Tonight was Faith Family Church Night of Worship (NOW)... it was absolutely breath taking! Here's a summary: Jesus was exalted, people experienced the real love of God and discovered their true identity! PRAISE GOD....
Since I'm not limited to 140 characters, I'll elaborate a bit more:
To open the night, an incredible young man named Carl Jones did a monologue of Psalm 139. All I can say is...WOW... incredibly BEAUTIFUL and powerful!
"For you created my inmost being you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16
It was as if the entire night, God was revealing Himself to everyone in such a personal way. It was a prophetic night for many, full of true revelation of His love and "the beautiful purpose" of life. The house was filled with glorious praise that exalted Jesus Christ. I can't even begin to explain it all... It was as if Heaven touched earth.
Amy Murray delivered a powerful Word entitled The Beautiful Purpose. Calling every Christ follower to be who God has created us to be. She said: "God has so uniquely created, formed and fashioned every single one of us... even our fingerprints display the diversity and creativity of God. There has never been anyone like you and will never be like you. But this isn't because we are so amazing... IT'S BECAUSE GOD IS SO AMAZING!"
She then took it to a whole other level when she quoted 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God." Reminding us that WE CAN KNOW THE BEAUTIFUL PURPOSE AND PLANS FOR OUR LIFE. That God actually wants to reveal to us our purpose for life even more than we long to know it!
Although I believe I am fulfilling God's plan for my life, I was reminded that I can't just sit on the sideline of life hoping to fulfill it, but I must pursue God passionately as well as the plans that He has in store for me. To remove the lid of fear and insecurity... to DREAM BIG, be creative and innovative; because the Spirit of God is at work in me to reveal the full beauty of the life God has given to me!
My heart is filled and my Spirit is soaring... compelled by the awesome love and faith that God has given to me... that Christ died for. I don't want to waste this life that God has so generously blessed me with.
We learned a new song entitled All that I Am (taken from Psalm 139). I'll end with part of lyrics of the song:
I AM ALL THAT I AM... AND I'M NOTHING WITHOUT YOU! THIS LIFE IS UNMISTAKABLE AND HIS LOVE IS UNFORGETTABLE! GOD IT'S YOU I NEED ALONE!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
One Year Ago Today...
Today is the one year mark of when my mother passed away suddenly from a heart attack. But I don't live this day dwelling on her death... today I will celebrate her life.
I spent the day with my sister Theresa: hanging out, lunch at one of our favorite Korean restaurant, going to the grave site. It was great sharing that time with her.
There's no doubt that my mom had a huge impact in my life. Can't imagine all the prayers that she prayed for us kids... they are still being answered to this day. That's the great thing about prayers; they are not limited to space nor time... so keep praying people!
If you're a parent, don't minimize the importance of each day. Your impact will be felt for life! I have my mom's voice recorded inside of me... every funny saying she had, every soap box she ever stood on, all those moments when she was transparent about her feelings toward us... they don't go away. My mom desired for great things for us, wanting us to have a better life experience in every way. There's no parent that exists who did everything right... but the greatest parents give their best efforts as they continue to surrender their kids to God's will and plan.
If you're a child, don't minimize the importance of each day either. Honor them... esteem value, grace and the benefit of the doubt to the heart behind what you don't understand. Variables such as: culture, upbringing, or the era in which they were raised (war or economic stresses) that can be different from anything you may know or have experienced. Each parent is dealt a different set of cards than you have been given. Just because you don't understand or even agree, doesn't make them weird, wrong or out of touch. Instead of complaining or arguing with them... pray. God knows them much better than you do! Besides, you are planting seeds for your future by the way you treat them... YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TRUE THIS IS UNTIL YOU'VE BEEN A PARENT!
I thank God for my mom. I'm grateful for the impact she has made in my life. Although I miss her, I know we will be reunited again because she knew Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord. This is the greatest impact she had made in my life... that's an impact I'll experience for eternity!
Love you mom... someday I'll see you again. Until then... God help me to live each day with impact... especially for my girls.
I spent the day with my sister Theresa: hanging out, lunch at one of our favorite Korean restaurant, going to the grave site. It was great sharing that time with her.
There's no doubt that my mom had a huge impact in my life. Can't imagine all the prayers that she prayed for us kids... they are still being answered to this day. That's the great thing about prayers; they are not limited to space nor time... so keep praying people!
If you're a parent, don't minimize the importance of each day. Your impact will be felt for life! I have my mom's voice recorded inside of me... every funny saying she had, every soap box she ever stood on, all those moments when she was transparent about her feelings toward us... they don't go away. My mom desired for great things for us, wanting us to have a better life experience in every way. There's no parent that exists who did everything right... but the greatest parents give their best efforts as they continue to surrender their kids to God's will and plan.
If you're a child, don't minimize the importance of each day either. Honor them... esteem value, grace and the benefit of the doubt to the heart behind what you don't understand. Variables such as: culture, upbringing, or the era in which they were raised (war or economic stresses) that can be different from anything you may know or have experienced. Each parent is dealt a different set of cards than you have been given. Just because you don't understand or even agree, doesn't make them weird, wrong or out of touch. Instead of complaining or arguing with them... pray. God knows them much better than you do! Besides, you are planting seeds for your future by the way you treat them... YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TRUE THIS IS UNTIL YOU'VE BEEN A PARENT!
I thank God for my mom. I'm grateful for the impact she has made in my life. Although I miss her, I know we will be reunited again because she knew Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord. This is the greatest impact she had made in my life... that's an impact I'll experience for eternity!
Love you mom... someday I'll see you again. Until then... God help me to live each day with impact... especially for my girls.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The Impact of Adversity
Acts 9:1,2 "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem."
The tension during these formative years of the Church was so thick that many of the followers of Christ (ones on the Way) scattered themselves abroad among the country just to stay alive. However, this adversary Saul, was used by God to scatter the believers to preach the message of Jesus Christ as the resurrected Messiah to accomplish Jesus command of "go into all the world" (Matthew 28:18-20). Instead of creating a massive bonfire in one location, the flames of Jesus were scattered in other regions to increase its effectiveness and impact.
Our impact prayer has been: God interrupt my life, disturb me. Push me off of complacent and comfortable. Fill me with compassion - for Your glory. How will God do that? Many times He will use the many adversities of life.
During adversity we all have considered whether or not we can "handle the heat". But God is wanting to build up His Church... that's us, not destroy us. If we give ourselves to the process of adversity it build us up and accomplish great things.
Adversity reveals true Character.
Adversity tests the heart of its true Convictions.
Adversity strengthens ones Commitments.
Adversity allows the sovereignty of Christ to be made known.
What's our prayer during times of Adversity? Ask for boldness to stand strong and expect God to do above and beyond what's normal!
Acts 4:23-30 "...Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them... and now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching our Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."
The tension during these formative years of the Church was so thick that many of the followers of Christ (ones on the Way) scattered themselves abroad among the country just to stay alive. However, this adversary Saul, was used by God to scatter the believers to preach the message of Jesus Christ as the resurrected Messiah to accomplish Jesus command of "go into all the world" (Matthew 28:18-20). Instead of creating a massive bonfire in one location, the flames of Jesus were scattered in other regions to increase its effectiveness and impact.
Our impact prayer has been: God interrupt my life, disturb me. Push me off of complacent and comfortable. Fill me with compassion - for Your glory. How will God do that? Many times He will use the many adversities of life.
During adversity we all have considered whether or not we can "handle the heat". But God is wanting to build up His Church... that's us, not destroy us. If we give ourselves to the process of adversity it build us up and accomplish great things.
Adversity reveals true Character.
Adversity tests the heart of its true Convictions.
Adversity strengthens ones Commitments.
Adversity allows the sovereignty of Christ to be made known.
What's our prayer during times of Adversity? Ask for boldness to stand strong and expect God to do above and beyond what's normal!
Acts 4:23-30 "...Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them... and now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching our Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."
Monday, August 9, 2010
Impact... Expecting Something?
Acts 3:1 "One day Peter and John were going to the temple at the time of prayer..."
Throughout the book of Acts, we see numerous accounts of miraculous things taking place through the first century Church. In Acts chapter 3, we see a man who was crippled from birth be healed. We'll be looking at this portion of scripture this coming Sunday in our iMpAct series... but here's just one thing that stands out in this written account.
Notice the simple way this unfolds: "One day..." This was a day just like any other day. Peter and John were in their regular daily routine, heading to the temple to pray. There at the entrance to the temple, there was a crippled man, who probably was there like every other day prior, begging for money trying to survive another typical day. He wasn't able to work, and learned to live with his "illness" that he had since birth.
The bible doesn't say what turned this ordinary day into a extraordinary day; but I believe that recent outpouring of the Holy Spirit (a baptism of love/compassion) opened Peter and John's eyes to see their surroundings and this man differently. There were no fireworks or angels that knocked on Peter and John's door that morning say "You are going to heal a man who has been crippled from birth today", just an ordinary day that became extraordinary because they ceased the opportunity to meet a persons need.
Our iMpAct prayer has been: "Lord, interrupt my life and disturb me; push me off of comfortable and complacent - fill me with compassion, for Your Glory."
The greatest impact is typically wrapped in the ordinary. Ordinary people like you and I, moved by extraordinary love, during any ordinary day.
Verse 5 tells us: "So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them." WOW!
What are the people in our world expecting from us?
Are they expecting us to walk by as we live out our ordinary day?
Do we live our days expecting them to leave us alone, not to bother us?
Do we expect someone else to be the answer?
What does God expect us to do when we are faced with such an opportunity?
God - help us not to just pray this prayer with our eyes closed... may we pray with our eyes open wide to the extraordinary potential throughout our ordinary day. INTERRUPT OUR LIVES!
Throughout the book of Acts, we see numerous accounts of miraculous things taking place through the first century Church. In Acts chapter 3, we see a man who was crippled from birth be healed. We'll be looking at this portion of scripture this coming Sunday in our iMpAct series... but here's just one thing that stands out in this written account.
Notice the simple way this unfolds: "One day..." This was a day just like any other day. Peter and John were in their regular daily routine, heading to the temple to pray. There at the entrance to the temple, there was a crippled man, who probably was there like every other day prior, begging for money trying to survive another typical day. He wasn't able to work, and learned to live with his "illness" that he had since birth.
The bible doesn't say what turned this ordinary day into a extraordinary day; but I believe that recent outpouring of the Holy Spirit (a baptism of love/compassion) opened Peter and John's eyes to see their surroundings and this man differently. There were no fireworks or angels that knocked on Peter and John's door that morning say "You are going to heal a man who has been crippled from birth today", just an ordinary day that became extraordinary because they ceased the opportunity to meet a persons need.
Our iMpAct prayer has been: "Lord, interrupt my life and disturb me; push me off of comfortable and complacent - fill me with compassion, for Your Glory."
The greatest impact is typically wrapped in the ordinary. Ordinary people like you and I, moved by extraordinary love, during any ordinary day.
Verse 5 tells us: "So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them." WOW!
What are the people in our world expecting from us?
Are they expecting us to walk by as we live out our ordinary day?
Do we live our days expecting them to leave us alone, not to bother us?
Do we expect someone else to be the answer?
What does God expect us to do when we are faced with such an opportunity?
God - help us not to just pray this prayer with our eyes closed... may we pray with our eyes open wide to the extraordinary potential throughout our ordinary day. INTERRUPT OUR LIVES!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Cut to the Heart... and you're to blame!
Acts 2:37 "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
When you read Acts, you can't help but see a different Peter after the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and what you see of Peter in any of the gospels. There's no doubt that the person of the Holy Spirit iMpActs our lives in ways that cannot be accomplished any other way.
Years ago John Bon Jovi wrote the song Shot Through the Heart (bonus question: when was it written?).
Shot through the heart, and you're to blame
Darling, you give love a bad name
I play my part, and you play your game
You give love a bad name
As the Church, we represent the ultimate name; Jesus Christ... Love Himself. Unfortunately, many people (and at times me) have given Jesus/Love a bad name.
Remember Peter... Jesus asked Peter to follow Him and throughout scripture we see Peter make a fool of himself many times. He was a man of great passion and zeal, but lacked understanding in many things. Jesus even goes as far as rebuking Peter by saying "...get behind Me Satan..." (Mark 8:33). And when the time came when Jesus was to be arrested in the garden, Peter took a sword and tried to cut off a soldiers head, but missed and cut off his ear (John 18:10-11).
I can't help but see the iMpAct and transformation that Holy Spirit did in Peter's life. Peter goes from cutting ears with human weapon - sword, in his own zeal and ignorance trying to make an impact his way. Now using the Sword of God's Word by under the influence of the Holy Spirit, to cut to the heart of people - making a divine impact that changes the lives of 3000 people.
For those of us who have become followers of Jesus, there's a lesson to be learned here: our good intentions fall short. When we play the game of trying to rely on our own understanding and do things the way we think is best... we give Love/Jesus a bad name. We must fully rely on the Holy Spirit to impact our lives: our motives, attitudes and impulsive actions.
Allow the Holy Spirit to cut through to our hearts.
Here's an iMpAct Prayer:
Lord help me decrease so that You can increase.
When you read Acts, you can't help but see a different Peter after the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and what you see of Peter in any of the gospels. There's no doubt that the person of the Holy Spirit iMpActs our lives in ways that cannot be accomplished any other way.
Years ago John Bon Jovi wrote the song Shot Through the Heart (bonus question: when was it written?).
Shot through the heart, and you're to blame
Darling, you give love a bad name
I play my part, and you play your game
You give love a bad name
As the Church, we represent the ultimate name; Jesus Christ... Love Himself. Unfortunately, many people (and at times me) have given Jesus/Love a bad name.
Remember Peter... Jesus asked Peter to follow Him and throughout scripture we see Peter make a fool of himself many times. He was a man of great passion and zeal, but lacked understanding in many things. Jesus even goes as far as rebuking Peter by saying "...get behind Me Satan..." (Mark 8:33). And when the time came when Jesus was to be arrested in the garden, Peter took a sword and tried to cut off a soldiers head, but missed and cut off his ear (John 18:10-11).
I can't help but see the iMpAct and transformation that Holy Spirit did in Peter's life. Peter goes from cutting ears with human weapon - sword, in his own zeal and ignorance trying to make an impact his way. Now using the Sword of God's Word by under the influence of the Holy Spirit, to cut to the heart of people - making a divine impact that changes the lives of 3000 people.
For those of us who have become followers of Jesus, there's a lesson to be learned here: our good intentions fall short. When we play the game of trying to rely on our own understanding and do things the way we think is best... we give Love/Jesus a bad name. We must fully rely on the Holy Spirit to impact our lives: our motives, attitudes and impulsive actions.
Allow the Holy Spirit to cut through to our hearts.
Here's an iMpAct Prayer:
Lord help me decrease so that You can increase.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Seed Prayer and Confession
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
The Lord God is Jehovah, my provider
All I have, comes from You.
Your character is good.
Your promises are good.
I put my trust in You.
You have placed seed in my hand.
In this seed is Your provision for my days to come.
In obedience, in faith, in joy and in expectation; I sow my seed.
I declare this seed is blessed.
It will not come back empty.
You are providing provision through:
Employment opportunity
Favor for promotion and increase.
Favor in gifts from others
Savings on the things I purchase.
Longevity in what I own.
Health and strength for me and my family.
Salvation for friends and family.
Breakthrough in my life.
I rebuke the devourer in my life.
Greed, poverty, selfishness and lack have no foothold in my life.
Thank you God for giving me this seed to sow.
Thank you God for Your faithfulness.
The Lord God is Jehovah, my provider
All I have, comes from You.
Your character is good.
Your promises are good.
I put my trust in You.
You have placed seed in my hand.
In this seed is Your provision for my days to come.
In obedience, in faith, in joy and in expectation; I sow my seed.
I declare this seed is blessed.
It will not come back empty.
You are providing provision through:
Employment opportunity
Favor for promotion and increase.
Favor in gifts from others
Savings on the things I purchase.
Longevity in what I own.
Health and strength for me and my family.
Salvation for friends and family.
Breakthrough in my life.
I rebuke the devourer in my life.
Greed, poverty, selfishness and lack have no foothold in my life.
Thank you God for giving me this seed to sow.
Thank you God for Your faithfulness.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
iMpAct(s) - the choices we make
Acts 1:17-18 NLT 17 "Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us." 18 (Judas had bought a field with the money he had received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines...)
The author of Acts, Dr. Luke, was a very thorough writer. However, I believe this vivid description of what happened to Judas is important. Why would God inspire Luke to give these details? Certainly not because He was trying to increase sales of His book.
One of the greatest impacts our life, and the lives of others, is our choices.
There are two choices that we make that drastically impact our life: 1. to become a follower of Christ or not. 2. Who I choose to marry. Both are not to be taken lightly, rather we should count the cost and realize the full impact they will have in our life.
I've done many funerals that have involved people from a wide range of life experiences. There's one thing I know, that the summation of their lives (and ours) is the total impact of all the little choices that they have made over and over again.
Here's a question to ask ourselves: How will my life be impacted by all the little choices I make every single day of my life 20, 30, 50 years down the road?
I remember a statement that was made a few years ago that has stuck with me. I guess you could call it daily proverb... here it is: We will either choose to grow daily, or we die gradually.
Marriage - if I don't choose to grow it daily, it will die gradually. Some have experienced a gut spilling (think of Judas) tragedy in their marriage after few or several years of neglecting it.
Finances - either we make wise choices daily with our finances or we will experience the Judas like symptoms of debt and bankruptcy.
Spiritual Walk - either we choose to pick-up our cross daily, feed our spirit with His Word and in prayer, and follow Him in a life of blessing, peace and the ability to overcome the challenges of life; or we will fall headfirst in the traps of our selfish desires of the flesh.
Whether it's our health, relationships with others or goals in life, our choices impact the destiny of our life.
I believe no life is beyond the saving power of God. It's not too late to choose life over death. We can fulfill our destiny that God has in store for us. It requires us to fully surrender our life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Leader of our life. Live a life of impact by daily choosing life that is found in His Spirit.
Impact Prayer:
Interrupt my life and disturb me God with Your compassion - push me beyond comfortable and complacent - for Your Glory!
The author of Acts, Dr. Luke, was a very thorough writer. However, I believe this vivid description of what happened to Judas is important. Why would God inspire Luke to give these details? Certainly not because He was trying to increase sales of His book.
One of the greatest impacts our life, and the lives of others, is our choices.
There are two choices that we make that drastically impact our life: 1. to become a follower of Christ or not. 2. Who I choose to marry. Both are not to be taken lightly, rather we should count the cost and realize the full impact they will have in our life.
I've done many funerals that have involved people from a wide range of life experiences. There's one thing I know, that the summation of their lives (and ours) is the total impact of all the little choices that they have made over and over again.
Here's a question to ask ourselves: How will my life be impacted by all the little choices I make every single day of my life 20, 30, 50 years down the road?
I remember a statement that was made a few years ago that has stuck with me. I guess you could call it daily proverb... here it is: We will either choose to grow daily, or we die gradually.
Marriage - if I don't choose to grow it daily, it will die gradually. Some have experienced a gut spilling (think of Judas) tragedy in their marriage after few or several years of neglecting it.
Finances - either we make wise choices daily with our finances or we will experience the Judas like symptoms of debt and bankruptcy.
Spiritual Walk - either we choose to pick-up our cross daily, feed our spirit with His Word and in prayer, and follow Him in a life of blessing, peace and the ability to overcome the challenges of life; or we will fall headfirst in the traps of our selfish desires of the flesh.
Whether it's our health, relationships with others or goals in life, our choices impact the destiny of our life.
I believe no life is beyond the saving power of God. It's not too late to choose life over death. We can fulfill our destiny that God has in store for us. It requires us to fully surrender our life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Leader of our life. Live a life of impact by daily choosing life that is found in His Spirit.
Impact Prayer:
Interrupt my life and disturb me God with Your compassion - push me beyond comfortable and complacent - for Your Glory!
Monday, July 19, 2010
impact(s) - don't just stand there
All of us have looked to the sky and seen balloons floating to the sky. Typically it's slipped from the hand of some kid who just came out of Red Robbin and between the restaurant and the car, it was released from his/her hand is left standing in the parking lot looking up to the sky crying for it to return.
When Jesus ascended, the disciples were captivated... I would too! Although they were instructed by Jesus to not leave Jerusalem before they were empowered by the Holy Spirit, He didn't want them just to stand there doing nothing. Luke, the author of Acts, tells us what happened as they stood there.
Acts 1:10-11 They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky?"
In essence, the angels were saying; "The show is over. There's nothing more that Jesus has left to do... TAG YOU'RE NOW IT! The next time Jesus will return will be to gather the harvest of His followers, and that is our responsibility."
Impact requires action... good intentions don't cut it. We will not be judged on our intentions, but by the fruit of our actions (Read Matthew 25:14-30). Thank you Jesus for taking action on our behalf.
I have to wonder how many people will perish because I missed opportunity by not taking action on those good intentions. I pray I will be more obedient, more bold and courageous, less selfish and less fearful of the uncomfortable.
As God's Church, we must get the revelation that Jesus has done everything He's going to do... WE ARE THE HOPE OF THE WORLD! Let's be His Church of impact by taking bold action.
IMPACT CHALLENGE:
1. Spend deliberate time praying for God's heart of compassion for people.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to show me someone this week that I can impact in a practical way.
3. Catch myself every time I say "someday/in a minute I will do____________" and DO IT NOW!
When Jesus ascended, the disciples were captivated... I would too! Although they were instructed by Jesus to not leave Jerusalem before they were empowered by the Holy Spirit, He didn't want them just to stand there doing nothing. Luke, the author of Acts, tells us what happened as they stood there.
Acts 1:10-11 They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky?"
In essence, the angels were saying; "The show is over. There's nothing more that Jesus has left to do... TAG YOU'RE NOW IT! The next time Jesus will return will be to gather the harvest of His followers, and that is our responsibility."
Impact requires action... good intentions don't cut it. We will not be judged on our intentions, but by the fruit of our actions (Read Matthew 25:14-30). Thank you Jesus for taking action on our behalf.
I have to wonder how many people will perish because I missed opportunity by not taking action on those good intentions. I pray I will be more obedient, more bold and courageous, less selfish and less fearful of the uncomfortable.
As God's Church, we must get the revelation that Jesus has done everything He's going to do... WE ARE THE HOPE OF THE WORLD! Let's be His Church of impact by taking bold action.
IMPACT CHALLENGE:
1. Spend deliberate time praying for God's heart of compassion for people.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to show me someone this week that I can impact in a practical way.
3. Catch myself every time I say "someday/in a minute I will do____________" and DO IT NOW!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
impact(s)
Today was our first Sunday back to FFC from our 9 week sabbatical. Coming together in worship was magnificent! Meeting new people who have come to find FFC as home over the past several weeks proves that the church is bigger than anyone person.
We introduced a new series that will take us through the book of Acts (see below for today's outline), taking a look at the characteristics that made the early church the impact that it was. We will be casting vision from the book of Acts at how we can be a glorious Church of impact... the Church God sees, and the Church I believe we are to be.
Everyone was challenged today with two specific ways: 1. Over the next several weeks to read through the book of Acts, 2. Boldly pray that God would interrupt our lives and disturb our hearts in order for us to shake off comfort, complacency and good intentions that never come into action.
I believe that great things are going to happen in all our lives as we position ourselves before God and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us!
If anyone is willing to share stories of the things that God is doing in your life: where He's challenging you to increase, how God is touching your heart and life, what the Holy Spirit is showing you in your time of prayer... anything of good report and praise, please feel free to leave a comment and share with others the goodnews.
Below is a review of this past Sunday's Message:
THE CHURCH I SEE IS A CHURCH OF IMPACT.
Matthew 16:18 the Message “And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.”
Acts 1:1-2 NIV
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
1. JESUS CHRIST LIVED A LIFE OF IMPACT.
His birth – from the virgin Mary as prophesied hundreds of years prior.
His life – best summarized as a servant rather than a king,
His ministry - which goes beyond just miracles and teaching, but the ultimate ministry that Jesus accomplished was His death and resurrection which restored us in right relationship with God
and His preparation – the passing on of the call/commission to us (seen in His disciples)
2. WE CAN'T LIVE A LIFE OF IMPACT WITHOUT JESUS IMPACTING OUR LIFE!
Everything that Jesus did while on earth was done for one purpose: to seek and to save that which was lost in order to change the course of their life and “pay it forward”.
3. JESUS DIED FOR THE US, THE CHURCH, SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO BE AN IMPACT IN OUR WORLD
This is God’s House/His Church… and He is faithful to His Church. God didn’t send His only Son Jesus to die a brutal death for us, so that we can live a happy little life. Don’t let His death be for nothing… don’t entertain weak excuses that keep you from living as His Church… WE OWE TO JESUS, THE KING OF KINGS TO LIVE A LIFE OF IMPACT!
In order for you to impact your world… God needs to impact your life and the world called everyday life.
God is moving and accomplishing His work all over the world. Sometimes I get irritated when people (typically church people who have been Christians for some time) who talk about what God is doing in certain places. “Did you hear about what’s happening over there… God’s really moving there.” Not all of the time, but most of the time that comment is said because they are articulating what they believe is a lack of “God’s working” in the church that they are at. BUT in reality, God may be moving around them in the lives of people that they are completely unaware of. But it’s easier to say: “God’s moving there in that church, over there” than to say I am not seeing God moving in my life… I’m no longer allowing God to IMPACT my life in such a way that it disturbs, interrupts and challenges my life to go beyond my comfort zone to touch the lives of those around me.
If you want to see God move… allow God to increase His IMPACT in YOUR LIFE, and find someone that you can serve in order to be an IMPACT in their life and see “God move” where He’s been waiting for you to move all along.
YOU AND I, THE CHURCH, WE ARE GOD’S ONLY PLAN FOR THE CONTINUED WORK OF CHRIST.
We introduced a new series that will take us through the book of Acts (see below for today's outline), taking a look at the characteristics that made the early church the impact that it was. We will be casting vision from the book of Acts at how we can be a glorious Church of impact... the Church God sees, and the Church I believe we are to be.
Everyone was challenged today with two specific ways: 1. Over the next several weeks to read through the book of Acts, 2. Boldly pray that God would interrupt our lives and disturb our hearts in order for us to shake off comfort, complacency and good intentions that never come into action.
I believe that great things are going to happen in all our lives as we position ourselves before God and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us!
If anyone is willing to share stories of the things that God is doing in your life: where He's challenging you to increase, how God is touching your heart and life, what the Holy Spirit is showing you in your time of prayer... anything of good report and praise, please feel free to leave a comment and share with others the goodnews.
Below is a review of this past Sunday's Message:
THE CHURCH I SEE IS A CHURCH OF IMPACT.
Matthew 16:18 the Message “And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.”
Acts 1:1-2 NIV
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
1. JESUS CHRIST LIVED A LIFE OF IMPACT.
His birth – from the virgin Mary as prophesied hundreds of years prior.
His life – best summarized as a servant rather than a king,
His ministry - which goes beyond just miracles and teaching, but the ultimate ministry that Jesus accomplished was His death and resurrection which restored us in right relationship with God
and His preparation – the passing on of the call/commission to us (seen in His disciples)
2. WE CAN'T LIVE A LIFE OF IMPACT WITHOUT JESUS IMPACTING OUR LIFE!
Everything that Jesus did while on earth was done for one purpose: to seek and to save that which was lost in order to change the course of their life and “pay it forward”.
3. JESUS DIED FOR THE US, THE CHURCH, SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO BE AN IMPACT IN OUR WORLD
This is God’s House/His Church… and He is faithful to His Church. God didn’t send His only Son Jesus to die a brutal death for us, so that we can live a happy little life. Don’t let His death be for nothing… don’t entertain weak excuses that keep you from living as His Church… WE OWE TO JESUS, THE KING OF KINGS TO LIVE A LIFE OF IMPACT!
In order for you to impact your world… God needs to impact your life and the world called everyday life.
God is moving and accomplishing His work all over the world. Sometimes I get irritated when people (typically church people who have been Christians for some time) who talk about what God is doing in certain places. “Did you hear about what’s happening over there… God’s really moving there.” Not all of the time, but most of the time that comment is said because they are articulating what they believe is a lack of “God’s working” in the church that they are at. BUT in reality, God may be moving around them in the lives of people that they are completely unaware of. But it’s easier to say: “God’s moving there in that church, over there” than to say I am not seeing God moving in my life… I’m no longer allowing God to IMPACT my life in such a way that it disturbs, interrupts and challenges my life to go beyond my comfort zone to touch the lives of those around me.
If you want to see God move… allow God to increase His IMPACT in YOUR LIFE, and find someone that you can serve in order to be an IMPACT in their life and see “God move” where He’s been waiting for you to move all along.
YOU AND I, THE CHURCH, WE ARE GOD’S ONLY PLAN FOR THE CONTINUED WORK OF CHRIST.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Best is Yet to Come
Today I took another step towards 40. I spent the with my wife and had a wonderful time just hanging out together, doing a little shopping and lunch in Southcenter. Later we got the kids from school and went to Jaiden's softball game. It was raining but I actually didn't mind. In all it was a wonderful day!
During my time with Angie, we briefly reflected on 37 years of life... God has been so good to me and has blessed my life. His faithfulness has been overwhelming, but I'm convinced that the best is yet to come!
Being married to Angie has been such an amazing journey: fun, full of life, and has caused me to grow in so many ways.I love her so much and know... the best is yet to come!
My daughters have captured my heart! I'm proud of them, and see God at work in their life. I love being with them, being their father, hearing them call ME dad... wow! It's been so much more than I could of ever imagined; but I know that the best is yet to come!
God's call in my life to be a pastor is still unbelievable. Seeing the power of God changing lives through the teaching of God's Word and ministering His grace is humbling. There's no way to measure the results of all that I believe God has done; but I believe that the best is yet to come!
My life hasn't been without pain, heartache or failure. I'm fortunate enough to have experienced joy, love and breakthroughs. Although I can say I'm blessed and content with what my life has experienced; I believe that God has greater things in store for me in all areas of my life!
So here's my birthday prayer: "God, thank you for a blessed life: for Your faithfulness and goodness to the plans You have had for me. Give me the wisdom and strength to continue living life according to Your desire. I believe and declare that with You, the best is yet to come!"
During my time with Angie, we briefly reflected on 37 years of life... God has been so good to me and has blessed my life. His faithfulness has been overwhelming, but I'm convinced that the best is yet to come!
Being married to Angie has been such an amazing journey: fun, full of life, and has caused me to grow in so many ways.I love her so much and know... the best is yet to come!
My daughters have captured my heart! I'm proud of them, and see God at work in their life. I love being with them, being their father, hearing them call ME dad... wow! It's been so much more than I could of ever imagined; but I know that the best is yet to come!
God's call in my life to be a pastor is still unbelievable. Seeing the power of God changing lives through the teaching of God's Word and ministering His grace is humbling. There's no way to measure the results of all that I believe God has done; but I believe that the best is yet to come!
My life hasn't been without pain, heartache or failure. I'm fortunate enough to have experienced joy, love and breakthroughs. Although I can say I'm blessed and content with what my life has experienced; I believe that God has greater things in store for me in all areas of my life!
So here's my birthday prayer: "God, thank you for a blessed life: for Your faithfulness and goodness to the plans You have had for me. Give me the wisdom and strength to continue living life according to Your desire. I believe and declare that with You, the best is yet to come!"
Monday, May 24, 2010
I'm an Ox
Today was an incredible day! I had the chance to listen to Christine Caine from Hillsong Church in Sydney Australia. Her love for Jesus Christ consumes her and she is passionate about the Kingdom of God and the local church. Some say "the church is the hope of the world", but she embodies this vision and is committed to raising the bar of what it means to be a Christian and serving the Church, for whom Jesus Christ died for.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
He is MY Shepherd
My wife and I have been at Faith Family Church for 15 amazing years. We've seen God do incredible things and are honored to share in the ministry that God desires to accomplish here: seeing lives changed by the love of God through Jesus Christ. Loving people the way He does is a challenging task, but it's the joy of my life!.
I'm in just a few days into our 9week sabbatical, and so far it has been restful. We have some specific things planned: spending some quality time with the family, visiting strategic churches, and getting alone with God to seek direction for another 15+ years of pastoral ministry.
I'm going to be meditating on Psalm 23 over the next few weeks. I've read it several dozen times before, even preached a few series from it, but I believe this is a key passage that God is wanting for me to meditate on.
He is MY Shepherd... in all areas of my life: fitness, family, finances, faith, relationships and His church. I'm excited for the days ahead!
I'm in just a few days into our 9week sabbatical, and so far it has been restful. We have some specific things planned: spending some quality time with the family, visiting strategic churches, and getting alone with God to seek direction for another 15+ years of pastoral ministry.
I'm going to be meditating on Psalm 23 over the next few weeks. I've read it several dozen times before, even preached a few series from it, but I believe this is a key passage that God is wanting for me to meditate on.
He is MY Shepherd... in all areas of my life: fitness, family, finances, faith, relationships and His church. I'm excited for the days ahead!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Mother's Day in Heaven?
Today was mother's day, and I really enjoyed the day! We kicked it off with our church family; worship was amazing, honored mothers/women, and built up our faith by looking at Matthew 15. It was a great way to start the day!
Afterwards we went to the in-laws. Did some BBQ and played baseball for a few hours outside with the whole family. Lot's of laughs, not to mention good exercise.
This was the first Mother's Day without my mom since she died back in August. I really miss her... My heart was flooded with memories: her laugh, phrases she would say, her unique way of dressing... the way she would pick up my hand and squeeze it; as if to say so much more than she could ever express.
I know it sounds funny, but I even dressed up, wearing a suit and tie today. She always said (in her broken English): "Son, you are pastor now. No more jean... more classy. Wear suit... you know, more classy."
We picked up some flowers and stopped by the grave-site to drop off some flowers and a letter my daughter Mikayla wrote. Standing there still seemed like it was unreal.
I wonder if God has a dedicated Mother's Day? I wonder what it would be like? Does He give out chocolates? Picnic on the clouds, or Juniper? Maybe He allows them to see the intersections of impact and influence that they made in our lives while they were still here? Or maybe some sneak peaks of the blessings He has in store for the days ahead of us?
I'm sure it's more beautiful than I can imagine. I hope you were honored today mom... not just by me, but by the Creator Himself.
Afterwards we went to the in-laws. Did some BBQ and played baseball for a few hours outside with the whole family. Lot's of laughs, not to mention good exercise.
This was the first Mother's Day without my mom since she died back in August. I really miss her... My heart was flooded with memories: her laugh, phrases she would say, her unique way of dressing... the way she would pick up my hand and squeeze it; as if to say so much more than she could ever express.
I know it sounds funny, but I even dressed up, wearing a suit and tie today. She always said (in her broken English): "Son, you are pastor now. No more jean... more classy. Wear suit... you know, more classy."
We picked up some flowers and stopped by the grave-site to drop off some flowers and a letter my daughter Mikayla wrote. Standing there still seemed like it was unreal.
I wonder if God has a dedicated Mother's Day? I wonder what it would be like? Does He give out chocolates? Picnic on the clouds, or Juniper? Maybe He allows them to see the intersections of impact and influence that they made in our lives while they were still here? Or maybe some sneak peaks of the blessings He has in store for the days ahead of us?
I'm sure it's more beautiful than I can imagine. I hope you were honored today mom... not just by me, but by the Creator Himself.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
It's Time To Eat
I was recently given teaching from one of the greatest preachers of our time; Bishop TD Jakes. I have it my car and have been listening to it over and over again for the past 3 weeks. Needless to say, I can't get enough of it... it's powerful!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
bornidentity
Easter is the celebration of life; being alive. Jesus Christ was once dead, seemingly defeated;now risen in victory!
John 3
Jesus gave a name for this other than Easter... Born Again. It's what he called the life transformation of a person; we were dead in sin and made alive through grace and faith in Jesus Christ. A new identity - born identity.
Being born again baffles the way the we think about getting a new start in life. We want to work harder, do better, and put our acts of 'labor' into it. It was Christ who did the work, who 'labored' for my new life. I must simply receive it and live it by the grace of God.
Jesus said we must be born again! There's no other option to experience new life. Everyone is in need of it. Everyone is capable of receiving it. Jesus is the only who can provide it!
John 3
Jesus gave a name for this other than Easter... Born Again. It's what he called the life transformation of a person; we were dead in sin and made alive through grace and faith in Jesus Christ. A new identity - born identity.
Being born again baffles the way the we think about getting a new start in life. We want to work harder, do better, and put our acts of 'labor' into it. It was Christ who did the work, who 'labored' for my new life. I must simply receive it and live it by the grace of God.
Jesus said we must be born again! There's no other option to experience new life. Everyone is in need of it. Everyone is capable of receiving it. Jesus is the only who can provide it!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Restoring Honor
In our society today, and even within the church, we place great weight and value on our opinions, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, being independent, individuality and not conforming to the thoughts and ways of others. There seems to be something that we have forgotten and sidelined that is more valuable and meaningful to the heart of God. It’s something known as honor.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Grow Daily or Die Gradually
Often people talk about waiting for that big opportunity somewhere down road: when I get done with school... when I retire... when I get married... when the kids are out of the house... when I get that job... etc. The truth is that our greatest opportunity is today.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A Servant?
Jesus was described in many different ways: a gifted teacher, a powerful prophet, a miracle worker, an epic revolutionist, even an illegitimate son. It's interesting how others can see or define you one way, and yet you may have a completely different perspective of yourself. The Bible clearly captures the impact Jesus made everywhere He went, and even today millions of people have been impacted by the life of Jesus; Savior and King! But how did Jesus define Himself?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
A Reflection
Have you ever noticed how all the different ways Jesus is portrayed in movies, paintings and drawings look very similar? The long dirty blond hair, blue eyes, facial hair, tall and lean... even the way they seem to make him look contemplative, mysterious and walk with such grace.
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Church I See
Sunday is my most favorite day of the week. My wife and I love pastoring or Church: seeing people connect with a real God, transformed by His love, restoring marriages and changing hearts. When we gather together to worship Jesus Christ, it's like the windows of heaven open up... I sense great peace, comfort and true joy that goes beyond happiness.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
I Am... righteous
Psalm 18:20 The Lord has delt with me according to my righteousness;
Stop and consider this statement. This has got to be either one of the most frightening thoughts, or one of the greatest revelations we could ever embrace.
Stop and consider this statement. This has got to be either one of the most frightening thoughts, or one of the greatest revelations we could ever embrace.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
interested... but too much to learn
I've never really been a tech person, but today I took some aggressive steps... I have entered the world of twitter and learning to use my flip camera. It's amazing at how easy and fluent many people are with it all, and awkward with others... like me.
This kind of gives me a sense of how some people feel about God, church, prayer, reading the bible or living a life devoted to Christ.
This kind of gives me a sense of how some people feel about God, church, prayer, reading the bible or living a life devoted to Christ.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Twenty Ten
2010 brought about an exciting breakthrough for me as a pastor and for our church... after 17 months of construction; on January 3, 2010 we were able hold our first service in our new facility! IT WAS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. Our people have worked hard and sacrificed so much to reach this landmark. I was overwhelmed with so many different thoughts and emotions... the greatest moment was during our time of worship sing: "Lord I'm amazed by You". I was speechless and captivated by God's faithfulness.
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