and not turn a blind eye to the evil of this world.
I can turn a blind eye to what is going on in my family.
I can turn a blind eye to what is going on at my job.
I can turn a blind eye to what is going on in my church.
Where did the saying, "turning a blind eye" come from?
The saying comes from a 19th century British naval battle.
Kevin Miller writes:
"On April 2, 1801, during the Battle of Copenhagen, the British fleet was attacking the combined navies of Denmark and Norway.
Three British ships ran aground, so the admiral, Hyde Parker, decide that the fire of battle was "too hot for Nelson to oppose." So Parker sent an order, thorough signal flags, that the younger admiral Horatio Nelson should "Discontinue Action" and withdraw.
When Nelson heard his own signalman relay the order, the pretended not to hear him.
Mesmerized by the thrill of battle, Nelson had no intention of obeying the order. He turned to his captain and said, "This day may be the last for us at any moment," even as a Danish cannonball struck his ship's mainmast, scattering splinter all around him. This was typical of Nelson's stubborn and aggressive approach to war.
In fact, he'd already lost sight in his right yes in a previous battle. So when he pressed again to respond to Parker's order, Nelson told his flag captain Thomas Foley, "You know, Foley, I only have one eye - I have the right to be blind sometimes," and then Nelson held up his telescope to his right eye and said, "I really do not see the signal!"
Sometimes we are like that. With one good eye and one blind eye, when an order comes through from God, we hold up the telescope to the blind eye - and we ignore the leading of the Holy Spirit.
We ignore the evil around us.
I, as a pastor and teacher, have the biblical, God-given responsibility to encourage and lift up the "saints of God", but also to remind us of the fact that we can't ignore our sins and failures.
I have been called to confront - but to confront in love.
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
intimidation
Throughout my years of ministry, I have met (and continue to meet) people who have either tried to intimidate me (in church life) or have intimidated me.
I remember a 4 foot 10 inch woman in a previous church that we pastored that scared me to death.
Intimidation has nothing to do with how large or small someone is, or how young or how old. (Read the story of how the mighty prophet Elijah was threatened by the woman Jezebel.)
It has everything to do with a spirit that can overtake someone - a spirit of fear and intimidation that they use either intentionally or unintentionally.
Some of the characteristics of someone who walks in this spirit are: Pride. Presumption. Pushiness. Inability to admit wrong. Insubordination. Rebellion. Sowing seeds of discord. Hate. Distortion. Using people to accomplish their agenda. Withholding information. Withholding names. Sequestering information (they seem to know everything about everyone). Criticizes everyone. Ignores people. Spiritualizes everything. Vengeful. Uses the element of surprise. Blindsides. Gift giving (making you feel you are obligated to them)
The dictionary defines intimidation as: to render timid; to inspire fear; to discourage; or, suppress by threatening.
Being that part of the culture in Chicago is a culture of fear and intimidation, that can easily roll over into the church.
How does intimidation come about?
Through word curses. Word curses are something spoken over you by someone. A parent can speak word curses over their children. "You'll never amount to anything." "You're no good." "I wish you had never been born."
An employee can speak word curses over his boss or co-workers. "They are a jerk." "They don't know what to do."
A church member can speak word curses over the leadership of the church. "A lot of people are saying." "No one likes you." "You are doing a crummy job."
On and on it goes.
Through your own perception of yourself.
You think if not say, "I'm no good." "I am a crummy excuse for a Christian." "I'm no good at my job." "Everyone hates me."
Through being threatened.
Here's what I know on this point. When I give in to the threats and intimidating statements and actions of those around me - I surrender my God-given authority.
I lose the ability to use my spiritual giftings. They will like dormant or even be taken away. If I give in to fear and intimidation, God will send someone else to do what He is calling to be done.
I encourage you today: don't give in to the spirit of fear and intimidation!
Know who you are in Jesus Christ!
Stop all negative self-talk.
Know that if God loves you and if you love you - what does it matter what other people think?
Stop measuring your God-given talents and abilities with others. Someone will always be better or worse at something than you are.
Pray in the Spirit.
Pray.
Worship God.
Read the Word.
Live in the Word.
Hang around positive people.
Keep the ultimate goal in mind.
Realize, that at the end of the day, your reward is in heaven.
Stay strong, my friends.
I remember a 4 foot 10 inch woman in a previous church that we pastored that scared me to death.
Intimidation has nothing to do with how large or small someone is, or how young or how old. (Read the story of how the mighty prophet Elijah was threatened by the woman Jezebel.)
It has everything to do with a spirit that can overtake someone - a spirit of fear and intimidation that they use either intentionally or unintentionally.
Some of the characteristics of someone who walks in this spirit are: Pride. Presumption. Pushiness. Inability to admit wrong. Insubordination. Rebellion. Sowing seeds of discord. Hate. Distortion. Using people to accomplish their agenda. Withholding information. Withholding names. Sequestering information (they seem to know everything about everyone). Criticizes everyone. Ignores people. Spiritualizes everything. Vengeful. Uses the element of surprise. Blindsides. Gift giving (making you feel you are obligated to them)
The dictionary defines intimidation as: to render timid; to inspire fear; to discourage; or, suppress by threatening.
Being that part of the culture in Chicago is a culture of fear and intimidation, that can easily roll over into the church.
How does intimidation come about?
Through word curses. Word curses are something spoken over you by someone. A parent can speak word curses over their children. "You'll never amount to anything." "You're no good." "I wish you had never been born."
An employee can speak word curses over his boss or co-workers. "They are a jerk." "They don't know what to do."
A church member can speak word curses over the leadership of the church. "A lot of people are saying." "No one likes you." "You are doing a crummy job."
On and on it goes.
Through your own perception of yourself.
You think if not say, "I'm no good." "I am a crummy excuse for a Christian." "I'm no good at my job." "Everyone hates me."
Through being threatened.
Here's what I know on this point. When I give in to the threats and intimidating statements and actions of those around me - I surrender my God-given authority.
I lose the ability to use my spiritual giftings. They will like dormant or even be taken away. If I give in to fear and intimidation, God will send someone else to do what He is calling to be done.
I encourage you today: don't give in to the spirit of fear and intimidation!
Know who you are in Jesus Christ!
Stop all negative self-talk.
Know that if God loves you and if you love you - what does it matter what other people think?
Stop measuring your God-given talents and abilities with others. Someone will always be better or worse at something than you are.
Pray in the Spirit.
Pray.
Worship God.
Read the Word.
Live in the Word.
Hang around positive people.
Keep the ultimate goal in mind.
Realize, that at the end of the day, your reward is in heaven.
Stay strong, my friends.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoughts from the weekend:
I love the seasons - winter, spring, summer and fall.
I am really ready for spring and summer (a.k.a. sunshine).
Great spirit of worship in our services yesterday.
Many, many thanks to our wonderful worship team and Amanda!
Each week, I come expecting God to do great things!
Do you come each week expecting? Or do you come each week evaluating?
It is a challenging question.
God always meets us at the level of our expectations.
Both the White Sox and the Cubs are in for a long, long summer.
I encourage you to bring someone to our Sunday morning services this Sunday.
I like the fact that our church is so friendly.
We continue to pray for a further moving of God's Spirit.
God, please send renewal and revival our way!
Thankful for a wonderful deacon board this year. Great group of men. Great team of men.
This Wednesday is administrative assistant's day. We say a big "thank you" to Debbie Smith and Jan Winkler in our church office! They are dedicated, faithful and are doing a great job!
Reminder: please read through the book of Genesis during our week by week study.
Every person you meet is not all bad or all good. We are all a mixture of good and bad. Times when we are really, really locked in spiritually with God - and times when it seems like we are a spiritual mess.
In short, we are all messy.
I am thankful for God's grace and patience with me in the midst of my "messiness" - how about you?
Love you all.....
I love the seasons - winter, spring, summer and fall.
I am really ready for spring and summer (a.k.a. sunshine).
Great spirit of worship in our services yesterday.
Many, many thanks to our wonderful worship team and Amanda!
Each week, I come expecting God to do great things!
Do you come each week expecting? Or do you come each week evaluating?
It is a challenging question.
God always meets us at the level of our expectations.
Both the White Sox and the Cubs are in for a long, long summer.
I encourage you to bring someone to our Sunday morning services this Sunday.
I like the fact that our church is so friendly.
We continue to pray for a further moving of God's Spirit.
God, please send renewal and revival our way!
Thankful for a wonderful deacon board this year. Great group of men. Great team of men.
This Wednesday is administrative assistant's day. We say a big "thank you" to Debbie Smith and Jan Winkler in our church office! They are dedicated, faithful and are doing a great job!
Reminder: please read through the book of Genesis during our week by week study.
Every person you meet is not all bad or all good. We are all a mixture of good and bad. Times when we are really, really locked in spiritually with God - and times when it seems like we are a spiritual mess.
In short, we are all messy.
I am thankful for God's grace and patience with me in the midst of my "messiness" - how about you?
Love you all.....
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Finding your niche and being the best you can be
Last week, when Dr. Bob Rhoden was with us for a leadership retreat, he made a statement that really stuck out to me.
He said (and I paraphrase) that not everyone can be a 8 or a 9 or a 10 in leadership (or in anything they do in life).
He said, "if God created you as a 6, be the best 6 you can be." "If you are a 7 (in anything in life) be the best 7 you can be."
The key is to find what you can do, your niche, and do it to the best of your ability.
At this stage of life, I know what I can and cannot do. So, I tell myself, "why not focus in - not on what I can't do - but on what I can do." And then grow in that area. And excel in that area, whether it be a job, a hobby or a ministry in the church.
That is not to say I don't try certain things or "fill in the gaps" when there is a need.
For instance, not all of us have the gift of evangelism, but we can still share our faith.
Not all of us have the gift of service, but we can still do acts of service.
Not all of us have the gift of music, but we can lift our voices in song to God.
However, I encourage you to become comfortable with what you can do - and relax about what you can't do.
Click on this video of a boy who is trying to find his niche in baseball.
He said (and I paraphrase) that not everyone can be a 8 or a 9 or a 10 in leadership (or in anything they do in life).
He said, "if God created you as a 6, be the best 6 you can be." "If you are a 7 (in anything in life) be the best 7 you can be."
The key is to find what you can do, your niche, and do it to the best of your ability.
At this stage of life, I know what I can and cannot do. So, I tell myself, "why not focus in - not on what I can't do - but on what I can do." And then grow in that area. And excel in that area, whether it be a job, a hobby or a ministry in the church.
That is not to say I don't try certain things or "fill in the gaps" when there is a need.
For instance, not all of us have the gift of evangelism, but we can still share our faith.
Not all of us have the gift of service, but we can still do acts of service.
Not all of us have the gift of music, but we can lift our voices in song to God.
However, I encourage you to become comfortable with what you can do - and relax about what you can't do.
Click on this video of a boy who is trying to find his niche in baseball.
Many times our failures in one area lead us to excellence in another.
I remember leaving the game of baseball as a junior high kid (after being hit by a fastball as a batter) and picking up a round, orange ball and playing basketball for hours on end, playing in high school and college.
Here's that I leave you with: Let your failures (what you can't do) turn into a positive by leading you into successes (or what you can do).
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Can I work my way to heaven?
This evening: Romans 4:1-8.
Can I work my way to heaven?
In a recent study by leadership journal suggests that of those who call themselves Christians there are five kinds.
There are active Christians (19%).
There are professing Christians (20%)
There are liturgical Christians (16%).
There are private Christians (24%).
There are cultural Christians (21%).
Of these, only active and professing Christians said, "accepting Christ as Savior and Lord" is the key to being a Christian. That is, more than 60% do not believe that faith in Christ is essential to salvation.
According to a Barna study last year, more than half of all adults (53%) believe that if a person is generally good, or does enough good things for others during his life, he will earn a place in heaven.
This misunderstanding of saving grace is one of the major reasons why Paul writes to the church in Rome.
We will see this evening that not even Abraham or David (Romans 4:1-8) were saved by their works. Their good works.
That is good news.
Let me tell you why.
We live in such a performance based culture, don't we. Our self worth and value is many times determined by what we have done. Our production. Our profit. Our performance.
The more we do and the more successful we are, the more value we have (according to our society).
Some say, "I'm good because I closed a deal." "I'm significant because I got straight A's". "I'm okay because I got a big raise at work."
I used to have a t-shirt that said, "you are only as good as your last game) - and the true nature of what I do is that I am only as "good" as my last sermon.
The challenge with that kind of thinking is that God isn't impressed by our outward performance. God doesn't look on the outside; he looks on the heart.
Nothing is hidden from him.
We can't fool God by our performance. He judges our motives, not just our actions.
That's why, my relationship with God (and eternal life) is a gift from Him. I can't "boast" about it. I can't claim any kind of credit for it. It only comes from God.
It's only through believing in the life, death and resurrection of God that I experience his presence, power, favor and love.
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
Can I work my way to heaven?
In a recent study by leadership journal suggests that of those who call themselves Christians there are five kinds.
There are active Christians (19%).
There are professing Christians (20%)
There are liturgical Christians (16%).
There are private Christians (24%).
There are cultural Christians (21%).
Of these, only active and professing Christians said, "accepting Christ as Savior and Lord" is the key to being a Christian. That is, more than 60% do not believe that faith in Christ is essential to salvation.
According to a Barna study last year, more than half of all adults (53%) believe that if a person is generally good, or does enough good things for others during his life, he will earn a place in heaven.
This misunderstanding of saving grace is one of the major reasons why Paul writes to the church in Rome.
We will see this evening that not even Abraham or David (Romans 4:1-8) were saved by their works. Their good works.
That is good news.
Let me tell you why.
We live in such a performance based culture, don't we. Our self worth and value is many times determined by what we have done. Our production. Our profit. Our performance.
The more we do and the more successful we are, the more value we have (according to our society).
Some say, "I'm good because I closed a deal." "I'm significant because I got straight A's". "I'm okay because I got a big raise at work."
I used to have a t-shirt that said, "you are only as good as your last game) - and the true nature of what I do is that I am only as "good" as my last sermon.
The challenge with that kind of thinking is that God isn't impressed by our outward performance. God doesn't look on the outside; he looks on the heart.
Nothing is hidden from him.
We can't fool God by our performance. He judges our motives, not just our actions.
That's why, my relationship with God (and eternal life) is a gift from Him. I can't "boast" about it. I can't claim any kind of credit for it. It only comes from God.
It's only through believing in the life, death and resurrection of God that I experience his presence, power, favor and love.
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Core values
What motivates you?
What drives you?
Kouzes and Posner, in their book, "The Truth About Leadership" state, "You can't fully commit to something that doesn't fit with who you are and how you see yourself."
Most people will join or connect with a church that is consistent with their personal values, or how they look at life.
When someone new comes to our church they ask themselves:
What does the church are about?
What drives them?
What makes them happy?
What makes them upset?
What is their story?
We as a church must understand who we are, what we care about, and why we do what we do.
Below is listed the 10 core values of Stone Church.
I would ask that you read them through several times and assimilate them into your mental computer. Please feel free to share them with those around you.
What drives you?
Kouzes and Posner, in their book, "The Truth About Leadership" state, "You can't fully commit to something that doesn't fit with who you are and how you see yourself."
Most people will join or connect with a church that is consistent with their personal values, or how they look at life.
When someone new comes to our church they ask themselves:
What does the church are about?
What drives them?
What makes them happy?
What makes them upset?
What is their story?
We as a church must understand who we are, what we care about, and why we do what we do.
Below is listed the 10 core values of Stone Church.
I would ask that you read them through several times and assimilate them into your mental computer. Please feel free to share them with those around you.
Core values of Stone Church:
- It’s never too late to be who you might have been
- Pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on you
- Passionate worship brings us closer to God
- Creating community is accomplished through large and small group gatherings
- Being culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure is foundational
- Everyone is invaluable and irreplaceable
- Love people when they least expect it and least deserve it
- To be all that we can be, we must use all that we can use
- Reaching non-churched people is important to God and therefore important to us
- Helping the hurting outside and inside our church is the only loving thing to do
Monday, April 15, 2013
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoughts from the weekend:
Great weekend with Pastor Bob Rhoden.
What a man of God.
Subject: Leadership.
Some of his thoughts:
You make a difference. Modeling or being an example is the best way to make a difference.
Values drive commitment.
If someone takes ownership of the corporate values (of any organization) they are more apt to be committed.
Mission is what we do.
Vision is where we are headed.
Values are what we believe.
Goals are the specific points of making the vision happen.
If a person's personal values conflict with the corporate values - there is conflict.
Conflict on any level (marriage, co-worker, company, church) comes when the way you assume something will happen is different from the way somebody else assumes it will happen.
When your beliefs or values are different from someone else there is conflict.
We can't create an anointed future by constantly looking over our shoulder to the past.
We bless the past - live in the present - dream big for the future.
Great spirit of worship this Sunday - especially after the second service.
Really, really proud of our Teen Bible Quiz teams. Thank you to Bob Hong and Dawn Wolf for your leadership!
Met several new guests yesterday in our services.
Looking forward to continuing my series in Genesis this Sunday.
Let me invite you to our Wednesday evening services. 40 minutes of worship. Then a 30 minute teaching on the book of Romans (verse by verse). Then we worship again for 20 minutes.
Great time in the present of the Lord!
Love you all,
George
Great weekend with Pastor Bob Rhoden.
What a man of God.
Subject: Leadership.
Some of his thoughts:
You make a difference. Modeling or being an example is the best way to make a difference.
Values drive commitment.
If someone takes ownership of the corporate values (of any organization) they are more apt to be committed.
Mission is what we do.
Vision is where we are headed.
Values are what we believe.
Goals are the specific points of making the vision happen.
If a person's personal values conflict with the corporate values - there is conflict.
Conflict on any level (marriage, co-worker, company, church) comes when the way you assume something will happen is different from the way somebody else assumes it will happen.
When your beliefs or values are different from someone else there is conflict.
We can't create an anointed future by constantly looking over our shoulder to the past.
We bless the past - live in the present - dream big for the future.
Great spirit of worship this Sunday - especially after the second service.
Really, really proud of our Teen Bible Quiz teams. Thank you to Bob Hong and Dawn Wolf for your leadership!
Met several new guests yesterday in our services.
Looking forward to continuing my series in Genesis this Sunday.
Let me invite you to our Wednesday evening services. 40 minutes of worship. Then a 30 minute teaching on the book of Romans (verse by verse). Then we worship again for 20 minutes.
Great time in the present of the Lord!
Love you all,
George
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Love, acceptance and forgiveness
One of my greatest responsibilities as a pastor is to first love and accept and forgive people around me, and second, to bring them to ministry readiness by teaching them to do the same.
Everyone, and I do mean everyone, stands in need of love, acceptance and forgiveness.
We all want to be loved.
We all desired to feel accepted.
We all crave forgiveness.
Here's what I know: At Stone Church, when we "go after" the people nobody wants, God will send up people everybody wants.
Our desire is to reach the "no so togethers", the "non-perfect" people of this world.
Jerry Cook (a former Foursquare pastor) writes this:
"When love, acceptance and forgiveness characterize our lives and our churches, the Lord will send u people who need to be made whole."
He goes on to say:
"A pastor friend called me one day every upset at our church. This was a brother I liked and respected then, and still do. He was irritated because some of his people had started coming to our church. I knew what he was talking about and I felt he needed to get it off his chest, so I let him talk. At one point he said, "You know what you are out there? You're nothing but a bunch of garbage collectors."
Jerry Cook writes, "As I thought about it, I realized he was telling the truth. That's exactly what we are, garbage collector. What were we before Jesus found us? Weren't we all just garbage? Jesus finds us and recycles us. I mentioned this in church one Sunday and afterward a man who owns a garbage collection agency came floating up the aisle, all excited. "That's supper," he said. "Let me tell you something about garbage. There's a landfill near here. For 10 years we used it as a place to dump trash and garbage. Know what's there now? A beautiful park."
Finally Pastor Cook concludes: "I've seen human garbage become beautiful too. I've seen the stench of sin turned into the fragrance of heaven. That's our business. WE can't worry about what critics think nor say. Where is God going to send the "garbage" for recycling if He can't put it on our doorstep? He'll find a place. If we're not open for business, someone else will be. But we want to be used by God. When love, acceptance and forgiveness prevail, the church of Jesus Christ becomes what Jesus was in the world: a center of love designed for the healing of broken people, and a force for God."
Good stuff for a Thursday.
Everyone, and I do mean everyone, stands in need of love, acceptance and forgiveness.
We all want to be loved.
We all desired to feel accepted.
We all crave forgiveness.
Here's what I know: At Stone Church, when we "go after" the people nobody wants, God will send up people everybody wants.
Our desire is to reach the "no so togethers", the "non-perfect" people of this world.
Jerry Cook (a former Foursquare pastor) writes this:
"When love, acceptance and forgiveness characterize our lives and our churches, the Lord will send u people who need to be made whole."
He goes on to say:
"A pastor friend called me one day every upset at our church. This was a brother I liked and respected then, and still do. He was irritated because some of his people had started coming to our church. I knew what he was talking about and I felt he needed to get it off his chest, so I let him talk. At one point he said, "You know what you are out there? You're nothing but a bunch of garbage collectors."
Jerry Cook writes, "As I thought about it, I realized he was telling the truth. That's exactly what we are, garbage collector. What were we before Jesus found us? Weren't we all just garbage? Jesus finds us and recycles us. I mentioned this in church one Sunday and afterward a man who owns a garbage collection agency came floating up the aisle, all excited. "That's supper," he said. "Let me tell you something about garbage. There's a landfill near here. For 10 years we used it as a place to dump trash and garbage. Know what's there now? A beautiful park."
Finally Pastor Cook concludes: "I've seen human garbage become beautiful too. I've seen the stench of sin turned into the fragrance of heaven. That's our business. WE can't worry about what critics think nor say. Where is God going to send the "garbage" for recycling if He can't put it on our doorstep? He'll find a place. If we're not open for business, someone else will be. But we want to be used by God. When love, acceptance and forgiveness prevail, the church of Jesus Christ becomes what Jesus was in the world: a center of love designed for the healing of broken people, and a force for God."
Good stuff for a Thursday.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Propitiation
We are going through the book of Romans on Wednesday evenings.
Paul writes in Romans 3:25, "God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement (speaking of Jesus)."
The King James version used the word, "propitiation"
It means to "turn away wrath by offering a gift."
Pagan religions are built on the concept of propitiation, whereby a devoted person brings a chicken, a goat, a lamb, or a plate of food and offers it to his god (I saw this in Bali, Indonesia - where most follow the Hindu religion).
By bringing the blood of a chicken, the followers of voodoo hope to appease the evil spirits and turn away their wrath.
To use an illustration that is more culturally relevant for you and I, it would be as if a husband stops by a flower shop on the way home to buy flowers for his wife (after a horrific verbal "discussion").
He hopes the offering of flowers will turn away the "wrath" of his spouse and restore the relationship.
In the Old Testament (as we will see tonight), the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies once a year - on the Day of Atonement - bringing with him the blood of a bull. When he sprinkled the blood on the Mercy Seat - the lid of the Ark of the Covenant - that blood was accepted by God as an "atonement" or a "covering" for the sins of the people.
I am, and remain, and will always be grateful for the sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross. It is by that sacrifice that God's wrath against my sins is taken away.
How about you?
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
Paul writes in Romans 3:25, "God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement (speaking of Jesus)."
The King James version used the word, "propitiation"
It means to "turn away wrath by offering a gift."
Pagan religions are built on the concept of propitiation, whereby a devoted person brings a chicken, a goat, a lamb, or a plate of food and offers it to his god (I saw this in Bali, Indonesia - where most follow the Hindu religion).
By bringing the blood of a chicken, the followers of voodoo hope to appease the evil spirits and turn away their wrath.
To use an illustration that is more culturally relevant for you and I, it would be as if a husband stops by a flower shop on the way home to buy flowers for his wife (after a horrific verbal "discussion").
He hopes the offering of flowers will turn away the "wrath" of his spouse and restore the relationship.
In the Old Testament (as we will see tonight), the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies once a year - on the Day of Atonement - bringing with him the blood of a bull. When he sprinkled the blood on the Mercy Seat - the lid of the Ark of the Covenant - that blood was accepted by God as an "atonement" or a "covering" for the sins of the people.
I am, and remain, and will always be grateful for the sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross. It is by that sacrifice that God's wrath against my sins is taken away.
How about you?
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Seasons of tempation
The past couple of years, there has been a Robin that has built her nest right outside my office window at the church.
She just came back today.
What that means is this: Spring is just around the corner.
A new season has arrived.
I say this a lot (and have even blogged about it before) - that I am a big, big believer in seasons.
While you may or may not live in an area of the country (or world) that has seasons, life itself does.
There are seasons of joy. There are seasons of sorrow.
There are seasons of victory. There are seasons of defeat.
Well, you get the idea.
Life is fluid, it never stays the same.
Seasons come and seasons go.
One of the seasons (that I didn't get to fully explain this past Sunday in my teaching) that we go through are seasons of temptation.
There are certain times and situations where you and I as followers of Christ are more vulnerable to temptation than at other times.
Satan knows this.
He studies you. He studies me. He studies us to find out what season is it where we are more vulnerable than others to his fiery darts.
Here's what I know: It is important to be aware of the seasons of high temptation and be ready to defend yourself spiritually during these times.
Ask yourself:
When am I the most likely to be tempted?
What day of the week? What time of day?
Where am I most likely to be tempted?
At work? At home? At a neighbor's house?
At a bar? In an airport or hotel out of town?
Who is with you when you are the most likely to be tempted?
Friends? Coworkers? A crowd of strangers? When you are alone?
How are you feeling when you are tempted?
Tired? Lonely? Bored? Depressed? Stressed out? Angry? Worried?
One of the keys of spiritual victory in the midst of battle is to know when and how the enemy will attack. Be aware of Satan's tactics, friends!
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
She just came back today.
What that means is this: Spring is just around the corner.
A new season has arrived.
I say this a lot (and have even blogged about it before) - that I am a big, big believer in seasons.
While you may or may not live in an area of the country (or world) that has seasons, life itself does.
There are seasons of joy. There are seasons of sorrow.
There are seasons of victory. There are seasons of defeat.
Well, you get the idea.
Life is fluid, it never stays the same.
Seasons come and seasons go.
One of the seasons (that I didn't get to fully explain this past Sunday in my teaching) that we go through are seasons of temptation.
There are certain times and situations where you and I as followers of Christ are more vulnerable to temptation than at other times.
Satan knows this.
He studies you. He studies me. He studies us to find out what season is it where we are more vulnerable than others to his fiery darts.
Here's what I know: It is important to be aware of the seasons of high temptation and be ready to defend yourself spiritually during these times.
Ask yourself:
When am I the most likely to be tempted?
What day of the week? What time of day?
Where am I most likely to be tempted?
At work? At home? At a neighbor's house?
At a bar? In an airport or hotel out of town?
Who is with you when you are the most likely to be tempted?
Friends? Coworkers? A crowd of strangers? When you are alone?
How are you feeling when you are tempted?
Tired? Lonely? Bored? Depressed? Stressed out? Angry? Worried?
One of the keys of spiritual victory in the midst of battle is to know when and how the enemy will attack. Be aware of Satan's tactics, friends!
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
Monday, April 08, 2013
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoughts from the weekend:
Busy, busy weekend.
What a delight it was to watch our Teen Bible Quiz teenagers in a match with other churches.
Our kids know the Bible!
I am 100% behind memorizing the Bible.
Our church team won State!
On to regionals!
I was extremely pleased and proud of them.
Thanks to all of our adults leaders as well!
Our district youth director, Paul Hinzman, spoke last Thursday evening to our youth group. Great guy.
Title of his message - Stop staring!
In other words, we are to not keep our gaze, our eyes on those who lead us or those around us - we are to keep our eyes on Jesus!
God is moving in our youth group!
I was thrilled as I watched 25 or more teenagers worshipping God around the altar.
Again - many thanks to our GREAT leadership team!
It was my privilege to baptize 5 people in water yesterday (two adults, three children).
One of the women that was baptized came to our church through the following story:
A few weeks ago, she had set her GPS to go to Nordstrom's Rack, here in Orland Park (on a Sunday morning). Her GPS instead lead her to our church. As she drove up the driveway to Stone Church, the GPS stated, "you have reached your destination."
She decided to come into a service (the first time she had been in church in 20 years) and has been coming ever since!
Praise God!
Wonderful testimonies from our teenagers as they went to Ascension convention - they are "on fire" for God!
God is moving - by His Spirit!
Father, we desire renewal and revival!
Love you all,
George
Busy, busy weekend.
What a delight it was to watch our Teen Bible Quiz teenagers in a match with other churches.
Our kids know the Bible!
I am 100% behind memorizing the Bible.
Our church team won State!
On to regionals!
I was extremely pleased and proud of them.
Thanks to all of our adults leaders as well!
Our district youth director, Paul Hinzman, spoke last Thursday evening to our youth group. Great guy.
Title of his message - Stop staring!
In other words, we are to not keep our gaze, our eyes on those who lead us or those around us - we are to keep our eyes on Jesus!
God is moving in our youth group!
I was thrilled as I watched 25 or more teenagers worshipping God around the altar.
Again - many thanks to our GREAT leadership team!
It was my privilege to baptize 5 people in water yesterday (two adults, three children).
One of the women that was baptized came to our church through the following story:
A few weeks ago, she had set her GPS to go to Nordstrom's Rack, here in Orland Park (on a Sunday morning). Her GPS instead lead her to our church. As she drove up the driveway to Stone Church, the GPS stated, "you have reached your destination."
She decided to come into a service (the first time she had been in church in 20 years) and has been coming ever since!
Praise God!
Wonderful testimonies from our teenagers as they went to Ascension convention - they are "on fire" for God!
God is moving - by His Spirit!
Father, we desire renewal and revival!
Love you all,
George
Thursday, April 04, 2013
Catching your kids doing something right
Parenting is hard.
Difficult.
There are seasons of great joy - and seasons of great challenge.
Now that our three kids are out of the house - I am an authority on parenting. :)
Here's what I know (and this applies to anyone in life that you are in relationship with): Catch your kids doing something right - and praise them for it.
While this is especially true during the critical two to four years of age - it can be vitally important during the junior high and senior high years (which can be brutal relationally) as well.
As our children interact with other children, it is inevitable that they will come across criticism, teasing and even taunting.
By the time they come home on any given day, the last thing they need is for mom and dad to add on to the constant stream of being putting down throughout the day.
Now then, I really get the idea of "If I spare the rod and spoil my child, that won't be pleasing to God."
We must never shy away from discipline as parents.
I get that.
But here is what I would suggest: We must be slow to criticize and quick to praise (and by praise - I mean genuine applause from the heart).
Try to catch your child doing something right.
Years ago, Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson wrote the excellent book entitled, "The One Minute Manager."
The thesis was that as you enter and exit someone's life, you can, in one minute, leave them "better" than when you found them, leaving them with a sense of feeling good about themselves by giving them a quick, "you did good on such and such."
It's called - giving affirmation.
Instead of seeing your parenting role as primarily a matter of catching your kids doing something wrong and making sure to correct them, why not take a fresh look at relating to your children and spend just as much time, if not more time, in catching them doing something right?
Everyone needs affirmation. Everyone needs encouragement. Everyone needs appreciation.
Even Jesus received affirmation from God the Father in Matthew 3:17, "This is My Son, Whom I love, with Him I am well pleased."
Now then, a word of caution. Praise, but praise in the right way.
Your child must know that you love them unconditionally.
That is so important, for if you only praise them for doing something right, then they will start to live on a performance basis, thinking, "If I do a good job.....if I get A's...If I hit a home run...then my parents will appreciate me."
That produces a lot of unnecessary guilt.
So, here's the solution. Bend over backwards to make your children feel accepted, first - and then appreciated. Let them know that you accept them and then move on to appreciation.
Josh McDowell, in his wonderful book, "How to be a hero to your kids" (from which I get a lot of this blog) writes, "I appreciate my child's effort more than my child's accomplishment, and I appreciate my child's worth as a human being even more than my child's effort).
Good stuff for you parents. Praying for and with you!
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Difficult.
There are seasons of great joy - and seasons of great challenge.
Now that our three kids are out of the house - I am an authority on parenting. :)
Here's what I know (and this applies to anyone in life that you are in relationship with): Catch your kids doing something right - and praise them for it.
While this is especially true during the critical two to four years of age - it can be vitally important during the junior high and senior high years (which can be brutal relationally) as well.
As our children interact with other children, it is inevitable that they will come across criticism, teasing and even taunting.
By the time they come home on any given day, the last thing they need is for mom and dad to add on to the constant stream of being putting down throughout the day.
Now then, I really get the idea of "If I spare the rod and spoil my child, that won't be pleasing to God."
We must never shy away from discipline as parents.
I get that.
But here is what I would suggest: We must be slow to criticize and quick to praise (and by praise - I mean genuine applause from the heart).
Try to catch your child doing something right.
Years ago, Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson wrote the excellent book entitled, "The One Minute Manager."
The thesis was that as you enter and exit someone's life, you can, in one minute, leave them "better" than when you found them, leaving them with a sense of feeling good about themselves by giving them a quick, "you did good on such and such."
It's called - giving affirmation.
Instead of seeing your parenting role as primarily a matter of catching your kids doing something wrong and making sure to correct them, why not take a fresh look at relating to your children and spend just as much time, if not more time, in catching them doing something right?
Everyone needs affirmation. Everyone needs encouragement. Everyone needs appreciation.
Even Jesus received affirmation from God the Father in Matthew 3:17, "This is My Son, Whom I love, with Him I am well pleased."
Now then, a word of caution. Praise, but praise in the right way.
Your child must know that you love them unconditionally.
That is so important, for if you only praise them for doing something right, then they will start to live on a performance basis, thinking, "If I do a good job.....if I get A's...If I hit a home run...then my parents will appreciate me."
That produces a lot of unnecessary guilt.
So, here's the solution. Bend over backwards to make your children feel accepted, first - and then appreciated. Let them know that you accept them and then move on to appreciation.
Josh McDowell, in his wonderful book, "How to be a hero to your kids" (from which I get a lot of this blog) writes, "I appreciate my child's effort more than my child's accomplishment, and I appreciate my child's worth as a human being even more than my child's effort).
Good stuff for you parents. Praying for and with you!
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
hypocrisy
Here's what I know:
The Christian who thinks everyone is a hypocrite but them - is a hypocrite.
We are all being deceived in one area of our lives (as followers of Christ), we all act in ways that aren't consistent with who we say we are - as much as we don't like to admit it.
That's what we will be looking at tonight as we continue our study in the book of Romans (chapters 2 - 3:20).
Paul is writing to a church in Rome that is filled with both Jews and Gentiles. The Gentiles thought they should receive even more grace because they hadn't had the Old Testament law as the Jews did. Their excuse? Ignorance of spiritual things.
The Jews were thinking that they weren't as bad as the Gentiles, because they weren't as "bad" as they were. Their excuse? They were more "spiritual" than the Gentiles.
Both were wrong.
At the root of both of these groups was a feeling of judgmental ism, pride and finger pointing.
Paul writes in Romans 2:1, "You, therefore (the Jews) have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things."
It is hypocritical to judge others, without first of all looking at ourselves.
It is especially hypocritical to judge someone for doing the same things that we are doing.
A hypocrite says, "Mary is always criticizing others." That, in and of itself, is a criticism of Mary.
We don't become righteous by pointing out the sins of others.
Someone once said that a "hypocrite is someone who complains there is too much sex and violence on their DVD collection."
Whom do you judge more - yourself or others?
Three takeaways that I am going to give tonight at the end of the teaching.
All three of them are "don'ts".
My prayer is that we all (and that means me) learn to three principles and apply them to our lives.
Don't condemn in others what you do yourself.
This is clearly an enormous point in the mind of Paul in Romans 2 and 3. The essence of hypocrisy is to preach hard or speak harshly against the very sins (in the life of others) that you commit in secret. It is to excuse in yourself the behavior you condemn in others.
Are you practicing what you are preaching? Are you living what you are saying? Does your life match up to your lips? Do your deeds match your declarations?
Don't claim special privileges without accepting personal responsibility.
Religious people do this all the time. They like to give advice, but they don't like to take it. They like to talk, they don't like to obey. They like to be first in line - they don't like to do the "chores after dinner."
The Christian life includes freedom but also responsibility.
Don't go through the motions without Christ in your heart.
As shocking as it might sound, there will be many church members in hell. Why? Because many people are locked into a false religious confidence. They trust in religion. They trust in how long they have gone to church. They trust in the ministry that they are doing - rather than trusting in Jesus Christ.
Just some thoughts for a Wednesday.
The Christian who thinks everyone is a hypocrite but them - is a hypocrite.
We are all being deceived in one area of our lives (as followers of Christ), we all act in ways that aren't consistent with who we say we are - as much as we don't like to admit it.
That's what we will be looking at tonight as we continue our study in the book of Romans (chapters 2 - 3:20).
Paul is writing to a church in Rome that is filled with both Jews and Gentiles. The Gentiles thought they should receive even more grace because they hadn't had the Old Testament law as the Jews did. Their excuse? Ignorance of spiritual things.
The Jews were thinking that they weren't as bad as the Gentiles, because they weren't as "bad" as they were. Their excuse? They were more "spiritual" than the Gentiles.
Both were wrong.
At the root of both of these groups was a feeling of judgmental ism, pride and finger pointing.
Paul writes in Romans 2:1, "You, therefore (the Jews) have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things."
It is hypocritical to judge others, without first of all looking at ourselves.
It is especially hypocritical to judge someone for doing the same things that we are doing.
A hypocrite says, "Mary is always criticizing others." That, in and of itself, is a criticism of Mary.
We don't become righteous by pointing out the sins of others.
Someone once said that a "hypocrite is someone who complains there is too much sex and violence on their DVD collection."
Whom do you judge more - yourself or others?
Three takeaways that I am going to give tonight at the end of the teaching.
All three of them are "don'ts".
My prayer is that we all (and that means me) learn to three principles and apply them to our lives.
Don't condemn in others what you do yourself.
This is clearly an enormous point in the mind of Paul in Romans 2 and 3. The essence of hypocrisy is to preach hard or speak harshly against the very sins (in the life of others) that you commit in secret. It is to excuse in yourself the behavior you condemn in others.
Are you practicing what you are preaching? Are you living what you are saying? Does your life match up to your lips? Do your deeds match your declarations?
Don't claim special privileges without accepting personal responsibility.
Religious people do this all the time. They like to give advice, but they don't like to take it. They like to talk, they don't like to obey. They like to be first in line - they don't like to do the "chores after dinner."
The Christian life includes freedom but also responsibility.
Don't go through the motions without Christ in your heart.
As shocking as it might sound, there will be many church members in hell. Why? Because many people are locked into a false religious confidence. They trust in religion. They trust in how long they have gone to church. They trust in the ministry that they are doing - rather than trusting in Jesus Christ.
Just some thoughts for a Wednesday.
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Being polite; being nice
Here's what I know:
Being polite is not the same thing as being nice.
I meet people in the kingdom of God (and in our church) who are very polite. But they are not very nice.
They are politely mean.
Some Christians have perfected this "art" over the years.
They know how to smile that plastic smile, and feign friendship and concern, if only for a moment.
They are polite and even give to others (or serve in a ministry) (Martha's - men and women - in the faith tend to be susceptible to this - they think that their service in ministry nullifies a bad attitude).
Can I give you a suggestion?
Just because you are polite - does not mean that you are nice.
People can slander - politely.
People can gossip - politely.
People can disagree - politely.
People can sit in a church service - politely.
And still be mean.
Meanness is most of all an attitude. An attitude of the heart.
Have you ever heard someone say, "your attitude stinks?"
That can be more than a metaphor for what's going on inside.
Sometimes, I can "smell" people's attitude about life in general - from a distance.
I would ask that you pray about something:
Pray about being polite and nice - and the fact that just because you are polite - does not mean that you are a nice person.
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
Being polite is not the same thing as being nice.
I meet people in the kingdom of God (and in our church) who are very polite. But they are not very nice.
They are politely mean.
Some Christians have perfected this "art" over the years.
They know how to smile that plastic smile, and feign friendship and concern, if only for a moment.
They are polite and even give to others (or serve in a ministry) (Martha's - men and women - in the faith tend to be susceptible to this - they think that their service in ministry nullifies a bad attitude).
Can I give you a suggestion?
Just because you are polite - does not mean that you are nice.
People can slander - politely.
People can gossip - politely.
People can disagree - politely.
People can sit in a church service - politely.
And still be mean.
Meanness is most of all an attitude. An attitude of the heart.
Have you ever heard someone say, "your attitude stinks?"
That can be more than a metaphor for what's going on inside.
Sometimes, I can "smell" people's attitude about life in general - from a distance.
I would ask that you pray about something:
Pray about being polite and nice - and the fact that just because you are polite - does not mean that you are a nice person.
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Self esteem and the past
Do you find your self esteem from the past?
Individuals do that.
Corporations do that.
Nations do that.
Churches do that as well.
Churches can look back and become obsessed with the past to the point of it creating a sense of stagnation and a refusal to change and grow.
"I remember when Pastor so and so was here," they say.
"I remember when we used to do it this way back in the past."
They remember the "good ole days" and take great pride and relish in reminding people of the great moments from the past.
They begin to hold up the past as an idol. Nothing that is done in the present can "live up to what was done in the past."
They derive their self esteem from the past.
That, in and of itself, is a recipe for disaster.
Life is not meant to be lived in the past - life is meant to be lived in the present.
Growing people, growing companies, growing churches understand that.
My self esteem does not come from what I have accomplished in the past; my self esteem comes (or should come) from what I am doing in the present and in the context of my relationship with God.
I was asked, "what is the greatest sermon I have ever preached," (the other day) and my response was, "the next one."
We need to keep on striving, keep on moving forward, for God's glory and our ultimate benefit.
Churches can look back and become obsessed with the past to the point of it creating a sense of stagnation.
When Michael Jordan turned 50, ESPN magazine ran an extended essay/interview about Jordan's continuing obsession (or idolatry) with the best days of his basketball career.
The article stated:
"Jordan's self-esteem has always been, as he says, "tied directly to the game."
Without it, he feels adrift. Who am I? What am I doing? For the past 10 years, since retiring for the third time, he has been running, moving as fast as he could, creating distractions, distance. When the schedule clears, he'll call his office and tell them not to bother him for a month, to let him relax and play golf. Three days later they'll get another call, asking if the plan can pick him up and take him someplace.
He's restless...he feels his competitiveness kick in, almost a chemical thing, and he starts working out, and he wonders: Could he play at 50? What would he do against LeBron?
What if? "It's consumed me so much," he says. "I'm my own worst enemy. I drove myself so much that I'm still living with some of those drives. "I'm living with that. I don't know how to get rid of it. I don't know if I could. And here I am, still connected to the game."
He knows he won't ever play pro basketball again. He knows he's got to quiet these drives, to find a way to live the life he worked so hard to create, to be still.
Jordan asks, "How can I enjoy the next 20 years without so much of this consuming me? How can I find peace away from the game of basketball?"
In a very, very, very small way - I can relate to that.
After a great senior year in high school and a wonderful senior year in college, I used to have dreams (well into my thirties) of having a year of eligibility left in college - in order to play basketball again.
I took great joy (and pride) in the fact that we won the European championship (International School of Brussels) in 1974. Basketball was a haven, where a huge amount of my self esteem was created.
Eventually, I learned that my effectiveness as a person (and as a follower of Christ), my present self-esteem, must not and cannot come from what I did in the past - but from what God is doing in me - in the present.
Where do you find your self-esteem?
From your job? Your family? Your children?
Past glories?
I would suggest that you find our self-esteem in God - and realize that your best days are ahead.
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Individuals do that.
Corporations do that.
Nations do that.
Churches do that as well.
Churches can look back and become obsessed with the past to the point of it creating a sense of stagnation and a refusal to change and grow.
"I remember when Pastor so and so was here," they say.
"I remember when we used to do it this way back in the past."
They remember the "good ole days" and take great pride and relish in reminding people of the great moments from the past.
They begin to hold up the past as an idol. Nothing that is done in the present can "live up to what was done in the past."
They derive their self esteem from the past.
That, in and of itself, is a recipe for disaster.
Life is not meant to be lived in the past - life is meant to be lived in the present.
Growing people, growing companies, growing churches understand that.
My self esteem does not come from what I have accomplished in the past; my self esteem comes (or should come) from what I am doing in the present and in the context of my relationship with God.
I was asked, "what is the greatest sermon I have ever preached," (the other day) and my response was, "the next one."
We need to keep on striving, keep on moving forward, for God's glory and our ultimate benefit.
Churches can look back and become obsessed with the past to the point of it creating a sense of stagnation.
When Michael Jordan turned 50, ESPN magazine ran an extended essay/interview about Jordan's continuing obsession (or idolatry) with the best days of his basketball career.
The article stated:
"Jordan's self-esteem has always been, as he says, "tied directly to the game."
Without it, he feels adrift. Who am I? What am I doing? For the past 10 years, since retiring for the third time, he has been running, moving as fast as he could, creating distractions, distance. When the schedule clears, he'll call his office and tell them not to bother him for a month, to let him relax and play golf. Three days later they'll get another call, asking if the plan can pick him up and take him someplace.
He's restless...he feels his competitiveness kick in, almost a chemical thing, and he starts working out, and he wonders: Could he play at 50? What would he do against LeBron?
What if? "It's consumed me so much," he says. "I'm my own worst enemy. I drove myself so much that I'm still living with some of those drives. "I'm living with that. I don't know how to get rid of it. I don't know if I could. And here I am, still connected to the game."
He knows he won't ever play pro basketball again. He knows he's got to quiet these drives, to find a way to live the life he worked so hard to create, to be still.
Jordan asks, "How can I enjoy the next 20 years without so much of this consuming me? How can I find peace away from the game of basketball?"
In a very, very, very small way - I can relate to that.
After a great senior year in high school and a wonderful senior year in college, I used to have dreams (well into my thirties) of having a year of eligibility left in college - in order to play basketball again.
I took great joy (and pride) in the fact that we won the European championship (International School of Brussels) in 1974. Basketball was a haven, where a huge amount of my self esteem was created.
Eventually, I learned that my effectiveness as a person (and as a follower of Christ), my present self-esteem, must not and cannot come from what I did in the past - but from what God is doing in me - in the present.
Where do you find your self-esteem?
From your job? Your family? Your children?
Past glories?
I would suggest that you find our self-esteem in God - and realize that your best days are ahead.
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Without excuse
Someone once said that an excuse is the "skin of a reason - stuffed with a lie."
That can be true.
This evening, we will be looking at Romans 1:18-32.
Lots there to unpack. Lots there to wrap our minds around.
One of the most troubling thoughts (troubling in the sense of being difficult to understand) from this passage (and there are many) is the idea that the "heathen" (those without a connection to Jesus Christ) are without excuse before God.
Paul writes in Romans 1:19, 20, "Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."
The question is not, "can a person acknowledge and understand God through his conscience and through nature," but will that knowledge save them?
The answer is no.
Knowledge of God through creation and through the conscious can only make man aware of God's presence - which in turn can only condemn him and not save him.
People die and go to hell because they are sinners. Rejecting Christ only "seals the deal."
Follow the logic:
God reveals himself to a person through his conscious (or that "God-shaped vacuum in them - the realization that there is a 'higher power') and through nature around him.
That realization prompts him to live a life of choosing between right and wrong.
A person cannot live a consistent godly life without the power and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
It is only through Jesus that a person can be saved.
Now then: the challenging thought is that it is only through Jesus that people can be saved - our responsibility is to share Jesus with the world around us.
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
That can be true.
This evening, we will be looking at Romans 1:18-32.
Lots there to unpack. Lots there to wrap our minds around.
One of the most troubling thoughts (troubling in the sense of being difficult to understand) from this passage (and there are many) is the idea that the "heathen" (those without a connection to Jesus Christ) are without excuse before God.
Paul writes in Romans 1:19, 20, "Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."
The question is not, "can a person acknowledge and understand God through his conscience and through nature," but will that knowledge save them?
The answer is no.
Knowledge of God through creation and through the conscious can only make man aware of God's presence - which in turn can only condemn him and not save him.
People die and go to hell because they are sinners. Rejecting Christ only "seals the deal."
Follow the logic:
God reveals himself to a person through his conscious (or that "God-shaped vacuum in them - the realization that there is a 'higher power') and through nature around him.
That realization prompts him to live a life of choosing between right and wrong.
A person cannot live a consistent godly life without the power and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
It is only through Jesus that a person can be saved.
Now then: the challenging thought is that it is only through Jesus that people can be saved - our responsibility is to share Jesus with the world around us.
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The supernatural and openness
How open are you to the supernatural?
Great question.
Are you open to God working in your life in ways that go beyond what you can see, touch, taste, smell and hear?
Here's what I know: Our God is a God of the supernatural.
But do you really believe that?
We talk a lot about God's ability to heal - but do we really believe that?
We talk a lot about God's ability to work miracles - but do we really believe that?
Are you open to experiencing God in ways that go beyond the norm? The natural?
The Bible is filled with men and women of God who experienced unusual events in their lives (at the prompting of God).
Isiah walked around naked for three years. Hosea was asked to marry a prostitute (and did just that). Peter was prompted to walk on water. Noah built an ark in the middle of the desert - in anticipation of a flood - and it had never rained.
In the life of a Pentecostal Christian (where experiencing the supernatural should be a natural daily experience), we are continually challenged to walk in the unusually supernatural - and experience God's presence in ways that go beyond the normal.
In the scriptures, the sun went backwards, the red sea parted, frogs fell form the sky - the Bible is filled with examples of people who experienced something that went beyond the normal.
(God's Holy Spirit impregnating a 16 year old girl - the virgin birth - now that is a supernatural act).
As Christians in the 21st century we struggle with this. We live in a world where non-Christians are reaching out for the supernatural (via movies and books that are popular now days) and Christians are wanting to pull back and only experience that which they understand or can control.
It is an interesting, ironic statement of the end times.
Can I give you a suggestion? Be open to the supernatural. When you see the supernatural occurring, don't stand back with criticism and a closed mind. There is enough of that in the world today.
By the time you are through "analyzing" what is going on, God's presence has moved on.
Be willing to risk - and to trust that God knows what he is doing.
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
Great question.
Are you open to God working in your life in ways that go beyond what you can see, touch, taste, smell and hear?
Here's what I know: Our God is a God of the supernatural.
But do you really believe that?
We talk a lot about God's ability to heal - but do we really believe that?
We talk a lot about God's ability to work miracles - but do we really believe that?
Are you open to experiencing God in ways that go beyond the norm? The natural?
The Bible is filled with men and women of God who experienced unusual events in their lives (at the prompting of God).
Isiah walked around naked for three years. Hosea was asked to marry a prostitute (and did just that). Peter was prompted to walk on water. Noah built an ark in the middle of the desert - in anticipation of a flood - and it had never rained.
In the life of a Pentecostal Christian (where experiencing the supernatural should be a natural daily experience), we are continually challenged to walk in the unusually supernatural - and experience God's presence in ways that go beyond the normal.
In the scriptures, the sun went backwards, the red sea parted, frogs fell form the sky - the Bible is filled with examples of people who experienced something that went beyond the normal.
(God's Holy Spirit impregnating a 16 year old girl - the virgin birth - now that is a supernatural act).
As Christians in the 21st century we struggle with this. We live in a world where non-Christians are reaching out for the supernatural (via movies and books that are popular now days) and Christians are wanting to pull back and only experience that which they understand or can control.
It is an interesting, ironic statement of the end times.
Can I give you a suggestion? Be open to the supernatural. When you see the supernatural occurring, don't stand back with criticism and a closed mind. There is enough of that in the world today.
By the time you are through "analyzing" what is going on, God's presence has moved on.
Be willing to risk - and to trust that God knows what he is doing.
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoughts from the weekend:
From yesterday's Sunday morning service: Those who drove in from Canada, Ohio, Indiana (and other states) wonderful. Hearing Steve Hill preach - powerful. Sensing people's expectation levels for more of God's presence - incredible.
Experiencing God's presence - priceless.
Continue to move in us Holy Spirit!
May we receive more of your presence in order to change the world we live in!
Steve Hill's message of exhortation is a needed thought for the world we live in. We must continue to preach, teach and share the truth. Grace must always be balanced with holiness!
Many, many thanks to everyone who helped yesterday in making the service "go". From the children's volunteers to the sound booth guys, to the worship team, to the coffee connection folks, we thank you!
Every volunteer in our church is needed! Every ministry worker is a vital part of what we are trying to do in our church.
We are a church to belong, grow and serve!
We love people. We love God!
Come on Sunday mornings, serve in a ministry, attend a life group!
Let's not be afraid of the Holy Spirit.
Let's not be afraid of what the Holy Spirit can do in our lives.
God has more for us. Our future will be greater than our past!
I am not looking to the right or to the left - I am looking to Jesus Christ!
Like barking dogs surrounding a train going down the tracks - so are those who criticize, complain and grumble.
The train keeps going! The Holy Spirit is our fuel!
The destination is reaching everyone in the Chicago Southland with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Father, keep the train going!
This week is a busy, busy week. Wednesday evening activities. Good Friday service (7:00 P.M.)
Sunday morning - Easter presentation - "The Bridge". 8:30 A.M. 10:30 A.M.
I encourage you to invite friends and family to the services!
More people are brought to Christ (and start a relationship with Him) by friends than any other medium of sharing the gospel (preaching, advertising, television, radio).
Invite someone and then offer to bring them to our church campus!
I love you all!
George
From yesterday's Sunday morning service: Those who drove in from Canada, Ohio, Indiana (and other states) wonderful. Hearing Steve Hill preach - powerful. Sensing people's expectation levels for more of God's presence - incredible.
Experiencing God's presence - priceless.
Continue to move in us Holy Spirit!
May we receive more of your presence in order to change the world we live in!
Steve Hill's message of exhortation is a needed thought for the world we live in. We must continue to preach, teach and share the truth. Grace must always be balanced with holiness!
Many, many thanks to everyone who helped yesterday in making the service "go". From the children's volunteers to the sound booth guys, to the worship team, to the coffee connection folks, we thank you!
Every volunteer in our church is needed! Every ministry worker is a vital part of what we are trying to do in our church.
We are a church to belong, grow and serve!
We love people. We love God!
Come on Sunday mornings, serve in a ministry, attend a life group!
Let's not be afraid of the Holy Spirit.
Let's not be afraid of what the Holy Spirit can do in our lives.
God has more for us. Our future will be greater than our past!
I am not looking to the right or to the left - I am looking to Jesus Christ!
Like barking dogs surrounding a train going down the tracks - so are those who criticize, complain and grumble.
The train keeps going! The Holy Spirit is our fuel!
The destination is reaching everyone in the Chicago Southland with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Father, keep the train going!
This week is a busy, busy week. Wednesday evening activities. Good Friday service (7:00 P.M.)
Sunday morning - Easter presentation - "The Bridge". 8:30 A.M. 10:30 A.M.
I encourage you to invite friends and family to the services!
More people are brought to Christ (and start a relationship with Him) by friends than any other medium of sharing the gospel (preaching, advertising, television, radio).
Invite someone and then offer to bring them to our church campus!
I love you all!
George
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Revival
We are extremely privileged to have Steve Hill with us this Sunday.
Steve is a "revivalist" in every sense of the word (that I described a couple of blogs ago). As we speaks, you will sense the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit.
Just a note: We are having one service this Sunday, March 24th (10:30 A.M.). Steve is still struggling with some physical infirmities and can only preach once - and then pray for people.
But what a service it will be!
I would encourage you to arrive early (we are having a prayer meeting at 8:30 A.M. in room 102) and find a seat and spend time in the presence of the Lord.
One of Steve's mentors was Leonard Ravenhill. Let me give you some of Leonard Ravenhill's thoughts from his book, "Revival God's Way'.
Let his words challenge you today - and encourage you to seek after God.
He writes:
"Why revival - God's Way? Because we have tried every other way. Because, instead of healing the cripple at the gate of the church (in the Acts story he was a type of the crippled world), the "Church" is now crippled and asking alms of the world to carry on the Lord's work. How amazing!
"In God we Trust" may be on our coins, but who does trust Him? Do the radio and television preachers trust Him for their needs? If they did they would never drag His name before a cynical world in their tearful begging sprees.
I am often asked to pray for the healing of the nation. No! I am praying for the healing of the Church. Then the healing of America, Britain (Ravenhill was British) and other nations will follow. As the Church goes, so goes the world!"
Will you be in prayer this week for Stone Church? Will you be in prayer with me that we hear a "mighty rushing wind" this Sunday morning, and that many are healed and saved?
God we desire your ministering presence! Come Holy Spirit!
Send us your glory, God!
Steve is a "revivalist" in every sense of the word (that I described a couple of blogs ago). As we speaks, you will sense the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit.
Just a note: We are having one service this Sunday, March 24th (10:30 A.M.). Steve is still struggling with some physical infirmities and can only preach once - and then pray for people.
But what a service it will be!
I would encourage you to arrive early (we are having a prayer meeting at 8:30 A.M. in room 102) and find a seat and spend time in the presence of the Lord.
One of Steve's mentors was Leonard Ravenhill. Let me give you some of Leonard Ravenhill's thoughts from his book, "Revival God's Way'.
Let his words challenge you today - and encourage you to seek after God.
He writes:
"Why revival - God's Way? Because we have tried every other way. Because, instead of healing the cripple at the gate of the church (in the Acts story he was a type of the crippled world), the "Church" is now crippled and asking alms of the world to carry on the Lord's work. How amazing!
"In God we Trust" may be on our coins, but who does trust Him? Do the radio and television preachers trust Him for their needs? If they did they would never drag His name before a cynical world in their tearful begging sprees.
I am often asked to pray for the healing of the nation. No! I am praying for the healing of the Church. Then the healing of America, Britain (Ravenhill was British) and other nations will follow. As the Church goes, so goes the world!"
Will you be in prayer this week for Stone Church? Will you be in prayer with me that we hear a "mighty rushing wind" this Sunday morning, and that many are healed and saved?
God we desire your ministering presence! Come Holy Spirit!
Send us your glory, God!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
The power of the gospel
Tonight we begin a verse by verse study of the book of Romans (this evening - Romans 1:1-17).
I am really looking forward to it.
The theme of the book of Romans wraps itself around one word. Gospel. Not any gospel but THE Gospel.
Paul writes in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile."
Let's unpack this wonderful verse.
The Gospel is power!
The Greek word is dunamis, from which we get the English words "dynamic," "dynamo," and "dynamite."
The Gospel contains the dynamic power of God. That's why Paul said that he wasn't ashamed or felt the need to apologize for coming to Rome (the New York City of that day).
He knew that in the Gospel, there is a power that can overwhelm anything that comes against it.
It today's preaching culture, it is popular to use videos and drama to partner with the Word of God so that the message is relevant and easily assimilated.
I get that. In fact, I am for that. In fact, further still, I have done that and will continue to do that.
But at the end of the day, there is nothing like the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Word of God found in both the Old and New Testaments. There is power in the Word!
Notice this: It is the power of God for salvation.
Only the Gospel can save sinners. Not science, not education, not religion, not moral reformation, not a change in political party, not fame or fortune. Only the Gospel saves sinners.
It has the power to forgive us for our sins (past), give us new life (in the present) and launch us into heaven (for eternity - in the future).
Notice this: It is the power to save those who believe.
Who what? Who believe - or those who make a personal commitment, to trust by an act of the will.
By the very nature of its power, the Gospel always demands some kind of response. A personal response.
We can't just internalize it or read it like a great novel. We must respond to it one way or another.
I often say that if a person is not changed in worship, they have not truly worshipped. The thought just occurred to me that if I am not changed in some way as I read the Word, I have not truly read the Word. The Word will always convict or encourage or challenge us in some way.
Notice this: It is the power to save those who believe, to the Jew first and then to the Gentile. The gospel is for everyone.
Now then, does that mean all the Jews must be saved before Gentiles can be saved? No. He's talking about chronology not importance or priority.
God gave the message first to thew Jews, his chosen people, and they were to spread it around. Why were the Jews called the "chosen people"?
God chose one nation to be the missionaries to the world. They were chosen to spread the gospel. But the Jews blew it!
They took the good news of a relationship to God and they didn't share it.
They kept it to themselves. God turned to Plan B - the Church. He sent Jesus Christ to die for us. Now the Gospel belongs to everybody no matter what your skin color, family background, religious preference, sexual orientation, race, education, age, income or moral degradation. No matter how much you have "sinned" the Gospel can be for you!
Let me leave you with this - why not share that Gospel with someone today?
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
I am really looking forward to it.
The theme of the book of Romans wraps itself around one word. Gospel. Not any gospel but THE Gospel.
Paul writes in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile."
Let's unpack this wonderful verse.
The Gospel is power!
The Greek word is dunamis, from which we get the English words "dynamic," "dynamo," and "dynamite."
The Gospel contains the dynamic power of God. That's why Paul said that he wasn't ashamed or felt the need to apologize for coming to Rome (the New York City of that day).
He knew that in the Gospel, there is a power that can overwhelm anything that comes against it.
It today's preaching culture, it is popular to use videos and drama to partner with the Word of God so that the message is relevant and easily assimilated.
I get that. In fact, I am for that. In fact, further still, I have done that and will continue to do that.
But at the end of the day, there is nothing like the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Word of God found in both the Old and New Testaments. There is power in the Word!
Notice this: It is the power of God for salvation.
Only the Gospel can save sinners. Not science, not education, not religion, not moral reformation, not a change in political party, not fame or fortune. Only the Gospel saves sinners.
It has the power to forgive us for our sins (past), give us new life (in the present) and launch us into heaven (for eternity - in the future).
Notice this: It is the power to save those who believe.
Who what? Who believe - or those who make a personal commitment, to trust by an act of the will.
By the very nature of its power, the Gospel always demands some kind of response. A personal response.
We can't just internalize it or read it like a great novel. We must respond to it one way or another.
I often say that if a person is not changed in worship, they have not truly worshipped. The thought just occurred to me that if I am not changed in some way as I read the Word, I have not truly read the Word. The Word will always convict or encourage or challenge us in some way.
Notice this: It is the power to save those who believe, to the Jew first and then to the Gentile. The gospel is for everyone.
Now then, does that mean all the Jews must be saved before Gentiles can be saved? No. He's talking about chronology not importance or priority.
God gave the message first to thew Jews, his chosen people, and they were to spread it around. Why were the Jews called the "chosen people"?
God chose one nation to be the missionaries to the world. They were chosen to spread the gospel. But the Jews blew it!
They took the good news of a relationship to God and they didn't share it.
They kept it to themselves. God turned to Plan B - the Church. He sent Jesus Christ to die for us. Now the Gospel belongs to everybody no matter what your skin color, family background, religious preference, sexual orientation, race, education, age, income or moral degradation. No matter how much you have "sinned" the Gospel can be for you!
Let me leave you with this - why not share that Gospel with someone today?
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
A season of revival
Renewal and revival.
Great words.
Needed words.
Needed in our hearts and our spirits.
Renewal is when the people of God are brought alive in their walk with God. They draw closer to the Lord. They are rebooted, so to speak in their intensity and passion for God.
Many times, as God's people are renewed, they experience certain manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Trembling. Falling on the floor. A sense of peace. A sense of passion for God.
As followers of Christ, we all need those times when the fire of God is lit once again within our spirits. Where we once again follow God not as a "have to" but because we "get to." We are so full of God that it literally bursts within our spirits.
Sometimes we quarantine those experiences and say to ourselves, "God has moved - He has sent revival."
But revival, in the truest sense of the word is when people are connecting to Christ. They are being saved from their sins. They are turning away from the past - asking for forgiveness of sins - and changing the patterns of behavior and thinking in their lives.
We desire both. We desire that God not only stirs our hearts as Christians, but that that experience will so empower us that we reach out to those who do not know God. The non-churched. The unsaved. The non-Christian. However you want to put that.
Yet, the third step is the step that few revivals ever reach. Where God moves so strongly and His power is so evident that the culture and the society in which the people live is changed.
The way people live, the way they work, eat, drink, sleep and play is transformed into a holy, godly culture.
We change. That's renewal.
Non-churched people are changed. That's revival.
Changing our culture - that's the ultimate goal.
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
Great words.
Needed words.
Needed in our hearts and our spirits.
Renewal is when the people of God are brought alive in their walk with God. They draw closer to the Lord. They are rebooted, so to speak in their intensity and passion for God.
Many times, as God's people are renewed, they experience certain manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Trembling. Falling on the floor. A sense of peace. A sense of passion for God.
As followers of Christ, we all need those times when the fire of God is lit once again within our spirits. Where we once again follow God not as a "have to" but because we "get to." We are so full of God that it literally bursts within our spirits.
Sometimes we quarantine those experiences and say to ourselves, "God has moved - He has sent revival."
But revival, in the truest sense of the word is when people are connecting to Christ. They are being saved from their sins. They are turning away from the past - asking for forgiveness of sins - and changing the patterns of behavior and thinking in their lives.
We desire both. We desire that God not only stirs our hearts as Christians, but that that experience will so empower us that we reach out to those who do not know God. The non-churched. The unsaved. The non-Christian. However you want to put that.
Yet, the third step is the step that few revivals ever reach. Where God moves so strongly and His power is so evident that the culture and the society in which the people live is changed.
The way people live, the way they work, eat, drink, sleep and play is transformed into a holy, godly culture.
We change. That's renewal.
Non-churched people are changed. That's revival.
Changing our culture - that's the ultimate goal.
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoughts from the weekend
Great spirit in our church yesterday.
We are becoming unified and geared up for the days ahead.
Unity is so precious in God's eyes. Unity flows from the anointing - and the anointing flows where there is unity.
Paul writes in Romans 12:8, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
And the writer to the Hebrews states in Hebrews 12:14, "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy."
Unity is my responsibility. Unity is your responsibility. We are to "make every effort."
That means we are to live unselfishly. Unconcerned about power and control.
Letting God move. Taking our hands off what God wants to do.
I have been enjoying worship and the end of each service the past two weeks.
Getting a great response to the verse by verse teachings from Genesis.
Worship and the Word!
No better way to celebrate a Sunday than to worship God and study His Word!
We live in the most biblically illiterate country in the world.
Confession: I am still amazed at those who do not bring their Bibles to church on a Sunday morning.
It would be like going to a knitting group without anything to knit with.
It would be like going bowling with a bowling ball.
Well, you get the point.
Let's be people of God's Word!
Wow - we are getting reports of people from far and wide who will be with us this Sunday for our Steve Hill meetings.
Invite a friend. Invite a friend who needs Christ (for that matter - invite your enemies as well :) )
Invite someone who needs healing in their body.
God is good - all the time!
Many, many thanks for those who gave of their time this past Saturday in going door-to-door. 28 people went and visited almost (if not over) 2000 homes.
Only God knows the benefits that will come from Saturday's outreach!
Love you all,
George
Great spirit in our church yesterday.
We are becoming unified and geared up for the days ahead.
Unity is so precious in God's eyes. Unity flows from the anointing - and the anointing flows where there is unity.
Paul writes in Romans 12:8, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
And the writer to the Hebrews states in Hebrews 12:14, "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy."
Unity is my responsibility. Unity is your responsibility. We are to "make every effort."
That means we are to live unselfishly. Unconcerned about power and control.
Letting God move. Taking our hands off what God wants to do.
I have been enjoying worship and the end of each service the past two weeks.
Getting a great response to the verse by verse teachings from Genesis.
Worship and the Word!
No better way to celebrate a Sunday than to worship God and study His Word!
We live in the most biblically illiterate country in the world.
Confession: I am still amazed at those who do not bring their Bibles to church on a Sunday morning.
It would be like going to a knitting group without anything to knit with.
It would be like going bowling with a bowling ball.
Well, you get the point.
Let's be people of God's Word!
Wow - we are getting reports of people from far and wide who will be with us this Sunday for our Steve Hill meetings.
Invite a friend. Invite a friend who needs Christ (for that matter - invite your enemies as well :) )
Invite someone who needs healing in their body.
God is good - all the time!
Many, many thanks for those who gave of their time this past Saturday in going door-to-door. 28 people went and visited almost (if not over) 2000 homes.
Only God knows the benefits that will come from Saturday's outreach!
Love you all,
George
Thursday, March 14, 2013
God is up to something great!
Okay, let me tell you this right away:
God is up to something great in your life!
Perhaps you find yourself in an impossible situation - wondering how your circumstances will possibly turn around for the better, how your life will ultimately come to some kind of meaning and purpose.
God is up to something great in your life!
Do you believe that?
If you feel down today, pushed down by the verbiage of this world, the mistakes that you have made, the dreams that have been shattered, the failures that have come despite your best efforts - know that God is up to something great in your life!
In life, there is the good, the bad and the just downright ugly (with all due respect to the Clint Eastwood movie of the same title).
As you walk with God, please know that He can take the good things that you remember most fondly, the bad things that you would like to forget, and the ugly things that have shaped you into something you did or didn't want to be and use all of them to create in you the purpose that He has for you. Today. This afternoon. This evening. Tomorrow.
As Job said in Job 42:2, "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted."
God is able to take and make whatever He will.
He can take whatever and whoever you are and make you into whatever and whoever you need to be to become your best possible self.
No matter what you are dealing with today, the good, the bad or the ugly, know that God is up to something great in your life!
Believe it and then receive it! Repeat that continually today: "God is up to something great in my life!
Just a thought for a Thursday.
God is up to something great in your life!
Perhaps you find yourself in an impossible situation - wondering how your circumstances will possibly turn around for the better, how your life will ultimately come to some kind of meaning and purpose.
God is up to something great in your life!
Do you believe that?
If you feel down today, pushed down by the verbiage of this world, the mistakes that you have made, the dreams that have been shattered, the failures that have come despite your best efforts - know that God is up to something great in your life!
In life, there is the good, the bad and the just downright ugly (with all due respect to the Clint Eastwood movie of the same title).
As you walk with God, please know that He can take the good things that you remember most fondly, the bad things that you would like to forget, and the ugly things that have shaped you into something you did or didn't want to be and use all of them to create in you the purpose that He has for you. Today. This afternoon. This evening. Tomorrow.
As Job said in Job 42:2, "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted."
God is able to take and make whatever He will.
He can take whatever and whoever you are and make you into whatever and whoever you need to be to become your best possible self.
No matter what you are dealing with today, the good, the bad or the ugly, know that God is up to something great in your life!
Believe it and then receive it! Repeat that continually today: "God is up to something great in my life!
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Door to Door
One of the foundational building blocks of our church is that we are prayerfully and desperately (for the Kingdom's sake) desiring people to connect with God.
To start a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ.
C.T. Studd lived from 1860 - 1931. He was educated at Cambridge and was one of the top cricket players of his time.
In fact, he was so good that others in the sporting world compared him to America's Babe Ruth or Ty Cobb.
Well, it so happened that C.T. Studd became a Christian. As a result he decided to contend for men and women who seemed headed for the fires of Hell.
He gave away a fortune and became part of the famous Cambridge Seven, bright university students who left comfortable England and went instead to the mission field.
Eventually, Studd died an old man in distant Africa, but not before saying:
Some want to live within the sound
Of church or chapel bell,
I want to run a rescue shop
Within a yard of hell.
I am challenged by that.
Here's what I know: In all probability, God is not calling you to go to Africa, but he is calling you to go across the street.
Let me share with you how: This Saturday, March 16, we will be meeting here at the church at 9:30 A.M. and going door to door - leaving door hangers inviting people to our Sunday morning Easter services.
We have over 2000 homes that we will be visiting in the span of two hours.
Would you consider joining us - and walk the walk concerning reaching the lost?
People need Jesus - we have the answer.
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
To start a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ.
C.T. Studd lived from 1860 - 1931. He was educated at Cambridge and was one of the top cricket players of his time.
In fact, he was so good that others in the sporting world compared him to America's Babe Ruth or Ty Cobb.
Well, it so happened that C.T. Studd became a Christian. As a result he decided to contend for men and women who seemed headed for the fires of Hell.
He gave away a fortune and became part of the famous Cambridge Seven, bright university students who left comfortable England and went instead to the mission field.
Eventually, Studd died an old man in distant Africa, but not before saying:
Some want to live within the sound
Of church or chapel bell,
I want to run a rescue shop
Within a yard of hell.
I am challenged by that.
Here's what I know: In all probability, God is not calling you to go to Africa, but he is calling you to go across the street.
Let me share with you how: This Saturday, March 16, we will be meeting here at the church at 9:30 A.M. and going door to door - leaving door hangers inviting people to our Sunday morning Easter services.
We have over 2000 homes that we will be visiting in the span of two hours.
Would you consider joining us - and walk the walk concerning reaching the lost?
People need Jesus - we have the answer.
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Dust in the wind
The group Kansas used to sing a song entitled, "Dust in the Wind - all we are is dust in the wind."
The Bible tells us in Genesis 2:7, "The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being (soul)."
We were made from dust and to dust we will one day return.
I read today of the value and worth of the human body - if you broke it down into its constituent elements. To start with, our bodies are 65% water. But then you add in the trace amounts of iron, phosphorus, sodium, calcium potassium, magnesium, chlorine, and all the rest. When you figure it up at today's market prices, the total comes to about $4.50.
Think about that. You're worth a five-dollar bill with 50 cents to spare.
We all are.
Water and dirt. Dust in the wind.
We are the original "dirt people" (somebody should make a movie about that)!
We come from the dust of the heart, which is a lowly position and we are filled with the breath of God (the spirit of God) which gives us a high honor.
In other words, your value does not lie in your body or in the things you do with your body. Your value comes from the life God gave you.
Apart from the "breath of life," you wouldn't survive even one more second. If God should remove his hand from you, you would cease to exist and your body would quickly return to the dust. We like to boast of what we have done and accomplished. We brag of our achievements as if we were immortal.
But our lives are like a vapor that appears for a moment and then vanishes away (James 4:14)
Final thought - my value comes from God's spirit in me. Nothing more and nothing less.
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
The Bible tells us in Genesis 2:7, "The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being (soul)."
We were made from dust and to dust we will one day return.
I read today of the value and worth of the human body - if you broke it down into its constituent elements. To start with, our bodies are 65% water. But then you add in the trace amounts of iron, phosphorus, sodium, calcium potassium, magnesium, chlorine, and all the rest. When you figure it up at today's market prices, the total comes to about $4.50.
Think about that. You're worth a five-dollar bill with 50 cents to spare.
We all are.
Water and dirt. Dust in the wind.
We are the original "dirt people" (somebody should make a movie about that)!
We come from the dust of the heart, which is a lowly position and we are filled with the breath of God (the spirit of God) which gives us a high honor.
In other words, your value does not lie in your body or in the things you do with your body. Your value comes from the life God gave you.
Apart from the "breath of life," you wouldn't survive even one more second. If God should remove his hand from you, you would cease to exist and your body would quickly return to the dust. We like to boast of what we have done and accomplished. We brag of our achievements as if we were immortal.
But our lives are like a vapor that appears for a moment and then vanishes away (James 4:14)
Final thought - my value comes from God's spirit in me. Nothing more and nothing less.
Just a thought for a Tuesday.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoughts from the weekend
First of all, let me say how excited we are to have Steve Hill with us on March 24th, for both morning services.
I encourage you to invite your non-churched friends, neighbors, family and co-workers!
Fueled by his own dramatic deliverance from drugs, alcohol and crime back in 1975, Steve dedicates his life to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. His love for people and his passion for genuine, God-breathed revival have only intensified after years of ministry.
Steve has been powerfully used by the Lord in two of the greatest revivals in the past century: In the Argentine revival and the Brownsville Revival in Pensacola, Florida. During these revivals, hundreds of thousands came to Christ and were transformed by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Recently, Steve came through a life-threatening bout with cancer - and God has miraculously touched him. He will be sharing of that an a prophetic end time vision that he received from the Lord during his sickness.
Had a great time at Jessie Insalaco's birthday party yesterday. She and Mickey (and their family) are just great folks.
Took home some ribs from Hog Wild restaurant. "Fall off the bone" good!
What can I say about the Upward Basketball celebration this past Saturday?
The gym was filled with parents and their children - most of whom do not go to our church. Several of the boys signed up for the Pinewood Derby this coming Saturday, March 23rd.
A short gospel message was preached by Pastor Aldin.
Many, many, many thanks to all of our volunteers for your time, faithfulness and hard work this year!
We are also looking at adding on soccer in a couple of years.
Our plan is to change our culture - to help change the world - with the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Met with the youth leader's staff Saturday morning. What a talented group of people. I am so grateful that they are "filling in the gaps" as we search for a new youth pastor.
I was told that they had six visitors last Thursday evening!
Love you all,
George
First of all, let me say how excited we are to have Steve Hill with us on March 24th, for both morning services.
I encourage you to invite your non-churched friends, neighbors, family and co-workers!
Fueled by his own dramatic deliverance from drugs, alcohol and crime back in 1975, Steve dedicates his life to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. His love for people and his passion for genuine, God-breathed revival have only intensified after years of ministry.
Steve has been powerfully used by the Lord in two of the greatest revivals in the past century: In the Argentine revival and the Brownsville Revival in Pensacola, Florida. During these revivals, hundreds of thousands came to Christ and were transformed by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Recently, Steve came through a life-threatening bout with cancer - and God has miraculously touched him. He will be sharing of that an a prophetic end time vision that he received from the Lord during his sickness.
Had a great time at Jessie Insalaco's birthday party yesterday. She and Mickey (and their family) are just great folks.
Took home some ribs from Hog Wild restaurant. "Fall off the bone" good!
What can I say about the Upward Basketball celebration this past Saturday?
The gym was filled with parents and their children - most of whom do not go to our church. Several of the boys signed up for the Pinewood Derby this coming Saturday, March 23rd.
A short gospel message was preached by Pastor Aldin.
Many, many, many thanks to all of our volunteers for your time, faithfulness and hard work this year!
We are also looking at adding on soccer in a couple of years.
Our plan is to change our culture - to help change the world - with the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Met with the youth leader's staff Saturday morning. What a talented group of people. I am so grateful that they are "filling in the gaps" as we search for a new youth pastor.
I was told that they had six visitors last Thursday evening!
Love you all,
George
Thursday, March 07, 2013
Half truths
Teenagers can be famous for telling them.
Some people are addicted to them.
Others can't get away from them.
Cults use them to attract and retain followers.
What are "them"?
"Them" are half-truths.
Something we take for being totally true - but in reality is partially false.
Recently, Subway made the news when various news organizations pointed out that their $5.00 foot long sandwich was actually 11 inches instead of 12.
In article by Linton Weeks entitled, "Half-truths we can live with,"gives us a few more half-truths:
1. Peanuts are not really nuts (and neither are cashews or Brazil nuts). Walnuts, pecans, and chestnuts are really nuts, but peanuts are actually legumes.
2. The American buffalo is a bison, not a buffalo. It is part of the Bovidae family, which includes domestic cattle and goats.
3. A koala bear is not a bear; it is a marsupial.
4. A palm tree is not a tree. Palms trees belong to the monocot family of flowering plants, which also includes grasses and grains.
5. "Swollen glands" are not actually glands; they are a series of lymph nodes.
6. A mountain goat is not really a goat.
7. Pink is not exactly a color. Physicists claim that pink should really be called "minus green" because 'Pink" is just the leftovers of white light when you take out the green.
Some people tell half-truths by simply not telling the whole truth.
I've come across people like that - and so have you.
It isn't that what they are saying is a direct lie - it's that they leave out the part of the story that could change the way people treat them or react to them.
In the long run - we can never go wrong doing the right thing - which is telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth - so help you God.
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Some people are addicted to them.
Others can't get away from them.
Cults use them to attract and retain followers.
What are "them"?
"Them" are half-truths.
Something we take for being totally true - but in reality is partially false.
Recently, Subway made the news when various news organizations pointed out that their $5.00 foot long sandwich was actually 11 inches instead of 12.
In article by Linton Weeks entitled, "Half-truths we can live with,"gives us a few more half-truths:
1. Peanuts are not really nuts (and neither are cashews or Brazil nuts). Walnuts, pecans, and chestnuts are really nuts, but peanuts are actually legumes.
2. The American buffalo is a bison, not a buffalo. It is part of the Bovidae family, which includes domestic cattle and goats.
3. A koala bear is not a bear; it is a marsupial.
4. A palm tree is not a tree. Palms trees belong to the monocot family of flowering plants, which also includes grasses and grains.
5. "Swollen glands" are not actually glands; they are a series of lymph nodes.
6. A mountain goat is not really a goat.
7. Pink is not exactly a color. Physicists claim that pink should really be called "minus green" because 'Pink" is just the leftovers of white light when you take out the green.
Some people tell half-truths by simply not telling the whole truth.
I've come across people like that - and so have you.
It isn't that what they are saying is a direct lie - it's that they leave out the part of the story that could change the way people treat them or react to them.
In the long run - we can never go wrong doing the right thing - which is telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth - so help you God.
Just a thought for a Thursday.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
The thing in hand
Did you know that the "good" in our lives can be a hindrance to our walk with God?
That which preoccupies our mind and spirit.
Watchman Nee has written a chapter in his book, "The Release Of The Spirit," which explains this.
He gives the analogy of the father who asked his son to do a certain thing.
The sons answers, "Right now I have something in my hand; as soon as I finish it, I will do what you order."
"The thing in hand" is the thing which the son is doing prior to his father's orders.
What is the "thing in your hand," that is preventing you from a deeper walk with God?
It can be anything, even something good or important in our lives.
AS long as the outward man remains unbroken, we will full our "hands" with the things of this world (and even our religious interests, appetites, concerns and ministry."
So, when God comes knocking at our door, wanting to speak to our inner man, our inner spirit, we cannot hear.
So the "thing in hand" can block our way to drawing closer to God.
Watchman Nee goes on to use another analogy - comparing our human physical strength with the emotional and spiritual strength that we have in our lives.
I can only lift so much weight. My physical strength is limited as to what I can and cannot do (especially as I get older).
As my physical strength is limited so is my emotional and mental strength.
For instance, I only have so much "love" to give around. If I gave all of my attention, focus and love on one person, there would be nothing left for anyone else. My "soul" strength" would be drained with nothing left to direct to others.
When we were raising our kids, I had to work at having enough relational energy to show my family every evening - after a day of helping and loving others in our church family
Knowing that my family was first priority - it was still hard - in the emotional realm. I would come home drained in my outward man. My soul.
It is the same with our mind. If my mind is focused on one thing; in all probability something negative, than I can't focus on anything positive or spiritual.
Paul writes in Romans 8:2 that "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free form the law of sin and of death."
But why is this law of the Spirit of life not working in certain people?
Paul goes on to state, "The righteous requirement of the law should be fulfilled in us who walk according to Spirit." (Romans 8:4).
In other words, the law of the Spirit of life works effectively only for those who are spiritual, those who focus on the things of the Spirit.
Who are these people?
Those who do not mind the things of the flesh.
"Mind" can also be translated "to be intent upon, to be attentive to."
You leave your child with the baby sitter, the baby sitter is going to take care of your child, or give attention to them.
You do not want your baby sitter to be on the phone, watching television and making a snack while your child sits in the corner! You desire that your child gets her full attention.
IN the same way only those who are not intent on carnal things can pay attention to spiritual things.
As long as we have "things in hand" in our mind - we cannot focus on God.
What "things in hand" did you come into God's presence today?
What is keeping you from a full relationship with God?
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
That which preoccupies our mind and spirit.
Watchman Nee has written a chapter in his book, "The Release Of The Spirit," which explains this.
He gives the analogy of the father who asked his son to do a certain thing.
The sons answers, "Right now I have something in my hand; as soon as I finish it, I will do what you order."
"The thing in hand" is the thing which the son is doing prior to his father's orders.
What is the "thing in your hand," that is preventing you from a deeper walk with God?
It can be anything, even something good or important in our lives.
AS long as the outward man remains unbroken, we will full our "hands" with the things of this world (and even our religious interests, appetites, concerns and ministry."
So, when God comes knocking at our door, wanting to speak to our inner man, our inner spirit, we cannot hear.
So the "thing in hand" can block our way to drawing closer to God.
Watchman Nee goes on to use another analogy - comparing our human physical strength with the emotional and spiritual strength that we have in our lives.
I can only lift so much weight. My physical strength is limited as to what I can and cannot do (especially as I get older).
As my physical strength is limited so is my emotional and mental strength.
For instance, I only have so much "love" to give around. If I gave all of my attention, focus and love on one person, there would be nothing left for anyone else. My "soul" strength" would be drained with nothing left to direct to others.
When we were raising our kids, I had to work at having enough relational energy to show my family every evening - after a day of helping and loving others in our church family
Knowing that my family was first priority - it was still hard - in the emotional realm. I would come home drained in my outward man. My soul.
It is the same with our mind. If my mind is focused on one thing; in all probability something negative, than I can't focus on anything positive or spiritual.
Paul writes in Romans 8:2 that "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free form the law of sin and of death."
But why is this law of the Spirit of life not working in certain people?
Paul goes on to state, "The righteous requirement of the law should be fulfilled in us who walk according to Spirit." (Romans 8:4).
In other words, the law of the Spirit of life works effectively only for those who are spiritual, those who focus on the things of the Spirit.
Who are these people?
Those who do not mind the things of the flesh.
"Mind" can also be translated "to be intent upon, to be attentive to."
You leave your child with the baby sitter, the baby sitter is going to take care of your child, or give attention to them.
You do not want your baby sitter to be on the phone, watching television and making a snack while your child sits in the corner! You desire that your child gets her full attention.
IN the same way only those who are not intent on carnal things can pay attention to spiritual things.
As long as we have "things in hand" in our mind - we cannot focus on God.
What "things in hand" did you come into God's presence today?
What is keeping you from a full relationship with God?
Just a thought for a Wednesday.
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
mini vacations
Here's what I know: You and I were made to work - but also to rest.
God did not create us to go 24-7, without periods of pause, times of refreshing, days of rest.
I share with people all the time that I can go through long periods of hard work and long days - as long as I know that there will be "light at the end of the tunnel" that I will have a period of rest and vacation in the future.
Until that time comes, however, I encourage you to try a "mini-vacation" this week.
In other words, to stop and pause and open your eyes to what is around you.
Let me give you a few examples of what I mean:
Get up early and watch the sunrise - or what a sunset (although with today's snowfall that it going to be tough to do). Praise God for what you see.
Don't get out of bed tomorrow morning until you can think of one thing you are thankful for and then say, "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad."
Hug someone or something.
Phone somebody and wish them a great day - and tell them you love them - or better yet - tell them you like them.
Walk around your house or your yard and try to find something that you've never seen before (I do this sometimes on my drive to work). You'll be surprised at how many there are.
Laugh at least once tonight after dinner.
Set a goal - to be happy by 8:00 A.M. In other words, don't let your circumstances control you.
Do something special for yourself in the morning - make yourself a special cup of coffee, kiss your spouse, read a favorite portion of the Bible.
Tell each member of your family one reason why you are glad they are in your family.
Tell Jesus one reason why you are glad that He is your Lord.
Pray for someone.
Choose one word or one line of Scripture and mediate on it for the entire day. Peace. Joy. Lord. Healing. Life.
Phone or email your spouse throughout the day and let them know that you love them.
Think of 10 reasons why you are glad to be alive.
There are many more.
Why wait until the summer to take a vacation? Let these mini-vacations rejuvenate you today.
Just a thought for a Tuesday (on a day when a lot of people are in their homes because of the snow)...... :)
God did not create us to go 24-7, without periods of pause, times of refreshing, days of rest.
I share with people all the time that I can go through long periods of hard work and long days - as long as I know that there will be "light at the end of the tunnel" that I will have a period of rest and vacation in the future.
Until that time comes, however, I encourage you to try a "mini-vacation" this week.
In other words, to stop and pause and open your eyes to what is around you.
Let me give you a few examples of what I mean:
Get up early and watch the sunrise - or what a sunset (although with today's snowfall that it going to be tough to do). Praise God for what you see.
Don't get out of bed tomorrow morning until you can think of one thing you are thankful for and then say, "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad."
Hug someone or something.
Phone somebody and wish them a great day - and tell them you love them - or better yet - tell them you like them.
Walk around your house or your yard and try to find something that you've never seen before (I do this sometimes on my drive to work). You'll be surprised at how many there are.
Laugh at least once tonight after dinner.
Set a goal - to be happy by 8:00 A.M. In other words, don't let your circumstances control you.
Do something special for yourself in the morning - make yourself a special cup of coffee, kiss your spouse, read a favorite portion of the Bible.
Tell each member of your family one reason why you are glad they are in your family.
Tell Jesus one reason why you are glad that He is your Lord.
Pray for someone.
Choose one word or one line of Scripture and mediate on it for the entire day. Peace. Joy. Lord. Healing. Life.
Phone or email your spouse throughout the day and let them know that you love them.
Think of 10 reasons why you are glad to be alive.
There are many more.
Why wait until the summer to take a vacation? Let these mini-vacations rejuvenate you today.
Just a thought for a Tuesday (on a day when a lot of people are in their homes because of the snow)...... :)
Monday, March 04, 2013
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoughts from the weekend
Had a great date night with Debbie last Friday evening!
She is the "love of my life."
My best friend.
I am extremely grateful for all of those who minister on a Sunday morning - to make it "go".
Many, many thanks to all of you who take your time and lend your ministry giftings - so that we might minister to others!
We are - the body of Christ.
You are needed.
Everyone is needed.
From those who serve during the coffee connection to those who lead in worship to those who help out in the nursery - we are all in this together!
Would you be in prayer with me that those who are visiting us - would connect with us as The Lord leads them?
There is power in the words that you speak. Your words can bring death or your words can bring life - "death and life are in the power of the tongue" as the Word says.
I choose to proclaim words of life.
This Wednesday evening: Pure Worship. We will also continue our teaching series in Jude.
Don't forget - March 24th - Evangelist Steve Hill! I encourage you to begin the process of inviting non-churched friends to these wonderful Sunday morning services!
Love you all......
Had a great date night with Debbie last Friday evening!
She is the "love of my life."
My best friend.
I am extremely grateful for all of those who minister on a Sunday morning - to make it "go".
Many, many thanks to all of you who take your time and lend your ministry giftings - so that we might minister to others!
We are - the body of Christ.
You are needed.
Everyone is needed.
From those who serve during the coffee connection to those who lead in worship to those who help out in the nursery - we are all in this together!
Would you be in prayer with me that those who are visiting us - would connect with us as The Lord leads them?
There is power in the words that you speak. Your words can bring death or your words can bring life - "death and life are in the power of the tongue" as the Word says.
I choose to proclaim words of life.
This Wednesday evening: Pure Worship. We will also continue our teaching series in Jude.
Don't forget - March 24th - Evangelist Steve Hill! I encourage you to begin the process of inviting non-churched friends to these wonderful Sunday morning services!
Love you all......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
