"Lungs of Steel" Lee blew that egg OUT as I bore the brunt - at this point, I am lodging my tongue in the tube to avoid getting more egg on me!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Sunday, July 2, 2006 - Say It Anyway!
I love some of the things that I see happening at church lately. There is a renewed excitement for people as they bring in new friends and family members. Some stay, some leave - and people continue to come into a relationship with Jesus Christ. More about that in a moment.
I LOVED the worship today. Not that it was anything necessarily out of the ordinary so far as song selection, but we were together, we were encouraging each other, and it was good - both services. Thank you for your preparedness when we get together to praise and worship.
The word today was good too. I started a mini-series called Becoming a Person after God's Own Heart, a message that I heard originally by Bishop Joseph Garlington. It is so good that I decided to preach it to my people, and it went well. We talked about the first ingredient, which is waiting on the Lord. Waiting includes 5 things:
If you came her wondering “why did I make that mistake?” – God is wondering, “Can’t you forgive yourself?” At some point, you have done, are doing, or will do something stupid – something you said you never would. You can stand there in that place for the rest of your life and ask “why? Or you can forgive yourself – you can say, “I was baptized, and that stuff was buried. Why should I carry this with me – I am letting this die, I’m killing this. I forgive myself.” (say that with me). The devil would like to keep you locked in that place in your past, because if he can, he will keep you from your place in the present and your destiny in the future. You can’t hold onto the past and get the right future – you have to let it go. Your pride would make you think that we would never sin or mess up like we did – do you have a glorified body that you shouldn’t mess up – like we are too mature to mess up - once God has forgiven you, forgive yourself. Say, “I forgive myself.”
It was a powerful moment as people who realized that they had never forgiven themselves desperately needed to do so, that it would hinder God's work within them. Because of this, I was able to lead a woman to the Lord after the service was over - what a powerful experience!
Overall we had 140 in attendance, and it was good.
Tonight we had the church picnic at the Weststrates - it was so much fun interacting with the Spanish foreign exchange students, with members from our local community, and also the egg-blowing game (see pictures to follow!).
I LOVED the worship today. Not that it was anything necessarily out of the ordinary so far as song selection, but we were together, we were encouraging each other, and it was good - both services. Thank you for your preparedness when we get together to praise and worship.
The word today was good too. I started a mini-series called Becoming a Person after God's Own Heart, a message that I heard originally by Bishop Joseph Garlington. It is so good that I decided to preach it to my people, and it went well. We talked about the first ingredient, which is waiting on the Lord. Waiting includes 5 things:
- Watching my spiritual backside.
- Waiting for God's timing.
- Not telling God how to handle my problems.
- Seeking God's presence in worship.
- Abandoning my plan.
If you came her wondering “why did I make that mistake?” – God is wondering, “Can’t you forgive yourself?” At some point, you have done, are doing, or will do something stupid – something you said you never would. You can stand there in that place for the rest of your life and ask “why? Or you can forgive yourself – you can say, “I was baptized, and that stuff was buried. Why should I carry this with me – I am letting this die, I’m killing this. I forgive myself.” (say that with me). The devil would like to keep you locked in that place in your past, because if he can, he will keep you from your place in the present and your destiny in the future. You can’t hold onto the past and get the right future – you have to let it go. Your pride would make you think that we would never sin or mess up like we did – do you have a glorified body that you shouldn’t mess up – like we are too mature to mess up - once God has forgiven you, forgive yourself. Say, “I forgive myself.”
It was a powerful moment as people who realized that they had never forgiven themselves desperately needed to do so, that it would hinder God's work within them. Because of this, I was able to lead a woman to the Lord after the service was over - what a powerful experience!
Overall we had 140 in attendance, and it was good.
Tonight we had the church picnic at the Weststrates - it was so much fun interacting with the Spanish foreign exchange students, with members from our local community, and also the egg-blowing game (see pictures to follow!).
Thursday, June 29, 2006
A beautiful, attainable vision
Psalm 1 reads,
"1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers.
2 But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants; day and night they think about his law.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.
4 But this is not true of the wicked. They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly.
6 For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction."
This is an anonymous Psalm, but a beautiful one filled with wisdom for us today.
To begin, there is joy to be found in the life lived for God. What is joy? Joy is the attitude that comes from knowing that as I seek the Lord in my life, I don't have to fear man. Joy is the attitude that comes from knowing that He causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him. It is the attitude that comes from being in His presence through worship, silence, praise, and adoration. JOY IS ATTAINABLE as I seek the Lord, as I respond to His Word, and as I worship. So "oh the joys of those who..." - joy is attainable.
But joy is connected to fleeing from evil here - joy is not just the pursuit of God but also running from evil. Three requirements to bring about joy are: 1) don't follow (or seek out) the advice of wicked people; 2) don't stand together with sinners (people who knowingly live rebellious lives against God - afer all, we all are sinners); and 3) don't accept the modern day habit of "scoffing" (making fun of people, putting people down, insulting).
But look at what the joyful life produces - pleasure in serving God and hearing Him. There is great joy to be found when we know that we are pleasing the One who created us and loves us. God created us to be unselfish, giving creatures - our sin nature has produced the opposite. But furthermore, there is delight in His "law" - His word - His voice. Just as a wife is soothed by the calming voice of her husband, so God's word in all its forms can soothe the believer who hears His voice. There is joy here. But it goes further.
This lifestyle of running from evil and pursuing God produces a productive life, where like a fruitful tree, the seasons of life are received in joy. The person who is like a tree understands that there are seasons of barreness and fruitfulness, of pain and pleasure - but that each season is beautiful because they are firmly planted in the Lord.
And throughout these seasons, no matter what, there is prosperity and success - not material, but rather spiritual success. God looks at those who live their lives pursuing Him, and no matter what happens to them as they pursue Him, He considers them successful. As Hebrews 11:16 so beautifully points out, the people who live like this make God proud - "God is not ashamed to be called their GOD" - wow, I pray that the Lord is proud of me, that He is glad that I tell others that He is my father.
But if we don't have joy, if we don't pursue God, if we take the advice of the wicked and stand with them and adapt our culture's negative attitudes, then verses 4-5 hold our ending.
1) Meaningless existence - like the chaff that is carried away by the wind.
2) Condemnation - there is only judgment at the end.
3) Misplacement - we will be permanently lost, with no place in God's presence with God's people - hell. Hell wasn't made for us and it is not intended to be our end. But it exists and is first and foremost the absence of God. May we pursue God and avoid this epitaph!
A final word in verse 6 - as we pursue God, He lovingly watches over us, empowering us and making us fruitful. What an incredible thing to know that God watches my life! BUT if we don't pursue God, and we rather pursue wickedness, there is only destruction. You cannot deceive or fool God. He tells us that any other pursuit outside of Him results in death. The life best lived is the life that is lived in pursuit of God and His ways. The meaning of life, the meaningful life, is found in obeying God and pursuing His plans for our lives. Only then will we find out what the Psalmist meant when he wrote, "Oh the joys of those who..." - may you and I pursue the joyful life.
"1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers.
2 But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants; day and night they think about his law.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.
4 But this is not true of the wicked. They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly.
6 For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction."
This is an anonymous Psalm, but a beautiful one filled with wisdom for us today.
To begin, there is joy to be found in the life lived for God. What is joy? Joy is the attitude that comes from knowing that as I seek the Lord in my life, I don't have to fear man. Joy is the attitude that comes from knowing that He causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him. It is the attitude that comes from being in His presence through worship, silence, praise, and adoration. JOY IS ATTAINABLE as I seek the Lord, as I respond to His Word, and as I worship. So "oh the joys of those who..." - joy is attainable.
But joy is connected to fleeing from evil here - joy is not just the pursuit of God but also running from evil. Three requirements to bring about joy are: 1) don't follow (or seek out) the advice of wicked people; 2) don't stand together with sinners (people who knowingly live rebellious lives against God - afer all, we all are sinners); and 3) don't accept the modern day habit of "scoffing" (making fun of people, putting people down, insulting).
But look at what the joyful life produces - pleasure in serving God and hearing Him. There is great joy to be found when we know that we are pleasing the One who created us and loves us. God created us to be unselfish, giving creatures - our sin nature has produced the opposite. But furthermore, there is delight in His "law" - His word - His voice. Just as a wife is soothed by the calming voice of her husband, so God's word in all its forms can soothe the believer who hears His voice. There is joy here. But it goes further.
This lifestyle of running from evil and pursuing God produces a productive life, where like a fruitful tree, the seasons of life are received in joy. The person who is like a tree understands that there are seasons of barreness and fruitfulness, of pain and pleasure - but that each season is beautiful because they are firmly planted in the Lord.
And throughout these seasons, no matter what, there is prosperity and success - not material, but rather spiritual success. God looks at those who live their lives pursuing Him, and no matter what happens to them as they pursue Him, He considers them successful. As Hebrews 11:16 so beautifully points out, the people who live like this make God proud - "God is not ashamed to be called their GOD" - wow, I pray that the Lord is proud of me, that He is glad that I tell others that He is my father.
But if we don't have joy, if we don't pursue God, if we take the advice of the wicked and stand with them and adapt our culture's negative attitudes, then verses 4-5 hold our ending.
1) Meaningless existence - like the chaff that is carried away by the wind.
2) Condemnation - there is only judgment at the end.
3) Misplacement - we will be permanently lost, with no place in God's presence with God's people - hell. Hell wasn't made for us and it is not intended to be our end. But it exists and is first and foremost the absence of God. May we pursue God and avoid this epitaph!
A final word in verse 6 - as we pursue God, He lovingly watches over us, empowering us and making us fruitful. What an incredible thing to know that God watches my life! BUT if we don't pursue God, and we rather pursue wickedness, there is only destruction. You cannot deceive or fool God. He tells us that any other pursuit outside of Him results in death. The life best lived is the life that is lived in pursuit of God and His ways. The meaning of life, the meaningful life, is found in obeying God and pursuing His plans for our lives. Only then will we find out what the Psalmist meant when he wrote, "Oh the joys of those who..." - may you and I pursue the joyful life.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2005
Shepherd's Pie - that was the message. Still was the worship.
1) Shepherd's Pie - The message was on Division - Whose Hand will You Put it in? We discovered that division in church is good when placed in the hands of God - that He brings discernment and delegation, both matters of division. But division in the church is bad when placed in the hands of the devil, who uses it to cause dis-unity. But it was a "shepherd's pie" message, adding three separate ingredients to make one meal. Some received it.
I want to make an addendum onto what I said, because in the 2nd service we labored on the 20/80 principle, which states that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. I recognize that in the workaholic world we have that some would be offended by me making this statement. I realize that our church is composed of hard-working men and women, and I thank God for you. I do not ask you to do "more work" by finding an area of service in the church. That's not it at all.
Rather, what I ask is that you find a place, a ministry in the church where you can use the spiritual gift God has given you to do some work that will fulfil God's dream. I am always hard at work making my dreams come true - paying for my car, my home, my upcoming vacation, my cable bill, etc. But when I take an hour every week and I give my energy, talents, and gifts to God, I fulfil His dream for my life - where altogether we believers, in a rhythmic dance of service and joy, contribute to make the kingdom of God, His dream, a reality in our area. It's not more work - it's just giving up something for the Lord who gave us everything. As we do this continually, we become people who know and follow His heart.
2) Still - We intro'd a song that we will be using during our Becoming a Person after God's Own Heart series (a short study on David) - it is a song taken from Psalm 91, a Psalm that reflects on being sheltered by God during tough times. I love that our congregation was still - silent - just worshiping "quietness and trust."
It was a good day at church - I don't really know of many bad days. We had 118.
One more note: there are several areas in our church where there is struggle right now. Men and women and teens are battling against Satan and his lies - some have given up and given in. Our church was filled with people just a few months ago that no longer attend with any kind of consistency. If this is you, if you have battled and struggled and lost and are unsure where you stand, let me plead with you to come this Sunday as I begin this Becoming... series. It will transform your life and give you fresh perspective and hope. If the devil is fighting that hard with you to keep you away, can I ask you...don't you wonder what you must be missing?! See you on Sunday.
1) Shepherd's Pie - The message was on Division - Whose Hand will You Put it in? We discovered that division in church is good when placed in the hands of God - that He brings discernment and delegation, both matters of division. But division in the church is bad when placed in the hands of the devil, who uses it to cause dis-unity. But it was a "shepherd's pie" message, adding three separate ingredients to make one meal. Some received it.
I want to make an addendum onto what I said, because in the 2nd service we labored on the 20/80 principle, which states that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. I recognize that in the workaholic world we have that some would be offended by me making this statement. I realize that our church is composed of hard-working men and women, and I thank God for you. I do not ask you to do "more work" by finding an area of service in the church. That's not it at all.
Rather, what I ask is that you find a place, a ministry in the church where you can use the spiritual gift God has given you to do some work that will fulfil God's dream. I am always hard at work making my dreams come true - paying for my car, my home, my upcoming vacation, my cable bill, etc. But when I take an hour every week and I give my energy, talents, and gifts to God, I fulfil His dream for my life - where altogether we believers, in a rhythmic dance of service and joy, contribute to make the kingdom of God, His dream, a reality in our area. It's not more work - it's just giving up something for the Lord who gave us everything. As we do this continually, we become people who know and follow His heart.
2) Still - We intro'd a song that we will be using during our Becoming a Person after God's Own Heart series (a short study on David) - it is a song taken from Psalm 91, a Psalm that reflects on being sheltered by God during tough times. I love that our congregation was still - silent - just worshiping "quietness and trust."
It was a good day at church - I don't really know of many bad days. We had 118.
One more note: there are several areas in our church where there is struggle right now. Men and women and teens are battling against Satan and his lies - some have given up and given in. Our church was filled with people just a few months ago that no longer attend with any kind of consistency. If this is you, if you have battled and struggled and lost and are unsure where you stand, let me plead with you to come this Sunday as I begin this Becoming... series. It will transform your life and give you fresh perspective and hope. If the devil is fighting that hard with you to keep you away, can I ask you...don't you wonder what you must be missing?! See you on Sunday.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Sunday, June 18, 2006 - Father's Day
Historically Father's Day has always been good so far as attendance, and today was no different - we had 149. We had several new visitors in both services, including the guy (along with his children) who just re-did the parsonage roof. The first service was PACKED (105 in that one alone), so I think everyone decided to come early and get out to celebrate Father's Day.
What a good day it was though in spirit. The worship, especially in the first service, was vibrant and lively. The kids came out and did a presentation based on the Lord's Prayer (they called it the "Our Father" prayer - fitting...) and did a song in sign-language based upon that prayer. It was GREAT! I encourage the children and their leaders to do more stuff to encourage the church.
For the message, I preached on God using multiplication to carry out His plan - that He wants to give us extreme insight, exceptional influence, and that He wants us to extend an invitation. I have been gearing the word towards outreach over the past month (and still have one more week) to show that God desires for us to not be complacent, but to reach out and demonstrate the love of God to others.
As we continue to launch into the summer, may this be a refreshing time for you and your family, and may the church be not an obligation but an inspiration, not a duty but a delight as you continue on your pursuit of God.
What a good day it was though in spirit. The worship, especially in the first service, was vibrant and lively. The kids came out and did a presentation based on the Lord's Prayer (they called it the "Our Father" prayer - fitting...) and did a song in sign-language based upon that prayer. It was GREAT! I encourage the children and their leaders to do more stuff to encourage the church.
For the message, I preached on God using multiplication to carry out His plan - that He wants to give us extreme insight, exceptional influence, and that He wants us to extend an invitation. I have been gearing the word towards outreach over the past month (and still have one more week) to show that God desires for us to not be complacent, but to reach out and demonstrate the love of God to others.
As we continue to launch into the summer, may this be a refreshing time for you and your family, and may the church be not an obligation but an inspiration, not a duty but a delight as you continue on your pursuit of God.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Today was a refreshing day at The Journey, a day where I think some things began to correct themselves. My last post noted my frustration with the attendance being so low, and the message being so needed. But today was a great day for many reasons:
1) Our attendance was back to normal, as we had 137. I know during the summer that this will go up and down, but it is always great to have people where they are supposed to be.
2) We had Joe Lipsey, from the Gideons International, with us to present that ministry. As a church we collected $550 to give towards the Gideon's. I was glad to have that ministry with us, especially considering the influence it has had on several of our people, including our church leaders.
3) During Joe's presentation, the Lord hit me with a question to present to our people - "What could God do today to get your attention?" Or "Complete this statement, 'If the Lord did (***), I would not do the thing that I plan on doing."
I was planning on doing the 3rd lesson in our "God's still counting" series, but this question wouldn't release me so I ended up preaching on how God wants to get our attention, but we don't give it to Him. But then the question comes up - what could God do that would get my attention? Even if God did something spectacular (besides die on the cross, forgiving every sin, and inviting me into a relationship with Himself right where I am) - would I respond to Him? The word was from God to our church, as I believe some are on the cusp of disaster. God is vying for the attention of some of our folks, and they refuse. I titled the message "Last Call" because for some, it is the last call before God has to take some measures.
It was a good day today - I praise God that our giving is also up recently, as May was a financially difficult month for the church.
I am excited to see God's dream for this church, for His people, come to fruition.
1) Our attendance was back to normal, as we had 137. I know during the summer that this will go up and down, but it is always great to have people where they are supposed to be.
2) We had Joe Lipsey, from the Gideons International, with us to present that ministry. As a church we collected $550 to give towards the Gideon's. I was glad to have that ministry with us, especially considering the influence it has had on several of our people, including our church leaders.
3) During Joe's presentation, the Lord hit me with a question to present to our people - "What could God do today to get your attention?" Or "Complete this statement, 'If the Lord did (***), I would not do the thing that I plan on doing."
I was planning on doing the 3rd lesson in our "God's still counting" series, but this question wouldn't release me so I ended up preaching on how God wants to get our attention, but we don't give it to Him. But then the question comes up - what could God do that would get my attention? Even if God did something spectacular (besides die on the cross, forgiving every sin, and inviting me into a relationship with Himself right where I am) - would I respond to Him? The word was from God to our church, as I believe some are on the cusp of disaster. God is vying for the attention of some of our folks, and they refuse. I titled the message "Last Call" because for some, it is the last call before God has to take some measures.
It was a good day today - I praise God that our giving is also up recently, as May was a financially difficult month for the church.
I am excited to see God's dream for this church, for His people, come to fruition.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Sunday, June 4, 2006
As I sit here typing, I am a mix of emotions. I am excited, because today's services, with the message and the worship, were both great! We talked about The Attraction of Subtraction, and how there are things that God subtracts or that we can subtract from our lives to experience God's best. Seriously, if you weren't here, get the CD - it was a good word. The response was also good, as people made decisions to subtract things from their lives today, and to trust as God does the same - "You give and take away. My heart will choose to say, 'Lord, blessed be Your name!'" Everything about the services was good - both times in each aspect. If you missed it, seriously, you missed a good service.
And that's where my mixed emotions come in. Too many missed it. And for the worst of reasons. I know that we had a few who were out of town (you know that we missed you!), but there were too many who stayed home, and I ache that you missed it. I know there were some different activities that perhaps could not be avoided, but for some of you, allow me to say/type this: the less you go to church and the less you get involved, the less important it becomes. If you missed it today on a whim, I beg you to cast off your grudge, your doubt, your anger, or whatever. People are dying to hear what you missed today.
Now just to let you know, we had 90, and man, the 90 were in tune and ready to worship God and receive His word. The reponse was great, and I praise God for what He did in each heart. If you missed it, know that you are missed. I hope you will make it a priority and to get out next week to worship with us.
And that's where my mixed emotions come in. Too many missed it. And for the worst of reasons. I know that we had a few who were out of town (you know that we missed you!), but there were too many who stayed home, and I ache that you missed it. I know there were some different activities that perhaps could not be avoided, but for some of you, allow me to say/type this: the less you go to church and the less you get involved, the less important it becomes. If you missed it today on a whim, I beg you to cast off your grudge, your doubt, your anger, or whatever. People are dying to hear what you missed today.
Now just to let you know, we had 90, and man, the 90 were in tune and ready to worship God and receive His word. The reponse was great, and I praise God for what He did in each heart. If you missed it, know that you are missed. I hope you will make it a priority and to get out next week to worship with us.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Sunday, May 28, 2006
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!
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!
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.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
"From Major Messes to Masterpieces, part 2" - that was our focus today as we finished up the seven declarations that we can make as God's masterpieces (a declaration is when I act on my belief that what God says is true by speaking it out regardless of the circumstance). After all was said and done, these were the 7 declarations:
Candace and James Smith (and Quincy and Christopher) were visiting, which was great. I love those guys. But that afternoon, a bunch of people went to Wild Willy's Burgers for lunch to say goodbye to James and Candace. It was such fun! Church, I am convinced that we are missing out on fellowship opportunities - let's use Sundays to reconnect, and use the small groups to connect even more deeply.
But also, the church body began a church-wide 3 day fast (from Sunday at 7pm until Wednesday at 7pm), and we kicked it off with a 7pm worship time at the church. Without exaggeration, it was phenomenal. It was free-flowing, and there were times of singing, and times of silence, clapping and kneeling, calling out and singing solo, proclaiming the word - it was a great step for our body, and a great way to start out a fast. God continues HIS work at The Journey.
I would love to hear some stories from those who participated, as well as stories or words from those who fasted (whether partially or entirely). Feel free to post responses.
- I am timeless.
- I am priceless.
- I am part of a greater picture.
- I am original.
- I am lovable.
- I am a work in progress.
- I am fixable.
Candace and James Smith (and Quincy and Christopher) were visiting, which was great. I love those guys. But that afternoon, a bunch of people went to Wild Willy's Burgers for lunch to say goodbye to James and Candace. It was such fun! Church, I am convinced that we are missing out on fellowship opportunities - let's use Sundays to reconnect, and use the small groups to connect even more deeply.
But also, the church body began a church-wide 3 day fast (from Sunday at 7pm until Wednesday at 7pm), and we kicked it off with a 7pm worship time at the church. Without exaggeration, it was phenomenal. It was free-flowing, and there were times of singing, and times of silence, clapping and kneeling, calling out and singing solo, proclaiming the word - it was a great step for our body, and a great way to start out a fast. God continues HIS work at The Journey.
I would love to hear some stories from those who participated, as well as stories or words from those who fasted (whether partially or entirely). Feel free to post responses.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Sunday, April 16, 2006 - Easter Sunday
We relocated to the Knights of Columbus Hall in Rochester for today's Easter's service (also see November 20, 2005 service). We relocate primarily for our church body to come together as one unit and worship together in unity, and it was a good day for that. I believe our visitor traffic was cut down drastically because of our switch, but it was something that I felt was necessary and good.
About the service itself, we had a free lunch and free pictures beforehand for anyone who wished to partake (which many did), and we started at 10am. The worship was good, and we intro'd a new song "Only a God Like You" which was received very well.
My message was extemporaneous, as I was ready to do part 2 of the message, "From Major Mess to Masterpiece," but I just felt from the time I woke up (about 4:30am) that God was leading me in a different direction, to speak on the resurrection. So I did - and I talked about what the resurrection means to those who are confronted with it. To the women, it meant salvation. To the guards, it meant fear and death. To Peter and the disciples, it meant another chance.
Overall, it was a good day. We were not up in attendance as we had 149 (nor were we down). It was THE day to celebrate what the Lord has done, and that's what we did.
About the service itself, we had a free lunch and free pictures beforehand for anyone who wished to partake (which many did), and we started at 10am. The worship was good, and we intro'd a new song "Only a God Like You" which was received very well.
My message was extemporaneous, as I was ready to do part 2 of the message, "From Major Mess to Masterpiece," but I just felt from the time I woke up (about 4:30am) that God was leading me in a different direction, to speak on the resurrection. So I did - and I talked about what the resurrection means to those who are confronted with it. To the women, it meant salvation. To the guards, it meant fear and death. To Peter and the disciples, it meant another chance.
Overall, it was a good day. We were not up in attendance as we had 149 (nor were we down). It was THE day to celebrate what the Lord has done, and that's what we did.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Sunday, April 9, 2006
From Major Messes to Masterpieces - that was the theme of today, as well as the next couple of weeks. We are focusing on Ephesians 2:10 - "We are God's masterpiece..." and today's service was good for many reasons.
1) We created our first Journey masterpiece, making a collage of handprints, thumbprints, brush strokes, and more that represents our renewed commitment to the church as the body and masterpiece of God. It went surprisingly smooth.
2) The Lord's Supper - communion - was precious, especially in the second service as we mixed in music during the communion, singing "Amazing Love" with the distribution of the bread and "Nothing But the Blood" during the juice. Very powerful.
3) The message was well-received, and Ed's application at the end of the first service was perfect - the declarations "I am timeless, priceless, and part of a greater picture" are things we can say anyway, even when the enemy would tell us differently.
4) The decor aided the message - people were surprised by the artwork displayed, the music - it created ambience that is good to have.
5) We had 159, which is fantastic!
6) Best news of the day - we had one teenager who was visiting with Leiah indicate that she prayed with me and invited God into her life. I did not get her name.
7) George, who got saved two weeks ago, was also back!
There is so much growth that needs to happen at The Journey, and so many of you are struggling with personal issues or spiritual issues. The declarations you heard can help stand in your fight against the enemy who would lie and tell you that you are worthless and have no value.
My encouragement to you for next Sunday when we meet at the Knights of Columbus Hall is from the song "Sing to the King":
Come, let us sing a song. A song declaration "WE BELONG TO JESUS" - He is all we need."
Lord, we Your church, The Journey, we belong to YOU!
1) We created our first Journey masterpiece, making a collage of handprints, thumbprints, brush strokes, and more that represents our renewed commitment to the church as the body and masterpiece of God. It went surprisingly smooth.
2) The Lord's Supper - communion - was precious, especially in the second service as we mixed in music during the communion, singing "Amazing Love" with the distribution of the bread and "Nothing But the Blood" during the juice. Very powerful.
3) The message was well-received, and Ed's application at the end of the first service was perfect - the declarations "I am timeless, priceless, and part of a greater picture" are things we can say anyway, even when the enemy would tell us differently.
4) The decor aided the message - people were surprised by the artwork displayed, the music - it created ambience that is good to have.
5) We had 159, which is fantastic!
6) Best news of the day - we had one teenager who was visiting with Leiah indicate that she prayed with me and invited God into her life. I did not get her name.
7) George, who got saved two weeks ago, was also back!
There is so much growth that needs to happen at The Journey, and so many of you are struggling with personal issues or spiritual issues. The declarations you heard can help stand in your fight against the enemy who would lie and tell you that you are worthless and have no value.
My encouragement to you for next Sunday when we meet at the Knights of Columbus Hall is from the song "Sing to the King":
Come, let us sing a song. A song declaration "WE BELONG TO JESUS" - He is all we need."
Lord, we Your church, The Journey, we belong to YOU!
Monday, April 03, 2006
Sunday, April 2, 2006
One of the parts of the pastoral ministry that I love is baptism. I love seeing people follow the Lord, obeying Him in this area, and submitting themselves to biblical baptism. But even before actually baptizing people, I love to talk with them and explain to them what baptism is all about - the symbolism, the identification, and the blessing that comes along with baptism. So any day that I get to "dunk" some Christians, it excites me.
Today, I baptized seven people (see pictures below), and it was great. Baptism also means that we typically have visitors with us, so there is always added excitement. Not that I need more excitement - today, I felt like I spoke 1000 words per minute - maybe I need to lay off the caffeine a little! :) But I think that the moods and participation in both services were good, and I pray that the Lord takes me to another level in my preaching, as I preach for life change. I spoke today on being "Changed by Love" from Ephesians 2:4-7, and how we we receive God's love in our lives, He gives us life, changes our situations by changing us, and give us rest (coinciding with being made alive in Christ, raised with Him, and seated with Him in the Heavenly Realms) - it went well overall.
The worship went well today too - please pray as Bill continues to transition into this role, that he will really grasp the aspect of leading our church into worship every time. That is his heart, but is something that takes time and can be frustrating. But I thank God that Bill is stepping forward. May God be glorified in all of this.
Overall good day today - we had 137. The Lord is good. The Lord, He is God!
Today, I baptized seven people (see pictures below), and it was great. Baptism also means that we typically have visitors with us, so there is always added excitement. Not that I need more excitement - today, I felt like I spoke 1000 words per minute - maybe I need to lay off the caffeine a little! :) But I think that the moods and participation in both services were good, and I pray that the Lord takes me to another level in my preaching, as I preach for life change. I spoke today on being "Changed by Love" from Ephesians 2:4-7, and how we we receive God's love in our lives, He gives us life, changes our situations by changing us, and give us rest (coinciding with being made alive in Christ, raised with Him, and seated with Him in the Heavenly Realms) - it went well overall.
The worship went well today too - please pray as Bill continues to transition into this role, that he will really grasp the aspect of leading our church into worship every time. That is his heart, but is something that takes time and can be frustrating. But I thank God that Bill is stepping forward. May God be glorified in all of this.
Overall good day today - we had 137. The Lord is good. The Lord, He is God!
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Today was a good day at The Journey. To begin, we had 139, which is a good attendance - it seems that our building just gets smaller and smaller! I will be meeting with a consultant on Wendesday, April 5, to get things rolling on a building project, and so I am excited to report the progress of things as we begin to get moving in this area.
Today I preached on "But God...", emphasizing how God stepped in according to Ephesians 2:4-7. During the second service, I had two people raise their hands that they prayed with me to ask God into their lives, a man who visited with Todd Allen (George), and Michael Conrad's son. I am always excited to see the spiritually dead come to life right before our very eyes, and we consistently are seeing people invite the Lord into their lives.
As a brief synopsis of today, it was a good day at the Journey.
Today I preached on "But God...", emphasizing how God stepped in according to Ephesians 2:4-7. During the second service, I had two people raise their hands that they prayed with me to ask God into their lives, a man who visited with Todd Allen (George), and Michael Conrad's son. I am always excited to see the spiritually dead come to life right before our very eyes, and we consistently are seeing people invite the Lord into their lives.
As a brief synopsis of today, it was a good day at the Journey.
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