I could start backposting to boost my June post numbers, but instead I'll just let 12 be the new number to beat. Sorry to disappoint, but it will be a while before I get to my wife's status of posting every day, like many bloggers I know.
Saw a great line the other day: "Going to church won't make you any more a Christian than going to the Moose Lodge will make you a moose." When you make a commitment to Christ and his church, you go there. But just going to church without Jesus being the center of your life, the person you love the most and desire to obey, does not make you a Christian. The New Testament makes clear that faith without deeds is dead, and also says deeds alone are not enough. We need the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf to save us from the consequences of sin. Going to church because it's a good thing to do does not by osmosis make you right with the "man upstairs." You've got to recognize He's so much more than the "man upstairs," he's the Holy Lord, God Almighty, and he wants your love and your heart.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Great Day
1:30AM: Go to bed after an evening at Disney ending with TV until too late.
8:30AM: Up, email, etc.
10:00AM: Mow the lawn. The only thing "great" about this was that a wonderful friend gave us a mower a few weeks ago that works perfectly and totally gets the job done. And another "great" thing was further discovery of just how bad our crab grass is, and how overgrown the hedges and vines running through them are--why is this "great?" Because knowledge is power.
12:15 PM: Meet up with Kyle Gentry to hang for the afternoon.
12:30: Hot Dog Heaven for lunch. This has become a tradition for us nearly every Saturday, and today I got to take someone there for their first time. He's hooked! And, we met up with Chad and Brad by chance, and got to hear an adventurous story about Brad's take-off and landing misfortunes as he practiced flying this morning.
1:30: To the house to show Kyle the place, and receive further knowledge on how to combat the yard and lawn issues.
3:15: In a tiny theater at Regal for a viewing of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Great movie, lots of fun.
5:30: Home to wife and a living room full of awesome goodies from Anne's baby shower. We received so many good things...it's just awesome to feel so loved by other people, not just because of the getting stuff but because they love you. I am very happy for Anne that she had an incredible time at her one and only first baby shower. Major kudos to the several ladies who put it on.
8:30: Pop in "Hitch" to view in preparation for tomorrow's sermon. Fun movie.
9:20: Finish blogging while watching and getting excited for tomorrow AM.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Another Good Article
Once Again, WiikiHow comes through with some plain simple advice, this time on how couples should work through finances. This does article doesn't replace something like Crown or Good Sense, but it's a good start.
On to a completely different subject--Marriage. Some say there's only one person in the world that you can marry, while others hold there are many people that you could marry in the world. Having been married three years now, I think my beliefs on this have morphed a bit, but I know several people trying to choose their mate, trying to figure out whether to give the ring or whether they want the ring.
I think it's both: if God wants you married, he knows who your mate will be. I intentionally put it singularly. Until you say "I do," there are multiple people that you could marry in the world. I could have married several of the women that I had crushes on--I can't say dated because I never really dated until Anne. Out of those that I could have married, a marriage to some of them would have been difficult, while with others it may have been easier. But God had chosen Anne to be my wife, and in his plan it didn't work out until her. Once I said "I do" to her, a number of things changed, doors were closed, there are now no other options. From an emotional standpoint, she is my soulmate. But whether I thought she was my soulmate or not, once we were announced husband and wife, she became my soulmate.
A few of those who decide to get divorced give the reason that their current spouse isn't their soulmate, that they've found another who is and have decided to be with them. The Biblical principle is that two people become soulmates over the course of their marriage as they learn the intricacies of how to do life together. I have many friends and family who have been ravaged by divorce--as a friend of mine once said, "Curse the fall of man!" It is a result of the fall, a reversal of God's design for two to become one as instituted in Genesis 2. Divorce is very much forgivable by God, but it is always to be the last resort, even in the case of adultery it is an option but not a requirement.
I'd like to hear your thoughts. This post is not at all meant to condemn or judge anyone, just to express what I think is Biblical teaching. I have a heart for those still choosing their spouse, and want them to know that they are sure this is the person they will spend the rest of their life with. I am completely in love with my wife, Anne. Other than Jesus, she is the best thing that has ever happened to me. We have a great marriage, are totally in love, and I'm confident we will be married til death do us part.
On to a completely different subject--Marriage. Some say there's only one person in the world that you can marry, while others hold there are many people that you could marry in the world. Having been married three years now, I think my beliefs on this have morphed a bit, but I know several people trying to choose their mate, trying to figure out whether to give the ring or whether they want the ring.
I think it's both: if God wants you married, he knows who your mate will be. I intentionally put it singularly. Until you say "I do," there are multiple people that you could marry in the world. I could have married several of the women that I had crushes on--I can't say dated because I never really dated until Anne. Out of those that I could have married, a marriage to some of them would have been difficult, while with others it may have been easier. But God had chosen Anne to be my wife, and in his plan it didn't work out until her. Once I said "I do" to her, a number of things changed, doors were closed, there are now no other options. From an emotional standpoint, she is my soulmate. But whether I thought she was my soulmate or not, once we were announced husband and wife, she became my soulmate.
A few of those who decide to get divorced give the reason that their current spouse isn't their soulmate, that they've found another who is and have decided to be with them. The Biblical principle is that two people become soulmates over the course of their marriage as they learn the intricacies of how to do life together. I have many friends and family who have been ravaged by divorce--as a friend of mine once said, "Curse the fall of man!" It is a result of the fall, a reversal of God's design for two to become one as instituted in Genesis 2. Divorce is very much forgivable by God, but it is always to be the last resort, even in the case of adultery it is an option but not a requirement.
I'd like to hear your thoughts. This post is not at all meant to condemn or judge anyone, just to express what I think is Biblical teaching. I have a heart for those still choosing their spouse, and want them to know that they are sure this is the person they will spend the rest of their life with. I am completely in love with my wife, Anne. Other than Jesus, she is the best thing that has ever happened to me. We have a great marriage, are totally in love, and I'm confident we will be married til death do us part.
Friday, June 20, 2008
How to Be Bold
While I'm guessing many church staff personalized their google accounts months or years ago, I just did mine this week. So now when I click on google home page, it's a personalized page with a number of widgets, one of which is "how to..." It lists two how-to's at random from WikiHow. Today, one of them was "How to Be Bold." It's very worth the read.
I've never read any N.T. Wright stuff, another area in which I'm a bit behind currently church leader/theological trends. But I know he writes about the new heaven and new earth, AKA, the new Eden. I definitely want to read his latest book, Surprised by Hope. N.T. recently landed on the Colbert Report... very interesting! Scroll down, you'll see it.
I've never read any N.T. Wright stuff, another area in which I'm a bit behind currently church leader/theological trends. But I know he writes about the new heaven and new earth, AKA, the new Eden. I definitely want to read his latest book, Surprised by Hope. N.T. recently landed on the Colbert Report... very interesting! Scroll down, you'll see it.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Awesome Sermon Series Coming
The sermon series' we have picked for the summer are awesome: The Man Series, which we just wrapped up, was great; very effective, it really spoke to men and women. Now this Sunday we start Cinemology, a six week series on particular movies. It'll be interesting to see where we turn out with The Matrix this Sunday. I had also picked out a movie for my sermon on July 6, then I was going to renig it and choose a different one, but then I found out that things were already set in motion and I couldn't go back, so I'm going to be preaching on Spiderman 3.
I am excited about it, unfortunately, more than one person has told me spiderman 2 was the best movie of the trilogy, that they didn't like 3 as much. The more I think about it from a movie watching standpoint, I think they're right, but there is so much content in SP3! Lots of stuff about forgiveness and revenge. I was considering the Patriot, being July 4th weekend and all, but oh well. Spiderman 3 will be good. I watched it the other day and definitely enjoyed it.
I am excited about it, unfortunately, more than one person has told me spiderman 2 was the best movie of the trilogy, that they didn't like 3 as much. The more I think about it from a movie watching standpoint, I think they're right, but there is so much content in SP3! Lots of stuff about forgiveness and revenge. I was considering the Patriot, being July 4th weekend and all, but oh well. Spiderman 3 will be good. I watched it the other day and definitely enjoyed it.
Incredible Resource for Small Groups
At Grace, we are kind of in a transitional time in our small group ministry. There are so many churches trying to figure out what is the most effective small group model that reaches felt needs, builds community, and yet allows new people ways to connect without waiting to get into a group. Then there's the whole question of curriculum (BTW, I always have to focus on every letter when typing that word). Well, as far as the curriculum, look no further: here is another incredible resource from Northpoint. It's not all Northpoint stuff either, only about half of it is. It's a great start for teens and adults needing something to study!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Interesting Thoughts
You should read this short post and the comments listed there to get a context for my response to one of the commenters:
Lisa, God's Word is timeless, just as relevant today as it was over all the centuries it was written. However, the packaging in which we have been called by God to communicate his Word can be outdated. If you're communicating to an audience whose prime time was 1987, or 1960, and want they want to keep it that way, then your words are right on. An example of this may be Coral Ridge Church of Ft. Lauderdale. Nothing against them, they just have a target audience of people who prefer older avenues of communication. If you're trying to reach today's student, or 20 somethings, the branding and methods of doing church in 1987 may not be the most effective avenue to communicate the timeless word of God.
Mark Driscoll of Seattle is a great example of this...he holds the line on convservative Calvinist theology, and preaches it passionately. But look how he's dressed, look at the stage...because the average person from Seattle is comfortable in that sort of environment, and when they're comfortable in their setting, you earn the right to rustle the feathers of their heart and mind with God's timeless truth. This is what Paul did in Acts 17 when speaking to the Greeks.
Lisa, God's Word is timeless, just as relevant today as it was over all the centuries it was written. However, the packaging in which we have been called by God to communicate his Word can be outdated. If you're communicating to an audience whose prime time was 1987, or 1960, and want they want to keep it that way, then your words are right on. An example of this may be Coral Ridge Church of Ft. Lauderdale. Nothing against them, they just have a target audience of people who prefer older avenues of communication. If you're trying to reach today's student, or 20 somethings, the branding and methods of doing church in 1987 may not be the most effective avenue to communicate the timeless word of God.
Mark Driscoll of Seattle is a great example of this...he holds the line on convservative Calvinist theology, and preaches it passionately. But look how he's dressed, look at the stage...because the average person from Seattle is comfortable in that sort of environment, and when they're comfortable in their setting, you earn the right to rustle the feathers of their heart and mind with God's timeless truth. This is what Paul did in Acts 17 when speaking to the Greeks.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
NEw Blog of a Friend
The new student pastor (stop using the word 'youth', it's too Christianese), Norm, has started his own blog. Check it out!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
A Simple but Profound Prayer
I posted on the Graceology blog tonight and encourage you to check out what I wrote. Also check out the other posts there by my partners in ministry!
Note: There is a built-in delay between my composing and it's posting, so keep checking and it'll show after a few hours.
Note: There is a built-in delay between my composing and it's posting, so keep checking and it'll show after a few hours.
Monday, June 9, 2008
What God Seems to Be Teaching Me
Lately it seems like God is teaching me to trust Him more. In a season of life where things are changing rapidly for my wife and I--new home and new baby all at once--we've actually been pretty blessed by God. I was able to sell my old Ford Ranger and get into the first vehicle I've had since high school that had working air conditioning AND ran well. I love my work at Grace, I am constantly seeing the evidence of its fruit. Our new home will require some sacrifice in time and money, but its ours HIS.
Not every day feels happy-go-lucky, let's take a skip in the park. And it's in those times of difficult decisions, challenges, sacrifices, and fears that I'm constantly fighting the urge to fear and remembering the Word of the Lord. With all the challenges David faced, his Psalms always end with a statement of trust in God. The song we sing, Faithful, is the cry of so many passages of Scripture. Do you need to trust God more? Do you tend to try to do everything on your own and then get mad at God when it's not going right? Remember that your hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness--he's the rock on which You stand.
Not every day feels happy-go-lucky, let's take a skip in the park. And it's in those times of difficult decisions, challenges, sacrifices, and fears that I'm constantly fighting the urge to fear and remembering the Word of the Lord. With all the challenges David faced, his Psalms always end with a statement of trust in God. The song we sing, Faithful, is the cry of so many passages of Scripture. Do you need to trust God more? Do you tend to try to do everything on your own and then get mad at God when it's not going right? Remember that your hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness--he's the rock on which You stand.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Pest Control
The title of Tony Morgan's new book, Killing Cockroaches, reminds me that we have yet to choose a pest control company yet for our home. I certainly have seen cockroaches and other insects needing to be "controlled" in our home. We're happy that at least whatever rodent was up in the ceiling has either died or went away though. Who do you guys recommend for a cheap price that cares about the customer more than sales and knows what they're talking about? Or, what are some methods for DIY pest control? I've had a couple people tell me they liked a certain company because they are environmentally friendly--what does that mean? What does that look like?
I honestly sat here thinking about whether there was an spiritual illustration that I might segue into with "speaking of pest control..." But nothing comes to mind, so a rather mundane post for today. But I still covet your opinion because...hmmm, where have I heard this before?..."I need to make the wise choice."
I honestly sat here thinking about whether there was an spiritual illustration that I might segue into with "speaking of pest control..." But nothing comes to mind, so a rather mundane post for today. But I still covet your opinion because...hmmm, where have I heard this before?..."I need to make the wise choice."
Sunday, June 1, 2008
New House and Today
First of all, I think the staff at Grace is pumped today about the continuing faithfulness of God in blessing our church as we continue to move forward. This morning we started out the service with an awesome cover of "Kryptonite"--not the Spin Doctors song, the one by 3 Doors Down.
It rocked. Our announcements have SERIOUSLY improved since we switched to doing them on video. So then we launched into worship, which was great. Mike killed it with a sermon that was definitely a word from God for men. The stage looked awesome, as you can see.
I downloaded some pictures from my camera tonight so here's a look at our home just before we moved in last weekend.
Mid-renovation in the nursery.
Our bathroom which celebrates the last 50 years...
And our renovated nursery that I still need to put a few finishing touches on.
Off to a good start on our home....and I'm off to a good start on having a double digit amount of blog entries this month!
It rocked. Our announcements have SERIOUSLY improved since we switched to doing them on video. So then we launched into worship, which was great. Mike killed it with a sermon that was definitely a word from God for men. The stage looked awesome, as you can see.
I downloaded some pictures from my camera tonight so here's a look at our home just before we moved in last weekend.
Mid-renovation in the nursery.
Our bathroom which celebrates the last 50 years...
And our renovated nursery that I still need to put a few finishing touches on.
Off to a good start on our home....and I'm off to a good start on having a double digit amount of blog entries this month!