He is Here

If some of you are wondering, this is how my year has ended and what an amazing ending it was.
The sun rise was "under" the clouds.

It was as if the light was reaching out to illuminate more and yet it was inevitable that the light would soon be hidden under a covering, leaving me with the knowledge that the light is there, but I could not see it.

This is how God has left me at the end of 2012.
I know that He is there, and He is reaching out wanting me to see more of Him, but needing me to trust His presence under a covering of Clouds.

What an awesome God to love me so that He would show Himself to me and yet want me to know that He is there, even if I cannot see Him.

I don't know how your year ended, but I know this, God wants us to see Him and I believe that more than ever He will be seeking ways to show us His Light. But it will require faith, meaning that there might be a covering of clouds.

Times when all we have is Faith in the knowledge of His Promises
Times when all we can do is Hope that above it all He is with us
Times when all we see is a simple sign of Love

and as one of my new favorite songs say......
Give me Faith to trust what You say
That Your good and Your love is great

God is reaching out under the Clouds, but lives Above them and by the end of 2013 maybe He will become a little clearer to us and we will know His Love.

1 Corinthians 13:12-13  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
¹³ So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

What do I think?

Its been a week since the horrific tragedy in Newtown Conn and the images of those heroic teachers and beautiful children are still rolling through my thoughts. The stories of pain and suffering of grieving families echoing in my mind and aching my heart.

We live in a world that is more than broken whatever that is.

But what makes it worse for me was one statement made by a Conservative ex-pastor talk show host who said that this tragedy was caused by taking God out of the Schools.

Made worse because he is dead wrong. This tragedy was caused by a dark world, one where we as followers of Jesus are called to be lights.

No Mr. Huckabee this is not a God out of the Schools issue, but I would argue that it is a God out of the church issue.

Jesus said that His word would be confirmed, not with more words, but with signs of His Power.

The church stopped believing in Miracles Mr. Huckabee. The Lame stay lame, the deaf stay deaf, the blind stay blind, and the dumb, well they sit in the pew hunkered down singing about Jesus hurrying up and coming back.

We have ceased to be a place where the Power of God is experienced against the demonic but have become a place where we talk about how it used to happen.
Churches and Pastors don't fight with the Devil, we are too busy fighting with bitter church members who complain about the music, the coffee, and decisions that they do not like.

No Mr. Huckabee, God never said He would be in the Schools, but He did expect to be in the Church and that is where I am starting. and maybe by the light of Jesus shining on a broken young man, what happened in Newtown won't happen in Astoria.

One Soul at a Time.

Not Feeling It

As those of you faithful to this blog know, I recently took a few days off of the grid and you know what? I'm not ready to get back on.

I have enjoyed going to see people instead of calling them.
Not having to look at my phone all day is kind of refreshing.
I loved last nights life group more than any I have ever attended as it was filled with faces that I love.
and I'm not ready yet.

I am going to take a blogging break until after the holidays, and I will keep my texts or calls to a minimum. So enjoy the fact that my Internet presence is just one less voice you have to worry about for now........

And come and talk with me. I would love that.

newLife, I love you

Andy

We Won the LOTTERY!!!!

Not the Powerball one. But the Prayer one.

I know the powerball lottery was on many of your minds.
Come on, lets be honest. Some of you dreamed of what you would do if you won, and more of you even bought tickets. I know I know the first thing you would do is tithe.

But what was interesting about this lottery was the number of shows that talked about how the lottery could screw up your life. Only a few people in the world will ever see that kind of prosperity and so most of us will live well below the 500 million line. So those who win often will lose their lives because they cannot handle being rich.

When you've lived in poverty your whole life, its hard to live in prosperity.

And this is just as true in the church as it is anywhere else. Most of us associated with newLife know what it means to live in poverty. Never enough people to serve, never enough money to give, never enough musicians to play, never enough of the Pastors time.

I remember when we had no instruments for worship at all and for three months you could hear every dollar that hit the offering plate and it sounded like a bomb going off. We only had two singers and my song leader just got out of jail. Yes, he went back in six months later. Don't ask.

I remember when we had no qualified men to be leaders and so we used any man who would serve. Scary I know.

I remember when we stressed over every offering, especially in the summer wondering if we were going to be able to pay the light bill. Still there.

I remember so many Sundays asking Debra if she thinks anyone is going to come to church.

I remember long periods of time when no one came to know Christ.

If you've been with us over the last 10 years you know what I am talking about. We've lived in poverty as a church and we have learned how to live there. God is still Good, God is still Great, but the truth is its survival at its best.

When you've lived in poverty your whole life, its hard to live in prosperity.

Church, God is beginning to Prosper us.
Gary and Cindy
Brendon, Brittney and Christian
Our Amazing Small Group Children's Leaders
Our Outstanding Greeters and Ushers

For the first time in our History as a Church we have more than we have ever had or even thought to have. This is Ephesians 3:20-21 being lived our in our lives.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
²¹ Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Yet, When you've lived in poverty your whole life, its hard to live in prosperity.

and so here are a Couple of thoughts I want to help you with:
Beware of your Attitude.
We're used to being poor, don't think that life was better there. We prayed our guts out for God to give us more, be thankful when you've received it. Don't worry because Gary isn't me. No one wants two of me. Don't complain because the music is different. So are Brendon and Brittney, With That attitude no type of music will move you to worship. Praise God that there is more and with more comes different.
Be Careful with your Friends
We are used to being poor and when God blesses sometimes they get jealous and do any thing they can to humble us. (they think its God's calling)
Be Ready for opportunities of life you've never had.
We've been poor, Now we're Rich, What kind of God experiences will we have now that God has provided so much for us?

We have won, what will you do with God's Blessings?

A Letter to newLife

Last night I was reading a blog post that was written by someone about me. I know its a strange world but its true. Now it wasn't what was said that bothered me because critics come with the job. But what bothered me is that it bothered me.

We live in a world where men and woman have the ability to say anything they want about anyone or anything. I get that. But it bothers me that it bothers me. I see it on Facebook when a lady gets mad at someone. Its said and believed by "followers" of that person. It is usually not true but the followers care more for the writer than the truth. But it still bothers me that it bothers me.

Call me "Old School" but I thought the bible says that if you have ought with someone your supposed to go to that person, alone, with restoration not rebuke the goal?

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

and it bothers me that it bothered me. I am not upset with this person, in all honesty I understand his frustration, but it bothers me that it bothers me and so looking into my own life I came to this conclusion.......

...for the next two weeks I am unplugging. No electronics outside of the church phone.
If I am going to have a conversation with someone it will come face to face or on hand written card. If you want to talk to me you will need to find me.

I want to reconnect with people on a more personal basis.
I want my relationships to be more than a text, tweet, blog, or face book message.

But that does not mean that I am against these things nor does it mean that I won't be going back to them. It just means that I am taking a break. My Blog will be taken over by a few guests bloggers and the worship blog will be led by my lovely wife DJ.

I do ask for your prayers and understanding for the next couple of weeks, as it bothers me that it bothers me and I want to understand why.

See You Tomorrow

Letting Go................

It sounds so easy.
Just Let It Go.
But its been such a huge part of my life.
Just Let It Go.
I know I can't hold on.
Just Let It Go.
It cannot be Sustained.
Just Let It Go.
It Will Be the Best for Me.
Just Let It Go.
But I'm Comfortable, kind of.
Just Let It Go.
What Will It Look Like.
Just Let It Go.
What Will I Look Like.
Just Let It Go.
I Am Afraid.
Just Let It Go.
He Is Here.
I'm Letting Go.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Soon I will share the story, but today, I'm Letting Go

Happy Veterans Day

At this moment, my only son is serving our country in Afghanistan. 
I could not be prouder.

If you would, take a moment and pray for those brave men and women who are in harms way, so that we don't have to be.

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." -Elmer Davis

"If" only men today would live this way

If by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Post Election Notes

There is a face book discussion I was a part of with my family and as my church family I wanted to share my part of it because I believe it so strongly.

The thread started with one Nephew talking about how concerned he is for the future of our country. Very Polite but very concerned.
My Sister in law wrote discussing how the popular vote should have one and my other sister in law wrote explaining the electoral college even more. My Brother added another thought, again very true. (all of the details are really not important)

Because of this.

My reply to them all.

Today I will go to work and try to help broken people. I've done it for 15 years. Whomever is president has not changed that fact. I suggest less time with broken politics and more time with broken people.
That's change we can agree with.

and while some of you may not like that I am not political, Neither was Christ.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
The Pharisees were Political
The Sadducee's were Political
and Jesus said this about them......
Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

The Romans were in Power and yet Jesus never rebelled against their tyranny but instead while hanging on the cross while roman soldiers fought over His cloak said this.......
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

I love my Country
but not as much as my Christ.

I voted fulfilling my responsibility to my Country
But today, I will carry out my responsibility to my Christ.
Find people far from God, and Let them Feel His Love

I care less for the future of our country as I do for the country that one lives in without the love of Christ in them.

That's a country I will fight for.

Important Read

I was reading over at a blog called Resurgence when I came across an intersting article written by Larry Osborne. Click over there and tell me what you think.

6 warning signs we’re becoming accidental Pharisees | The Resurgence

A Letter to newLIfe from Pastor A

Hey Guys I just wanted to mention a few highlights from yesterday.

#1 More Comments on our Greeters. From the moment people walk in the door they feel valued. I Love it when visitors feel Loved.

#2 More Comments on our Children's ministry. The kids are learning so much from amazing people. I Love it when Children feel Loved.

#3 More Comments on our Music Ministry. They see your passion for Jesus and each other. I Love it when the congregation feel Loved.

Its what we are called to do, Love as we have been Loved, and if I can quote Je'kob

Love is…everlasting
Love is…only kind
Love is…always patient
Love will…blow your mind

If you let it
OH
If you let it
OH
If you let it
OH
If you let it
OH
Have an Awesome Week and I can't Wait for Sunday

Go Orange!!!!!!

Two weeks ago the Children of newLife presented Debra and I with a wonderful bag of Home made fortune cookies. The cookies themselves were amazing but what was even better were the words of love shared by the children. This morning I want to share them with you.

Pastor and DJ
We are FORTUNATE to have you because...........

We love you
boys are bad
you make me laugh
you are so cool
you teach us about God
You sing Pretty (this one was for Debra I think)
Your Funny
You are an example of how to love God
Boys are bad (The girls are listening)
For all the Hugs
I love You
You Guys are Funny
You are Awesome
You Rock
You are Amazing

There were more but I think I ate them with the Cookies, but what I loved about the fortunes is that these children are the church of the future. So let me share some things about that future.

They will want to Love and be Loved
They will want to be Pure
They will want to enjoy Jesus
They will want to be relevant
They will want to learn about God
They will want to Worship Well
They will want to Laugh
They will want to be Examples
They will want to be Holy
They will want to show Love
They will want to be personal with that Love
They will want to encourage Joy
They will want to be Greater
They will want to be Awesome
They will want to be Powerful
They will want to be Amazed making them Amazing.

And everything we do as a Church today, will either help or hinder their Future.
This week I ask you to do something that would encourage those in our Children's Ministry as they are the "Point of the Spear".

Lets Do This

A Letter to newLife

I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful gifts given to Debra and I yesterday.
Your love of us is appreciated more than you know.

But........................

I appreciate your willingness to not allow Pastor Appreciation Month to over shadow Jesus in our services.

I appreciate your willingness to minimize me and maximize the work WE are doing.

I appreciate your willingness to let God work through me even when you may not understand what God is doing to me especially when it affects you. (that was a mouth full)

and I appreciate your willingness to GO BIG or go home. This is where Pastoral appreciation is really important.

Thank you for being such easy people to pastor, and I look forward to our future.

I can't wait for Sunday

Pot Heads and Ministry

One day in high school I was approached by a classmate who was highly intoxicated by weed and what his words for some strange reason have always stuck with me.
"Hey Dude, I'm All Burned Out" meaning he was baked, done, smoked too much.

What makes this funny is that recently I was approached in a similar fashion only it was from someone who had been high on Church and they said the same thing.
Only in place of Dude it was Pastor.

and as it got me to thinking about burn out I made some observations from my own struggles with Burn Out and I came to some interesting conclusions.

#1 Burn Out Comes From Doing Something You Shouldn't Do.
The purchase and use of marijuana is against the law. This never would have happened if this young man was doing what was right.
In my time as a Christian every time I felt burned out it was because I was doing something I shouldn't be doing. It wasn't right for me and burning out was Gods way of showing me that.

#2 Burn Out Comes From Doing Something You Shouldn't Do Too Much.
Not only was he doing the wrong thing, He did way way way too much of the wrong thing leading him to burning out.
Again, every time I have felt burned out it was because not only was I doing something I shouldn't be doing, I was trying to hard to do it leaving me frustrated and feeling lost.

Why is this important to us? Because in the church world it is so easy to do the wrong things too much. There is a need and you want to fill it.
God hasn't called you to it, God hadn't created you for it, but you do it and for a while you might even think that your doing good, but wait for it, you will get weary of it.

So how do we Keep from Being Burnt Out?

#1 Make sure Whatever you do, God, not You, has called you to it.
I know this. I have never gotten burned out from Preaching the gospel but I have from other areas of ministry I have tried to do.
In fact the one thing that keeps me passionate about ministry is Preaching the Gospel. But ask me to teach, I can do it, but it will burn me out.
Ask me to lead singing, I can do it, but it will burn me out
Ask me to do anything in the church, I can do it, but it will eventually burn me out.

But let me share a couple of things about God's calling.

I didn't ask for this calling, it came to me. I didn't go to school to preach, I didn't beg my pastor to preach, in fact I never preached publicly until one week before I was voted in to Pastor this church.

If God has called you to it, it will bear spiritual fruit. While I do not consider myself to be an excellent Preacher, I believe that God uses me in the lives of others as people trust Christ as their savior as well as grow in the grace of our Lord and Savior.
(see 1 Corinthians 2:1-4) If there is no real fruit gained for others through your labors its because its your calling and not His.

#2 If your feeling Burned Out ask yourself these two questions.

Is God changing what He wants or needs me to do for His Kingdom?
The Apostle Paul went through this when he was called to the gentiles and not the Jews as well as when he wanted to go east and the Holy Spirit led Paul to the west.

Is what I am doing a God thing or a Me thing.
If its a God thing it will be done in His power and hence no power outages, but if its done in my power i will go through times and encouragement and discouragement as well as frustration and aggravation. If I am feeling these things I always know its time to reevaluate what I am doing for the Kingdom.

I WANT MORE

I have to say, I love what God is doing in our church and so I want to share several things that happened yesterday to encourage your heart.

#1 MORE Prayers were Answered.
Some of our ladies have been praying for a young woman whose been hurting due to a rough season of life. Yesterday, to their surprise, she showed up to hear just how much God loves her MORE than she ever imagined.

#2 MORE People were Inspired.
I know that God wants to do MORE in your lives, and you blocked the aisle way as a testimony to it!

#3 MORE People were Inspiring.
This week I asked one of our ladies to pray for someone specific and not only did she pray, she was given by God many ideas to encourage this person she was praying for.
She didn't just pray for her, but was moved to do MORE!
Four other young woman answered the need for MORE ministry without hesitation.
The men who Greet us in the morning did MORE with a smile than thought possible.

Maybe this ought to be our theme - MORE

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

Sorry.........

....but I will be off line for the next two days ministering to some very specific people.
Please Pray for Debra and I that we will have the strength and wisdom to share the love of God with some hurting people and I will see you all Sunday.

BTW - Thanks Garth for ministering to me so wonderfully. Your Amazing

A Bright Spot on a Cloudy Day

I have to say newLife yesterday wasn't our best service, but that does not mean that God did not do something amazing with it.

#1 A Young man visited us and loved that He was accepted at his first time coming. He saw that we were real and it opened him up to the possibility of new life.

#2 A new couple commented on how encouraged they are at hearing honesty. Again it reminds me that people have little problem with the truth, but that have to hear it honestly.

#3 Our Senior Class gave up their class space for the nursery and did so excited to be a greater part of the auditorium ministry. We have missed their touch as we prepare to worship. They are Amazing People.

#4 Our 1830's are developing a Passion for the Church. They are the next gen and I am excited to see their growth in Christ.

Accepted, Honest, Sacrificial, Passionate - All things we want to hear about us.

The Face of Janae

Yesterday I got a response to a blog post on the services Sunday from Janae and the first thing that came to me was immediate Joy. Not that she commented, but that she is a part of our church. When I see names or even people, I see their face. Truth be told one of three things happen.

#1 I Feel Nothing. I don't know them and so my thoughts are blank. For me it doesn't matter what they wear, how many tattoos, or how they are shaped. I don't know them so nothing comes to me. (Judgemental people never feel nothing)

#2 I Feel Sick. I know them and so my thoughts are busy. Will they be negative, will they be critical, will they whine. Have they forgiven me, have I forgiven them, and more importantly has Jesus forgiven them. Because I know them and they have either been antagonistic or opportunistic towards me or mine, part of me wants to hurl.

#3 I Feel Joy. I know them and their Amazing. While not perfect, there is love in their hearts. I see it in the way they worship, I see it in the way they love, I see it in the way they live. Janae is a happy person towards me, always an encouragement. When I hear her name or see her face, I immediately feel joy. She is a happy part of my life.

Now I realize that not everyone will respond this way. Some people are just bitter blamers who don't want to see anyone in a positive light. To them everyone is a #1 and a #2. But right now in my life, there are way more #3's.

and it brings me to this question....................

Does my face bring #3's to others?
When my name is mentioned are people encouraged?
When my face is seen are their hearts filled with joy?
Or do they feel nothing because I haven't gotten to know them or even worse, do they know me and because of my attitude towards them they feel sick around me?

Maybe today our prayer needs to be to have the Face of Janae.

If you know a person who feels nothing about you, introduce yourself.
If you know a person is feels sick about you, seek forgiveness.
If you know a person is happy around you, call them and let appreciate them more.

Today the goal is to be a #3.

1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

And by the way, if someone comes to you to be #3, don't be #1 or #2

God wants you to know........

That this is how He feels about YOU
Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV) The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.

The Hand of Cassie

I don't know if you've noticed, but our church has been changing. Throughout the building, from the coffee cart to the ladies bathroom we can see the changes. I call it the "Hand of Cassie". This amazing lady has been expressing her personality through her amazing gifts and its been awesome to see.
Cassie is doing nothing more than living out Romans 12:6-8. She is placing her stamp on the Body of Christ at newLife.

and this made me think.
This church is nothing more than the "Hands of its Owners"

When Debra Sings, she is placing her hand on us.
When Anthony Plays, he is placing his hand on us.
When Newton Prays, he is placing his hand on us.
When Lori and Lila welcome, they are placing their hand upon us.
When Randy Worships, she is placing her hand on us.
When Garth Teaches, he is placing his hand on us.

We are nothing more than an expression of You.
Go anywhere in this church and you will find the hand of someone who Loves God and Loves you.
From Kim greeting newcomers, to Melissa in the Nursery loving on babies, to Nick with his welcoming smile your hands are all over the place.

Your Hand is Nothing more than an expression of You on Us.

This excites me as I think about those who are new to us, whose touch has not been felt yet.
I can't wait to see how their love, life, and gifts will be expressed.

So I want to encourage you this morning, Your Hand is important to us.
Don't minimize the power of your touch on this body.
If God has brought you here, its because we need you.
We are nothing more than an expression of You.

Thank you Cassie, your Touch is making us better.

Have a Great Week

This Stinks

For four years I prayed to God..............
Give me a Revelation, Show me what to do
I've been trying find my way, haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here, or do I need to move
Give me a revelation, I've got nothin without You, I've got nothin without you
(Thanks Third Day)

and since my trip in June, God has been opening my eyes to His plan for my life.
I am so certain of so many things I doubted before.
And then this week happened.

I have gone from God's quiet leading in my heart, showing me love and comfort that created change.
To God Screaming in my ear to Go Big or Go Home and even as recent as this morning rebuking me for slowing down and waiting for other things to happen.

Adding insult to injury, I Read in a Blog Post this morning by Perry Noble

#1 – Is there ANYTHING that God is really dealing with me about right now that I am trying to deny? (Denial doesn’t make us a great leader…if God’s pressing in on YOU then He wants YOU to do something.)

YES, but I don't want to.

Is that denial? No its worse, its rebellion.

Its uncomfortable (to Me)
Its unprofitable (to Me)
Its unmanageable (for Me)

Trust me, its about me and I know it.

So here goes my conversation
Why can't God just do it? ...........Because He has called me to do it.
Why can't God just make it easy? .........He has, I can trust Him.
Why do you have to do this to me? ............Because He loves me and wants to show me how great that love is through this situation.

I am not denying it, but I am struggling with it.
Pray for me.
Not for courage, Not for strength, nor for understanding.
Pray that I would humble myself and please Him and not me or even you

And by the way, what are you saying no to?

A Letter to newLife from PRob

I believe this with all of my heart...Our Best Days as a Church are Ahead of us!

I say this because too often churches and Christians live in the successes of their past as well as hang onto their failures, instead of seeing the amazing things that God has in their future.

I think that once of the reasons that this happens is because to believe Better Days requires faith where remembering the past does not.

The Bible is full of truths concerning our future

To Nathanial Jesus said
John 1:50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
To the Disciples Jesus said.............
John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
To the Ephesians Paul believed this about God
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Greater Things
Greater Works
Greater than we could ask or think

Greater is Ahead of us so Pray with us as a Church as we press on to see, do, and experience Greater things in the coming days.

Have a Greater Day!

Let Him Have It

In this passage we find Daniel a slave in a foreign land. A slave not because of his own failures, but the failures of others. There, Daniels new king had a dream that required an interpreter, but the king asked for it to be interpreted without any information. Because no one could answer the kings dream all the wise men, Daniel included, were to be killed. Again, not of Daniels fault but something he must face anyway.

 

and this made me think about how many times things happen in our lives that are totally out of our control. The Failure of our economy, the Fighting of wars against others aggression, and something as simple as the business your working for failing.

 

Yet we try so hard to control uncontrollable situation. God in Daniel chapter 2 shows us how Daniel handled it, and maybe today he can help you as well.

 #1 There was Challenge in Daily Life

Daniel 2:10-11 (ESV)¹⁰ The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean. ¹¹ The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”

The king was asking the impossible and when the impossible was not possible the unthinkable happened. And there was nothing anyone on EARTH could do about it.

and this happens every day in our lives. Every day we face impossible challenges that cause unthinkable things to occur. We learn we have cancer, we are left by a loved one, we lose a job we worked hard at and can't find another.

and do you know what I do with the Challenges of Daily life? The same as most of us.
I try and handle it in my own power. Emotionally, Physically and even religiously.
But some challenges are bigger than our abilities.

#2 There was a Spiritual Calling

Daniel 2:17-19 (ESV) ¹⁷ Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, ¹⁸ and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. ¹⁹ Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

What did Daniel do when facing an impossible challenge?
He did three things.

             Daniel went to His Friends who had a relationship with God. Vs 17

             Daniel asked them to Seek Mercy from God for him and others like him Vs 18

             Daniel waited for an Answer. vs 19

This is all we can do and all we are expected to do when things are out of our control.

Seek friends who are believers in God and You. Ask them to seek Mercy from God for all involved, and wait for God to Answer.
Anything else we do will be wasted energy and emotion.

#3 There was a Heavenly Solution

Daniel 2:30 (ESV) ³⁰ But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind.

Daniel was not given an answer from God because of his own position with God, but his disposition, but that others may see that only God can make the impossible possible.

So when facing an impossible situation ask yourself these things..........

 

What am I trying to do in my own power?
What has God called me to do?
Whose Glory am I asking it for?

or let me put it this way.
Stop stressing, Start Praying with friends, and Seek Gods Glory and He will show up and save you.

Dust and Bugs

Last week while going on a short ride I felt the need to lower the visor on my helmet. (Usually I ride with it up to feel the wind) Upon lowering it I quickly noticed that I could not see through it. It was covered in dust and bugs. So blinded was I that I almost missed the upcoming corner which would have been bad.

And it made me think.
How many of us go through life covered in dust and bugs.
Just the daily build up of a dirty life. Little sins
Or the occasional bug to the face. Hurts that sting and then stain.
and soon we cannot see what is in front of us leading us to a crash.

What do we need?
A Cleansing

In Daniel chapter 1 we find a King who wants to change men's minds by giving them the best things in life. The most comfortable home, the most wonderful food, and the strongest drink.

But Daniel knew that these things would only blind Him to a greater life.
So to stay clear, this is what Daniel did.

Daniel 1:8 (ESV) But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

So instead of eating the kings meat Daniel went on a juice fast so that his heart and mind would be clear.
This moved God to bless Daniel in regards to his captors.
Daniel 1:9 (ESV) And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs,

and more than that, the King noticed that there was something different in Daniel.
Daniel 1:20 (ESV) And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.

When Daniel Cleansed himself from the Dust and Bugs he was given Clarity.

This Clarity caused others to give Him Charity. (Love)

 

And it made me wonder today, What does the face shield of your life say?

If you pull it down will you see what we see?
Dust and Bugs or Freedom to fly?

So here's the question
What are the dust and bugs?

How about bitterness towards some one or some loss?
How about the sin of Lust?
How about the sadness of hopelessness?

 

What is it that is blinding your vision of a Great Ride and leading you to miss the corner?

Do a Daniel and resolve and refuse that which would defile your face shield and clean off the dust and bugs of the past and you will have a brighter future.

A Letter to newLife from PRob

We had a wonderful day yesterday and I just wanted to share a few insights from it for those of you who may have missed the little things.

1. Lloyd became an owner. Lloyd came to us about a year ago when his wife got cancer. They came a few times but as she got sicker they missed a lot, and then she left us. Since the day of the funeral Lloyd has been faithful as he has sought to heal a broken heart. He is finding that healing in the love and affection given to him by you.

Thank you Church for loving a broken man.

2. Gina is excited. After the wonderful wedding of her daughter on Saturday, Gina came to church with such joy. Not that she isn't always happy, yesterday was just noticed more by me and many others

Thank you Church for sharing your happiness.

3. Newton is taking control. If there is one thing I notice as do others, our Parking lot greeters and ushers are getting younger and stronger. This is the sign of a healthy church as we are cared for by the strong. How could you miss Sunny, Nick, James, Luke and so many others.

Thank you Church for making us feel protected and provided for.

This is nothing but the fruit of the Spirit being lived out every Sunday.

Love-Joy-Peace (Galatians 5:22)

I hear from so many Christians talk about services to where they feel the Spirit move but this is the true evidence of it. Not an emotional response to a situation but a personal response to the Spirit of Gods work with fruit more than feeling.

I can't wait for Sunday

BTW - This Sundays Message is the most important message ever preached at newLife.
Bring a Friend

Songs that are moving me Closer to Him

I got this idea from another blogger and thought I would share what Songs are moving me today.

# 5 "Draw the Line" - Disciple (A Song of Decisions)

#4 "Rooftops" - Jesus Culture (I love to hear her joy in Worship)

#3 "Here for You" - Chris Tomlin (Nuff Said)

#2 "Help Me" - Cortt Chavis (Reminds me of why I do what I do and how to do it)

#1 "Amazed" - Kutless (I start Every Day with this one)

Am I missing any? Share with us

Four Legged Chairs VS Five Legged Chairs

When I was working at the paper mill I noticed corporate craziness at its best. One day a crew came in and took all of the chairs away and replaced them with new chairs.
When asked what they were doing they replied that there was a lost time accident in the offices due to a four legged office chair and they were replacing ALL of the chairs with safer five legged chairs.

and it made me wonder.
#1 What kind of an accident can you have in an office chair that warrants total replacement of all four legged chairs?

#2 How funny it must have been to see that person fall back. (I know I'm sick)

#3 Do we do this in our lives?

Something doesn't go our way so we totally replace our way of doing something.
Someone hurts us and so we totally replace those around us.

On Sunday when I suffered that almost life ended or at least life altering injury, I considered replacing myself with someone else, but then I thought.........

If God called me to it, and pain is the result, maybe pain is a part of it?
If God called me to it, why should I cause another person pain by short notice replacement, because of my own Pain? (Chair replacement was not cheap)
If God called me to it, Pain becomes an indicator of my dedication to that call.

Christians will suffer hurt in the work of God. Its inevitable.
But when our pain causes others pain it its wrong and indicates that our dedication is more to our comfort than the work of Christ.

We should'nt need five legged chairs to do our job, when God has supplied four.
We just need to be careful and not lean back on them and if we do, get back up, get back in your chair, and get back to work.

And yes, if you see someone fall back in their chair, pray for them, pick them up, and chuckle later.

Thank you for your concern - I am better today and yes, it was funny

Truth is Heard - What are YOU saying

I was thinking and this came to my mind  (Dangerous I know)

You can really know someone by what and how they say things.

If what comes out of  their mouth is good or positive - that is what they are
If what comes out of their mouth is bad or negative - that is what they are

You really can know someone by what and how they say things.
Let me hit you with some Jesus here

Luke 6:45 (ESV) The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

The good person, because he has good to give, produces good when he/she speaks.
You can know a person has a good heart by the way they speak

The evil person, because he has evil to give, produces evil when he/she speaks.
You can know a person has an evil heart by the way they speak

That which he/she speaks the most of is what they really are

So here is a question for the day.

What does your mouth say about your heart?
And what does it say about what you really value?

and Jesus says.............
Luke 6:46 (ESV) “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?

Grey Hairs shouldn't be Colored

With all of the newer Christians in the church I thought it might be important to share a Five thoughts on what a Mature Christian looks like so that they have something to aspire to and we have something to consider.

1. A Mature Christian Loves Jesus - And EVERY ONE knows it
They know it from your worship, at your work, and the way you carry yourself.

2. A Mature Christian Lives Like Jesus - And EVERY ONE sees it
They see it in your sacrifice and service to others, especially those who are far from God.

3. A Mature Christian Learns About Jesus - And EVERY ONE hears it
They hear it in your conversation. Rather than complaining, they hear you talk about Christ. (Had a GREAT converstation with a young man in the church and he is learning ALOT. By the way, He is a new Christian)

4. A Mature Christian Lets Go Like JEsus - And EVERY ONE feels it
They feel it in the forgiveness on your face and the humility in your heart. Never do they feel bitterness or anger coming from within.  (Luke 6:45)

5. A Mature Christian Lifts Like Jesus - And Every One is Touched by it.
They are touched by the sacrifice of your time, talents and treasures. Your service to the church every week makes a difference in thier lives.

In a world obsessed with looking physically younger, the Church ought to place a HIGH value on those who are Spiritually more mature.

and so the question today is,
"What one thing can I do to mature a little today?"

Why, When, What

It was a good service yesterday but I think that we hit a chord when I started off with God hating people who hate the church. (Prov 16:19) as EVERY thing changed right after that. Heaviness when sin is involved is important as its the Spirit of God working through hard and hurting hearts. But today I want to change directions a little and ask some questions of our church.

Why does it take the Pastor to bring basic truths to our minds i.e. Loving others? (see last weeks posts "today I am hurting")

When will mature Christians stop focusing on themselves?

What does God have to do to accomplish His Mission. (See Revelation chapters 2-3 and pick a church)

How do You and your church want to be viewed from Heaven?

(If your going to comment, please state what YOU are going to do not what WE should do)

How to miss Lonely People...........

Think that our problems are the ONLY problems
Focus ONLY on your little group
Serve ONLY in your area and no other
Arrive at the church ONLY when your Ready
Walk around like your the ONLY one in the room
Think that your the ONLY one who does these things

The ONLY thing missing is the L
and that goes above your head

Oh and an E but that can't mean EVERYONE does this?

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even knows she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter

And we never even met her

I don't feel any better today

I Am Hurting Today,

This past Sunday I had a conversation with an amazing young lady. She is full of fire! But as a younger person has some struggles.
Home, Heart, Happiness it happens.

But what broke my heart was this statement.......
"I haven't been coming because no one wants me to"

This didn't come from an adult who is whining because no one puts forth effort to chase them. Nor did it come from an adult who knows where we are but refuses to come until someone reaches out. You guys can GROW UP.

It came from a young person who has heard me say over and over and over again that no one who comes into these doors ought to feel alone. (Unless..see above note)
Yet sitting in her group, that is what she feels.

newLife, have we failed?

A Letter to newLife from PRob

We had an amazing Sunday and so I thought that I would share a little bit in case you missed it.

This Sunday One Amazing Person proclaimed the name of Jesus at her Baptism. Thank You Cindy

This Sunday Four Amazing Teachers got a standing ovation for the work that they do. Thank you Church for Honoring the worthy.

This Sunday over 100 Amazing people showed up for a picnic where food, fellowship, and fun were happening.

This Sunday I met two Amazing young men whose fathers I know very well. I played football back in the 80's with both of them.

There are some more amazing Sundays coming up as we take the men on a trip, in a few weeks begin a new series, see more people come to know Jesus, watch as they take that amazing step of Baptism, become a part of our body, grow out to reach others and see more people become free in Jesus.

I am looking forward to fall and can't wait for next Sunday.

Pastors and Pain Part 6

I know, it seems as if we need a lot of help.

Pastors need to pursue Jesus - HELP US
Pastors need to be encouraged in their Call -HELP US
Pastors need you to love the Church-HELP US
Pastors need you to bring people to Church- HELP US

It seems like a lot but its not really, but there is one more way you can help us.

Respect the Pastors Time.
Know this about every Pastor.............

They all have Families
They all are busy in Ministry
They all struggle to shut work off
They all (OK many) are ADD and our brains are always at work.

Meaning the light is ALWAYS on and someone is ALWAYS home.
and we need to shut down, turn off, tune out and were not going to use LSD to do such.

What we need is help and here is how.

#1 Be Responsible - Get in a Life Group
So many believe that the Pastor is the Church and the church is the Pastor meaning that every need they have is to be directed through him. But this is not true. We have specifically designed our life groups to perform much of the work of the ministry.
Discipleship, Benevolence, Visitation, Hospitalization, Prayer is all a function of Life Groups. If you are an Owner of newlife and not a part of a Life Group you will be irresponsible in thinking that the Pastor should perform these functions for you.
Be Responsible, Get in a Life Group

#2 Be Respectful - Of his person
A Pastor should never be viewed as someone who is there at YOUR beckoned call.
He as a human needs his own time. Find out what that time is and respect it.
For me my days off are Fridays, my Jesus days (Prep days) are Saturday and Monday.
I do most of my counseling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and business work on Thursdays.
Because of a Pastors Heart he will try and answer your phone calls at home, talk to you on his prep days, and give up his days off meaning he needs you help.
Be Respectful - of his person.

#3 Be Relational - Towards him.
Every Pastor is Human and if every TIME he meets you your NEGATIVE it will affect the way he relates to you. If every TIME he meets you your asking for HELP it will affect the way he relates to you. If every TIME he meets you your ENCOURAGING it will effect the way he relates to you.
The time you spend with him greatly impacts the way he views his work with you.
Ask yourself, when I spend time with the Pastor, how does he view me and how can I help him be encouraged by me?
He knows that there are negative times in our lives and he is OK and will do his best to encourage you. But all the time gets discouraging.
He knows that you need help and will sacrifice himself to do such, but all the time, it gets burdensome.
Every good relationship is built upon a balance of life, negative times, needy times, and
needful times (encouragement).
Be Relational -towards Him

this will make his time with you beneficial for both and will help to keep Him in the work of God.

Let Him pursue Jesus
Lift up His Call from Jesus
Love the Church the way Jesus Loves her
Bring People to Church
and Respect his time.

Do these things and you will go along way to being a blessing not only to the Pastor, but to the church.

I love you guys and can't wait for Sunday

Pastors and Pain Part 5

We have talked over the last few days about how to Help your Pastor and today is no exception. In fact this one is a big one for him.

Bring new people to church

There is nothing more exciting for a Pastor than the opportunity to share the Love of Jesus with a new face. Its not that there is anything wrong with the old faces but really our call is to find people far from God and when we have that opportunity it is so exciting. So how can you help in Bringing new people to church?

#1 Introduce them to the Pastor Personally.
He wants to know them and the best way is for YOU to personally introduce. This helps the pastor by allowing him to rely on your relationship to both of you in building a relationship with that new person.

#2 Explain the Pastor to them Personally.
Sit with them in their first sermon and help them understand who the Pastor is. It is easy to get offended at the work of God and so its important for them to know when I am serious and why, when I am joking, why we do we do. Help them know the Pastor.
and if your going to bad mouth him or excuse his behavior. Don't invite anyone as you have deeper issues that don't need to destroy the work of God.

#3 Allow the Pastor to Minister to them Personally.
Don't be jealous if the person you bring to church begins to spend time with the Pastor.
Don't be controlling of that person unless you meant to invite them to YOU and not Jesus. Let the Pastor love them his way, let the Pastor learn their needs and minister to them as he is led.

Anyone who comes to a Church will need to know the Pastor. Help him know them when you bring them.

Bring new people to Church
Love the Bride (Church)
Encourage the Pastors Call
Let the Pastor Pusue Jesus

Tomorrow is the Last one, get ready

Pastors and Pain #4

Every Pastor I meet, Loves the church he Pastors.
He lives and breaths church life.
He loves the call of the church to reach the lost.
He loves the cries in the church to heal the hurt.
He loves the Christ of the church to save mankind.

But what no Pastor loves is the Cutting of the Church. As the Bride of Christ, you hit the wife, you hit the husband and where I grew up that could get you punched.

How can I help the Pastor? Fall in Love with the very one Jesus Loves.

Be Supportive of Her. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Be Sacrificial for Her. (Ephesians 5:25)
Be Submissive to Her. (Ephesians 1:22)

If your struggling with the church, your relationship with Jesus will be bad as well.
You can't love the husband and hate the bride and you can't know the husband and not know the bride.

It breaks my heart to see people who claim to know Jesus cut the church mainly because of what the church has done for them.

#1 It has loved them when they were not lovable.
#2 It has lived for them when they were living for themselves.
#3 It has lifted them up even when they wanted to stay down.

Imperfect as she is, she is still His bride and He loves her and would never talk about her the way some do. One day she will stand before the Lord in All her Glory and will be honored for her love, labor, and life.

This church has changed my life. I love her. I have loved her for years. We have been through a lot together. God has led us on many journeys together and Love will hold us together.

You want to help your Pastor - Love the Bride
                                                  Let Him pursue Jesus
                                                  Lift up his Call

Tomorrow we will talk about new People.

Pastors and Pain Part 3

If the first step in helping your Pastor is to help him pursue Jesus, the next is a little more personal. While his pursuit of Jesus will benefit you, the next one protects him.

If you want to help your Pastor, Encourage His call to Ministry.

There is not a day that goes by, especially Mondays, where a Pastor does not wonder if he is doing the right thing. He might have an amazing Sunday but focus on the one negitive that happened causing him to think that he should quit.

This is Satans Plan, Smite the Shepherd and the Sheep will scatter. If he can get 3,000 pastors to quit every month there is a lot of confused and scared sheep out there.

So how can you encourage a Pastors call? Let me start with what not to do.
Do not tell him he is awesome. He knows better.
Do not tell him to stick it out. He will feel trapped.
Do not take him to lunch. He will get fat.

Temporary feelings of adequacy are waisted in a Spiritual Battle. Satan will just turn your good words into pride and soon the Pastor will fall.

So how can you encourage his call.

#1 Trust His Leadership.
I am not saying "Drink the Juice" but if the Pastor has given you no reason to not believe his leadership, you have no reason not to.

The problem is some people are not trusting people and many others see things through the pain of thier past or they have thier own agendas.

I am grateful for the many people who have trusted me through some very difficult transformations though they may not have fully understood why, they can see the truth is where God is moving me to move us.

#2 Try to follow His lead.
The messages that your Pastor brings every week is one that he beleives God has led him to give to you. Don't say good message try to live it. Try to do something with what God gave him.
Nothing encourages a Pastor more than to see you applying the truths God has given Him.

#3 Talk to Him with Respect.
If the Pastor has shown evidence of Gods call in his life, you might want to be careful how you talk to him. DAvid was careful with how He dealt with the Lords man, Elisha showed the dangers of disrespect towards a man of God. The Pastors call is a special one and worthy of great respect.

He is not your buddy, though he is your friend.
He is not your puppet to manipulate, though he is moved by your needs.
He is not your stepping stone to God, though he ought to be closer to Him than you.

Every week as a Pastor seeks to Follow Jesus, he seeks others who are seeking Him too. And when we find them, we find encouragement in the call of God.

#1 Help Him Pursue Jesus
#2 Encourage him in his Call from Jesus.

Do these two things and you will help eliviate the Pain a Pastor feels.

Pastors and Pain Part II

Every Month, 3,000 Pastors leave the Ministry, meaning that every month, 3,000 churches are left shepherd less. Paul's warning becomes very real at this time when he warned the Ephesian Elders that when he leaves wolves will come to devour the flock and weirdos will rise up and try to take control of the church. (Acts 20:29-30)

This could happen to any church at any time as Satan is working over time to destroy the Shepherd. (Matt 26:31) So knowing the Pain of Pastoring, let me encourage you with five things that will keep Him strong in the Lord and Loving Life.

#1 Help Your Pastor Pursue Jesus
A Pastors job is not 9-5, it never shuts off. Not because he can't but won't. We are constantly pursuing Jesus. We want to know Him more that we can help you know Him more. We want to love Him more so that we can help you love Him more. This is a 24 hour a day process for us and if done right takes time.

But if we are doing other things we are not pursuing Jesus.

How can you help your Pastor Pursue Jesus?

Take care of the Physical work of the Church. (Acts 6:4)

The building projects.
Take care of the maintenance of the building. The broken things, the dirty things, the new things.
A building ought to represent the body, meaning that the way we show physical respect of the building is the way we show spiritual respect to the body (the church).

The body projects.
Take care of each other, minister to each other, love each other.
A healthy body is one where the whole body cares for the whole body.

This gives your Pastor time to pray and prepare messages
It allows him time to meditate on Jesus rather than mediate men.
It allows him time to study about Jesus rather than saw a board.
It allows him time to survey the community rather than steady the church.

If your Pastor is allowed to pursue Jesus every week it can only mean greater things for everyone.

Tomorrow we will talk about another way to help your Pastor but don't move forward until you do all you can to do #1.

Have an Awesome Day

Passion and Pain and Pastors

Over the last few weeks I have met with several Pastors and noticed some things that I felt were important enough to share.

#1 Every Pastor I met................Loved Jesus
#2 Every Pastor I met................Believes in His Call to Ministry
#3 Every Pastor I met................is devoted to their Church
#4 Every Pastor I met................wants to see new people come to Christ and Christians grow in Grace.
#5 Every Pastor I met................Loves their wife, Kids, friends, and family

Truth is I am encouraged by their PASSION for all of these things, but I noticed something else.

#1 Every Pastor I met...............feels as if he is failing God
#2 Every Pastor I met...............Believes He is called but questions himself
#3 Every Pastor I met...............has church problems. (people, buildings, money)
#4 Every Pastor I met...............is struggling with the hurt caused by people who leave
#5 Every Pastor I met...............is aware of the need for Family/ministry Balance, and     has to work hard to keep that balance.

Truth is I am encouraged as well by their PAIN for all these things.

It has shown me that their passion overrides their pain because they keep fighting
It has shown me that though others may have given up and fallen away they are willing to take the pain as the end goal is more important than personal discomfort.
It has shown me that there are still men out there who are willing to risk it all for the Kingdom.

Praise God for men who don't neglect their First Love
Praise God for men who believe in themselves
Praise God for men who LOVE their CHURCH
Praise God for men who care more about souls than self
Praise God for men who put their FAMILIES FIRST over others

We are blessed to have Pastors in our lives and tomorrow I will help you understand how an Owner can help their Pastor

Have a Great day and see YOU ALL TONIGHT!

Real Power

This morning I met a lady that I went to high school with. Her name is Penny. I am not sure of her beliefs but I know this, every time we meet, its a positive experience.

Her attitude is positive
Her facial expressions are positive
Her work ethic is positive

She is always helpful, always hopeful, always happy.
She loves her husband and her life.

I would trust what she says.

She makes me want to know more about her and why she is so upbeat.

How powerful is that?

This is what I would love to see in Church

Many Penny's

Helpful, Hopeful, Happy people
Who love their husbands and wives, who Love their children, who love their church, who love their life.

Trustworthy people

People who are often asked about the reason of the hope that is in them.

Lets be that church

A Letter to newLife from PRob

Exciting times indeed.
Yesterdays Double Baptism (one near drowning)
The Red Road Trip
Prayer
Laborers

It Never Gets Old.

People being Saved, Stepping up to Baptism, Maturing to Service

Exciting times indeed.

Whats up this week?

Thursday Night Hot August Nights!
     Special Prayer for those far from God
     Special Songs for those close to God
     Special Preaching for those following God

Sunday's are always Exciting, Especially if you Bring someone who does not know Jesus.

It Never Gets Old

Have an Awesome Week

HOT

Its gonna be a warm one today so I thought I might encourage you with a few things.

#1 Watch your Attitude - Heat can easily cause us to lose our testimony.

#2 Give someone a Drink of Water - Its a Bible Thing. Prov 25:25

#3 Enjoy- We only get a few days like this a year. Don't complain, bemoan, or whine one of the best days we will have this year. Enjoy the sunrise, the sudden warm up, the air conditioning, and hopefully we will be done quickly tonight and we can all enjoy the sunset.

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

What a MITY gift

This was the extent of a note dropped off in the offering plate Sunday.

Miss Kathy,

Thursday night was so Enlightening for me. I Just feel Different inside.

I had a yard sale on Saturday with a lot of old things from my last marriage "in 2001".
I really forgave him from my heart.
I'm giving all to the church. 84.50.

Thank you from my heart  (Name withheld by the Pastor)

Luke 21:1-4

1And he (Jesus)  looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

² And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
³ And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
⁴ For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

Jesus pays attention to People and how they Give. vs 1-2
Jesus notices the amount they give. vs 2
Jesus responds to the depth of the gift. vs 3
Jesus praised the one who Gives. vs 3-4

God is going to do amazing things with $84.50 this week thanks to a woman who gave her all.

A Letter to our Super Heros

I know it gets a little crazy for you but you need to know..........

There is not a child you have loved that has not been eternally impacted by it.
There is not a moment you have sacrificed that has not been externally noticed by us.
There is not a pain you have felt as you see their broken hearts that has not been shared.
There is not a word spoken in Jesus name that is lost, void, empty, waisted.

What you do every week ministering to the children of this church is Amazing.
You are making a HUGE impact.
Jesus is using you to change their little world by giving them a Great Hope.

While you may not fully understand your impact this side of eternity, that's not the world we work in. Its the Heaven side we work for!

Matthew 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Fulfill His Will this Next Sunday and Keep Sharing Jesus with the little ones!

A Letter to newLife from PRob

Hey newlife there are a few things that I want to share to start your week with.

#1 Prayer on Thursday was the best prayer meeting I have ever been involved in.
You were passionate about not only "what" you were praying for, but "who" you were praying with.

#2 Yesterday was Awesome as so many stepped up to take ownership of their church. I can't wait to see how God uses you for doing so.

#3 There are a couple of men whom God is burning a fire in and its spreading quickly. I can't wait for Sunday afternoon.

But more important that what has happened and what is happening is what will happen when the people of God become more Christ like and less Crowd like.

I can't wait for Thursday!

Have a GREAT Day

Turn and Burn

Sometimes God speaks so loudly its as if He is yelling at me and here is what I heard

1 Samuel 17:30 (KJV) And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.

David had just had an encounter with his brother over Davids anger towards Goliath challenging God's people and his brothers unwillingness to step up and be a man. Eliab berated David calling David selfish and self centered out of Eliabs own conviction.

But what I love is this.

When faced with an angry/convicted brother, David does not hesitate to get back to the real issue – Goliath.

It would have been so easy for David to have gotten his feelings hurt, or lash back, or sulk off and dwell on it the rest of the day, but David knew that the real issue was Goliath.

Here is the question..............

Am I waisting my time thinking on the insignificant in the Kingdom - (Eliab) or am I Kingdom Focused today?

Today I am turning towards another and dealing with whats Most Important.

How about you?

Something Big is gonna Fall

This morning I awoke to the stark realization that I still don't get it. Let me explain.

Yesterday in my devotion I read in 1 Samuel 17, the passage describing Davids righteous anger towards Goliath for challenging His God and His confusion towards why the men David looked up to were doing nothing about it.

and these are the stupid questions I asked myself.

Am I as Eliab and Jealous of another mans blessed life? No
Do I feel as if God has rejected me for another mans blessed life as Eliab? No

In all honesty I thought this passage was about me and yet I found no application and then last night I met with David himself. (His real identity is hidden) And David said to me "Is there not a CAUSE?" and my response to him was but we don't want to upset anyone.

DOH

When a man is challenged about His fear, failures, and selfishness it always angers Him.
1 Samuel 17:28 (KJV) And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

Eliab’s reaction was to attack another man because of Eliab’s perception that life had cheated Him and David was only making Eliab feel worse. So Eliab chose to cut David down to size by portraying David as Prideful, Arrogant, Unfaithful, and having to always be the center of Attention.

and Davids reply? Is there not a cause?

Yesterdays devotion was not for me to apply to me, but to apply to David.
So David - Go for it
No Excuses
Yes there is a Cause?

Yes the men will react negatively but its only because they know their wrong.
They know their doing nothing for the kingdom. They know their protecting themselves. They know their too afraid to actually live by faith and give even one hour to serve the King.

But if only you step down into that valley with a sling and a stone, newlife is gonna have a Party on Goliaths chest, but know this, your not alone.

I am with You!
There is a Cause!
Lets Roll

Why Difficult Trials are for our Benefit

Relationships are made Stronger

Matthew 14:32 (KJV)  And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Notice the words, THEY were come into the Ship.

Jesus and Peter - Together
Even when we step out in faith an fail, Jesus is all about drawing closer to us.

Calm Ensued

Matthew 14:32 (KJV)  And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Trials do end. I know it doesn't seem like it but they do and when Jesus is involved that which seemed to sink you will dissappear.

Worship Perfected

Matthew 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him,

Real worship.

No music, just praise

Not pointed towards Mans feelings or emotions because the trial is over. But when we go on a Journey to experianced Jesus and we are closer to Him and calmer because of Him we cannot help but Cry Out to Him as our Savior.

Faith Renewed

Matthew 14:33 (KJV)  Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

They had their moments of doubt, but this experience renewed their faith in the Love and Life of God. And forever changed them.

I know that it seems as if trials never end, but it might be because you won't stop rowing, bailing water, and whining. If Jesus put you in the boat, Jesus will bail you out.

Pray to Him, in faith and wait for Him to bring the calm.

He will and it will forever change your life.

Have an Awesome day of Boating

Jesus wants to know...........

Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

I don't know why we ignore the fact that Jesus is very much alive and knows what is going on in our lives. He said He would never leave us nor forsake us and through the Holy Spirit He is with us and in us. (Heb 13:5 and John 14:17) and so it should not surprise us to have Him question the level of our faith.

Why do we doubt His Love?

Why do we doubt His Life?
Why do we doubt His Living Today?

It might be a good thing to take inventory of our Faith level and maybe pump it up a little as well as question where and why we are doubting Him as Faith is the Substance of things HOPED for, the EVIDENCE of things NOT SEEN.

While Jesus would never question the crowd on the level of their faith, He does question ours.

Lets fill it up this week and if you want, share with us how your going to do that.

Have an awesome day

CSI and the Proof of our Lives

This morning I was thinking.......
If we took the words of Jesus seriously, "Greater love has no man than this, to lay down His LIFE for his friends" Wouldn't there be a body of evidence? Wouldn't there be a trail if Sacrifices to Prove Love is happening?

Help me. Other than Jesus,  Who has laid down their life for you?
And how have YOU laid your life down for another?

Would CSI come looking at you for evidence or would they be looking for you as a murderer?
Help me see the evidence just make sure it's a dead body and. Of. Just some lame Christian who says he loves yet lives.

Why I Changed

This past Sunday reminded me of why I am not the person I used to be.
Because I don't like mean angry Christians.
we are happy and they assume we are Pentecostal.
we celebrate and  they believe we are fake.
Because we don't dress up (like them) and we honor Him less.

In their eyes they are the True believers, we are less worthy because we won't follow them.
In their eyes their beliefs are the right beliefs meaning they are better.
In their eyes they are the Defenders of the faith called by God to correct OUR errors..
This you see in there witnessing and their writings and the ease in which they will separate themselves from you to keep themselves clean.

I see it as arrogance in ignorance and I don't like them and didn't want to be one so I left them.
Not to stay clean but because I don't want to be mean.

Family is Awesome

I will be visiting with family this week. But will see you Sunday. Have a great week in Him.

Its Real Simple

Point 10 – Peter Doubted

Matthew 14:30  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Maybe not in God but in Himself.

He saw
He was
He cried

Point 11 – Jesus Saved

Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Cause that’s what Jesus does

 I can't wait for Sunday

What will it take?

While you would think that being in a storm just having Jesus show up would be enough. Jesus is there, were all saved, Awesome. But this story doesn't end there as if often doesn't in our own lives. Today I want to share a couple of truths that we might want to explore in our own lives.

#1 Peter Pushes it
Matthew 14:28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

When the disciples found out that it was Jesus and HE was there to save them, that should have been all they needed right? But not for Peter. He wanted Jesus to prove Himself to him.

and there are three ways Peter pushed Jesus.

He questioned the Face of Jesus. (It is I vs 27)

He questioned the Faith of Jesus. (Be of good cheer vs 27)

He questioned the Fact of Jesus. (If it be thou vs 28)

and we do this ourselves.

Its not enough that Jesus saved us, we constantly push Him by questioning Him with questions like......

       Who is Jesus really? Can He save me, Can He heal, can He stop the storm?

       Where is Jesus really? Be of good Cheer? doesn't He see where I am?

       What is Jesus saying Really? If its you, do this. (we say to our Lord)

But our pushing the truth of Jesus isn't the worst part, this is

#2 Jesus will Accept your Challenge

Matthew 14:29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

If there is one thing you must understand about Jesus.

     He is not afraid to do something Miraculous

     He is not afraid to Prove His Name

     He is not afraid to Show you how Awesome He is

The question is, do you really want to get out of a perfectly good boat?

     One that Jesus already put you in?

     One that Jesus already prayed for?

     One that Jesus already came to save?

Just to prove to yourself that Jesus is who He says He is?

Let me ask you this, Where are you questioning Jesus right now and are you willing to sink just to prove to yourself what you already know?