If the rest of the weekend services go as well as tonight did then Satan is going to be pretty ticked off… I like that! Seeing lives changed is what keeps me motivated. Come by plane, come by boat, come by car, hitchhike if you have to – but get to church tomorrow morning.
The thing I’ve notice about delivering the message 3 times each weekend is that by the third time, (10:30 a.m. Sunday), I’m feeling pretty comfortable with the message. There are a lot of prayers going up this weekend for each person attending our services. See you in the morning.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Saturday Night Reflections
If the rest of the weekend services go as well as tonight did then Satan is going to be pretty ticked off… I like that! Seeing lives changed is what keeps me motivated. Come by plane, come by boat, come by car, hitchhike if you have to – but get to church tomorrow morning.
The thing I’ve notice about delivering the message 3 times each weekend is that by the third time, (10:30 a.m. Sunday), I’m feeling pretty comfortable with the message. There are a lot of prayers going up this weekend for each person attending our services. See you in the morning.
The thing I’ve notice about delivering the message 3 times each weekend is that by the third time, (10:30 a.m. Sunday), I’m feeling pretty comfortable with the message. There are a lot of prayers going up this weekend for each person attending our services. See you in the morning.
Friday, March 30, 2007
The Truth (part 6)
It’s such a beautiful evening tonight that I thought I’d do my blogging outside. It sounds like the next day or two will be kind of cruddy (just in time for the egg hunt tomorrow morning at church)…
I’m looking forward to the services this weekend, like I said in the last post I really believe this will be an eye opener for a lot of folks when it comes to dealing with past sin and patterns of behavior in their lives. If FFC is your church home (and even if it’s not) please be praying that God does a work in a lot of lives this weekend (stinks that it is spring break and a lot of folks are out of town).
Condemnation is that sense that we are worthless and unfit – if you are a Christ follower you know right off that junk isn’t coming from God but from the enemy. What God sends our way is something called “conviction”. A definition of conviction is: “to declare what we have done, to declare who we are in order to move us to where God wants us to be”. Conviction is going to pull you closer to God, condemnation will attempt to pull you away.
When conviction comes into your life it is the Spirit of God saying, “What are you doing? We’ve got to get back on track here, we’ve got to do a 180 and get things set right.” Guilt, shame, and condemnation comes from the enemy and he says, “You worthless piece of garbage! You are pathetic! God hates you; He wants nothing to do with you! You should run away from God and everyone around you!” The truth is: we don’t have to carry that garbage around anymore. The truth is: the cross took care of your guilt. The Truth is a Person; and when you know the Truth it will set you free!
I’m looking forward to the services this weekend, like I said in the last post I really believe this will be an eye opener for a lot of folks when it comes to dealing with past sin and patterns of behavior in their lives. If FFC is your church home (and even if it’s not) please be praying that God does a work in a lot of lives this weekend (stinks that it is spring break and a lot of folks are out of town).
Condemnation is that sense that we are worthless and unfit – if you are a Christ follower you know right off that junk isn’t coming from God but from the enemy. What God sends our way is something called “conviction”. A definition of conviction is: “to declare what we have done, to declare who we are in order to move us to where God wants us to be”. Conviction is going to pull you closer to God, condemnation will attempt to pull you away.
When conviction comes into your life it is the Spirit of God saying, “What are you doing? We’ve got to get back on track here, we’ve got to do a 180 and get things set right.” Guilt, shame, and condemnation comes from the enemy and he says, “You worthless piece of garbage! You are pathetic! God hates you; He wants nothing to do with you! You should run away from God and everyone around you!” The truth is: we don’t have to carry that garbage around anymore. The truth is: the cross took care of your guilt. The Truth is a Person; and when you know the Truth it will set you free!
The Truth (part 6)
It’s such a beautiful evening tonight that I thought I’d do my blogging outside. It sounds like the next day or two will be kind of cruddy (just in time for the egg hunt tomorrow morning at church)…
I’m looking forward to the services this weekend, like I said in the last post I really believe this will be an eye opener for a lot of folks when it comes to dealing with past sin and patterns of behavior in their lives. If FFC is your church home (and even if it’s not) please be praying that God does a work in a lot of lives this weekend (stinks that it is spring break and a lot of folks are out of town).
Condemnation is that sense that we are worthless and unfit – if you are a Christ follower you know right off that junk isn’t coming from God but from the enemy. What God sends our way is something called “conviction”. A definition of conviction is: “to declare what we have done, to declare who we are in order to move us to where God wants us to be”. Conviction is going to pull you closer to God, condemnation will attempt to pull you away.
When conviction comes into your life it is the Spirit of God saying, “What are you doing? We’ve got to get back on track here, we’ve got to do a 180 and get things set right.” Guilt, shame, and condemnation comes from the enemy and he says, “You worthless piece of garbage! You are pathetic! God hates you; He wants nothing to do with you! You should run away from God and everyone around you!” The truth is: we don’t have to carry that garbage around anymore. The truth is: the cross took care of your guilt. The Truth is a Person; and when you know the Truth it will set you free!
I’m looking forward to the services this weekend, like I said in the last post I really believe this will be an eye opener for a lot of folks when it comes to dealing with past sin and patterns of behavior in their lives. If FFC is your church home (and even if it’s not) please be praying that God does a work in a lot of lives this weekend (stinks that it is spring break and a lot of folks are out of town).
Condemnation is that sense that we are worthless and unfit – if you are a Christ follower you know right off that junk isn’t coming from God but from the enemy. What God sends our way is something called “conviction”. A definition of conviction is: “to declare what we have done, to declare who we are in order to move us to where God wants us to be”. Conviction is going to pull you closer to God, condemnation will attempt to pull you away.
When conviction comes into your life it is the Spirit of God saying, “What are you doing? We’ve got to get back on track here, we’ve got to do a 180 and get things set right.” Guilt, shame, and condemnation comes from the enemy and he says, “You worthless piece of garbage! You are pathetic! God hates you; He wants nothing to do with you! You should run away from God and everyone around you!” The truth is: we don’t have to carry that garbage around anymore. The truth is: the cross took care of your guilt. The Truth is a Person; and when you know the Truth it will set you free!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
The Truth (part 5)
This weekend I will be teaching on truth once again; specifically, the truth about condemnation. Condemnation is that crushing, debilitating guilt that says you are unfit and worthless for service. When a building is condemned it means that it is useless and should be torn down. That condemnation is what Satan wants to push off on those who are followers of Christ and tell us that we are worthless. Sin will bring conviction and consequences into our lives but they are very different than condemnation.
I think this Sunday will be a turning point for a large number of people in our congregation. This message is one of the most freeing things that I could ever talk about. Too many people are living in condemnation when they don’t have to. Get to church this weekend folks and bring your friends with you, you don’t want to miss this.
I think this Sunday will be a turning point for a large number of people in our congregation. This message is one of the most freeing things that I could ever talk about. Too many people are living in condemnation when they don’t have to. Get to church this weekend folks and bring your friends with you, you don’t want to miss this.
The Truth (part 5)
This weekend I will be teaching on truth once again; specifically, the truth about condemnation. Condemnation is that crushing, debilitating guilt that says you are unfit and worthless for service. When a building is condemned it means that it is useless and should be torn down. That condemnation is what Satan wants to push off on those who are followers of Christ and tell us that we are worthless. Sin will bring conviction and consequences into our lives but they are very different than condemnation.
I think this Sunday will be a turning point for a large number of people in our congregation. This message is one of the most freeing things that I could ever talk about. Too many people are living in condemnation when they don’t have to. Get to church this weekend folks and bring your friends with you, you don’t want to miss this.
I think this Sunday will be a turning point for a large number of people in our congregation. This message is one of the most freeing things that I could ever talk about. Too many people are living in condemnation when they don’t have to. Get to church this weekend folks and bring your friends with you, you don’t want to miss this.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
My Graphic Artist Can Beat Up Your Graphic Artist
I’m going to take this opportunity to brag on one of the volunteers that we have in our church. Abby Wagner has been using her talent to bless our congregation for several months now. I know I’m biased but I’d have to say Abby is one of the best church graphic designers I’ve come across. For this Easter we have really put Abby to work having her come up with an image for our series and then changing the format so that we could make: invitation cards, posters, and bulletin shells. Here’s the image for our Easter series and I will post some of her other masterpieces.
Easter 2007:
Other Recent Masterpieces:
Easter 2007:
Other Recent Masterpieces:
My Graphic Artist Can Beat Up Your Graphic Artist
I’m going to take this opportunity to brag on one of the volunteers that we have in our church. Abby Wagner has been using her talent to bless our congregation for several months now. I know I’m biased but I’d have to say Abby is one of the best church graphic designers I’ve come across. For this Easter we have really put Abby to work having her come up with an image for our series and then changing the format so that we could make: invitation cards, posters, and bulletin shells. Here’s the image for our Easter series and I will post some of her other masterpieces.
Easter 2007:
Other Recent Masterpieces:
Easter 2007:
Other Recent Masterpieces:
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
If the Cheese Fits - Wear It
This afternoon I read the book, “Who Moved My Cheese”, for those that don’t know this book is about change using the illustration of a couple of mice and two "littlepeople" hunting for cheese. In their search for cheese - you guessed it - their cheese gets moved. It is a look at the various ways we can deal with change.“Change” is one of my favorite subjects. All my life I have done my very best to embrace change so it was a joy to be reminded of what a good practice that is.
You might as well anticipate change because it will happen. Adaptation to change is necessary to life. Unfortunately, too many people resist, even fight, inevitable change. Nowhere do I find this truer than in the church. Most business people get it when you talk about change but somehow the church refuses to accept the reality of change. Please don’t misunderstand me; I’m not talking about the changeless truth of the Bible or the changelessness of our God. I’m talking about even the tiniest of changes setting people off in the church.
I’ve had people in the church go bonkers over some of the pettiest changes; usually it involves moving one of their icons. Over the past 9 years I’ve had the gall to move some items within the church and really disrupt the delicate balance of someone’s life evidently; let me give you the short list of some of the items – pulpits, flags, stained glass, chairs, etc. You’d have thought I committed the unpardonable sin. If people get bent out of shape over small things just imagine what happens if you try to change something larger like church structure, procedures, musical style, etc.
If you are someone who has a problem with change do me, and yourself, a favor and read or reread “Who Moved My Cheese.”
You might as well anticipate change because it will happen. Adaptation to change is necessary to life. Unfortunately, too many people resist, even fight, inevitable change. Nowhere do I find this truer than in the church. Most business people get it when you talk about change but somehow the church refuses to accept the reality of change. Please don’t misunderstand me; I’m not talking about the changeless truth of the Bible or the changelessness of our God. I’m talking about even the tiniest of changes setting people off in the church.
I’ve had people in the church go bonkers over some of the pettiest changes; usually it involves moving one of their icons. Over the past 9 years I’ve had the gall to move some items within the church and really disrupt the delicate balance of someone’s life evidently; let me give you the short list of some of the items – pulpits, flags, stained glass, chairs, etc. You’d have thought I committed the unpardonable sin. If people get bent out of shape over small things just imagine what happens if you try to change something larger like church structure, procedures, musical style, etc.
If you are someone who has a problem with change do me, and yourself, a favor and read or reread “Who Moved My Cheese.”
If the Cheese Fits - Wear It
This afternoon I read the book, “Who Moved My Cheese”, for those that don’t know this book is about change using the illustration of a couple of mice and two "littlepeople" hunting for cheese. In their search for cheese - you guessed it - their cheese gets moved. It is a look at the various ways we can deal with change.“Change” is one of my favorite subjects. All my life I have done my very best to embrace change so it was a joy to be reminded of what a good practice that is.
You might as well anticipate change because it will happen. Adaptation to change is necessary to life. Unfortunately, too many people resist, even fight, inevitable change. Nowhere do I find this truer than in the church. Most business people get it when you talk about change but somehow the church refuses to accept the reality of change. Please don’t misunderstand me; I’m not talking about the changeless truth of the Bible or the changelessness of our God. I’m talking about even the tiniest of changes setting people off in the church.
I’ve had people in the church go bonkers over some of the pettiest changes; usually it involves moving one of their icons. Over the past 9 years I’ve had the gall to move some items within the church and really disrupt the delicate balance of someone’s life evidently; let me give you the short list of some of the items – pulpits, flags, stained glass, chairs, etc. You’d have thought I committed the unpardonable sin. If people get bent out of shape over small things just imagine what happens if you try to change something larger like church structure, procedures, musical style, etc.
If you are someone who has a problem with change do me, and yourself, a favor and read or reread “Who Moved My Cheese.”
You might as well anticipate change because it will happen. Adaptation to change is necessary to life. Unfortunately, too many people resist, even fight, inevitable change. Nowhere do I find this truer than in the church. Most business people get it when you talk about change but somehow the church refuses to accept the reality of change. Please don’t misunderstand me; I’m not talking about the changeless truth of the Bible or the changelessness of our God. I’m talking about even the tiniest of changes setting people off in the church.
I’ve had people in the church go bonkers over some of the pettiest changes; usually it involves moving one of their icons. Over the past 9 years I’ve had the gall to move some items within the church and really disrupt the delicate balance of someone’s life evidently; let me give you the short list of some of the items – pulpits, flags, stained glass, chairs, etc. You’d have thought I committed the unpardonable sin. If people get bent out of shape over small things just imagine what happens if you try to change something larger like church structure, procedures, musical style, etc.
If you are someone who has a problem with change do me, and yourself, a favor and read or reread “Who Moved My Cheese.”
Monday, March 26, 2007
Thought I'd Let You Know
Fasting is a time to deny yourself and focus on God. I thought I’d let you in on a little secret; you know what you think about when you fast? FOOD! I’m thinking about: cheese burgers, potato chips, ice cream, peanut butter cups, …
Those that know that I’m fasting are asking, “So how long is your fast?” I tell them, “I don’t know.” I don’t have a specific day that I plan on stopping. I think I’ll stop the fast when I don’t feel like I want to stop fasting. Right now everything in me is screaming to have some peanut butter or chocolate; when I’m resolved to the fact that I don’t have to have what I want, then I have attained a level of discipline that fasting gives; when that happens then I’ll stop the fast.
Those that know that I’m fasting are asking, “So how long is your fast?” I tell them, “I don’t know.” I don’t have a specific day that I plan on stopping. I think I’ll stop the fast when I don’t feel like I want to stop fasting. Right now everything in me is screaming to have some peanut butter or chocolate; when I’m resolved to the fact that I don’t have to have what I want, then I have attained a level of discipline that fasting gives; when that happens then I’ll stop the fast.
Thought I'd Let You Know
Fasting is a time to deny yourself and focus on God. I thought I’d let you in on a little secret; you know what you think about when you fast? FOOD! I’m thinking about: cheese burgers, potato chips, ice cream, peanut butter cups, …
Those that know that I’m fasting are asking, “So how long is your fast?” I tell them, “I don’t know.” I don’t have a specific day that I plan on stopping. I think I’ll stop the fast when I don’t feel like I want to stop fasting. Right now everything in me is screaming to have some peanut butter or chocolate; when I’m resolved to the fact that I don’t have to have what I want, then I have attained a level of discipline that fasting gives; when that happens then I’ll stop the fast.
Those that know that I’m fasting are asking, “So how long is your fast?” I tell them, “I don’t know.” I don’t have a specific day that I plan on stopping. I think I’ll stop the fast when I don’t feel like I want to stop fasting. Right now everything in me is screaming to have some peanut butter or chocolate; when I’m resolved to the fact that I don’t have to have what I want, then I have attained a level of discipline that fasting gives; when that happens then I’ll stop the fast.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
This Fast is Slow (part 2)
It’s amazing how much food plays a part of our lives. It also seems like I picked a pretty poor time to fast. Today there were 2 meals that I was a part of; we had a meal for those taking the class I was teaching after church (I ate my banana), and then this evening we had our growth group over to our house and we always begin with a meal. Everything looked so yummy, but I stuck with the corn and grapes.
I’ve got a lunch scheduled with someone tomorrow at noon; I’m hoping I can find a place that offers a fruit bowl. I never realized just how inconvenient it is to eat just fruits and vegetables in our culture.
I’ve got a lunch scheduled with someone tomorrow at noon; I’m hoping I can find a place that offers a fruit bowl. I never realized just how inconvenient it is to eat just fruits and vegetables in our culture.
This Fast is Slow (part 2)
It’s amazing how much food plays a part of our lives. It also seems like I picked a pretty poor time to fast. Today there were 2 meals that I was a part of; we had a meal for those taking the class I was teaching after church (I ate my banana), and then this evening we had our growth group over to our house and we always begin with a meal. Everything looked so yummy, but I stuck with the corn and grapes.
I’ve got a lunch scheduled with someone tomorrow at noon; I’m hoping I can find a place that offers a fruit bowl. I never realized just how inconvenient it is to eat just fruits and vegetables in our culture.
I’ve got a lunch scheduled with someone tomorrow at noon; I’m hoping I can find a place that offers a fruit bowl. I never realized just how inconvenient it is to eat just fruits and vegetables in our culture.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
This Fast is Slow
I just got back from our Saturday night service. I’m really enjoying our series on “TRUTH” it is very practical teaching on temptation and I’m enjoying punching holes in Satan’s lies. :=)
Speaking of temptation, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been tempted today. First it was donuts, then it was pizza, then it was a FREE latte offer, now my stomach is saying, “Chocolate”.
I’m in the middle of a “Daniel Fast”; if you’re saying, “What’s a Daniel Fast?” You can get more info here. I’ve had no sugar, sugar substitutes, meat, dairy, caffeine, and on and on and on… since last Thursday at noon.
To be honest with you I am so ready for this fast to be over, it feels like this "fast" is going slow. I’d love nothing more than a beef enchilada with tons of cheese right now – strike that; I love God more than I do a beef enchilada with tons of cheese. Denying our appetites and desires and seeking hard after God brings about spiritual renewal and effectiveness in ministry – see Matthew 4 and the following chapters. At this point I’m more hungry for renewal, effectiveness, and direction from God.
Speaking of temptation, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been tempted today. First it was donuts, then it was pizza, then it was a FREE latte offer, now my stomach is saying, “Chocolate”.
I’m in the middle of a “Daniel Fast”; if you’re saying, “What’s a Daniel Fast?” You can get more info here. I’ve had no sugar, sugar substitutes, meat, dairy, caffeine, and on and on and on… since last Thursday at noon.To be honest with you I am so ready for this fast to be over, it feels like this "fast" is going slow. I’d love nothing more than a beef enchilada with tons of cheese right now – strike that; I love God more than I do a beef enchilada with tons of cheese. Denying our appetites and desires and seeking hard after God brings about spiritual renewal and effectiveness in ministry – see Matthew 4 and the following chapters. At this point I’m more hungry for renewal, effectiveness, and direction from God.
This Fast is Slow
I just got back from our Saturday night service. I’m really enjoying our series on “TRUTH” it is very practical teaching on temptation and I’m enjoying punching holes in Satan’s lies. :=)
Speaking of temptation, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been tempted today. First it was donuts, then it was pizza, then it was a FREE latte offer, now my stomach is saying, “Chocolate”.
I’m in the middle of a “Daniel Fast”; if you’re saying, “What’s a Daniel Fast?” You can get more info here. I’ve had no sugar, sugar substitutes, meat, dairy, caffeine, and on and on and on… since last Thursday at noon.
To be honest with you I am so ready for this fast to be over, it feels like this "fast" is going slow. I’d love nothing more than a beef enchilada with tons of cheese right now – strike that; I love God more than I do a beef enchilada with tons of cheese. Denying our appetites and desires and seeking hard after God brings about spiritual renewal and effectiveness in ministry – see Matthew 4 and the following chapters. At this point I’m more hungry for renewal, effectiveness, and direction from God.
Speaking of temptation, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been tempted today. First it was donuts, then it was pizza, then it was a FREE latte offer, now my stomach is saying, “Chocolate”.
I’m in the middle of a “Daniel Fast”; if you’re saying, “What’s a Daniel Fast?” You can get more info here. I’ve had no sugar, sugar substitutes, meat, dairy, caffeine, and on and on and on… since last Thursday at noon.To be honest with you I am so ready for this fast to be over, it feels like this "fast" is going slow. I’d love nothing more than a beef enchilada with tons of cheese right now – strike that; I love God more than I do a beef enchilada with tons of cheese. Denying our appetites and desires and seeking hard after God brings about spiritual renewal and effectiveness in ministry – see Matthew 4 and the following chapters. At this point I’m more hungry for renewal, effectiveness, and direction from God.
Friday, March 23, 2007
The Truth (part 4)
You know the moment; it’s the moment that temptation is tugging on you, staring you square in the eyes, calling to you. At that moment you need to remember that truth is always an option. When the temptation comes your way you say, “God show me truth”, and generally the advice is “turn around, call a friend, change the channel, run toward the door.”
There is a way out through every temptation; God will always make a way of escape… go for the door. God will not pick you up and carry you to the door. You have to step into the truth. You cannot wait for God to pick you up and shove you through the door. The way out has been provided, the move toward that door is yours to make.
1 Cor. 10:13, “…God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Go for the door.
There is a way out through every temptation; God will always make a way of escape… go for the door. God will not pick you up and carry you to the door. You have to step into the truth. You cannot wait for God to pick you up and shove you through the door. The way out has been provided, the move toward that door is yours to make.
1 Cor. 10:13, “…God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Go for the door.
The Truth (part 4)
You know the moment; it’s the moment that temptation is tugging on you, staring you square in the eyes, calling to you. At that moment you need to remember that truth is always an option. When the temptation comes your way you say, “God show me truth”, and generally the advice is “turn around, call a friend, change the channel, run toward the door.”
There is a way out through every temptation; God will always make a way of escape… go for the door. God will not pick you up and carry you to the door. You have to step into the truth. You cannot wait for God to pick you up and shove you through the door. The way out has been provided, the move toward that door is yours to make.
1 Cor. 10:13, “…God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Go for the door.
There is a way out through every temptation; God will always make a way of escape… go for the door. God will not pick you up and carry you to the door. You have to step into the truth. You cannot wait for God to pick you up and shove you through the door. The way out has been provided, the move toward that door is yours to make.
1 Cor. 10:13, “…God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Go for the door.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
The Truth (part 3)
Once again this Sunday I will be preaching on truth and temptation. Here is one of the thoughts that I will be sharing:
Truth is based in the nature and character of God, who is true. If He were not true then He would no longer be God. If there is truth in God then we know that there is truth in the universe and it’s not up for debate. And God gets to decide what truth is.
We don’t sit around and say, “Hey let’s come up with the truth. Let’s define what our own truth is.” Truth happens when God says, “I know the truth, I am the truth, and I am going to reveal the truth to you.”
If you think you can manufacture your own truth then when it comes to temptation my guess is you are not doing very well. Because before you can live in truth you have to accept that there is truth and accept that in God there is an unchanging standard.
Truth is based in the nature and character of God, who is true. If He were not true then He would no longer be God. If there is truth in God then we know that there is truth in the universe and it’s not up for debate. And God gets to decide what truth is.
We don’t sit around and say, “Hey let’s come up with the truth. Let’s define what our own truth is.” Truth happens when God says, “I know the truth, I am the truth, and I am going to reveal the truth to you.”
If you think you can manufacture your own truth then when it comes to temptation my guess is you are not doing very well. Because before you can live in truth you have to accept that there is truth and accept that in God there is an unchanging standard.
The Truth (part 3)
Once again this Sunday I will be preaching on truth and temptation. Here is one of the thoughts that I will be sharing:
Truth is based in the nature and character of God, who is true. If He were not true then He would no longer be God. If there is truth in God then we know that there is truth in the universe and it’s not up for debate. And God gets to decide what truth is.
We don’t sit around and say, “Hey let’s come up with the truth. Let’s define what our own truth is.” Truth happens when God says, “I know the truth, I am the truth, and I am going to reveal the truth to you.”
If you think you can manufacture your own truth then when it comes to temptation my guess is you are not doing very well. Because before you can live in truth you have to accept that there is truth and accept that in God there is an unchanging standard.
Truth is based in the nature and character of God, who is true. If He were not true then He would no longer be God. If there is truth in God then we know that there is truth in the universe and it’s not up for debate. And God gets to decide what truth is.
We don’t sit around and say, “Hey let’s come up with the truth. Let’s define what our own truth is.” Truth happens when God says, “I know the truth, I am the truth, and I am going to reveal the truth to you.”
If you think you can manufacture your own truth then when it comes to temptation my guess is you are not doing very well. Because before you can live in truth you have to accept that there is truth and accept that in God there is an unchanging standard.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Risk
I’m sure I’ve noticed this before but it really caught my attention in a new way the other day. The word “risk” is in my name… I know, I know it sounds Junior ‘Highish’; but if you move the letter ‘k’ in “risk” to the beginning of the word you get “Kris”. Risk isn’t my middle name, it’s my first name.
I’ve got to admit though; sometimes I don’t live like that. Sometimes I play it safe, sometimes I want the convenient and the comfortable. But then there are other times the “risk” in me just wants to come screaming out and it’s usually screaming “LIVE”, “CHALLENGE”, “CHANGE”, “EXPERIENCE”.
I found some encouraging words this week from Mark Batterson’s book “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day.” Here are some of the things I underlined:
“God loves impossible odds… One of the most exhilarating things in the world is doing something that no one thinks you can do… What’s the point of doing something that someone already thinks you can do...? Too often our prayers revolve around asking God to reduce the odds in our lives. We want everything in our favor. But maybe God wants to stack the odds against us so we can experience a miracle of divine proportions.”
I’d get bored with life if everything was easy. Even though I don’t always like problems or difficulties, give me a challenge, tell me I can’t do something, put a goal or problem in front me so big that after it’s accomplished we have to say “only God”.
Where have you grown comfortable? What looks so risky in your life that if it were accomplished others would just shake their heads in disbelief and say “Only God”?
I’ve got to admit though; sometimes I don’t live like that. Sometimes I play it safe, sometimes I want the convenient and the comfortable. But then there are other times the “risk” in me just wants to come screaming out and it’s usually screaming “LIVE”, “CHALLENGE”, “CHANGE”, “EXPERIENCE”.
I found some encouraging words this week from Mark Batterson’s book “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day.” Here are some of the things I underlined:
“God loves impossible odds… One of the most exhilarating things in the world is doing something that no one thinks you can do… What’s the point of doing something that someone already thinks you can do...? Too often our prayers revolve around asking God to reduce the odds in our lives. We want everything in our favor. But maybe God wants to stack the odds against us so we can experience a miracle of divine proportions.”
I’d get bored with life if everything was easy. Even though I don’t always like problems or difficulties, give me a challenge, tell me I can’t do something, put a goal or problem in front me so big that after it’s accomplished we have to say “only God”.
Where have you grown comfortable? What looks so risky in your life that if it were accomplished others would just shake their heads in disbelief and say “Only God”?
Risk
I’m sure I’ve noticed this before but it really caught my attention in a new way the other day. The word “risk” is in my name… I know, I know it sounds Junior ‘Highish’; but if you move the letter ‘k’ in “risk” to the beginning of the word you get “Kris”. Risk isn’t my middle name, it’s my first name.
I’ve got to admit though; sometimes I don’t live like that. Sometimes I play it safe, sometimes I want the convenient and the comfortable. But then there are other times the “risk” in me just wants to come screaming out and it’s usually screaming “LIVE”, “CHALLENGE”, “CHANGE”, “EXPERIENCE”.
I found some encouraging words this week from Mark Batterson’s book “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day.” Here are some of the things I underlined:
“God loves impossible odds… One of the most exhilarating things in the world is doing something that no one thinks you can do… What’s the point of doing something that someone already thinks you can do...? Too often our prayers revolve around asking God to reduce the odds in our lives. We want everything in our favor. But maybe God wants to stack the odds against us so we can experience a miracle of divine proportions.”
I’d get bored with life if everything was easy. Even though I don’t always like problems or difficulties, give me a challenge, tell me I can’t do something, put a goal or problem in front me so big that after it’s accomplished we have to say “only God”.
Where have you grown comfortable? What looks so risky in your life that if it were accomplished others would just shake their heads in disbelief and say “Only God”?
I’ve got to admit though; sometimes I don’t live like that. Sometimes I play it safe, sometimes I want the convenient and the comfortable. But then there are other times the “risk” in me just wants to come screaming out and it’s usually screaming “LIVE”, “CHALLENGE”, “CHANGE”, “EXPERIENCE”.
I found some encouraging words this week from Mark Batterson’s book “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day.” Here are some of the things I underlined:
“God loves impossible odds… One of the most exhilarating things in the world is doing something that no one thinks you can do… What’s the point of doing something that someone already thinks you can do...? Too often our prayers revolve around asking God to reduce the odds in our lives. We want everything in our favor. But maybe God wants to stack the odds against us so we can experience a miracle of divine proportions.”
I’d get bored with life if everything was easy. Even though I don’t always like problems or difficulties, give me a challenge, tell me I can’t do something, put a goal or problem in front me so big that after it’s accomplished we have to say “only God”.
Where have you grown comfortable? What looks so risky in your life that if it were accomplished others would just shake their heads in disbelief and say “Only God”?
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Introspection Revisted
A week ago I mentioned that I had begun to coast in my personal development and that I hadn’t been reading very much. I also mentioned that I would be working to correct that immediately. I’m happy to report that I have devoured two and a half books. I plan on sharing some of what I’ve been reading with you in the near future... Now I just need to get out and start exercising.
Introspection Revisted
A week ago I mentioned that I had begun to coast in my personal development and that I hadn’t been reading very much. I also mentioned that I would be working to correct that immediately. I’m happy to report that I have devoured two and a half books. I plan on sharing some of what I’ve been reading with you in the near future... Now I just need to get out and start exercising.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Good Enough
I’ve become more and more aware of something as I enter this period of my life – I’m driven. I have high expectations of myself. I’ve actually always been this way but I notice it more as I enter a stage in my life where I see clearly my purpose in life and I see that I am in a stage where I can actually be productive (I’m not so young I’m looked down upon, and I’m not so old that I can’t produce results any longer). I have goals and I’m not satisfied with “good enough”; I want to be better and I want to do better. This doesn’t mean that I’m perfect and that I don’t have my moments of apathy.
What drives me absolutely crazy is the “good enough” crowd. They don’t care to do better, they don’t care to be progressive, they have no goals, and they are not motivated. I drive through some of the streets in our rural towns and I see “good enough” everywhere. I drive by places where the attitude is, “I’m not taking the washing machine off the porch, I don’t need to paint the house, weed the garden, shovel the walk, mow the lawn – it’s good enough. I don’t need to go to college, get good grades, and speak with proper grammar. I don’t need any goals, I’ll do enough just to get by. Why excel? Why do anything excellently?”
While I’m on a roll here let me just say, I don’t mow my lawn or trim around my yard because I enjoy it! I do it because I’m a good neighbor. I do it because I love my neighbor (my Boss told me that’s the way I’m supposed to do it). I don’t work hard at making our church excellent in every area because I want a pat on the back – I do it because I love Jesus Christ and I’m reflecting the Creator of the Universe and “good enough” just doesn’t cut it. “Good enough” is not in God’s vocabulary. What if while God was creating the Universe He put the sun 2,000 miles closer to the earth and said, “good enough”? We’d be toast! Deuteronomy 32:4 tells us His works are perfect. And Jesus tells us in Matthew 5 to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect.
Please get off your “good enough”, better yourself and better the world around you!
What drives me absolutely crazy is the “good enough” crowd. They don’t care to do better, they don’t care to be progressive, they have no goals, and they are not motivated. I drive through some of the streets in our rural towns and I see “good enough” everywhere. I drive by places where the attitude is, “I’m not taking the washing machine off the porch, I don’t need to paint the house, weed the garden, shovel the walk, mow the lawn – it’s good enough. I don’t need to go to college, get good grades, and speak with proper grammar. I don’t need any goals, I’ll do enough just to get by. Why excel? Why do anything excellently?”
While I’m on a roll here let me just say, I don’t mow my lawn or trim around my yard because I enjoy it! I do it because I’m a good neighbor. I do it because I love my neighbor (my Boss told me that’s the way I’m supposed to do it). I don’t work hard at making our church excellent in every area because I want a pat on the back – I do it because I love Jesus Christ and I’m reflecting the Creator of the Universe and “good enough” just doesn’t cut it. “Good enough” is not in God’s vocabulary. What if while God was creating the Universe He put the sun 2,000 miles closer to the earth and said, “good enough”? We’d be toast! Deuteronomy 32:4 tells us His works are perfect. And Jesus tells us in Matthew 5 to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect.
Please get off your “good enough”, better yourself and better the world around you!
Good Enough
I’ve become more and more aware of something as I enter this period of my life – I’m driven. I have high expectations of myself. I’ve actually always been this way but I notice it more as I enter a stage in my life where I see clearly my purpose in life and I see that I am in a stage where I can actually be productive (I’m not so young I’m looked down upon, and I’m not so old that I can’t produce results any longer). I have goals and I’m not satisfied with “good enough”; I want to be better and I want to do better. This doesn’t mean that I’m perfect and that I don’t have my moments of apathy.
What drives me absolutely crazy is the “good enough” crowd. They don’t care to do better, they don’t care to be progressive, they have no goals, and they are not motivated. I drive through some of the streets in our rural towns and I see “good enough” everywhere. I drive by places where the attitude is, “I’m not taking the washing machine off the porch, I don’t need to paint the house, weed the garden, shovel the walk, mow the lawn – it’s good enough. I don’t need to go to college, get good grades, and speak with proper grammar. I don’t need any goals, I’ll do enough just to get by. Why excel? Why do anything excellently?”
While I’m on a roll here let me just say, I don’t mow my lawn or trim around my yard because I enjoy it! I do it because I’m a good neighbor. I do it because I love my neighbor (my Boss told me that’s the way I’m supposed to do it). I don’t work hard at making our church excellent in every area because I want a pat on the back – I do it because I love Jesus Christ and I’m reflecting the Creator of the Universe and “good enough” just doesn’t cut it. “Good enough” is not in God’s vocabulary. What if while God was creating the Universe He put the sun 2,000 miles closer to the earth and said, “good enough”? We’d be toast! Deuteronomy 32:4 tells us His works are perfect. And Jesus tells us in Matthew 5 to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect.
Please get off your “good enough”, better yourself and better the world around you!
What drives me absolutely crazy is the “good enough” crowd. They don’t care to do better, they don’t care to be progressive, they have no goals, and they are not motivated. I drive through some of the streets in our rural towns and I see “good enough” everywhere. I drive by places where the attitude is, “I’m not taking the washing machine off the porch, I don’t need to paint the house, weed the garden, shovel the walk, mow the lawn – it’s good enough. I don’t need to go to college, get good grades, and speak with proper grammar. I don’t need any goals, I’ll do enough just to get by. Why excel? Why do anything excellently?”
While I’m on a roll here let me just say, I don’t mow my lawn or trim around my yard because I enjoy it! I do it because I’m a good neighbor. I do it because I love my neighbor (my Boss told me that’s the way I’m supposed to do it). I don’t work hard at making our church excellent in every area because I want a pat on the back – I do it because I love Jesus Christ and I’m reflecting the Creator of the Universe and “good enough” just doesn’t cut it. “Good enough” is not in God’s vocabulary. What if while God was creating the Universe He put the sun 2,000 miles closer to the earth and said, “good enough”? We’d be toast! Deuteronomy 32:4 tells us His works are perfect. And Jesus tells us in Matthew 5 to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect.
Please get off your “good enough”, better yourself and better the world around you!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Great Growth Group
This evening our growth group had a couple of great things happen.
First of all, tonight our regular growth group leader, Aaron, was out of town and Chipper stepped up to lead the group for the very first time. Not that long ago Chipper didn’t want anything to do with church and did not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. But over the last year and half Chipper has been such a blessing to watch as he leads his family and has really been growing in the Lord. He did a great job of leading the group this evening. It just blesses my heart when I see a young man like Chipper becoming more and more mature in Christ.
Secondly, it was Kimberly’s birthday and 2 different people brought birthday cakes to surprise her. Kimberly was late getting to group (she was celebrating in Indy with her hubby, Nathan). Kim got to group after we had eaten most of her cake. So rather than wait for Kim to get to group we decided to dig into the cake and Tammy took the honors and blew out the candles since tomorrow is Tammy’s birthday. Tomorrow Tammy turns the big 3_; I’ll let you fill in the blank so that I don’t get in trouble. As you can see in the picture below Shelby helped mommy blow the candles out.
First of all, tonight our regular growth group leader, Aaron, was out of town and Chipper stepped up to lead the group for the very first time. Not that long ago Chipper didn’t want anything to do with church and did not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. But over the last year and half Chipper has been such a blessing to watch as he leads his family and has really been growing in the Lord. He did a great job of leading the group this evening. It just blesses my heart when I see a young man like Chipper becoming more and more mature in Christ.
Secondly, it was Kimberly’s birthday and 2 different people brought birthday cakes to surprise her. Kimberly was late getting to group (she was celebrating in Indy with her hubby, Nathan). Kim got to group after we had eaten most of her cake. So rather than wait for Kim to get to group we decided to dig into the cake and Tammy took the honors and blew out the candles since tomorrow is Tammy’s birthday. Tomorrow Tammy turns the big 3_; I’ll let you fill in the blank so that I don’t get in trouble. As you can see in the picture below Shelby helped mommy blow the candles out.
Great Growth Group
This evening our growth group had a couple of great things happen.
First of all, tonight our regular growth group leader, Aaron, was out of town and Chipper stepped up to lead the group for the very first time. Not that long ago Chipper didn’t want anything to do with church and did not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. But over the last year and half Chipper has been such a blessing to watch as he leads his family and has really been growing in the Lord. He did a great job of leading the group this evening. It just blesses my heart when I see a young man like Chipper becoming more and more mature in Christ.
Secondly, it was Kimberly’s birthday and 2 different people brought birthday cakes to surprise her. Kimberly was late getting to group (she was celebrating in Indy with her hubby, Nathan). Kim got to group after we had eaten most of her cake. So rather than wait for Kim to get to group we decided to dig into the cake and Tammy took the honors and blew out the candles since tomorrow is Tammy’s birthday. Tomorrow Tammy turns the big 3_; I’ll let you fill in the blank so that I don’t get in trouble. As you can see in the picture below Shelby helped mommy blow the candles out.
First of all, tonight our regular growth group leader, Aaron, was out of town and Chipper stepped up to lead the group for the very first time. Not that long ago Chipper didn’t want anything to do with church and did not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. But over the last year and half Chipper has been such a blessing to watch as he leads his family and has really been growing in the Lord. He did a great job of leading the group this evening. It just blesses my heart when I see a young man like Chipper becoming more and more mature in Christ.
Secondly, it was Kimberly’s birthday and 2 different people brought birthday cakes to surprise her. Kimberly was late getting to group (she was celebrating in Indy with her hubby, Nathan). Kim got to group after we had eaten most of her cake. So rather than wait for Kim to get to group we decided to dig into the cake and Tammy took the honors and blew out the candles since tomorrow is Tammy’s birthday. Tomorrow Tammy turns the big 3_; I’ll let you fill in the blank so that I don’t get in trouble. As you can see in the picture below Shelby helped mommy blow the candles out.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Saturday Night Reflections
We had our first Saturday night service this evening. We had a great turn out tonight; we had to put out more chairs to accommodate all the people coming in. For the most part we didn’t hit too many snags on our first time out of the gates, so I was very pleased. We did a few things different at this service than in our other 2 services: we added some videos before the service started, pumped up the sound, added some other visual elements, rearranged the order of service, offered snacks, moved around the seating arrangement, and put together a totally different worship team. Every element had been thought out and implemented for a very specific reason.
It felt really strange preaching on Saturday night for me, I think once I do it a few more times I’ll feel “more at home”. I enjoy experimenting with different elements of the service and I’m already looking forward to next Saturday night and trying out some different things.
It felt really strange preaching on Saturday night for me, I think once I do it a few more times I’ll feel “more at home”. I enjoy experimenting with different elements of the service and I’m already looking forward to next Saturday night and trying out some different things.
Saturday Night Reflections
We had our first Saturday night service this evening. We had a great turn out tonight; we had to put out more chairs to accommodate all the people coming in. For the most part we didn’t hit too many snags on our first time out of the gates, so I was very pleased. We did a few things different at this service than in our other 2 services: we added some videos before the service started, pumped up the sound, added some other visual elements, rearranged the order of service, offered snacks, moved around the seating arrangement, and put together a totally different worship team. Every element had been thought out and implemented for a very specific reason.
It felt really strange preaching on Saturday night for me, I think once I do it a few more times I’ll feel “more at home”. I enjoy experimenting with different elements of the service and I’m already looking forward to next Saturday night and trying out some different things.
It felt really strange preaching on Saturday night for me, I think once I do it a few more times I’ll feel “more at home”. I enjoy experimenting with different elements of the service and I’m already looking forward to next Saturday night and trying out some different things.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Anyone up for a Roadtrip?
One of the purposes of this blog is so that folks can get to know me a little bit better. So, from time to time I like to let you into my thoughts, my likes/dislikes, dreams, etc. This evening I thought I’d share with you some of the places that I’d like to visit in the future. This is actually the short list (Alphabetically of course - - I’m anal).Arizona (Grand Canyon, Sedona)
Baja California Sur
California (all of it!)
Cruise to the Caribbean
Denmark – My motherland… Dane’s rule!
Florida (both coasts)
Georgia (Savannah,
Hawaii (several islands)
Israel (I’ve been there before but I’d love to be there with my wife and daughter)
North Carolina (Biltmore)
Norway (Tammy’s motherland)
Wyoming (Yellowstone National Park & Jackson Hole)
Check back tomorrow night as I blog about my thoughts after our first Saturday night service.
Anyone up for a Roadtrip?
One of the purposes of this blog is so that folks can get to know me a little bit better. So, from time to time I like to let you into my thoughts, my likes/dislikes, dreams, etc. This evening I thought I’d share with you some of the places that I’d like to visit in the future. This is actually the short list (Alphabetically of course - - I’m anal).Arizona (Grand Canyon, Sedona)
Baja California Sur
California (all of it!)
Cruise to the Caribbean
Denmark – My motherland… Dane’s rule!
Florida (both coasts)
Georgia (Savannah,
Hawaii (several islands)
Israel (I’ve been there before but I’d love to be there with my wife and daughter)
North Carolina (Biltmore)
Norway (Tammy’s motherland)
Wyoming (Yellowstone National Park & Jackson Hole)
Check back tomorrow night as I blog about my thoughts after our first Saturday night service.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Saturday Night Service
This Saturday we begin our new Saturday night service. We have prepared for this for several months now and I’m anxious about how it will go. I think we have put all the pieces together and I also think we are starting with a fantastic sermon series (of course I think every series we do is fantastic – I’m biased). Our Saturday night service will have a different format/feel than our other 2 services. No matter whether you choose Saturday night at 6:30 or our 2 services on Sunday I highly encourage you to come and bring a friend for this new series, “Truth”, as we tackle the subject of temptation.
Saturday Night Service
This Saturday we begin our new Saturday night service. We have prepared for this for several months now and I’m anxious about how it will go. I think we have put all the pieces together and I also think we are starting with a fantastic sermon series (of course I think every series we do is fantastic – I’m biased). Our Saturday night service will have a different format/feel than our other 2 services. No matter whether you choose Saturday night at 6:30 or our 2 services on Sunday I highly encourage you to come and bring a friend for this new series, “Truth”, as we tackle the subject of temptation.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
The Truth (part 2)
What is interesting about temptation from the enemy is how hard he will push and push to get you to sin and then when you finally take the bait and sin – he’s nowhere to be found. Satan vanishes when we sin. He will leave us broken and alone. He will be hounding you, tempting you, he won’t leave you alone – until – you sin, and then he’s gone.
That stinkin’ liar just leaves us hanging, and when he comes back our way he comes to shame and condemn us for the very thing he enticed us to do. He gets up in our face and says, “You are pathetic, you’re worthless, you call yourself a Christian? God hates you; He wants nothing to do with you.” And we buy the evil one’s lie again. First, we believed the lie about the temptation, that it would fulfill us, and then we buy the lie that we are worthless and God hates us.
The truth is when we have sinned, God isn’t abandoning us, He is pursuing us. He wants to redeem us. In His love God wants to protect us from harmful choices. The enemy is gone when you are broken and alone. But when you are broken and alone God is going to pursue you in that moment and say, “I know you messed up, but I’m still coming for you, I’m still pursuing you and I’m offering you abundant life.”
The truth is Satan is a liar and a murderer; God is the truth and offers life.
That stinkin’ liar just leaves us hanging, and when he comes back our way he comes to shame and condemn us for the very thing he enticed us to do. He gets up in our face and says, “You are pathetic, you’re worthless, you call yourself a Christian? God hates you; He wants nothing to do with you.” And we buy the evil one’s lie again. First, we believed the lie about the temptation, that it would fulfill us, and then we buy the lie that we are worthless and God hates us.
The truth is when we have sinned, God isn’t abandoning us, He is pursuing us. He wants to redeem us. In His love God wants to protect us from harmful choices. The enemy is gone when you are broken and alone. But when you are broken and alone God is going to pursue you in that moment and say, “I know you messed up, but I’m still coming for you, I’m still pursuing you and I’m offering you abundant life.”
The truth is Satan is a liar and a murderer; God is the truth and offers life.
The Truth (part 2)
What is interesting about temptation from the enemy is how hard he will push and push to get you to sin and then when you finally take the bait and sin – he’s nowhere to be found. Satan vanishes when we sin. He will leave us broken and alone. He will be hounding you, tempting you, he won’t leave you alone – until – you sin, and then he’s gone.
That stinkin’ liar just leaves us hanging, and when he comes back our way he comes to shame and condemn us for the very thing he enticed us to do. He gets up in our face and says, “You are pathetic, you’re worthless, you call yourself a Christian? God hates you; He wants nothing to do with you.” And we buy the evil one’s lie again. First, we believed the lie about the temptation, that it would fulfill us, and then we buy the lie that we are worthless and God hates us.
The truth is when we have sinned, God isn’t abandoning us, He is pursuing us. He wants to redeem us. In His love God wants to protect us from harmful choices. The enemy is gone when you are broken and alone. But when you are broken and alone God is going to pursue you in that moment and say, “I know you messed up, but I’m still coming for you, I’m still pursuing you and I’m offering you abundant life.”
The truth is Satan is a liar and a murderer; God is the truth and offers life.
That stinkin’ liar just leaves us hanging, and when he comes back our way he comes to shame and condemn us for the very thing he enticed us to do. He gets up in our face and says, “You are pathetic, you’re worthless, you call yourself a Christian? God hates you; He wants nothing to do with you.” And we buy the evil one’s lie again. First, we believed the lie about the temptation, that it would fulfill us, and then we buy the lie that we are worthless and God hates us.
The truth is when we have sinned, God isn’t abandoning us, He is pursuing us. He wants to redeem us. In His love God wants to protect us from harmful choices. The enemy is gone when you are broken and alone. But when you are broken and alone God is going to pursue you in that moment and say, “I know you messed up, but I’m still coming for you, I’m still pursuing you and I’m offering you abundant life.”
The truth is Satan is a liar and a murderer; God is the truth and offers life.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
The Truth
This evening I'm going to begin a series of posts on the truth. This weekend I will be beginning a series called "Truth" at church and I thought I'd share a few ideas here on the blog. This first weekend we will dive into the truth about temptation...
The truth is temptation is very real; we can pretend it doesn’t happen to us but that wouldn’t be true. We live in a spiritual battle and we need to wrap our mind around the fact that there is a very real enemy that has a plan and agenda for our lives and the enemy is a LIAR.
In John 8:44 Jesus defines who the devil is: “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
That’s who you and I are dealing with in this spiritual battle. Satan speaks liar language. He has no truth, hang around with him if you want, but know that it results in lies and death. He is out to destroy your faith, your future, and your family. Your enemy is all about deception and he wants nothing to do with the truth.
So if you are going resist your enemy it helps to know the TRUTH. Jesus said that God’s Word is truth; and“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus also said, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” and again Jesus says, I am the truth.
Looking for some freedom from the Liar? Seek the Truth.
The truth is temptation is very real; we can pretend it doesn’t happen to us but that wouldn’t be true. We live in a spiritual battle and we need to wrap our mind around the fact that there is a very real enemy that has a plan and agenda for our lives and the enemy is a LIAR.
In John 8:44 Jesus defines who the devil is: “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
That’s who you and I are dealing with in this spiritual battle. Satan speaks liar language. He has no truth, hang around with him if you want, but know that it results in lies and death. He is out to destroy your faith, your future, and your family. Your enemy is all about deception and he wants nothing to do with the truth.
So if you are going resist your enemy it helps to know the TRUTH. Jesus said that God’s Word is truth; and“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus also said, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” and again Jesus says, I am the truth.
Looking for some freedom from the Liar? Seek the Truth.
The Truth
This evening I'm going to begin a series of posts on the truth. This weekend I will be beginning a series called "Truth" at church and I thought I'd share a few ideas here on the blog. This first weekend we will dive into the truth about temptation...
The truth is temptation is very real; we can pretend it doesn’t happen to us but that wouldn’t be true. We live in a spiritual battle and we need to wrap our mind around the fact that there is a very real enemy that has a plan and agenda for our lives and the enemy is a LIAR.
In John 8:44 Jesus defines who the devil is: “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
That’s who you and I are dealing with in this spiritual battle. Satan speaks liar language. He has no truth, hang around with him if you want, but know that it results in lies and death. He is out to destroy your faith, your future, and your family. Your enemy is all about deception and he wants nothing to do with the truth.
So if you are going resist your enemy it helps to know the TRUTH. Jesus said that God’s Word is truth; and“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus also said, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” and again Jesus says, I am the truth.
Looking for some freedom from the Liar? Seek the Truth.
The truth is temptation is very real; we can pretend it doesn’t happen to us but that wouldn’t be true. We live in a spiritual battle and we need to wrap our mind around the fact that there is a very real enemy that has a plan and agenda for our lives and the enemy is a LIAR.
In John 8:44 Jesus defines who the devil is: “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
That’s who you and I are dealing with in this spiritual battle. Satan speaks liar language. He has no truth, hang around with him if you want, but know that it results in lies and death. He is out to destroy your faith, your future, and your family. Your enemy is all about deception and he wants nothing to do with the truth.
So if you are going resist your enemy it helps to know the TRUTH. Jesus said that God’s Word is truth; and“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus also said, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” and again Jesus says, I am the truth.
Looking for some freedom from the Liar? Seek the Truth.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Introspection
We’ve made it safely back home from our trip to Nashville, TN. We came home to patches of snow in our yard, tons of junk mail, and newspapers piled up on our doorstep. I’ve always hated coming back home from vacations. The time flies by when I don’t have any cares or responsibilities. When you get back from a vacation the reality of life and its business just slaps you in the face and it seems like I’m always hitting the ground running.
I always seem to come back from extended breaks having a new idea or seeing something that I didn’t see before. This vacation I was struck by the fact that I’ve really begun to coast in my personal development. I’ve slowed down in my reading, I’ve not seriously exercised in a long time, and I’ve not set any personal goals in front of me.
I will be working to correct this immediately. What habits or routines have you slipped into? Is there something you can do tomorrow to better yourself and the Kingdom of God?
I always seem to come back from extended breaks having a new idea or seeing something that I didn’t see before. This vacation I was struck by the fact that I’ve really begun to coast in my personal development. I’ve slowed down in my reading, I’ve not seriously exercised in a long time, and I’ve not set any personal goals in front of me.
I will be working to correct this immediately. What habits or routines have you slipped into? Is there something you can do tomorrow to better yourself and the Kingdom of God?
Introspection
We’ve made it safely back home from our trip to Nashville, TN. We came home to patches of snow in our yard, tons of junk mail, and newspapers piled up on our doorstep. I’ve always hated coming back home from vacations. The time flies by when I don’t have any cares or responsibilities. When you get back from a vacation the reality of life and its business just slaps you in the face and it seems like I’m always hitting the ground running.
I always seem to come back from extended breaks having a new idea or seeing something that I didn’t see before. This vacation I was struck by the fact that I’ve really begun to coast in my personal development. I’ve slowed down in my reading, I’ve not seriously exercised in a long time, and I’ve not set any personal goals in front of me.
I will be working to correct this immediately. What habits or routines have you slipped into? Is there something you can do tomorrow to better yourself and the Kingdom of God?
I always seem to come back from extended breaks having a new idea or seeing something that I didn’t see before. This vacation I was struck by the fact that I’ve really begun to coast in my personal development. I’ve slowed down in my reading, I’ve not seriously exercised in a long time, and I’ve not set any personal goals in front of me.
I will be working to correct this immediately. What habits or routines have you slipped into? Is there something you can do tomorrow to better yourself and the Kingdom of God?
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Journey to Country Music Mecca (part 5)
Just a couple of photos for this evening. Today Shelby wanted to try out the other carousel in the mall. This morning Mommy got to ride...
and this evening Daddy got a shot at it...
Tonight I'm going to head over to the Opry Land Hotel and savor the last few hours of vacation that I have left. Tomorrow it's a 6+ hour trip back up into "Yankee territory" to Parker City, Indiana.
When I get back into a routine on Tuesday I think the blog will be taking on a more "spiritual" tone (thanks for enduring the family photo album). I will probably be posting about our upcoming sermon series TRUTH; I've been looking forward to sharing this series for several months now. I'm also anxious to start the Saturday night service this weekend and I think this is an excellent series to kick it off.
Journey to Country Music Mecca (part 5)
Just a couple of photos for this evening. Today Shelby wanted to try out the other carousel in the mall. This morning Mommy got to ride...
and this evening Daddy got a shot at it...
Tonight I'm going to head over to the Opry Land Hotel and savor the last few hours of vacation that I have left. Tomorrow it's a 6+ hour trip back up into "Yankee territory" to Parker City, Indiana.
When I get back into a routine on Tuesday I think the blog will be taking on a more "spiritual" tone (thanks for enduring the family photo album). I will probably be posting about our upcoming sermon series TRUTH; I've been looking forward to sharing this series for several months now. I'm also anxious to start the Saturday night service this weekend and I think this is an excellent series to kick it off.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Journey to Country Music Mecca (part 4)
After about a bazillion trips around the mall we stopped for lunch at the Macaroni Grill. This was our first time eating here and it was great! I had the penne rustica - yummy; I gained weight after eating here - can ya' tell?
After taking a drive over into the Brentwood area we went to the Opry Land Hotel for some sites and supper. I love the atmosphere of the Opry Land Hotel. I'm not much into botany, but the sound of waterfalls and the smells of all the flowers in the hotel are very relaxing.
I plan on heading back to the hotel by myself this evening. I will find a quiet spot and study the sermon for our weekend services (March 17/18).
I've done this before, and there is something very tranquil about studying the sermon in this kind of atmosphere. It feels like I connect with the Lord in a different way when I'm in a different surrounding; and especially when the surrounding is beautiful or creative.
Journey to Country Music Mecca (part 4)
After about a bazillion trips around the mall we stopped for lunch at the Macaroni Grill. This was our first time eating here and it was great! I had the penne rustica - yummy; I gained weight after eating here - can ya' tell?
After taking a drive over into the Brentwood area we went to the Opry Land Hotel for some sites and supper. I love the atmosphere of the Opry Land Hotel. I'm not much into botany, but the sound of waterfalls and the smells of all the flowers in the hotel are very relaxing.
I plan on heading back to the hotel by myself this evening. I will find a quiet spot and study the sermon for our weekend services (March 17/18).
I've done this before, and there is something very tranquil about studying the sermon in this kind of atmosphere. It feels like I connect with the Lord in a different way when I'm in a different surrounding; and especially when the surrounding is beautiful or creative.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Journey to Country Music Mecca (part 3 - Photobalooza)
What I find really odd is the fact that the anonymous blogger on the "Preacher's Wife" seems to be doing the exact same things as we did today. I think that Preacher's Wife is following us... something is a little fishy. So if you would like a play by play of our day you might want to check her blog out.
The Parthenon - Downtown Nashville/Centennial Park
Centennial Park
Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe - no country music here
The Shelby Street Bridge
Ice Cream in Downtown Nashville
The Parthenon - Downtown Nashville/Centennial Park
Centennial Park
Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe - no country music here
The Shelby Street Bridge
Ice Cream in Downtown Nashville
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)