Being like Nathan (Christ)

I talk a lot about "surrendering our entire lives" to God - acting like Christ.

Sometimes I wonder if anyone really understands what that means (including myself).

Are there really people in the world that are selfless enough to be like Christ?

There are.

Francis Chan in his book, "Crazy love," writes about a man by the name of Nathan Barlow.  Nathan was a medical doctor who chose to utilize his skills in Ethiopia for more than sixty years (and I am quoting Francis Chan here). 

Nathan dedicated his life to helping people with mossy foot.  Mossy foot is a debilitating condition primarily found in rural districts, on people who work in soil of volcanic origin.  It causes swelling and ulcers in the feet and lower legs.  The subsequent deformity, swelling, repeated ulceration, and secondary infection make people with mossy foot social outcasts equivalent to lepers."

Francis Chan writes, "I met Nathan shortly before he died.  His daughter, Sharon Daly, attended my church and brought him to her home from Ethiopia when his health started to fail.  After only a few weeks, he couldn't handle being in the States.  The people he loved were still in Ethiopia, so his daughter flew him back home so he could spend his last days there.

Once, Nathan got a toothache, the pain of which was so intense that he had to fly away from the mission field to get medical attention.  Nathan told the dentist that he didn't ever want to leave the mission field for the sake of his teeth again, so he had the dentist pull out all of his teeth and give him false ones so he wouldn't slow God's work in Ethiopia.

This amazing man was the first to help these outcasts, and he spent his life doing it.  yet he died quietly, without a lot of attention; no one really knew about him.

Finally, Chan writes, "It surprised me that such a man of God would faithfully serve for so many years, despite minimal recognition.  It is a beautiful thing to witness."

 

What an amazing, crazy love for God. 

Am I that kind of servant? 

Are you that kind of servant?

Here's what I know: God is probably not calling you to go to Ethiopia, but he is calling all of us to lay aside ourselves, serve others as Christ has served us - and do what we can to make this planet a better, holier place.

Just a thought for a Monday.

Your child's bent

Sunday morning I will mention (almost in passing) the wonderful verse found in Proverbs 22:6:  "Train up a child in a way that he should go."

In other words, raise your children in the "bent" that they have.  Each child has a particular bent, a set of characteristics created by God.  That bent is the result of the child's temperament, spiritual gifts, interest, physical qualities, and talents.

It is unique to that child. 

We all have ways that we would like our child to go - the direction we have for them; but at the end of the day we must find out their "bent" and train them and raise them to "be all that they can be" in that area of life.

For instance, you may love the arts, your child might love sports.  Your "bent" may be toward math, your child's "bent" might be toward history.

You might love reading, "your child might find reading tedious but might be wired toward science."

A key principle is this:  Don't raise the child in the way you want them to go (fulfilling your unfulfilled dreams and aspirations) but raise them in the direction they are equipped, created and wired by God to go.

The question becomes, "How do you do that as a parent?"

A few suggestions:

First of all, pray.  So simple and obvious, but so needed. 

You can pray something like:

"Father, we know that you have given us this child to raise.  We thank you for that - in fact we praise your for the opportunity to disciple this gift that you have given us. 

We now dedicate him to you, placing him/her in your hands.  We dedicate ourselves to raising him/her right - doing the best we can in raising them in the way "they should go."  Please help us understand this child.  Give us the wisdom we need to be good parents who will raise him/her right.  Amen."

Secondly, watch and observe your child.  Watch what their likes and dislikes are.  See how they interact with other children while doing certain activities.

Proverbs 20:11,12 points out the importance of watching (with the intent of finding our your child's bent), "the good or bad that children do shows what they are like.  Hearing and seeing are gifts from the Lord."

Finally, listen.  James Dobson writes, "parental insensitivity is the number one reason for the causes of an unhappy home."

What do they talk about the most?  Be sensitive to what makes them sad or happy.  What they like to talk about or not talk about.

Find out the answers to the following questions (all from the book Breakthrough parenting by John Maxwell - I recommend this book to all parents):

What gives my child joy?  Who is my child's hero?  What does my child fear most?  Which activities give my child energy?  Which ones wear my child out?  If my child could pick one activity for me to do with him or her, what would it be?  What music does my child like?  What does my child want to be when they grow up?

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

Getting more than you bargain for

Sometimes we get more than we bargain for.

 

You want what you want and then when you get it - it can blow in your face.

 

I read a story today about Stuart Moffatt who woke up on the Saturday before Easter, loaded up his wife and three kids in the family car, and headed to the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the British town of Holford, Somerset.

 

About 25 children participated in the egg hunt in the field beside the busy road. As the hunt was drawing to an end, the parents began counting the gathered eggs to see if all had been found.

 

Stuart looked out and noticed a three-year-old little boy had wandered out toward the road, and had apparently found another egg.

 

Not recalling placing an egg that close to the road, Stuart walked out to the child, who was now standing on top of the egg. Impressed that the egg did not crack, Stuart walked up and noticed the egg was oddly shaped and textured. It wasn't until he knelt beside the little boy, still standing on top of the egg, that Stuart realized it was not an egg at all. It was a hand grenade.

 

In fact, it was a live, fully-functional World War 2 grenade. Stuart picked the boy up off the grenade and backed away. A bomb disposal unit was called in, and destroyed the grenade in a controlled explosion.

 

I know you will agree with me that we can't fault the child.

 

After all, it looked like an Easter egg, and Easter eggs were what he was looking for. But, sometimes, you get more than you bargained for.

 

What you see looks like what you want, feels like what you want. But when you get it, the results can be explosive.

 

Ask yourself today:

 

Have I prayed about that which "I have to have?"

 

Have I sought counsel from others?

 

Do I feel a peace in my spirit?

 

Have I considered the consequences both to myself and to my family?

 

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

Generosity and life

I really like to hang around generous people.

 

People who give of their time.

 

People who give of themselves.

 

People who share of themselves as they really are.

 

People with whom you "don't have to watch what you say," all the time.

 

People who take me "as is, as I am," with all my strengths and weaknesses.

 

People who are generous with forgiveness.

 

People who are generous with mercy.

 

People who are generous with their time.

 

People who will stop and have a cup of coffee with you no matter what "pressing matter" they have - just to talk about the things of life.

 

Generosity doesn't always have to do with money.

 

Generosity can affect our every day lives - especially in our relationships with one another.

 

Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac.  The servant came upon Rebekah who was drawing water from a well.

 

The servant approaches the well and says, "please put down your pitcher that I may drink."  And Rebekah says, "Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink."

 

In other words, I am going to give you water, but I am also going to go the extra mile and water your camels.

 

This was no small offer.  It wouldn't be like giving a dog a drink.  The servant had ten camels, each of which could drink twenty gallons of water. 

 

So, if the calculations are correct: 

 

10 camels at 20 gallons each = 200 gallons.

 

200 gallons drawn with a 5 gallon jar = 40 trips

 

40 trips at (a conservative) 3 minutes each = 2 hours.

 

That's generosity!

 

That is going the extra mile!  That's saying, "I'm going to do what you ask of me - and then I am going to do something more."  (As one version put it - "And then some.")

 

Here's what I know about generosity:

 

When you and I give generously, we receive more than we would ever think possible in return.

 

As I forgive, I receive forgiveness.

 

As I show mercy, I receive mercy.

 

As I give of my time, others give of their time to me.

 

But also:  As I am generous, it outlives me.

 

I think back over time to those who took the time to speak truth in my life.  Their time.  Their time became my time.  Those who coached me.  Those who overlooked my faults and loved me.

 

And now they are with Jesus.   One of those "type folks" passed away two weeks ago.  I miss him.

 

You see, in your moment of generosity, please know that your actions will affect the lives of others in the future in ways that you could not even imagine.

 

Just a thought for a Tuesday.

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

It was great having all of the "RFKC" people in with us in the second service - green shirts and all.

Ministry to children - priceless.

I would ask that we all be in prayer for the RFKC ministry team this week - and for the children attending.

Lots of rain the past few days - not to be corny or anything - but I am praying that God will "rain" upon us with His Holy Spirit!

Let it rain, Lord!

Let us sense your presence in our church in an even more powerful way!  Let the "grass of our lives" become greener and greener through a move of your Holy Spirit!

Debbie and I had lunch yesterday with a newer couple to our church family.  Great conversation.  Good food.  Nothing better.

I love to hang out with people who are on "fire for God" and want more of Him - in order to share "Him" with others!

You are, or you become like those you hang around.

The song, "We believe" continues to resonate in my spirit.

We are praying that this fall will be the greatest fall for Stone Church that we have had in recent memory.

Just about the time you might feel like giving up - God will step in and take you to victory - if you let Him.

Life is not about me - life is about God.

One more Sunday to go in Genesis.  We will begin Acts in mid-July.

We plant the seeds, we water, but at the end of the day - it is God who brings the increase.

Can I ask you a question:  Would you consider inviting and bringing someone to come to one of our Sunday morning services in the next few weeks?

Most people come to Christ through a friend.

The sequence is Pray.  Invite.  Bring.  Follow-up.

You are needed.  You are loved.  You are appreciated.  That is God's Word to you today.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.

Walk in the confidence that you are a child of God.

Love you all......

Andy Griffith and the world

Every so often, as I am "channel surfing" I will land on the Andy Griffith show and watch an episode. 

Nothing will brighten up my day more than Andy solving one of the world's problems in his calm, rational, serene way.

In one episode, Andy, (as the sheriff of Mayberry) is out of town.  His deputy, Barney Fife, is in charge, and he has deputized the local mechanic who is named Gomer (Jim Nabors). 

The two deputies are walking down the street one evening when they notice that someone is robbing the town's bank.  They hide the car.

They are afraid and don't know what to do.

Finally, Gomer looks at Barney and says, excitedly, "Shazam!  We need to call the police."

In utter exasperation, Barney shoots back:  "We are the police!"

In the body of Christ, I hear people articulate that somebody needs to:

Pray.

Witness.

Grow the church.

Win our community for Christ.

Pray.

Bring unity to the body of Christ.

Work in the nursery.

Minister on the worship team.

Pray.

Fix up something around the church.

Work with teenagers.

Pray.

Give to the church.

See the building fund paid off.

Do something about abortion.

Pray.

Work with foster care children.

Start a life group.

Pray.

Care for the needy.

Reach out to the hurting.

Make Stone Church a place where people belong, grow and service.

Pray.

Grow the church numerically.

Feed the homeless.

Reduce crime.

Stem the tide of sexual perversion in our country.

Minister to men.

Minister to women.

Pray.

All of these are well and good.

But:  perhaps the person to do that (or at least participate in reaching the needs I mentioned above) is you. 

"We are the police," Barney cried out.

And I say, "We are the church!"  "You are the church."

Perhaps we all need to stop today and think through what element of life, society and our church that we can participate in - and see great things happen for God.

And maybe, just maybe, the responsibility for all of the above lies not with that "other person" but with me - and with you.

Just a thought for a Thursday.

Nurturing my relationship with the Holy Spirit

Like any relationship in life, our relationship with the Holy Spirit must be nurtured - daily.

In my relationship with Debbie, there are highs and lows - and I must do everything I can, each day, to draw closer to her - day by day.

It is the same with the Holy Spirit.

Here's what I know:  Our relationship with the Holy Spirit is daily.  Moment by moment.  Hour by Hour.

Here are some suggestions on how you and I can nurture our relationship with the Holy Spirit (daily):

Read God's Word.  Read God's word, but also take the time to let it speak to you.  It is not so much "how much you read," as "how much has God spoken to me through His Word?"

Have a meaningful conversation with God.  A good prayer guide would be your hand.  The thumb represents people who are nearest your heart - begin praying for them.  Then move on to the index finger or those who are an example and point the way - pray for them.  Next, the middle finger or those who are in places of temporal and spiritual authority.  The next finger, my weakest, are those in great need and vulnerability - pray for them.  And finally, the little finger, me - the smallest and the least.  Just a suggested prayer pattern.

Get rid of all sin, bitterness or unforgiveness.  I must daily (are you catching a theme here - daily) cleanse my soul from emotional impurities that have been allowed to "clog up" my relationship with the Holy Spirit.  Each night as I go to sleep, I must seek to do so with a clear conscience.

Be open to God's speaking to you throughout the day.  Pause, and ask, "Holy Spirit, what would you like to say to me?"

Seek to encourage or help someone whose need is greater than yours (reference the Good Samaritan - Luke 10:30-37).  I must rise above my concerns to enter in to the concerns of others.

Live one day at a time.  I can't be empowered to live the future unless I am empowered to live today.  Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not yet here, today is all we have.

Give myself, my total self to God for the day, each day.

Out of this daily relationship with the Lord flows the quality of life in which a connection to the Holy Spirit is nurtured and strengthened.  Out of that daily connection come the fruit of the spirit:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

A nurtured relationship with the Holy Spirit - daily.

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

Addictions and our words

When you think of addictions, what do you automatically think of?

 

Alcohol.  Drugs.  Smoking.

 

Yet let me also add this:  some people are addicted to negativity in their speech; their words.

 

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, who wrote the book "Words that Hurt, Words that Heal," was lecturing one time about the powerful, often negative impact of our words.

 

He often asks audiences if they can go 24 hours without saying any unkind words about, or to, another person.

 

Invariably, a small number of listeners raise their hands, signifying "yes."  Others laugh, and quite a few call out, "No!"

 

Telushkin responds:  "Those who can't answer 'yes' must recognize that you have a serious problem.  If you can't go 24 hours with drinking liquor, you're addicted to alcohol.  If you can't go 24 hours without smoking you're addicted to nicotine.  So if you can't go 24 hours without saying unkind words about others, then you've lost control over your tongue."

 

The Bible says that our words can bring life or death.   Gossip, Slander, innuendo and other godless use of our words are taken seriously by our creator.

 

Maybe the greatest addiction we need to be concerned about today lies not in what we are doing but in what we are saying.

 

"Father, let my words be godly this day.  Let me speak of others as I would have them speak of me.  In your name, I pray.  Amen."

 

Just a thought for a Tuesday.

 

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

I am grateful for the calls that I received from my kids yesterday for Father's Day.

I really felt the love - and am thankful for that.

Each one of them is unique, their own person, doing well - and I love them a lot!

What a powerful sense of God's presence in worship yesterday.  I really liked the new song that Pastor Brian led us in, "We believe."

It is not only a beautiful tune, but has a strong sense of our theology as well.

Perfect.

There is nothing like being in the presence of God - truly worshipping him from our heart.

Thought to remember from yesterday:  Focus in on what your spouse is doing right and not on what they are doing wrong - and verbalize that.

Thought to remember from yesterday:  We are responsible people around us - but not for them.

Thought to remember from yesterday:  Dad, you love your children the best as you love your wife the most - and let them see that love.

Congratulations to the San Antonio Spurs who won the NBA Championship yesterday.  A team that plays not only as a "team" but with class as well.  Truly, there is no "I" in team.

I am really excited about Pastor Brian taking over the leadership of our small groups.  We have been brainstorming together as to the future director of our life groups.

Announcement:  Life group leaders meeting this Wednesday at the church.  6:30 P.M.  Pizza provided.

Many, many thanks to Pastor Charlie for leading our missions team to South Dakota this past week.  I understand that it went really well - and a lot of great ministry took place!

Thanks to Pastors Charlie and Heather for all that they are doing!

We have a great team at Stone Church!

Once again - I am thankful for life itself.  Each day that God gives us is a "bonus" in the sense that we should never take our physical presence on this planet for granted.

We commented to ourselves this morning (in our pastoral staff meeting) how excited we are as to what God is doing at our church!

Onward and Upward!

I love you all......

Now just who is illogical?

If there is one thing that is illogical - It is that the belief in God is illogical.

It's a great question.  Just who is illogical?  The Christian or the atheist?

I was reading today what the comedian Louis C.K. said about his beliefs about the impossibility of atheism (the lack of logic in the belief system of there is no God) ( (and I quote):

"I'm not religious.  I don't know if there is a god.  That's all I can say honestly.  I don't know.  Some people can say that they know there isn't a god.  That's a weird thing you can say you know.  "There's no god."

"Are you sure?"  "Yea, there's no god."  "How do you know?"  "Because I didn't see him."

"But how do you know?  There's a vast universe.   You can see for about 100  yards when there's not a building in the way.  How can you possibly know?  Did you look everywhere?  Did you look in the downstairs bathroom?"

"No, I haven't seen him yet."  "Well, I haven't seen (the film) 12 Years A Slave yet, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

Just who is being illogical?

Great question for your atheist friends (and take that Bill Maher :) ).

Just a thought for a Thursday.

parenting and time

I've said a couple of times lately that I really admire the parents in our church and the role they are playing in their children's development.

 

Dad's especially are doing a much better part (than in my generation) of actively parenting their children.  Mom's, wow, what a wonderful job you are doing!

 

Applause!

 

One thought for today:  How do you spell love for your children?

 

T.I.M.E.

 

A number of years ago, Dr. Robert Schuller was on a whirlwind book promotion tour, visiting eight cities in four days.  It was an exhausting schedule in addition to the normal duties  Dr. Schuller had on his shoulders as pastor of a large church. 

 

As he was going over his schedule with his secretary for his return home, she reminded him that he was scheduled to have lunch with the winner of a charity raffle.  Schuller was suddenly sobered when he found out the winner of the raffle, for he happened to know that the $500.00 the person bid to have lunch with him represented that person's entire life savings.

 

How did he know that?

 

The person was his own teenage daughter.

 

Trips to the zoo, Six Flags, ball games, museums and all that are great  - but more than an activity - what our children need is time spent with us doing something creative.

 

Reading a book together - building up their minds.

 

Memorizing a scripture together - building up their spirits.

 

Doing something creative together - building up their ability to tap into creativity.

 

Building something at the house together - building up their skills.

 

Worshipping at home together - building up their relationship with God.

 

Planting a garden together - building up an appreciation for God's creation.

 

Participating in something like "Feed My Starving Children." - building up their sense of seeing the needs of others and caring.

 

Taking them to a garbage dump and showing them that this is where all "stuff" eventually ends up - building up their sense of values.

 

Well, you get the idea.

 

Any activity that includes some kind of interaction with your child that will build them up spiritually and emotionally (and get them away from technology :) ).

 

Anyway, just a thought for a Wednesday from a dad (grandpa) who cares.

The limitations of others

Any time you try to do anything that brings excellence, change or advancement (in any arena of life), there will be those around you who will try to limit you (for whatever reason).

 

Our world is full of "limiters" (I just made that word up).  They are against anything and everything. 

 

"We've never done it this way."

 

"We've tried that before and it didn't work."

 

"It's not in the budget."

 

"There are too  many problems."

 

"A lot of people won't like it."  (I've always wondered who the elusive "lot of people" are. :))  (And then there is that unseen, "somebody".  When I get to heaven, my desire is to finally meet and shakes hands with that "somebody."  He or she is everywhere.)

 

Limiters.

 

Here is what I know about limitations and "limiters":

 

They can't limit us unless we let them.

 

Others around you may bring up the "why you can't do what God has called you to do," others may not see the potential in you or the situation that needs to be changed, but God does.

 

And God always sees you and your vision, not as you are but as you can be.

 

God is a God of potential.  Vision.  Mission. 

 

When you and I begin to realize that God plus me or God plus you is enough - than great things are accomplished.

 

Don't try to be someone else when other impose limitations on you.

 

There is a real temptation in the midst of the "negative speak" of "limiters" to try to be someone else or copy someone else.

 

God made you for a reason.  There is only one you.

 

You are unique.  God calls you to be you - yourself - real before Him and others.

 

God will never hold you accountable for gifts you do not have or responsibilities He hasn't given you. 

 

Be yourself when you are around limiters!

 

When you rise about your limitations and the limiters of life - you can help others to do the same.

 

At the end of the day, people will follow the example of the person who doesn't give in to fear and intimidation but walks with courage and boldness - that only comes from walking in the spirit.

 

Here is a prayer that you can pray today:

 

"Father, help me to see myself as you see me, not as others do, and to focus on what can be done with you and not what can't be done without you.  Help me to rise about the limitations placed on me by others, so that I might help others rise above their limitations."

 

Just some thoughts for a Tuesday.

 

 

 

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

 

Our summer youth mission's trip (to South Dakota) took off today.  Let's all continue to be in prayer for them and with them.

 

We are pleased that so many students and adults are going!

 

May God bless them and anoint them for ministry is our prayer - and take them and bring them back safely!

 

Pastor Charlie and Heather have done a great job of preparing everything for the trip. 

 

They will be back on Sunday morning (between services) and will be giving some stories of their trip!

 

Beautiful summer days.  Enjoy the weather.

 

I had the privilege of meeting several guests to our church yesterday.

 

What's really cool is that many of our visitors are deciding to not only continue to check us out but to call Stone Church their church home!

 

And what's even "cooler" is that I watch - as our church family are immediately interacting with first time and second time and third time guests!

 

Applause!

 

Why not consider inviting someone to one of our Sunday morning services this Sunday?  This coming Sunday is Father's Day.

 

Why not invite your dad to come to church and worship with you (especially if he is a non-churched person)?

 

Just a thought.

 

I really like the direction our worship is headed.  Alive.  Vibrant.  Pentecostal.  Energetic.

 

Thanks to Pastor Brian and our worship team!

 

The song "You deserve it all" (we sang it yesterday) has stayed with me - both the melody and the words.

 

Amy Beckberger did a wonderful joy in singing it.  She has a beautiful voice.

 

Thanks to Josh and Lynda Jamroz and David Beckberger for sharing yesterday about budgeting, tithing and getting out of debt.  It "fit" into the sermon perfectly!

 

We will have 10 free copies available this coming Sunday morning (in the information booth) of my sermon yesterday, "how to get out of debt" or "how to be free from the bondage of financial debt". 

 

Please feel free to take a copy and listen to the teaching again or with your spouse.

 

There was a lot I didn't get to (because of time) but will at a later date.

 

What were the words to help us get out of debt?  Accounting, Budgeting, Storing, Enjoying, Tithing and Praying.

 

God's will for your life is to be debt free.

 

As a pastoral staff, we are already planning the fall activities and ministries - It is great to feel the excitement level for September - in June!

 

We encourage you to give on-line when you are on vacation - that really helps us as we begin to plan for the fall.  Thanks!

 

Well, I want you to know that I love you all!

 

choices and responsiblity

I often say that the one of the most important principles you can teach your children is to make good choices.

 

And the way to make good choices is by learning to make good choices at the youngest age possible.

 

Parents, I would suggest that you don't wait until they are a teenager to place them in a position to make a choice(s).  Let them start as soon as possible.

 

Talk about the choices they make.

 

When they are good choices affirm them.

 

When they make bad choices - use them as a teaching tool to help them grow - and affirm your love for them at the same time.

 

However, here is a principle that we can all follow - as we seek to make choices - but choices that deal with the gray areas of life - what do we do when we don't know what to do?

 

Here's the answer in two words:  Be responsible.

 

Most of the choices we make in life are neither here nor there as far as right or wrong are concerned.

 

They are neutral.

 

What color of clothes you decide to wear on any given day.

 

If you decide to be a plumber or a doctor.

 

Whether you go to a White Sox game or not.

 

There is no moral or immoral sense in these aspects of life.

 

Maybe 95% of our daily decisions are about things that do not matter one way or the other morally.

 

So what do you do?

 

When in doubt - be responsible.

 

For instance, there may not be a specific rule to keep you from driving a certain way, but when in doubt drive responsibly.

 

There might not be a specific rule on what you can or cannot take home from work, but when in doubt be responsible.

 

There might not be a specific rule on what you can or cannot say when you are with a group of people, but when in doubt, be responsible.

 

Whether we like to admit it or not - our actions and words do affect the lives of others.

 

And - by acting responsibly in a bad situation, you can turn a wrong into the start of something good. 

 

Just as you and I can spoil a good act by doing something irresponsible, we can turn a bad action (or word) into something good by being responsible.

 

So today, why not respect the rules.  Why not consider the consequences.  Why not be responsible - and the world will be a better place.

 

Just a thought for a Thursday.

Intercessory prayer and Leonard Ravenhill

Leonard Ravenhill's book, "Revival God's Way," is a must read.

 

Let me give you some bullet points from chapter 14, "Intercessory prayer," to stimulate your spiritual thoughts today.

 

All of these are quotes from that chapter - and please note that they don't connect to one another; just great sentences from a man who knew about intercessory prayer.

 

"The Church has many praying men, but few men of prayer.

 

I cannot find a place in the Scriptures where angels sing.  Neither can I find a place where their praying is mentioned.  Is there a connection?  Is it that they cannot sing because they know nothing of the victory of prayer?

 

I think that the greatest privilege ever offered to man was that of sharing Gethsemane with the Lord.

 

There is nothing mechanical about it (prayer).  There is no formula.

 

Let's get this straight in our thinking:  no one - and I mean no one - is going to tell God what to do or how to do it in His final act of mercy of this age.

 

We are not told that a person is superior to another because he has visions.

 

When asked what supported their faith in the prayer encounter, Peggy answered, "We had a consciousness of god that created a confidence in our souls which refused to accept defeat."  (I love that!)

 

And then Leonard Ravenhill closes the chapter with this poem (poems are a lost art in the kingdom of God) entitled "Watch and Pray".

If God should turn my night to day,
It matters not one jot,
If that's His way
To teach me how to watch and pray.

If He will give to  me a greater vision;
If He will grant my thoughts His own revision;
If He will give to me a broken heart;
If He will speak the word, "My son, depart,"

And I have less than
Other men to sleep,
And while they laugh
In loneliness I pray and weep,

What matters if believers think me mad?
In that Great Day, I shall not then be sad
That I had grace to softy steal away, to pray;
While others, maybe most, did idle time away.

This race is not to the swift or strong,
But to the few who fight the wrong
With revelation from His Word,
Reject Baal, and follow on to know the Lord!"

Good thoughts from a man of God on a Wednesday.

Walking in the spirit and walking in the flesh

I was reminded of a thought today that is so important in our dealings with one another in the body of Christ.

It is a thought that one of my coaches gave me over 10 years ago:

Expect people to act in the flesh - and when they act in the spirit - rejoice.

We get into trouble (and project unrealistic expectations) upon followers of Christ around us when we our expectations of them (and they are really unrealistic) is that they do the godly thing or say the godly thing ALL THE TIME.

And then when they fail - we get blown out.  "How could they."  "They call themselves a ministry leader and they said (fill in the blank)?"  Or, "They are a pastor, and they did (fill in the blank)."

Expect people to act in the flesh - and when they act in the spirit - rejoice.

Now then, let me anticipate a question that you might have.  "Is that simply an excuse for bad behavior or ungodly actions?"  No, absolutely not.

Someone once said that an excuse is the skin of a reason stuffed with a lie.

But I am simply reminding us today that we can't put one another on an unrealistic pedestal, so high that when the natural fleshy part of us comes out - we are neither shocked or let down.

We are all, and I mean all of us - we are all doing the best we can.

Perhaps once safe guard is to remind ourselves today of our own humanity - and be thankful for God's patience with us.

Just a thought for a Tuesday.

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

I got to spend time with my two granddaughters this past Friday.

I could almost write:  "enough said."

It was fun taking them to the zoo - and then watching the movie Frozen together.

Here's what I know about the two girls:  They are the smartest girls in the world, the prettiest girls in the world - and they are always, always right.  :) :)

I know, I know, each grandparent can say the same thing.  :)

Every so often, God visits us on a Sunday morning in a way that we remember for months, if not years to come.

Yesterday morning was that morning.

As I was teaching, I gave my story of how God touched me during my recent illness.

BTW, I forgot to mention that I had a "Pet Scan" (after my surgery) and that the results were that I am cancer free (I have to have check-ups every three months).

As I shared this story during the second service - a brother in Christ came up to me (I was on my knees in celebration of what God did in my life - the congregation as praising God with me).

He went to his knees with me, weeping before God.

He prophesied over me saying that "because you have honored God in your healing, you will be blessed with long life and signs and wonders in your ministry."

I had some men come up and pray with him - and then called the church "to the altar".

What a powerful sense of God's presence as the people of God experienced the manifestations of the Holy Spirit such as:

Falling on the floor - Ezekiel 1:28; 3:23; Daniel 10:9; Revelation 1:17

Shaking, jerking of hand, feet, head or body - Daniel 10:7; Psalms 99:1;  114:7; Jeremiah 5:22; 23:9; Habakkuk 3:16

Groaning/Travailing - Romans 8:26; Galatians 4:19

Deep Bowing - Ezra 10:1; Psalms 35:13,14

Heaving weeping/crying - Nehemiah 1:4; Ezra 10:1; Joel 2:12; Psalms 126:6; Luke 7:37,38

Being still/solemn - Psalms 25:5; 27:14; 37:7; 131:2

Powerful, powerful stuff.

What a privilege it is to see God move.  We need those times (as a church family) in God's presence.

And - you know it is a move of God - I didn't get to give the last 1/3 of my teaching! :)

More visitors Sunday - I encourage everyone to reach out and get to know someone you don't know.

Congratulations to Anna Kirsch for being an Honor Star!

Many thanks to Leisa McNamara and her team for a wonderful Mpact celebration last evening.  We are blessed to have gifted, faithful, dedicated leaders in this important ministry.

I love Jesus and I love you!

When to ask for help

Here's an interesting question:  When should you ask for help?

Of course we should be dependent upon the Holy Spirit in all things.  We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

We need the Holy Spirit.

We need God.

But when should you ask for help from others?

The longer I walk in Christ, the more I realize that we really do need each other.

I need you.  You need me.  I need the church.  The church needs me (and you).

I hear people say, "I find it difficult to ask for help." 

Or, "I know from experience that no one will help."

Those are myths.

I believe in the principle of synergy, that two working together can accomplish far more than just one.

The Bible says in Deuteronomy 32:30, "How could one man chase a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock has sold them, unless the Lord has given them up?"

One can put a thousand to flight - two can put ten thousand to flight.  The number dramatically increases with just two working together.

But when should you ask for this help?

Some suggestions:

When the challenge is bigger than you.

When the challenge is personal.

When you have share the problem with God.  The first person to talk to is God.  Always.  No exceptions (we will be looking at this on Sunday morning).

When you know you are walking in God's will.  God will rarely put you in a position where you don't need the help of others in accomplishing His plan for your life. 

When people oppose you.  Whenever you move forward (in any area of life) you will always face opposition.  The enemy will turn up the heat in your life.  Don't give up.  Seek help from others.

Let me share this with you - many times you are praying for a miracle, when that miracle is right there with you in the form of someone(s) who can help  you.  We just need to work together.

No challenge you face is too big when you have help.

So, as we talked about dreams yesterday, when God gives you a dream (vision, goal), one of the first questions you should ask is:  Who can help me accomplish this dream?

Just a thought for a Thursday.

Your dreams and God

Don't give up on your dream!

That's the word for today.

From the youngest child (who dreams of being a fireman, policeman or astronaut) to the oldest saint (who dreams of seeing their family serve God, finishing well in the faith), we must not give up on our dreams!

Bullet points on dreams:

Dreams are conceived long before they are achieved.

The period of time between the birth of a dream and its realization is always a process.  Most of the time the process to the fulfillment of our dreams is like a river that bends and turns as to the way that the terrain allows it to go.  Rarely does the accomplishment of a dream follow a sequential ABCD plan, connecting each dot along the way (as previously planned). 

The process can be challenging:  filled with doubts, adversity, changes and surprises.  To use a sports analogy, audibles will need to be called.  Plans redirected to accomplish the dream.

In the process, you will have good days and bad days.  Don't get too high during the good days or too low during the bad days.

Each day the question is before you:  Do I give up or go on?

Here's what I know:

God is always with you as you walk through the process of accomplishing your dream.  Like Joseph in Genesis, God will be with you during the pit experiences of life.

Develop  yourself during the difficult times.  When you are mistreated, complaining doesn't do any good.  When you are knocked down, the best thing you can do is allow the experience to propel you to be and do better. 

Realize that the focus must always be on promoting God.  As long as I am promoting God, God will take care of bringing the dream to fruition.

When the dream comes to pass - rejoice!

What is your dream today?  Keep on dreaming and don't give up.

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

Our Memorial Day Monday morning tradition?  Cleaning out the garage - sweeping and hosing down the garage floor after a winter's worth of dirt, sludge and grime is left.

Debbie and I went to the Chicago White Sox game yesterday.  It is hot. 

We had a blast.

I only had 2 plain hot dogs for lunch (I used to eat a lot more in my younger days :) ).

We got to see Governor Pat Quinn at the game. 

We watched as someone came in to the game (we were sitting near home plate - 29 rows up) with an entourage and security - and sat down.  Didn't recognize him at first - but then as he got up to leave (we found out later to do interviews) he walked up the row - came by me - I stuck out my hand and said, "hello governor."  He said, "Hello, and 'Go White Sox.'"

You never know who you are going to see at a game.  Strong handshake.

If only the Sox had some pitching - they might win the division.

Debbie and I had a nice time at Ken and Karen's Swanson's 50th wedding celebration.  Good food, great time of fellowship! 

Congratulations to Ken and Karen!

The song we sang on Sunday, "You deserve it all" (speaking of Jesus) - was beautiful.  Truly God does deserve all that we have and all that we are.

Principle:  We get into trouble when we think God hates the same people we do.

Blackhawks are down 3 games to 1 - tough to come back.

I encourage you to keep God at the top of the list of your priorities as we enter into the summer months. 

Question:  Would you be happy if Jesus was all that you had?

Worship flows from the heart of God to the heart of the worship leader to a congregation of worshippers.  An openness to the Holy Spirit is needed each step of the way.

Love you all........

It is not what you own but who owns you that counts.

Here's what I know:  It is not what you own but who owns you that counts.

And that determines your value.

Your value as a person is not determined by what you own - or your last name - or your position or title at your company.

Your value is determined by who you are in Jesus.

Repeat that after me:  "I belong to Jesus."

Years ago there was a sale of items that belonged to Elvis Presley.

One of his cars sold for $277,000.

One of his outfits sold for $113,000.

By the time the auction as over, five million dollars worth of Elvis Presley's good were sold.

By itself, was that car worth $277,000?  No.

Was one of his outfits worth $113,000?  No.

But it was who owned them that made them valuable.

Wrap all of that around the fact that with God in you, God owns you - you belong to Him.

You are precious to Him - so much so that He died on the cross for you - and for me.

I give God my life - God lives in me - God owns me - so to speak - and therefore I am valuable.

Say that after me, "I am valuable".  "I am a child of God."  "God owns me."

And walk with your head held high today - you are worth something to God - and to others.

Just a thought for a Thursday.

I will be praying for you - and call me if you need me.

I can't tell you how many times over the years I have used this phrase, "I will be praying for you."

 

Great phrase - if it is meant from the heart - and applied.

 

I read an article this week from Relevant Magazine that sparked this blog.

 

Let me quote from it and add on my own comments.

 

Prayer is important.

 

Prayer is the foundation of all that we are as followers of Christ.

 

The author of this article writes, "That said, the reality is that too many times Christians use this phrase as a general blanket statement to tell someone know we care, but only in a passing, surface level way.  It can become almost routine to throw out the prayer line whenever someone shares a concern.  Sometimes we follow through on it, often we don't."

 

Challenging thoughts.

 

We are all guilty (is that the right word?) of doing this - not because we intentionally want to mislead someone - but because we want that person to know we care.

 

Or here is something else we Christian types like to say, "Call me if you need me."

 

What that can sometimes mean is:  "I really want to help - but would probably pass out if you did call me - and know you never will."

 

Again, well-intentioned people using well-intentioned words.

 

Here are some practical suggestions from the article:

 

"Perhaps instead of just letting someone know we'll pray for them (or help them if they call), we should offer up other practical ways to serve them in love (I would add - in an unsolicited kind of way).

 

Are they sick? - maybe they need a warm meal (without being asked).

 

Just got laid off?  - Maybe some extra cash to pay some bills (without being asked).

 

New mom overwhelmed with a baby?  - Offer to help do their laundry or clean their house (without being asked).

 

Finally, the article states, "If you do tell someone we'll pray for them, be intentional.  Ask them what specifically you can pray for them about.  Write it down so  you'll remember.  Call or text them to check in.  Let's not brush off the hurts of others with an empty promise to pray that we'll likely forget."

 

Good, solid words for a Wednesday -  my desire is to practice what this article preaches.

 

 

Being real

I really work at it - probably because I like to see it in others - being real.

Being yourself.

Knowing who you are in Christ.

Knowing your strengths and your limitations.

I can only do so much with what God has given me - and to go beyond that (outside of a spiritual dispensation of God's grace and spirit) places me in a position of being fake and yes, even hypocritical.

 

If there is one thing I don't care for is hypocrisy in others - and I like it even less when I see it in my own life.

 

At times, we can all be so hypocritical.

 

I read a story today about Virginia college sophomore Danny Foley who just wanted to be part of his school's men's basketball team—even if that meant faking his way onto the court.

 

Danny noticed that all of his team's assistant coaches wore the same suit with a bright orange tie.

 

So before Virginia's conference championship game against Duke on March 16, 2014, he and his friends went searching for some cheap knockoffs.

 

He found everything he needed at Walmart—a suit jacket, suit pants, dress shoes, dress socks, a white dress shirt, and the orange tie.

 

The next morning, he bought $30 nosebleed tickets just to get in the door and headed to the game.

 

During a TV timeout, Danny made a move, confidently marching past an usher and onto the court.

 

Danny said, "'I walked right behind the cheerleaders and onto the court and joined the [team's] huddle on the court."

 

Following his team's big win, he went for an even bigger thrill.

 

When the game's final buzzer sounded with Virginia defeating Duke 72-63, Danny joined his "teammates" in the handshake line.

 

As the confetti fell around him, Danny got to shake hands with "Coach K," the legendary coach for Duke. Photos from the end of the game show Danny wearing a championship t-shirt over his suit and smiling in the middle of the confetti-covered arena.

 

After celebrating with coaches and players, Danny was caught by a member of Virginia's staff, but he quickly climbed the railings and disappeared into the stands."

 

I love that story!  :)

 

I would suggest that you can come to our church campus on a Sunday morning, dress the part, talk the part and even act the part - but are you a real Christian?

 

Do you pretend to be something you are not?

 

You can talk about STL, BGMC, TBQ, JBQ, MPACT, etc, with the best of them - but do you know God and are you - well, you?

 

Just a question for a Tuesday.

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

 

Congratulations to our Royal Ranger boys (Kyle McNamara, David Beckberger, Sam Arthur, Kyler Stephan, Caleb Czaja) who obtained the Saber award! 

 

We are proud of you and all of your hard work!

 

What a wonderful visual it was to see these young men in front of our church family.  May God continue to minister to them in their walk with Christ!

 

I can't tell you how thrilled I was to see several raise their hands, acknowledging that they had prayed a prayer of forgiveness, asking God to live in them - and connecting to Christ!

 

Truly we give thanks to the Holy Spirit!

 

It is the Holy Spirit who "saves", we are simply channels and vessels by which He moves.

 

We sang the hymn, "Jesus paid it all" yesterday - truly He has paid it all - for each one of us - for our sins both of commission and omission.

 

Debbie and I had a great time at Peter and Ann-Marie's life group last evening.  Great food (Peter is a wonderful cook) and meaningful fellowship!

 

If you are not yet a part of a life group - we encourage you to join one!

 

FYI - Pastor Brian is now giving pastoral leadership to our life groups.  I am really jazzed about this - he comes to us with a wealth of experience he leading different ministries in the church - and has a heart for community within a local body of believers.

 

I enjoyed being "out in the foyer" yesterday talking with people.  God has given me a renewed sense of physical strength to be able to do so.  I no longer take that for granted - including life itself.

 

We have a wonderful church - filled with fantastic people!

 

I also enjoy meeting new people each Sunday.  "Father, we pray that you continue to send to us those who not only need you, but those whom we can establish relationships with."

 

God calls us to not only be friendly but to strive to make friends.

 

Just about the time that we are ready to give up - God moves in our lives.

 

It looks like another long year for the Cubs and White Sox - at least summer is coming!

 

We encourage each life group to schedule a "once a month" activity throughout the summer months.  It is important, I would suggest, to keep that connection in the midst of all of the summer activities and vacations.

 

Love you all.......

 

 

Purpose of spiritual power

Who gives spiritual power?  God.

 

How do we obtain that power?  Through humility.

 

What is the purpose of the power of God?

 

To do good.

 

That's it?  Yeah, that's it.

 

And that is enough.

 

One of the verses we will look at in our series on the book of Acts (starting in June) is found in Acts 10:38:  "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power and he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."

 

God gave Jesus power so that He could do good - so that He could heal people, set people free from the bondages of the enemy.

 

God gives us spiritual power so that we can help other people.

 

God's heart is always about people. 

 

God loves people with a desperation that can only come a loving, caring deity.

 

And here's the deal:  God will watch how you use His power.

 

Do you use it for self-gratification?

 

Do you use it for personal recognition?

 

Do you use it to "feel good"?

 

Or do you use His spiritual power to influence and show the love of Jesus to a lost and dying world?

 

That's my goal:  how about you?

 

Just a thought for a Thursday.

 

How do we receive power?

Okay, we saw yesterday that power, spiritual power comes from God.

But how do we receive that power?

It is very simple.

To receive the power of God - you and I are to do the opposite of what we think we're supposed to do!

The kingdom of God (especially the teachings of Jesus) are very paradoxical.

If you want authority - you must be under authority.

If you want to live - you must die (spiritually).

If you want to receive - you must give.

Have you ever noticed that with God (and in spiritual matters pertaining to your walk with Christ) it is always the opposite of the world's ways?

So how do you receive power - the power of the Holy Spirit?

By giving up the right to power.

In other words, we must become servants.

James 4:10 states, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."

Power comes from God - right?  We saw that.

So it is God who lifts us up, or gives us power.

Pastor James tells us that if we want God to lift us up, or give us power, we must humble ourselves in His sight. 

The Bible tells us that (I Peter 5:5) God resists the proud - or comes against them.

Here's the word of the day:  It is impossible to walk in God's power while walking in pride at the same time.

When we walk in pride - here is what happens:

God hands us an assignment and says, "Stay behind me - I will go before you."

You say, "Not necessarily God, I don't need you."

God says, "What?"

You say, "I think I can do this by myself." 

And then you step out from behind God, and try to move forward on your own.

And God will let you do that!

And not only will God let you do that - but he will actually turn around and resist you!

My desire is to do my best to walk in humility before God - and with the help of His Holy Spirit.

Life is hard enough without God resisting me as well.

Just a thought for a Wednesday.

Where does power come from?

We Pentecostal types talk a lot about the power of God - and rightfully so.

But let's not forget where that power comes from.

It doesn't come from styles or preferences - or "certain ways of doing church."

It doesn't come from how I dress.

It doesn't come from a certain denomination.

Spiritual power comes from God.

Psalms 62:11 tells us, "God has spoken once, twice I have heard this:  that power belongs to God."

I love that verse.

Power belongs to God.

So if we have power, spiritual power, it comes from God.

God is the source of power.

In John 19:10,11, Pilate is talking to Jesus about power.  Pilate doesn't seem to realize where his power comes from.

The Bible tells us:

"Then Pilate said to Him, "Are you not speaking to me?  Do you not know that I have power to crucify you, and power to release you?" 

Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against me unless it had been given you from above."

This is actually funny, Pilate is talking to God and says, "Don't you realize that I have power over you?"

Now that is what you call "missing the boat."

But Jesus straighten him out when he said, "You could have no power at all against me unless it had been given you from above."

Jesus let Pilate know that all power and all authority comes from above - from God himself.

I say often, "Jesus is in me, Jesus has all authority, therefore I have all authority (and power)."  That authority and power comes from Jesus in me.

My encouragement to you?

Get your eyes off of people, preferences and positions and get your eyes on God - and receive His power today.

Just a thought for a Tuesday.

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend

It seems like there has been a heighten sense of God's presence in our services the past couple of weeks.  I am grateful to God for his ministering presence in our lives.

I never take the presence of God for granted.

May we never be in a position where we "do church" on a Sunday morning out of habit or ritualism.

If God is not present - what makes our meetings any different from a rotary meeting?

If God is not present - what makes royal rangers any different from the boy scouts?

If God is not present - what makes Impact any different from the girl scouts?

If God is not present - what makes our youth group any different from any club on a high school campus?

Thought of the day:  The difference between a ministry and a program is whether or not the Holy Spirit is present.

I was so thrilled that we had the opportunity to welcome 13 new members to our church family yesterday.

I really appreciated Debbie's presentation yesterday.  She did a fantastic job of communicating on the subject of choices!

I also appreciated her vulnerability - after all - we are all just trying to "do the best we can" - isn't that true?

Debbie is a wonderful mother, wife and pastor's wife. 

I was also jazzed that a newer couple to our church commented on how friendly we are!

Let's all continue to reach out and not only be friendly - but make friends.

I trust you had a wonderful day with your mom yesterday - or with your children's mom - I know that I am blessed with a wonderful mother!

I like the emphasis Debbie placed on choices yesterday.  Ultimately, when we sin - it is a choice that we make. 

A special thank you to everyone who makes Sunday morning "go."  I don't have an official count of how many participate in ministry - but THANK YOU for your help, service, work and time!

Love you all.....

God's daily grace

Here's what I would ask that you catch (even if you don't read any further):

God gives us enough grace for one day at a time.

For those of us who deal with fatigue, burnout, weariness and worry, we must learn to live one day at a time.

It has almost become cliché in the Kingdom of God - but it is true; truly we can only live one day at a time.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, "...do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own.  Sufficient for each day is its own trouble."

God does give us grace and God does give us His strength.  But he does so incrementally, as we need it. 

We are saved by God's grace - and we live by God's grace - daily.

So often we want to try to store up God's grace so that we are covered not only for today but also for tomorrow - and next week - and next month - and next year.

But like the manna that the children of Israel received as they walked through the Sinai (on a daily basis) - so we receive God's grace daily.

Now then, do you know why this is true?  Do you know why grace can't be stored up?

Because it doesn't take any trust to live that way. 

It takes a firm trust and faith in God to live daily in His grace.

When you and I start worrying and fretting about what we are going to do tomorrow, or any other time in the future it just won't work.

God wants us to trust Him for today.

Would you pray we me (as Jesus taught us to pray), "Give us this day our daily bread."

Just a thought for a Wednesday

Taking my place

I don't know about you, but I am thankful that Jesus has taken my place - on the cross.  He's "doing time" for me so that I don't have to do time in hell.  He paid the penalty of  my sin.

I am guilty - He was and is innocent - yet he did my time for me.

Chuck Colson writes this story: 

“Near the city of San Jose in Brazil is a remarkable prison facility.  Twenty years ago the Brazilian government gave up on this prison and so they turned it over to two Christians who renamed the prison and decided to build this prison based on Christian principles.  With only two full employees all the work is done by inmates.” 

Chuck Colson visited this prison in Brazil and he said this,

“I found the inmates smiling particularly the murderer who held the keys to the prison open the gates and let me in.  Wherever I went in the prison I saw men at peace.  I saw clean living areas.  I saw people working cheerfully.  This is the power of the gospel. 

The walls were decorated with Bible verses.  Then my guide escorted me to the notorious prison cell that had once been used for torture.  He told me that it now houses only one inmate. 

As we walked down the long hall and he put the key in the lock he paused and asked, ‘Chuck, are you sure you want to go in?’  ‘Of course,’ I said impatiently.  ‘I’ve been in isolation cells all over the world.’ 

Slowly he swung open the massive door and I saw the solitary prisoner in that cell.

It was a wooden statue carved by the inmates of Jesus hanging on the cross. 

My guide said softly, ‘He’s doing time for the rest of us.’”

Powerful story.

Now then, let me ask you this question:  Once you are set free, once a prison sentence has been paid for and the doors open do you hang around the prison?  No.

You walk out the doors of that prison as fast as you can and never look back.

What I am saying this afternoon is this:  Whatever has you bound - in Jesus Christ -  you can be released from - you can walk out of that prison - free in Jesus Christ.

Why?  Because Jesus took your place.

So what you are struggling with?

Perhaps it is guilt.  You can't forget what you did.

Or resentment.  You can't forget what others have done to you and you're still locked in the prison of bitterness and hatred and anger and resentment.

Perhaps it is loneliness.  Or worry, anxiety or fear.

Perhaps you are bound by an addiction.  You can't stop "it" no matter how hard you try.

Please understand that through Jesus Christ and the power of the cross, you can walk out of that prison and be free.

Jesus was hung up on that cross so that you can lay your hang ups on him.

Just a thought for a Tuesday.

Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

I can't tell you how thrilled I was to see several baptized in the Holy Spirit last evening.

I appreciated the emphasis by our guest speaker (Greg Hubbard) on the fact that God gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to share our faith.  To witness.  To evangelize.

We are all called to share our faith.

While some have the "gift of evangelism" - we are all called to spontaneously tell of our walk with Christ when the occasion arises.

Can you not sense the presence of the Lord in our worship?

God is using Pastor Brian and our worship team in a powerful way.

More and more, our church family is engaging in worship without having to be "prompted".

I love the hunger that I see for God's presence.

Tonight:  Greg Hubbard will be speaking on the subject of miracles - and will be praying for the sick.  7:00 P.M.  Child care provided.

I would encourage you to bring a friend.

Many came to Christ Sunday morning!  Isn't God good?

I always enjoy seeing "new faces" in our services. 

Debbie and I noticed a lot of small children "running around the church" after service.  Isn't that wonderful!  Our church is growing!

As Greg shared Sunday morning, "God help us all not to be like the elder brother as Christians, angry, prideful, having to have our own way."

Come on spring and summer - you can make it - we want you to come!

I encourage you to witness this week of your faith in Jesus Christ.

Thankful for a great pastoral staff.

This coming Sunday is membership Sunday!  We will be recognizing 14 new members!

I am excited!

Love you all......

Making friends

At Stone Church, our vision is to make friends by being a friend.

 

We are a place to belong.

 

Our goal is not to place another "warm body" in a chair on a Sunday morning - our goal is to establish deep and fulfilling relationships with people from our community.

 

In Christ, as followers of Him, we are always open to welcoming new people into our circles of friendship.  We make friends by being a friend.

 

We desire to be a sanctuary where not only are people welcomed the first three or four times they enter our doors - but they are establishing and creating friendships as well.

 

Jerry Seinfield once said, "When you're in your thirties it's very hard to make a new friend.  Whatever the group is that you've got now that' show you're going with, you're not interviewing, you're not looking at any new people, you're not interested in seeing any applications.  They don't know the places - they don't know the activities.  If I meet a guy in a club or the gym, I'll tell him, "I'm sure you're a very nice person, you seem to have a lot of potential, but we're just not hiring right now."

 

Of course when you're a kid, you can be friends with anybody.  Remember when you were a little kid?  What were the qualifications (for becoming friends)?  If someone's in front of my; house right NOW, that person is my friend.  That's it.  Are you a grownup?  No.  Great!  Come on in.  Jump up and down on my bed.  And if you have anything in common at all - "You like Cherry Soda?  I like Cherry Soda" - we'll be best friends!"

 

Maybe, just maybe, what we need is a total sense of love and acceptance - and the willingness to be a friend. 

 

Just a thought for a Thursday.