Memorial Day is a day that we remember the sacrifice that soldiers have made for our freedom, remembering those who died so that the vision of liberty could become a reality (or stay a reality) in the United States. And after we took time in the beginning of our services to recognize those who were either active or retired military, we spent our time in service talking about the vision (perspective) that God has for our lives.
We began a new mini-series called "Still Counting," the fact that God thinks numbers are important (He named a whole book after it!), and that when God wants to do something in our lives or in our church, He adds certain ingredients - passion (for God, for others), His presence, His power, and His perspective - God use addition to accomplish His purposes.
I asked Rod, Ed, and Lee to give the congregation their thoughts when we talked about God adding His presence, and how we desire "a habitation, not just a visitation." Rod said that God inhabits the praises of His people, so that a consistent praise will bring a consistent Presence. Ed emphasized that the King won't come when there is no throne, so we must give Him a throne in our lives and in our church; and Lee emphasized that when God does fill a place, while God's glory will fill that place, that place cannot contain Him.
It was a good day, and the worship in both services was good. We introduced the song, "Blessed Be Your Name," and it was received very well - I pray that The Journey's desire for God will continue to grow, and that the worship will come forth more and more like a mighty waterfall each week, with no choice but to overflow in power.
Good attendance today for a Memorial Day weekend - we had 127. If you missed it, join us next week as we discover how God uses subtraction to bring about His purposes for the church.
God is good - blessed be YOUR name!
Monday, May 29, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Sunday May 21, 2006
Luke 15:3-4 - "So Jesus used this illustration: "If you had one hundred sheep, and one of them strayed away and was lost in the wilderness, wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine others to go and search for the lost one until you found it? And then you would joyfully carry it home on your shoulders."
The lost was the focus this morning in our worship - the lost that do not yet know Jesus Christ but who need to. Today I preached a purposely unbalanced message, specifically focusing on our need to care for the lost and to tell them about the love of the Father. It was a tough message in that we don't nearly focus on those outside the church as much as we should, instead choosing to make those in the church comfortable and happy. Not that this isn't important, but when our comfort outshines the world's lostness, than the church has lost its ability to be light as Jesus was the Light.
But this message was also a recognition that we have gone back on our heals, allowing our space to dictate our spark - not doing church-wide outreach because it would mean adding another service. I recognized that as a leader, that's my fault as it was my decision. We won't make that same mistake again.
Today's worship was good in both services - actually, both services were good, as The Journey was ready overall to receive the word. Our attendance was 118.
The lost was the focus this morning in our worship - the lost that do not yet know Jesus Christ but who need to. Today I preached a purposely unbalanced message, specifically focusing on our need to care for the lost and to tell them about the love of the Father. It was a tough message in that we don't nearly focus on those outside the church as much as we should, instead choosing to make those in the church comfortable and happy. Not that this isn't important, but when our comfort outshines the world's lostness, than the church has lost its ability to be light as Jesus was the Light.
But this message was also a recognition that we have gone back on our heals, allowing our space to dictate our spark - not doing church-wide outreach because it would mean adding another service. I recognized that as a leader, that's my fault as it was my decision. We won't make that same mistake again.
Today's worship was good in both services - actually, both services were good, as The Journey was ready overall to receive the word. Our attendance was 118.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Sunday, May 14, 2006 - Mother's Day
Mother's Day 2006 was historic in our region as the rain continued to fall and flooding began to be the major news story - even causing 7-8 families in our church to relocate because of dangerous conditions.
But I was impressed as people came out to worship today, and for the services we had 139 in attendance. It was a good day to be in the house of God with His people, and it was good to be back with my spiritual family.
Today I delivered my first legitimate Mother's Day message, preaching on "How to Become God's Mom," looking at the life of Mary and learning from her. The response was good, but the Lord really spoke through Ed today. At the end of the message, Ed added something very close to this: "When did Mary become pregnant? She did not become pregnant until she said, 'May it happen to me just as you, Gabriel, have said (Luke 1:38).' Immediately after that (Luke 1:39), Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, and at the implication is clear that Mary is pregnant. When we decide to believe God and trust Him, there is all the release that God needs to do what He wants to do. May our attitude be like Mary's - 'May it happen to me just as you have said!'"
It was a good Mother's Day, as we also in each service took time to honor our wives and moms around us - this seemed a bit awkward in the second service, but it was very touching and moving specifically in the first.
I thank God for what He continues to do at The Journey.
But I was impressed as people came out to worship today, and for the services we had 139 in attendance. It was a good day to be in the house of God with His people, and it was good to be back with my spiritual family.
Today I delivered my first legitimate Mother's Day message, preaching on "How to Become God's Mom," looking at the life of Mary and learning from her. The response was good, but the Lord really spoke through Ed today. At the end of the message, Ed added something very close to this: "When did Mary become pregnant? She did not become pregnant until she said, 'May it happen to me just as you, Gabriel, have said (Luke 1:38).' Immediately after that (Luke 1:39), Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, and at the implication is clear that Mary is pregnant. When we decide to believe God and trust Him, there is all the release that God needs to do what He wants to do. May our attitude be like Mary's - 'May it happen to me just as you have said!'"
It was a good Mother's Day, as we also in each service took time to honor our wives and moms around us - this seemed a bit awkward in the second service, but it was very touching and moving specifically in the first.
I thank God for what He continues to do at The Journey.
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