This weekend at church I'll be speaking to the men about living as the warriors that God has created them to be. I don't think the women will mind me speaking to the men; it's my perception that women long to have men step up and lead in a godly and loving way.
As men, we have a divine cause placed within us by God to defend and protect our families, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. There is something in us that calls us to be the hero in the battle sacrificing our life for something great, not for ourselves but for our families. Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
We also have a divine call to advance the kingdom of God. I absolutely love Matthew 11:12, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." There's just something about that verse that makes me want to paint my face and storm the gates of hell yelling, "FREEDOM". Too many Christian men have been "sissyfied" by the church or by our culture and we assume we have to suppress what God has placed within us.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Warriors
This weekend at church I'll be speaking to the men about living as the warriors that God has created them to be. I don't think the women will mind me speaking to the men; it's my perception that women long to have men step up and lead in a godly and loving way.
As men, we have a divine cause placed within us by God to defend and protect our families, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. There is something in us that calls us to be the hero in the battle sacrificing our life for something great, not for ourselves but for our families. Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
We also have a divine call to advance the kingdom of God. I absolutely love Matthew 11:12, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." There's just something about that verse that makes me want to paint my face and storm the gates of hell yelling, "FREEDOM". Too many Christian men have been "sissyfied" by the church or by our culture and we assume we have to suppress what God has placed within us.
As men, we have a divine cause placed within us by God to defend and protect our families, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. There is something in us that calls us to be the hero in the battle sacrificing our life for something great, not for ourselves but for our families. Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
We also have a divine call to advance the kingdom of God. I absolutely love Matthew 11:12, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." There's just something about that verse that makes me want to paint my face and storm the gates of hell yelling, "FREEDOM". Too many Christian men have been "sissyfied" by the church or by our culture and we assume we have to suppress what God has placed within us.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Birth Announcement
You were there for the death of our elliptical machine; it is only fitting that you be involved in the birth of our brand new elliptical. Tammy is so proud of her brand new baby, and I'm so proud that I had a really good attitude performing the delivery. Shelby was so excited that she drew the elliptical a little picture with a heart and her name on it.
Birth Announcement
You were there for the death of our elliptical machine; it is only fitting that you be involved in the birth of our brand new elliptical. Tammy is so proud of her brand new baby, and I'm so proud that I had a really good attitude performing the delivery. Shelby was so excited that she drew the elliptical a little picture with a heart and her name on it.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Ummm What's This Daddy?
Shelby was digging through one of my dresser drawers the other day - here's what went down.
Shelby: "Daddy what is this?"
Me: *uncontrollable laughter* "What do you think it is Shelby?"
Tammy: *watching/listening in, and uncontrollable laughter*
Shelby: "I don't know what it is."
Me: "It's a face mask." *guilt set in for lying to my daughter* "It protects daddy when I used to play goalie in soccer."
Shelby: "Did it protect your knee?"
Me: "No."
Shelby: "Did it protect your elbow?"
Me: *still laughing* "No." *Tammy laughing even harder now*
What ensued was a brief discussion about boy plumbing and girl plumbing. I don't think Shelby completely understood... that's OK.
Note to self: why do I still have my cup from playing goalie in college?
Shelby: "Daddy what is this?"
Me: *uncontrollable laughter* "What do you think it is Shelby?"
Tammy: *watching/listening in, and uncontrollable laughter*
Shelby: "I don't know what it is."
Me: "It's a face mask." *guilt set in for lying to my daughter* "It protects daddy when I used to play goalie in soccer."
Shelby: "Did it protect your knee?"
Me: "No."
Shelby: "Did it protect your elbow?"
Me: *still laughing* "No." *Tammy laughing even harder now*
What ensued was a brief discussion about boy plumbing and girl plumbing. I don't think Shelby completely understood... that's OK.
Note to self: why do I still have my cup from playing goalie in college?
Ummm What's This Daddy?
Shelby was digging through one of my dresser drawers the other day - here's what went down.
Shelby: "Daddy what is this?"
Me: *uncontrollable laughter* "What do you think it is Shelby?"
Tammy: *watching/listening in, and uncontrollable laughter*
Shelby: "I don't know what it is."
Me: "It's a face mask." *guilt set in for lying to my daughter* "It protects daddy when I used to play goalie in soccer."
Shelby: "Did it protect your knee?"
Me: "No."
Shelby: "Did it protect your elbow?"
Me: *still laughing* "No." *Tammy laughing even harder now*
What ensued was a brief discussion about boy plumbing and girl plumbing. I don't think Shelby completely understood... that's OK.
Note to self: why do I still have my cup from playing goalie in college?
Shelby: "Daddy what is this?"
Me: *uncontrollable laughter* "What do you think it is Shelby?"
Tammy: *watching/listening in, and uncontrollable laughter*
Shelby: "I don't know what it is."
Me: "It's a face mask." *guilt set in for lying to my daughter* "It protects daddy when I used to play goalie in soccer."
Shelby: "Did it protect your knee?"
Me: "No."
Shelby: "Did it protect your elbow?"
Me: *still laughing* "No." *Tammy laughing even harder now*
What ensued was a brief discussion about boy plumbing and girl plumbing. I don't think Shelby completely understood... that's OK.
Note to self: why do I still have my cup from playing goalie in college?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Office Prank
Mission accomplished. Pastor Jeff was away on vacation this last week and just came back into his office a moment ago and found this...
Office Prank
Mission accomplished. Pastor Jeff was away on vacation this last week and just came back into his office a moment ago and found this...
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Religion Stinketh Revisted
This weekend my message was on Religion. Here's a few more parting thoughts...
"The Latin word for religion means "to bind or tie up." Religion can bind you so that you are not experiencing the kind of freedom that Christ came to bring to you. Here are some observations I’ve made about religion: religion seeks control but love gives control. Religious people want to control everyone’s thoughts and behaviors; it’s like they become the Holy Spirit police. They will set up rules for everyone else to follow and soon what was supposed to be a relationship turns into legalism. “Don’t go there, don’t wear that, don’t listen to that, don’t drink that, don’t say that, don’t eat that… don’t eat that in here…”
I thank God that Christianity isn't based on religion but rather upon a relationship. Preforming for my salvation would just wear me out.
"The Latin word for religion means "to bind or tie up." Religion can bind you so that you are not experiencing the kind of freedom that Christ came to bring to you. Here are some observations I’ve made about religion: religion seeks control but love gives control. Religious people want to control everyone’s thoughts and behaviors; it’s like they become the Holy Spirit police. They will set up rules for everyone else to follow and soon what was supposed to be a relationship turns into legalism. “Don’t go there, don’t wear that, don’t listen to that, don’t drink that, don’t say that, don’t eat that… don’t eat that in here…”
I thank God that Christianity isn't based on religion but rather upon a relationship. Preforming for my salvation would just wear me out.
Religion Stinketh Revisted
This weekend my message was on Religion. Here's a few more parting thoughts...
"The Latin word for religion means "to bind or tie up." Religion can bind you so that you are not experiencing the kind of freedom that Christ came to bring to you. Here are some observations I’ve made about religion: religion seeks control but love gives control. Religious people want to control everyone’s thoughts and behaviors; it’s like they become the Holy Spirit police. They will set up rules for everyone else to follow and soon what was supposed to be a relationship turns into legalism. “Don’t go there, don’t wear that, don’t listen to that, don’t drink that, don’t say that, don’t eat that… don’t eat that in here…”
I thank God that Christianity isn't based on religion but rather upon a relationship. Preforming for my salvation would just wear me out.
"The Latin word for religion means "to bind or tie up." Religion can bind you so that you are not experiencing the kind of freedom that Christ came to bring to you. Here are some observations I’ve made about religion: religion seeks control but love gives control. Religious people want to control everyone’s thoughts and behaviors; it’s like they become the Holy Spirit police. They will set up rules for everyone else to follow and soon what was supposed to be a relationship turns into legalism. “Don’t go there, don’t wear that, don’t listen to that, don’t drink that, don’t say that, don’t eat that… don’t eat that in here…”
I thank God that Christianity isn't based on religion but rather upon a relationship. Preforming for my salvation would just wear me out.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Astronaut Training
This morning Shelby decided that she needed some training if she was going to grow up and one day be an astronaut...
She also thought that our dog, Caedmon, might like to go into outer space someday...
Astronaut Training
This morning Shelby decided that she needed some training if she was going to grow up and one day be an astronaut...
She also thought that our dog, Caedmon, might like to go into outer space someday...
Friday, January 25, 2008
I Must Be Getting Old
Something strange has been happening to my music listening habits over the past few weeks. When I'm in the car I've been listening to classical music and jazz; - I KNOW! - weird isn't it? For some reason I'm tired of hearing words sung on the radio. I don't have a problem watching television or listening to someone speak, I just don't want to hear any words sung on the radio - sometimes it's just too much noise.
What's going on with me? Anyone else ever experience anything like this?
What's going on with me? Anyone else ever experience anything like this?
I Must Be Getting Old
Something strange has been happening to my music listening habits over the past few weeks. When I'm in the car I've been listening to classical music and jazz; - I KNOW! - weird isn't it? For some reason I'm tired of hearing words sung on the radio. I don't have a problem watching television or listening to someone speak, I just don't want to hear any words sung on the radio - sometimes it's just too much noise.
What's going on with me? Anyone else ever experience anything like this?
What's going on with me? Anyone else ever experience anything like this?
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Goal Accomplished
This evening I accomplished one of my short term goals in life. Tonight before our growth group I beat James in Farkel. Very few others have known this joy. I don't know that I'll ever be able to beat him again, but at least for tonight the thrill of victory was mine ;-)
Goal Accomplished
This evening I accomplished one of my short term goals in life. Tonight before our growth group I beat James in Farkel. Very few others have known this joy. I don't know that I'll ever be able to beat him again, but at least for tonight the thrill of victory was mine ;-)
Monday, January 21, 2008
Religion Stinketh
For the next several weekends at church we are going to be revisiting some of our favorite sermon series. This weekend we are going to go back over "Religion Stinketh". (In case you were wondering, stinketh is a word - John 11:39)
Religion is man's attempt to please God by adhering to rules and regulations. Christianity is not about religion, it's about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ (See Romans 3). Religion brings with it bondage, the relationship brings freedom.
Galatians 5:1, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Religion is man's attempt to please God by adhering to rules and regulations. Christianity is not about religion, it's about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ (See Romans 3). Religion brings with it bondage, the relationship brings freedom.
Galatians 5:1, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Religion Stinketh
For the next several weekends at church we are going to be revisiting some of our favorite sermon series. This weekend we are going to go back over "Religion Stinketh". (In case you were wondering, stinketh is a word - John 11:39)
Religion is man's attempt to please God by adhering to rules and regulations. Christianity is not about religion, it's about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ (See Romans 3). Religion brings with it bondage, the relationship brings freedom.
Galatians 5:1, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Religion is man's attempt to please God by adhering to rules and regulations. Christianity is not about religion, it's about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ (See Romans 3). Religion brings with it bondage, the relationship brings freedom.
Galatians 5:1, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Sunday, January 20, 2008
TOMS (Arctic) Shoes
This weekend at church I talked about "mission"; the call of God on every believer's life to go into the world and make a difference. Among many of the ministries and missions that I highlighted today was TOMS Shoes. I wanted people to catch a glimpse of the passion and joy involved when you know you are making a difference in the lives of others. For every pair of TOMS you buy a pair is given to a child in need. You can learn more about TOMS here, and here, and here.
So this weekend I slipped on my TOMS so that I could show people what they look like. They are a very thin canvass shoe and it was freezing outside today. I had to be the only idiot wearing a pair of TOMS in -17 degree windchill. I believe I have officially set the record for TOMS worn in arctic temperatures. I took a couple of pictures outside this a.m. with my TOMS on just to prove it...
TOMS (Arctic) Shoes
This weekend at church I talked about "mission"; the call of God on every believer's life to go into the world and make a difference. Among many of the ministries and missions that I highlighted today was TOMS Shoes. I wanted people to catch a glimpse of the passion and joy involved when you know you are making a difference in the lives of others. For every pair of TOMS you buy a pair is given to a child in need. You can learn more about TOMS here, and here, and here.
So this weekend I slipped on my TOMS so that I could show people what they look like. They are a very thin canvass shoe and it was freezing outside today. I had to be the only idiot wearing a pair of TOMS in -17 degree windchill. I believe I have officially set the record for TOMS worn in arctic temperatures. I took a couple of pictures outside this a.m. with my TOMS on just to prove it...
Saturday, January 19, 2008
At the Movies
Today we took Shelby to her first movie ever. Our church rented out the movie theater so we could watch the Veggie Tales movie: "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" It was fun watching Shelby's reaction to the big screen and hanging out with our church family at the movies.
At the Movies
Today we took Shelby to her first movie ever. Our church rented out the movie theater so we could watch the Veggie Tales movie: "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" It was fun watching Shelby's reaction to the big screen and hanging out with our church family at the movies.
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