Speed
Speed is an amazing thing.
We often complain that things don’t happen fast enough in our lives, or that God takes to long to ever move. We are often impatient people. Time and dreams seem to drag and go slow.
Then there are times when you can’t keep up. The speed as at warp-factor 7!
At those time we find ourselves questioning, doubting because... “It’s all happen too fast, something may go wrong”. The Speed that God moves blows us away and we want to slow things way do so that we can control them.
We have 9 months to prepare to be parents and receive our child into this world. It seems like forever when you first hear that you are expecting. Then that last month it feels like it all has gone by to fast. Then the day arrives and you stand there in awe, wonder.... “How did we get here and what do we do no?”
I remember a phrase that has stuck with me on speed and leadership.
“The speed of the leader often dictates the speed of the team (organization / church)”
The issue of speed, too fast or too slow has always been with mankind.
The scriptures are full of examples showing how people of faith cried out God to move, move swift and then as God moves swift, they freeze up.
It’s strange that we often resist God even after we have prayed and prayed.
Those moments hit leaders hard.
Speed is ever fluid. We do not control God and how He decides to lead.
Rather we are called to follow. Sometimes that following means it’s slow walk in the park and other times it’s a sprint that is wild and dangerous. Yet we are called to follow.
Right now I am and we as a church our experiencing SPEED BUMPS.
God is moving lighting fast. Just this morning I received two more surprise phone calls that completely confirm where God is taking us with regard to the Outreach Center.
I am in awe!
Each phone call, e-mail, follow up has and will cause speed bumps. It’s part of being fallen humans trying to follow a perfect God. Father God that always has our best interest. So what do you do with speed and speed bumps?
You try your best, and trust Father God.
There are too many examples of when we question, doubt and try to control God’s timing that things really unravel and become a bigger mess. So let’s follow God no matter what speed he moves. If it appears to be slow or mach 5. Let’s have the faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Faith tom follow God on a wild goose chase.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Crazy Love - Best Life... Later
Best Life... later
The last several weeks have been an amazing fast-paced ride with God. As the year was getting close to wrapping up it appeared that our dream or securing a place for our outreach center / coffee -shop would not happen. Then God opened some amazing doors and moved us from our “smaller” dream to the “bigger” end goal dream of a site where we could open up a night club. It has happened so fast, it’s freaky.
We have not signed an agreement yet, but the terms of the agreement are almost set to both sides satisfaction. Now the question of the week, will we step up, sacrifice, look crazy to others and really bring this dream to life. Sunday, Dec. 6th we began with $4,000 in our special outreach fund. As I write this (Dec. 8th) we have just over $9,000 actual cash in this fund. That is truly a YEAH GOD!
There are giants to face in this process. giants like...
Bathroom construction and cost
Painting
Remodeling
Monthly budget matters
Volunteers to main the club once it opens
Moving offices, equipment
Re-inventing the church from the theaters to a night club vibe
and more.
Yet God is already providing,
50 table stands
50 chairs (plus maybe another 80)
Bathroom fixtures
The money to give a deposit and first month rent
I ask that first and for most you praise God with us for His provision.
Pray with us for the exciting site of the old Quality Woods store (Hwy 14 & 63)
Pray for continued financial resources and donations.
Pray that God may be glorified and hundreds reach if this site really opens up.
We are on the edge of a dream... do you want to step into a high risk adventure with God, or wait for the great adventure... later?
I pray that you join with us in faith.
It’s so cool to to running with God.
Listen to this last weeks Sunday morning for more details and to catch the vision.
http://journeychurch.libsyn.com/
The last several weeks have been an amazing fast-paced ride with God. As the year was getting close to wrapping up it appeared that our dream or securing a place for our outreach center / coffee -shop would not happen. Then God opened some amazing doors and moved us from our “smaller” dream to the “bigger” end goal dream of a site where we could open up a night club. It has happened so fast, it’s freaky.
We have not signed an agreement yet, but the terms of the agreement are almost set to both sides satisfaction. Now the question of the week, will we step up, sacrifice, look crazy to others and really bring this dream to life. Sunday, Dec. 6th we began with $4,000 in our special outreach fund. As I write this (Dec. 8th) we have just over $9,000 actual cash in this fund. That is truly a YEAH GOD!
There are giants to face in this process. giants like...
Bathroom construction and cost
Painting
Remodeling
Monthly budget matters
Volunteers to main the club once it opens
Moving offices, equipment
Re-inventing the church from the theaters to a night club vibe
and more.
Yet God is already providing,
50 table stands
50 chairs (plus maybe another 80)
Bathroom fixtures
The money to give a deposit and first month rent
I ask that first and for most you praise God with us for His provision.
Pray with us for the exciting site of the old Quality Woods store (Hwy 14 & 63)
Pray for continued financial resources and donations.
Pray that God may be glorified and hundreds reach if this site really opens up.
We are on the edge of a dream... do you want to step into a high risk adventure with God, or wait for the great adventure... later?
I pray that you join with us in faith.
It’s so cool to to running with God.
Listen to this last weeks Sunday morning for more details and to catch the vision.
http://journeychurch.libsyn.com/
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Crazy Love - Leftovers
Leftovers
I am not a big fan of leftovers. It’s not that I want to waste food, it’s just not normally as good as the first time it was served up. When Francis Chan titled chapter 5, “Leftovers to a Holy God” I knew it was not going to pretty. I was right, it is a deeply challenging chapter, especially coming after “Lukewarm” (Chapter 4).
But Chan touches on things that I have long struggled with personally.
How can we call ourselves real Jesus Followers (Disciples) if we only give God leftovers (time, money, effort, love, etc.) I have never believed that just “believing” was all that God asks of us. No He wants a really, vibrant relationship. “All or nothing” His love for us was “all of nothing”, our marriages are created to be “all or nothing” and yet we don’t believe that God would require that type of love (action love) of us.
I shared my view of Black Friday this weekend... wow did that surprise some people!
We can manage to get out of bed, grab some coffee, and race to get in line by 3 or 4 a.m. to not miss out on the great door busters deals, but we can’t get up for a 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. service each Sunday. We can’t serve on a volunteer grid and help set up, teach young kids, greet at the door. We can’t help pack food boxes from 9 - noon once a month.... but we can commit, plan and do door busters?
“Where you treasure is, there your heart will be also”, words of Jesus Christ.
In Malachi God warned that “leftover” sacrifices have left God wishing that someone would close the temple (church) doors. God would have us shut down ministries, than continue getting Him the leftovers. Is God worth our best or not? Does our love for God natural draw us to service and sacrifice?
King David said, “I will not offer a sacrifice that cost me nothing” Modern translation.... “no pain no gain”
This is not about having us serve and give more out of guilt, this is about having such a love for God, we naturally poor out our best to Him and others.
Ask yourself why are so many churches and denominations closing and getting smaller and smaller? Could it be.... too many leftovers have been served and God is doing what He warned us about in Malachi’s day. Could it be that seekers can see when it’s not real love.... but leftovers. Why would they come back to a place that doesn’t really, radically love and follow God. I wouldn’t! Really I wouldn’t.
This idea of giving God leftovers deeply effects God’s heart. Twice Jesus cleared the merchants from the temple. Once with a whip! God does not want us playing church. partially following... no he wants “All or nothing”
What are you giving.... your best or leftovers to a Holy God that loves you like Crazy and gave nothing but the best for you?
I am not a big fan of leftovers. It’s not that I want to waste food, it’s just not normally as good as the first time it was served up. When Francis Chan titled chapter 5, “Leftovers to a Holy God” I knew it was not going to pretty. I was right, it is a deeply challenging chapter, especially coming after “Lukewarm” (Chapter 4).
But Chan touches on things that I have long struggled with personally.
How can we call ourselves real Jesus Followers (Disciples) if we only give God leftovers (time, money, effort, love, etc.) I have never believed that just “believing” was all that God asks of us. No He wants a really, vibrant relationship. “All or nothing” His love for us was “all of nothing”, our marriages are created to be “all or nothing” and yet we don’t believe that God would require that type of love (action love) of us.
I shared my view of Black Friday this weekend... wow did that surprise some people!
We can manage to get out of bed, grab some coffee, and race to get in line by 3 or 4 a.m. to not miss out on the great door busters deals, but we can’t get up for a 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. service each Sunday. We can’t serve on a volunteer grid and help set up, teach young kids, greet at the door. We can’t help pack food boxes from 9 - noon once a month.... but we can commit, plan and do door busters?
“Where you treasure is, there your heart will be also”, words of Jesus Christ.
In Malachi God warned that “leftover” sacrifices have left God wishing that someone would close the temple (church) doors. God would have us shut down ministries, than continue getting Him the leftovers. Is God worth our best or not? Does our love for God natural draw us to service and sacrifice?
King David said, “I will not offer a sacrifice that cost me nothing” Modern translation.... “no pain no gain”
This is not about having us serve and give more out of guilt, this is about having such a love for God, we naturally poor out our best to Him and others.
Ask yourself why are so many churches and denominations closing and getting smaller and smaller? Could it be.... too many leftovers have been served and God is doing what He warned us about in Malachi’s day. Could it be that seekers can see when it’s not real love.... but leftovers. Why would they come back to a place that doesn’t really, radically love and follow God. I wouldn’t! Really I wouldn’t.
This idea of giving God leftovers deeply effects God’s heart. Twice Jesus cleared the merchants from the temple. Once with a whip! God does not want us playing church. partially following... no he wants “All or nothing”
What are you giving.... your best or leftovers to a Holy God that loves you like Crazy and gave nothing but the best for you?
Friday, November 27, 2009
Black Friday.... really?
Black Friday
The day after Thanksgiving.... the day set a side to honor and praise God for all the many blessings of the past year. (Like we really need a holiday to remind to do that? Oh yeah... we are American’s) The Turkey is barely been digested and our new holiday.. “Black Friday” is all the rage around the USA.
Really after saying thank for all our blessing we need run out and buy MORE!
Run out a 3 or 4 a.m. because that’s when all the best deals are happening.
I think Satan is laughing his head off at our materialistic world.
Rather than sleep, get rested and enjoy family... we’d rather get up crazy early, push and shove in order to try and get that “door buster” or “super savings on select items”.
Really having more is really worth it!
The average person live on $2.00 per day in this world, while we are in line today. Between Black Friday and Christmas Eve, we in America will spend more than 400 billion dollars. By Dec. 15th, we won’t even remember who gave us half of our new stuff.
Now I am not against gifts. I love both giving and receiving gifts.
But when we must get up long before the sun wakes up.... something is wrong.
When we go from thankfulness to credit card debt in 24 hours or less.... something is wrong.
Ask yourself who created “Black Friday”.... the retail outlets of America. Who benefits from “Black Friday”.... the retail stores of the USA.
Ask yourself did the long, early morning, crazy shopping line radically change yours or anyone else's lives to day?
Maybe “Black Friday” is the best name for what is happening today. Maybe it best describes our hearts. Dark and black from the love of things, rather than the love of people.
But then again as a friend of mine mentioned this morning... “maybe this is like the fishing opener for women.”
The day after Thanksgiving.... the day set a side to honor and praise God for all the many blessings of the past year. (Like we really need a holiday to remind to do that? Oh yeah... we are American’s) The Turkey is barely been digested and our new holiday.. “Black Friday” is all the rage around the USA.
Really after saying thank for all our blessing we need run out and buy MORE!
Run out a 3 or 4 a.m. because that’s when all the best deals are happening.
I think Satan is laughing his head off at our materialistic world.
Rather than sleep, get rested and enjoy family... we’d rather get up crazy early, push and shove in order to try and get that “door buster” or “super savings on select items”.
Really having more is really worth it!
The average person live on $2.00 per day in this world, while we are in line today. Between Black Friday and Christmas Eve, we in America will spend more than 400 billion dollars. By Dec. 15th, we won’t even remember who gave us half of our new stuff.
Now I am not against gifts. I love both giving and receiving gifts.
But when we must get up long before the sun wakes up.... something is wrong.
When we go from thankfulness to credit card debt in 24 hours or less.... something is wrong.
Ask yourself who created “Black Friday”.... the retail outlets of America. Who benefits from “Black Friday”.... the retail stores of the USA.
Ask yourself did the long, early morning, crazy shopping line radically change yours or anyone else's lives to day?
Maybe “Black Friday” is the best name for what is happening today. Maybe it best describes our hearts. Dark and black from the love of things, rather than the love of people.
But then again as a friend of mine mentioned this morning... “maybe this is like the fishing opener for women.”
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Crazy Love
This week we kick off a new discussion / book study based of the national best seller "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. The book starts off at an easy pace and then at Chapter 4 explodes with some serious challenge stuff.
Chan rights "this book is written for those who want more Jesus. It is for those who are bored with what American Christianity offers. It is for those who don't want to plateau, those who would rather die before their convictions do."
I personally have been renewed, re-energized and deeply challenged by this book to take my faith up several notches. My prayer is that what we as individuals and a church community experience between Christmas will forever change us into living out an even deeper, crazier love for God and others.
Are you ready to get crazy?
How crazy is too crazy?
Chan rights "this book is written for those who want more Jesus. It is for those who are bored with what American Christianity offers. It is for those who don't want to plateau, those who would rather die before their convictions do."
I personally have been renewed, re-energized and deeply challenged by this book to take my faith up several notches. My prayer is that what we as individuals and a church community experience between Christmas will forever change us into living out an even deeper, crazier love for God and others.
Are you ready to get crazy?
How crazy is too crazy?
Friday, November 06, 2009
Improved Podcast
Exciting news. This week Journey re-launched our podcast page. (Thanks to Joel H.)
This new podcast page is much more universal and will allow people to subscribe to itunes and always stay connected. (that part is in process now)
Check out the new podcast by going to our Journey Church front page
www.journeychurch.net
click on the podcast icon button.
Look for more video content via our Youtube account coming soon.
This new podcast page is much more universal and will allow people to subscribe to itunes and always stay connected. (that part is in process now)
Check out the new podcast by going to our Journey Church front page
www.journeychurch.net
click on the podcast icon button.
Look for more video content via our Youtube account coming soon.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Out of tbe darkness
It's been a few weeks since I have posted. The past few months have been some of the darkest, toughest of my ministry years, the life of this church and my personal family.
Spiritual warfare is real and it takes alot out of you...on so many levels.
But now I sense that we are moving out of that darkness and rolling again.
Personally I am more focused. I am feeling confident in handing things off to people, current and newer leaders. There is something to be said for coming through tough times together as a family, with the Holy Spirit. It pulls even closer. Oh yeah we've had some really intense interactions as of late... but we are also stronger for having not run from them. It's not fun, but it's been beneficial.
I believe that there is a new desire to advance again, welcome and intergrate newcomers as well. That is exciting. I am excited, because once again I have seen God work through hard times, I have seen His people rise up and I am freer to do what I am called to do.
It's good to see some light!
Spiritual warfare is real and it takes alot out of you...on so many levels.
But now I sense that we are moving out of that darkness and rolling again.
Personally I am more focused. I am feeling confident in handing things off to people, current and newer leaders. There is something to be said for coming through tough times together as a family, with the Holy Spirit. It pulls even closer. Oh yeah we've had some really intense interactions as of late... but we are also stronger for having not run from them. It's not fun, but it's been beneficial.
I believe that there is a new desire to advance again, welcome and intergrate newcomers as well. That is exciting. I am excited, because once again I have seen God work through hard times, I have seen His people rise up and I am freer to do what I am called to do.
It's good to see some light!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
GPS #1 - Directionally Challenged
This week we began a new discussion series called GPS. Our goal over the next few weeks is to learn "systems" or "practices" that will help us grow our relationship with God, so that we on really see where He would have us go.
The trouble is that most of us are directionally challenged.
Instead of finding direction and meaning from God, we finding money, career, power, status, family and friends, etc. We set our life by the stuff of earth instead of the tings of Heaven. Then as life goes by we yell at God that we have no idea where we are going, how we got here, or why our life isn't moving and exciting.
I believe that this directionally challenged life partly because we are asking the wrong question. Most of ask, "where am I know, and where should I be going next."
This is based off of a self-centered few of life. We start with life now... "me now" and the seek direction on life later.... "me future."
When maybe the real question is "where is God moving and how can I join with him."
This directional question is based on the movement of God, his dreams, his desires... not ours. It's a much bigger and much more exciting question... because God is limitless in what is doing and wants to do in our world.
Jesus said, "My Father is always at work, and so am I" (John 5:17)
Then he says, "I tell you the truth, the son can do nothing by himself. He only does what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does the son also does." (John 5:19)
That is amazing and very insightful for us. Set your course by what God is already doing. Start looking for God action in our lives, churches, community and world.
The problem is we can't see what God is doing unless we address a blinding issue in our lives.... STUBBORNNESS. Read the story of Balaam and his donkey in Numbers Chapter 22. A great spiritual man was blinded by his own stubbornness. God had to creatively get Balaam's attention and once again remind his servant to live a humble life of obedience.
Since I can be a really stubborn person at times, I love reading this story. It reminds me that if God can have an "Ass" see spiritual things before the "rock-star spiritual giant Balaam, maybe I can begin to see the things of God as well.
Are you directionally challenged today?
Ask yourself.... "am I a stubborn person"?
Ask yourself.... " am I looking for where God is already moving, or am i trying to have things my way, and make them look really spiritual."
The trouble is that most of us are directionally challenged.
Instead of finding direction and meaning from God, we finding money, career, power, status, family and friends, etc. We set our life by the stuff of earth instead of the tings of Heaven. Then as life goes by we yell at God that we have no idea where we are going, how we got here, or why our life isn't moving and exciting.
I believe that this directionally challenged life partly because we are asking the wrong question. Most of ask, "where am I know, and where should I be going next."
This is based off of a self-centered few of life. We start with life now... "me now" and the seek direction on life later.... "me future."
When maybe the real question is "where is God moving and how can I join with him."
This directional question is based on the movement of God, his dreams, his desires... not ours. It's a much bigger and much more exciting question... because God is limitless in what is doing and wants to do in our world.
Jesus said, "My Father is always at work, and so am I" (John 5:17)
Then he says, "I tell you the truth, the son can do nothing by himself. He only does what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does the son also does." (John 5:19)
That is amazing and very insightful for us. Set your course by what God is already doing. Start looking for God action in our lives, churches, community and world.
The problem is we can't see what God is doing unless we address a blinding issue in our lives.... STUBBORNNESS. Read the story of Balaam and his donkey in Numbers Chapter 22. A great spiritual man was blinded by his own stubbornness. God had to creatively get Balaam's attention and once again remind his servant to live a humble life of obedience.
Since I can be a really stubborn person at times, I love reading this story. It reminds me that if God can have an "Ass" see spiritual things before the "rock-star spiritual giant Balaam, maybe I can begin to see the things of God as well.
Are you directionally challenged today?
Ask yourself.... "am I a stubborn person"?
Ask yourself.... " am I looking for where God is already moving, or am i trying to have things my way, and make them look really spiritual."
Monday, October 12, 2009
Rites of Passage
There was a time when parents had the honor of blessing their children. This blessing came as the parents saw that the child was "coming of age", or fully able to handle what was been passed on to them.
Our world no longer embraces this idea of rite of passage with a parents blessing.
No now we have a world where most kids believe, "I deserve it." Our children no longer want that special moment with mom and dad... instead they just want the stuff that was once seen as a blessing.
Cars are now seen as a given in a kids life.... not a gift or sign of coming of age.
Cellphones are standard issue to every child.... not a tool that can be afforded and used properly at the right times.
Getting a savings account or check book are no longer seen as great teaching moments, something that need wisdom and guidance... they are seen as absolutes in a kids life.
So many special rites of passage, long term memory moments have been taken, removed or erased from the family of today. It used to be extra special to when dad when and said, "today is the day we start car shopping together, let me show what I have learned. Let's got kick some tires."
Throughout the Bible there are stories of how the blessing and rite of passage was a major event in family and nations life. David and Solomon, Jacob and Esau, Elijah to Elisha, just name a few.
No rites of passage moments appear to evaporating and with it goes a big part of parenthood, family, and memories. I think it is a sad, sad statement on our world today. The objects of the blessing and rite are now more important than the experience and the personal blessing, honor, smile from mom and dad.
As a parent of a senior in high school... this sad reality is hitting home with me.
I wish, I pray that my kids wanted and longed for the blessing, the smiles and impute from their parents... instead of just the stuff. Days are short, and memories and moments are even fewer.
Just some observations and ramblings from a guy, husband and father.
Our world no longer embraces this idea of rite of passage with a parents blessing.
No now we have a world where most kids believe, "I deserve it." Our children no longer want that special moment with mom and dad... instead they just want the stuff that was once seen as a blessing.
Cars are now seen as a given in a kids life.... not a gift or sign of coming of age.
Cellphones are standard issue to every child.... not a tool that can be afforded and used properly at the right times.
Getting a savings account or check book are no longer seen as great teaching moments, something that need wisdom and guidance... they are seen as absolutes in a kids life.
So many special rites of passage, long term memory moments have been taken, removed or erased from the family of today. It used to be extra special to when dad when and said, "today is the day we start car shopping together, let me show what I have learned. Let's got kick some tires."
Throughout the Bible there are stories of how the blessing and rite of passage was a major event in family and nations life. David and Solomon, Jacob and Esau, Elijah to Elisha, just name a few.
No rites of passage moments appear to evaporating and with it goes a big part of parenthood, family, and memories. I think it is a sad, sad statement on our world today. The objects of the blessing and rite are now more important than the experience and the personal blessing, honor, smile from mom and dad.
As a parent of a senior in high school... this sad reality is hitting home with me.
I wish, I pray that my kids wanted and longed for the blessing, the smiles and impute from their parents... instead of just the stuff. Days are short, and memories and moments are even fewer.
Just some observations and ramblings from a guy, husband and father.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Farve Nation
Tonight the Packers meet the Vikings for the first time since Brett Farve retired (for the first time) and the rejoined the NFL. This will be the first meeting of Farve with his old team mates. 16b years at GB and now he is a Viking. How strange it will be for so many tonight.
I am a Packer fan first.
Viking fan second and a Farve third.
I am really looking forward to a fun game. Rodgers vs Farve. Packer vs Vikings (always good game), cheese heads vs goldie locks.
I predict that Packers will win. But it will be a long, intense game.
I am a Packer fan first.
Viking fan second and a Farve third.
I am really looking forward to a fun game. Rodgers vs Farve. Packer vs Vikings (always good game), cheese heads vs goldie locks.
I predict that Packers will win. But it will be a long, intense game.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
You never know who is in the crowd
We say it over and over with our leadership team, we pray and ask God to prepare us each Sunday to serve and love each newcomer, regular attender. “Any given Sunday, we have no idea who is in the crowd.”
It has taken me two days to put something to paper about the tragic suicide on Sunday afternoon (9-20-09). Plans had been made for me to meet with Chad and Stephanie Fisher, along with a seeking friend....Brent. Brent was Chad’s twin sister (Candi) ex-boyfriend, father of their young son. Brent and Candi had met while both living a life consumed by Meth. Both had become clean in recent years and had begun to put pieces of life back together in a healthier way.
Both were seekers of sorts.
Brent had begun to ask lots of spiritual / faith questions of Chad. Saturday, Brent helped several people from Journey paint Dave Reynolds home.
Sunday, Brent attended our Sunday morning gathering at the Chateau Theaters. This Sunday we continued our series on Forgiveness.... the real “f” word and focused on forgiving the offender. How do you forgive someone that has really hurt you.
We showed a media clip from an independent film called “THE GAP”. The clip showed a man seeking forgiveness from his ex-wife that he had cheated on. The women asked tough questions, but in the end granted forgiveness and let him “go in peace with God.”
Little did we know that this media scene would be played out a few hours later between Brent and Candi. Instead of meeting after church with Chad, Steph and myself.... Brent asked to meet another day.
4:30 p.m. the phone rings and Chad fears Brent has driven off to commit suicide after a brief meeting with his sister Candi. By 5 p.m. Brent is found barely alive. By 7 p.m. he has passed away at St. Marys hospital.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS IN THE CROWD.
Brent was seeking.
Brent heard a powerful and dangerous message on forgiveness.
Brent heard a clear gospel message of how Christ blood, death on the cross is what frees us from our sin and is all God see’s if we are his children. If we have accepted Christ, sought God’s forgiveness... God sees us as clean because of Jesus.
We pray and hope that Brent gave his life to Christ / God before his passing.
He was seeking.
He was hurting.
He was trapped in a dark place that the enemy did not want him to come out of.
I am reminded of the words from Peter. These words have new power and meaning.
"8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters[ all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen." (1 Peter 5:8-11)
I believe that Brent is with our loving King and Savior. I believe that the church will rise up and serve the Fisher family. I believe that will be glorified in a bold powerful way some how. I believe that new passion and zeal will come of this as we remember YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS IN THE CROWD.
May be always be prepared to give an answer for our faith and serve others.
It has taken me two days to put something to paper about the tragic suicide on Sunday afternoon (9-20-09). Plans had been made for me to meet with Chad and Stephanie Fisher, along with a seeking friend....Brent. Brent was Chad’s twin sister (Candi) ex-boyfriend, father of their young son. Brent and Candi had met while both living a life consumed by Meth. Both had become clean in recent years and had begun to put pieces of life back together in a healthier way.
Both were seekers of sorts.
Brent had begun to ask lots of spiritual / faith questions of Chad. Saturday, Brent helped several people from Journey paint Dave Reynolds home.
Sunday, Brent attended our Sunday morning gathering at the Chateau Theaters. This Sunday we continued our series on Forgiveness.... the real “f” word and focused on forgiving the offender. How do you forgive someone that has really hurt you.
We showed a media clip from an independent film called “THE GAP”. The clip showed a man seeking forgiveness from his ex-wife that he had cheated on. The women asked tough questions, but in the end granted forgiveness and let him “go in peace with God.”
Little did we know that this media scene would be played out a few hours later between Brent and Candi. Instead of meeting after church with Chad, Steph and myself.... Brent asked to meet another day.
4:30 p.m. the phone rings and Chad fears Brent has driven off to commit suicide after a brief meeting with his sister Candi. By 5 p.m. Brent is found barely alive. By 7 p.m. he has passed away at St. Marys hospital.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS IN THE CROWD.
Brent was seeking.
Brent heard a powerful and dangerous message on forgiveness.
Brent heard a clear gospel message of how Christ blood, death on the cross is what frees us from our sin and is all God see’s if we are his children. If we have accepted Christ, sought God’s forgiveness... God sees us as clean because of Jesus.
We pray and hope that Brent gave his life to Christ / God before his passing.
He was seeking.
He was hurting.
He was trapped in a dark place that the enemy did not want him to come out of.
I am reminded of the words from Peter. These words have new power and meaning.
"8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters[ all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen." (1 Peter 5:8-11)
I believe that Brent is with our loving King and Savior. I believe that the church will rise up and serve the Fisher family. I believe that will be glorified in a bold powerful way some how. I believe that new passion and zeal will come of this as we remember YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS IN THE CROWD.
May be always be prepared to give an answer for our faith and serve others.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Forgivness #2 - My Own Prison
This Sunday I shared how many of us live in a prison of our own making.
This prison has a name, it’s called “UN-FORGIVENESS”.
This unforgiveness can be because we have not forgiven others, we have not forgiven ourselves or we have not sought out God’s forgiveness.
Unforgiveness can become a dark and deadly prison. The longer we choose to not address the sin in our lives, run for giving or receiving forgiveness the darker the cell or cage becomes. For many people these prison becomes more intense and dangerous as we begin to “self-medicate” ourselves because we can’t deal with the pain and truth of unforgiveness. Rather that face the issue head on we settle for momentary “high” to numb the pain, distract us from the real issue. We “self-medicate” in so many ways, some more dangerous than others. Sex, drugs, alcohol, food, movies , TV, etc. Anything that creates a false sense of happiness, but in the end only numbs us to the real pain of the sin.
This self made prison of unforgiveness kills not only us, but radically effects those around us. The side effects of a “self-medicate” life can be, divorce, loss of Job, anger, bitterness, rage, depression, and suicide. And the tragic thing is that we have no one to blame but ourselves. Because we have chosen a life of unforgiveness of some kind.
King Saul had a tormenting spirit come upon him as he avoided dealing with his sin and other life issues. He choose to not seek forgiveness and he spun out of control. Young David, tried to sooth King Saul by playing the harp (self-medicate). It didn’t work. The bitterness, rage, anger, hatred, self-worth side effects only got worse. How sad... it never had to be that way. Freedom was Saul’s if only he had faced his sin, worked through the forgiveness issues and restored the relationships in his life.
This self made prison of unforgiveness is made by us and our chooses... not someone else. Stop blaming others for your addictions and nasty attitudes and behaviors. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul gives great action steps to freeing ourselves from this prison of unforgiveness.
Philippians 4:8-9 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
The Keys are in your hands...do you want freedom.... start by addressing the sin in your live. Look in the mirror and get real. Then “fix your thoughts” on the truth.... God’s truth. You are loved, you are forgiven, your of value, etc. Start looking for the good in life, rather the dark lies of the enemy.
Then “Practice” what God has taught you. Really, follow Jesus Christ and how he lived, loved, and forgave. His was a life of truth and grace. A wide open adventure... not a dark prison.
And if you are “self-medicating”, get help today. Be honest before you really explode.
Rather than, anger, bitterness, rage, you will finally know God’s peace.
The choose is yours.... the keys are in your hands... what will you choose to do?
This unforgiveness can be because we have not forgiven others, we have not forgiven ourselves or we have not sought out God’s forgiveness.
Unforgiveness can become a dark and deadly prison. The longer we choose to not address the sin in our lives, run for giving or receiving forgiveness the darker the cell or cage becomes. For many people these prison becomes more intense and dangerous as we begin to “self-medicate” ourselves because we can’t deal with the pain and truth of unforgiveness. Rather that face the issue head on we settle for momentary “high” to numb the pain, distract us from the real issue. We “self-medicate” in so many ways, some more dangerous than others. Sex, drugs, alcohol, food, movies , TV, etc. Anything that creates a false sense of happiness, but in the end only numbs us to the real pain of the sin.
This self made prison of unforgiveness kills not only us, but radically effects those around us. The side effects of a “self-medicate” life can be, divorce, loss of Job, anger, bitterness, rage, depression, and suicide. And the tragic thing is that we have no one to blame but ourselves. Because we have chosen a life of unforgiveness of some kind.
King Saul had a tormenting spirit come upon him as he avoided dealing with his sin and other life issues. He choose to not seek forgiveness and he spun out of control. Young David, tried to sooth King Saul by playing the harp (self-medicate). It didn’t work. The bitterness, rage, anger, hatred, self-worth side effects only got worse. How sad... it never had to be that way. Freedom was Saul’s if only he had faced his sin, worked through the forgiveness issues and restored the relationships in his life.
This self made prison of unforgiveness is made by us and our chooses... not someone else. Stop blaming others for your addictions and nasty attitudes and behaviors. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul gives great action steps to freeing ourselves from this prison of unforgiveness.
Philippians 4:8-9 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
The Keys are in your hands...do you want freedom.... start by addressing the sin in your live. Look in the mirror and get real. Then “fix your thoughts” on the truth.... God’s truth. You are loved, you are forgiven, your of value, etc. Start looking for the good in life, rather the dark lies of the enemy.
Then “Practice” what God has taught you. Really, follow Jesus Christ and how he lived, loved, and forgave. His was a life of truth and grace. A wide open adventure... not a dark prison.
And if you are “self-medicating”, get help today. Be honest before you really explode.
Rather than, anger, bitterness, rage, you will finally know God’s peace.
The choose is yours.... the keys are in your hands... what will you choose to do?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
NFL 2009 Begins
Kick off 2009... Thursday night game on NBC.
Steelers win in OT!!!!
What a great way to get the football blood pumping.
Sunday night.... Packers and Bears.... oh year!
Bring on the chips, salsa and good times.
Steelers win in OT!!!!
What a great way to get the football blood pumping.
Sunday night.... Packers and Bears.... oh year!
Bring on the chips, salsa and good times.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Forgiveness.... the real "F" word
This week we kick of a big series, as we explore forgiveness.
Forgiveness, restoration of broken relationships is the central message of Jesus Christ and our churches. So why is real forgiveness so hard to give, receive, accept and find healing in?
Let me start out with this challenge.... Saying "I'm sorry" is NOT FORGIVENESS!
It's a short cut, a cop-out.
Forgiveness is much, much more.
Forgiveness is costly.
Forgiveness is deeply personal.
Forgiveness is freeing for the both the offender and the offended.
Are you prepared to explore the real truth of forgiveness?
Are you willing to admit that forgiveness is something we all want, but hard to give?
See you Sunday.
Forgiveness, restoration of broken relationships is the central message of Jesus Christ and our churches. So why is real forgiveness so hard to give, receive, accept and find healing in?
Let me start out with this challenge.... Saying "I'm sorry" is NOT FORGIVENESS!
It's a short cut, a cop-out.
Forgiveness is much, much more.
Forgiveness is costly.
Forgiveness is deeply personal.
Forgiveness is freeing for the both the offender and the offended.
Are you prepared to explore the real truth of forgiveness?
Are you willing to admit that forgiveness is something we all want, but hard to give?
See you Sunday.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Farve the Viking
Well it happened, Brett Farve signed the contract and suited up yesterday with the Minnesota Vikings. Several thoughts and then a question.
First, I have not heard many Viking fans cheering on how "great this is."
Is that because they all see how weak of a Coaching staff, and ownership "leadership" organization the Vikings have become. Sure they now have Farve, but it cost them so much respect, pride and dignity along the way. Green Bay is own by the share holders of Wisconsin. The Vikings are now owned by Brett Farve.
If you are any the Quaterbacks on the Viking team, how do you feel this morning. How confident are you in your abilty, value, worth. How much do you trust the Vikings front office.
Now that training camp is over in Mankato. The hard hot and humid two a day work outs are done, aren't you a bit pissedc off that the "hero" of the franchise missed all of that ugly team building work?
By the way.... has anyone thought of the fact that Farve, never plays well in a domed facility? Don't the Viking play in the METEODOME? What are giving up home field advantage with Farve?
Finally.....Post your predictons here.... How many games will Farve play this year for the Vikings?
I Predict that by week 7 of the regular season, Farves stats will be falling and he will either get hurt or hang it up mid-season. He simply can't play an entire season at the level they need to win.
Well what do you think?
First, I have not heard many Viking fans cheering on how "great this is."
Is that because they all see how weak of a Coaching staff, and ownership "leadership" organization the Vikings have become. Sure they now have Farve, but it cost them so much respect, pride and dignity along the way. Green Bay is own by the share holders of Wisconsin. The Vikings are now owned by Brett Farve.
If you are any the Quaterbacks on the Viking team, how do you feel this morning. How confident are you in your abilty, value, worth. How much do you trust the Vikings front office.
Now that training camp is over in Mankato. The hard hot and humid two a day work outs are done, aren't you a bit pissedc off that the "hero" of the franchise missed all of that ugly team building work?
By the way.... has anyone thought of the fact that Farve, never plays well in a domed facility? Don't the Viking play in the METEODOME? What are giving up home field advantage with Farve?
Finally.....Post your predictons here.... How many games will Farve play this year for the Vikings?
I Predict that by week 7 of the regular season, Farves stats will be falling and he will either get hurt or hang it up mid-season. He simply can't play an entire season at the level they need to win.
Well what do you think?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
How Did I get here?
Lately I've had thoughts of "How did I get here"?
The thought revolves around the idea that I have been married for 20 years, my oldest daughter is going to be a Senior in High School, and our church is now 5 1/2 years old.
Which means I have been out of broadcasting for 10 years.... but I was in broadcasting for 10 years which seem only like yesterday.
How did I get here?
Is there a point in life when the clock, days, nights and months speed up?
I have not had mid-life crises (yet), but I can understand why many do.
It's so strange to wake up and wonder how this all happened, what really go you hear and what's next.
The thought revolves around the idea that I have been married for 20 years, my oldest daughter is going to be a Senior in High School, and our church is now 5 1/2 years old.
Which means I have been out of broadcasting for 10 years.... but I was in broadcasting for 10 years which seem only like yesterday.
How did I get here?
Is there a point in life when the clock, days, nights and months speed up?
I have not had mid-life crises (yet), but I can understand why many do.
It's so strange to wake up and wonder how this all happened, what really go you hear and what's next.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sickness
It's never really fun being sick. But for me, it's extra hard being sick on the weekend and missing out on our weekly church gathering. This last weekend I got hit with a head and throat cold that hurt. Each time that I talked, coughed or sneezed it felt like my throat would catch on fire.
Man I'm I glad that God has placed such a solid team of people around me a Journey. On this weekend we already had some people covering for others that had planned to be gone, and then I drop off the radar at the last minute. But with the team that we have and the heart beat to "do what it takes" each week I knew not to worry. And I was right.
I've heard a lot of positive feed back on how everyone pulled together and it was a great weekend with God and family.
You see I can handle being sick if nothing is going on a lot easier than something great is happening. I hate missing out on what God is doing. Saturday night I had planned to go to a small gathering about dreaming big dreams for God. Man I was so excited to be around a bunch a dreamers. But once again my being sick stopped me. But Dave Reynolds got to go and said it was awesome. So others in the church family got to experience something new and exciting in my absence.
I hate being sick and missing out, but sometimes it's good to sit on the sidelines and watch what God does through others.
Man I'm I glad that God has placed such a solid team of people around me a Journey. On this weekend we already had some people covering for others that had planned to be gone, and then I drop off the radar at the last minute. But with the team that we have and the heart beat to "do what it takes" each week I knew not to worry. And I was right.
I've heard a lot of positive feed back on how everyone pulled together and it was a great weekend with God and family.
You see I can handle being sick if nothing is going on a lot easier than something great is happening. I hate missing out on what God is doing. Saturday night I had planned to go to a small gathering about dreaming big dreams for God. Man I was so excited to be around a bunch a dreamers. But once again my being sick stopped me. But Dave Reynolds got to go and said it was awesome. So others in the church family got to experience something new and exciting in my absence.
I hate being sick and missing out, but sometimes it's good to sit on the sidelines and watch what God does through others.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Potential - Kirk (Story of Gideon)
This week we launched our new discussion series, "at the movies" with the mega-hit film of the year STAR TREK. There several themes to explore but the biggest one was the theme of POTENTIAL. Things have changed with the new time-line of Kirk, Spock and McCoy.
Much is the same as we have know it, but much has changed.
Kirk is not the "stack of books" that was described in the classic series.
No, now he is simply drifting through life, bars, girls and bar fights are his way.
Until Capt. Pike dares him to rise to his potential. The potential that given to him partly by the sacrifice of his father. (George Kirk).
Gideon in the OT has a similar challenge put to him by the "angel of the Lord" in Judges chapter 6. The angel calls young Gideon a "Mighty Hero" as he is hiding in a cave.
In both cases each man clearly has some natural ability and talent going for them. But simply living in that ability is not really getting them anywhere. Not until they choose to accept the dare / challenge and act. To choose to act and reach our potential is so hard, especially if we have gotten by on our natural ability, look, smarts, etc.
But your natural ability is NOT you full potential.
Man have people responded to that phrase this week. (Thanks to God for that one!)
Ability is one thing, achieving our full potential takes commitment, work, dedication and help. To reach our full potential we need others to support us, challenge us and even dare us to do better. What potential is locked inside of us... most will never know. What potential is within our local churches.... many don't really care to even ask the question.
God created us in His image. That's got to mean that each of us has amazing potential.
I dare you to rise up.
I dare you to not stay the way you are, but to press forward with God.
Potential is such an unknown thing. I wonder what my full potential for God's glory is. I wonder Journey's full potential for God's Kingdom is. I long to see it.
Much is the same as we have know it, but much has changed.
Kirk is not the "stack of books" that was described in the classic series.
No, now he is simply drifting through life, bars, girls and bar fights are his way.
Until Capt. Pike dares him to rise to his potential. The potential that given to him partly by the sacrifice of his father. (George Kirk).
Gideon in the OT has a similar challenge put to him by the "angel of the Lord" in Judges chapter 6. The angel calls young Gideon a "Mighty Hero" as he is hiding in a cave.
In both cases each man clearly has some natural ability and talent going for them. But simply living in that ability is not really getting them anywhere. Not until they choose to accept the dare / challenge and act. To choose to act and reach our potential is so hard, especially if we have gotten by on our natural ability, look, smarts, etc.
But your natural ability is NOT you full potential.
Man have people responded to that phrase this week. (Thanks to God for that one!)
Ability is one thing, achieving our full potential takes commitment, work, dedication and help. To reach our full potential we need others to support us, challenge us and even dare us to do better. What potential is locked inside of us... most will never know. What potential is within our local churches.... many don't really care to even ask the question.
God created us in His image. That's got to mean that each of us has amazing potential.
I dare you to rise up.
I dare you to not stay the way you are, but to press forward with God.
Potential is such an unknown thing. I wonder what my full potential for God's glory is. I wonder Journey's full potential for God's Kingdom is. I long to see it.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Goose on the Loose hunt
This week we wrapped up our discussion series "Chasing the Goose" with a talk on the cage of failure. As a bonus I shared how we can all go on a real goose chase.
Rochester has 18 goose statue placed throughout the city this summer (June - Oct).
They may be inside or outside various places around town.
So the hunt is on.
Take the following 18 hints and go on a real goose chase. Real failure is not an option:)
Share how many you found along the way.
Take pictures to prove you found them.
The Goosinator
Goose in the Garden
Payball!
Home Federal Goosey Bank
RCTC Goose
Extra, extra read all about it Goose
Honk, if you love Rochester Goose
Bird and Bard
Calliope - The Muse Goose
The American Dream
Flying Ace
Mother Earth Goose
UMR: Bringing the world to Rochester
Mother Goose takes to Gander
Reflections of Mayo
Family-History-Community-Unity
History Center Goose
Rochester has 18 goose statue placed throughout the city this summer (June - Oct).
They may be inside or outside various places around town.
So the hunt is on.
Take the following 18 hints and go on a real goose chase. Real failure is not an option:)
Share how many you found along the way.
Take pictures to prove you found them.
The Goosinator
Goose in the Garden
Payball!
Home Federal Goosey Bank
RCTC Goose
Extra, extra read all about it Goose
Honk, if you love Rochester Goose
Bird and Bard
Calliope - The Muse Goose
The American Dream
Flying Ace
Mother Earth Goose
UMR: Bringing the world to Rochester
Mother Goose takes to Gander
Reflections of Mayo
Family-History-Community-Unity
History Center Goose
Monday, July 20, 2009
At the Movies
It's time for our annual discussion series "at the movies".
Each August we explore several film from this year, looking at what they may be saying to us and then what the scriptures may have to say in light of the films.
We pay at least $8.00 to laugh, cry, cheer or sometimes ponder life as we watch films at a theater. We all have our favorites.
So here is your chance to help me plan a discussion series.
What films caught your attention this year?
What themes, messages, ideas have been projected through these films.
Don't hold back... I really want your feedback.
Comedy, action, adventure, horror, science-fiction, docudrama. They are all fair game.
Give your thoughts and ideas then be sure to invite a friend and join us starting Sunday, August 2nd for the first of our 2009 At the movies series.
Each August we explore several film from this year, looking at what they may be saying to us and then what the scriptures may have to say in light of the films.
We pay at least $8.00 to laugh, cry, cheer or sometimes ponder life as we watch films at a theater. We all have our favorites.
So here is your chance to help me plan a discussion series.
What films caught your attention this year?
What themes, messages, ideas have been projected through these films.
Don't hold back... I really want your feedback.
Comedy, action, adventure, horror, science-fiction, docudrama. They are all fair game.
Give your thoughts and ideas then be sure to invite a friend and join us starting Sunday, August 2nd for the first of our 2009 At the movies series.
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