balance in reaching the lost
Wow. I read a great post by Bob Roberts today that really sums up my feelings lately. We actually talked about this Wednesday night in Thrive as we challenged our students to reach one friend for God so that God's house may be full. Labels: ministry
great quote
"People talk about who they want to be, not who they really are."
I had this idea run through my head about a year ago. I see the reality of it more and more that I interact and work with people.
If our words only matched up to our action and lifestyles, this world would be a much better place for the Kingdom of God.
Labels: christianity
new thrive
We are giving Thrive a new look, a new feel, and new opportunties.
I'm so excited but stressed out at the same time. I want things to be really sweet, and we really are taking them to another level. I just want things done right, so we can connect more students to God and others.
Pray for us this week as we work out last minute details and decisions.
Labels: thrive
fantasy football
The time has come.
It is finally here.
Draft night.
Fantasy football 2007.
Ahhh yeah.
Labels: personal
addicted to progress
Taking a cue from Craig Groeschel, I identified an addiction in my life this morning. I have never even thought about it like this.
I am addicted to progress. I have to have development and growth that is visible. Without it, I get down and discouraged. I feel extremely frustrated when I don't see change. With progress though, I feel energized, and adrenaline runs through me.
I definitely need to trust God more, even when I don't see Him at work. This is where I am at today. Labels: ministry
discipline
I got up early today to play tennis with a close friend. Let's just say that it was much needed.
But as my alarm went off early, I had the anticipated dreaded thought, "I'm so tired. I want to go back to bed." And God whispered something in my heart.
"Discipline creates intimacy."
It gave me some extra boost to keep going and actually enjoy being up early to be quiet with God before and after tennis.
I've allowed myself to be lax lately... not necessarily in my time with God, although some, but in areas of my life that it is just easier to focus on other things. And in turn it affects my relationships with God, Lacey, and myself.
It's hard to explain, but I know this: that my decision to be disciplined will create a new closeness as I detach myself from my work, it will create a time for me to focus on me in all aspects (physically, emotionally, spiritually), and will develop an awareness that God is always present, available, and willing to transform me if I will be intimate with Him.
Labels: christianity
sunday night sermon
I had the opportunity to preach Sunday night at Harvest Time.
We talked about how in life and in serving God, everything is better together. Businesses, school, work, teams, the Kingdom of God... everything is better together.
But togetherness requires everyone's involvement, giving grace when other's opinions and preferences aren't like ours, and putting aside our individual desires for the good of the team. It's not always easy, but the Kingdom of God isn't about us. It's about reaching those who are far from God and bringing them into a relationship with Him.
Together is not an individual, and only by having working together will one be created. It's about serving one God, one Spirit, one faith, and one vision.
Labels: ministry
dress for the wedding
Steven Furtick has a phrase that he uses often that I love the concept. He says, "Dress for the wedding."
There are times in life where you are all decked out and dressed in a formal, and you have to stop and get gas. People look at you all crazy, and even though no one says anything, you feel like you have to explain yourself and that you are going to a wedding or another formal event.
The concept is this: act like where you are going in ministry and not where you are at the current moment.
People may not understand why you are trying to do things on such a big scale when all they know is small, but you are dressed for the wedding. People may question why can't we just keep things the same, but you can't because you are dressed for the wedding.
It's easy to get caught up in the mundane and never develop and grow. But successful ministries and organizations will always prepare and act like where they are wanting to go. If they don't, they never fulfill their goals and vision.
The preparation and growth should be continual and constant, and the systems that are being developed should prepare you for future growth that will naturally happen because you are dressed for where you headed and not where you currently are. Labels: leadership, ministry
glad to be home
We made it home from National Fine Arts today... I think I'm more tired now than I was after camp and our all-nighter.
It is so nice to be home. The week went by really fast, but attitude problems ruled the first part of the week so that was extremely wearing. For the most part, that was corrected though.
It was good to run into friends who I hadn't seen in a while and spend time with Lacey's dad and one of his staff members.
Glad to be home. Gotta get rest, so I can prepare to preach tomorrow night at church.
Labels: thrive
