Random A.D.D. Thoughts

How To Live A Joy-Filled Life No Matter What!

2012-01-06T16:09:00.001-05:00

Did you know the word "rejoice" is mentioned over 190 times in the Bible? Think about that for a moment. Do you know why it's mentioned so many times? In my own life, when I say something to my 5 children over and over again, it's because I believe that what I'm saying is important. I want to make sure that they really understand because it's for their good! The apostle Paul writing from prison in Rome said, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) So many people desire to have a joy-filled life but have no idea how to have begin!

You Must Understand That You Can’t Live A Positive, Joy-filled Life With A Negative Mind. If your mind is filled with worry, insecurity, guilt, sadness, fearful imaginations & inaccurate assumptions, then your life cannot be filled with joy. God's Word reminds us to, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT) There are 8 thought provoking & life altering categories listed in that 1 verse that remind you to “... let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2 (NLT) The more you think about something, the stronger it takes hold of you, which is why the Bible teaches that we should, "Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts . . . but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right." (2 Timothy 2:22, LB)

WHEN YOU FILL YOUR MIND WITH THESE 4 THOUGHTS, THEY WILL FILL YOUR LIFE WITH JOY!

THOUGHT #1- I Have Hope Because Of God.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 Depression, discouragement & fear are present when hope is absent. Jesus has come to give you life (John 10:10) & faith for your future & hope in every circumstance. The Greek word for "hope" is elpo meaning "to look forward to with pleasurable confidence and expectation." If we have hope, we can have joy! We're reminded of this in Romans 12:12, which tells us, “Be joyful in hope...”. (NIV) It has been said that a person can live 40 days without food, 3 days without water, 8 minutes without air, but not 1 minute without hope. If you're a follower of Christ, no situation is completely hopeless because our hope is in Him! (see also Romans 5:1-2, Hebrews 11:1, Zechariah 9:12)

THOUGHT #2- God Has A Purpose For My Life & My Problems.
Matthew Barnett once said, "One day we will all shake hands with our biggest trial and realize it was our best friend." Far to many people have the misconception that when they get rid of their problems, they will be happy. But we are never going to get rid of all our problems as long as we are alive. Joy is learning to enjoy life in spite of problems. That is why Paul says we rejoice in (not because of) suffering: God is always with us. “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5 (see also Romans 8:28)

Key thought- Joy is not found in the absence of problems, it’s found in the presence of Jesus! (Romans 5:11, Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 43:2"

THOUGHT #3- God Is With Me Every Where That I Go!

You are never truly alone! We're reminded of this in the story of Jesus' birth in Matthew 1:23, it says, “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (NLT) Romans 5:11says this as well, “So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” (NLT) We can be joyful in any circumstances because God is always with those who believe in Him! We have become God’s friends/partners, and this friendship will last forever. Take comfort in the words of Isaiah the prophet who said, “When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you.” (Isaiah 43:2)

THOUGHT #4- God Loves Me & Doesn’t Condemn Me!
God sent Jesus to save the world (you & I), not to condemn it! Read these incredible verses & rest & receive His Grace!
“God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation (wrath).” Romans 5:8-9 (NLT)
“... God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17 (NIV)
There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 (NLT)
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NLT)

Key Thought- It's your choice to rejoice. You can have joy in your life today, no matter what, because of Jesus! “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty,18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NLT)

Happy? How To Be Happy Every Day Of The Week

2011-12-17T14:48:00.004-05:00

Definition of Happiness- according to Webster’s dictionary, it means good fortune, prosperity, a state of well-being & contentment, joy, or a pleasurable or satisfying experience.

“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.” Ecclesiastes 3:12 (NIV)

According to the CDC, 1 in 10 americans take anti-depressants, up by more than 400% over the last 20 years! In a country where the pursuit of happiness is our claim to fame, we don't seem to be very good at finding it. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most people are as happy as they’ve decided to be” Here are a few thoughts from Biblical principles about how you can live a happier life!

1. GOD MADE US TO BE HAPPY.

“To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness...”. Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NIV)

“... may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.” Psalms 68:3

God does want us to be happy. He knows that when we follow His plans and purpose for our lives than we will experience happiness. Often times people will choose destructive & selfish desires & say things like, "God wants me to be happy doesn't he?" The answer is yes, but He understands when we choose to live differently (be holy) & follow His ways, happiness follows!

2. YOU CAN’T BE HAPPY IF YOU ARE PURSUING IT.

"Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product." - Eleanor Roosevelt, Former First Lady

Happiness Myths- Pastor Kevin Gerald shares 7 myths regarding happiness. They are:

Myth #1- MONEY Will Make You Happy. Money only magnifies what's already inside of you. If you aren't happy today, money won't make you happy tomorrow!

Myth #2- LEISURE & EASE Will Make Me Happy. People with positive attitudes & a sense of purpose live, on average, 7 years longer than those who don't. Many people die soon after retiring because they were making a living versus making a life.

Myth #3- FAME & PRESTIGE Will Make Me Happy. Look at the news... enough said.

Myth #4- MORE POWER Will Make Me Happy. More power will only give you more to be unhappy about.

Myth #5- OTHER PEOPLE Will Make Me Happy. People will let you down if you're always counting on them to life you up.

Myth #6- GETTING EVEN Will Make You Happy. We've all won the argument & felt just as cruddy after the fact.

Myth #7- Being A CHRISTIAN Will Make You Happy. You can be eternally secure & still miserable. Go hang out with a bunch of saved church people & this one will be self-evident.

3. YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY.

Many people stay miserable because they realize that they'll get less attention if they choose to be happy. Some people would have nothing to say if they weren't complaining! We all have the incredible power to choose our attitude & our own level of happiness.

Key Thought- Act your way into a feeling instead of feel your way into an action!

All feeling come from your thoughts! You are the thinker of your thoughts, not God, not the devil, not anyone else. You are the thinker of your thoughts. Choose to fix your thoughts on the right things (Hebrews 12:2)
The key to being happy is this: Choose The Right Thoughts! Your thoughts are either ascending or descending. Fix your thoughts & choose to be happy. The Apostle Paul said, "... I have learned how to be content with whatever I have." Philippians 4:11 (*see also Isaiah 55:8, Philippians 4:8, Romans 12:2) I absolutely love this quote from Bertha Damon, who said, "Getting what you go after is success; but liking it while you are getting it is happiness."

CLOSING THOUGHT- Happiness is a CHOICE. The real question today is, "Do You Want To Be Happy?" "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Hope in God." Psalm 43:5

10 For 10 Challenge, Pt. 6

2011-11-11T08:01:00.001-05:00

10 for 10 11-9-11 from Freedom Life Christian Center on Vimeo.

You choose what you will believe about your own potential & your own future.

If you’re going to be a dream-releaser in your life & in the lives of others, you must see yourself as God sees you! To often we look at our lives through our own eyes or through the eyes of others. Today, choose to see yourself through God’s eyes! The Bible tells us Ephesians 1:4, that, “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”

Dr. Dave Martin said in his bestselling book, '12 Traits of the Greats,' “Belief in yourself is a deep-seated awareness that, at least in one area, God has made you to be very unique. It is an understanding that you have what it takes—all the resources, all the talents, all the abilities—to accomplish that which compels you. It is a self-confidence that overcomes all opposition and the doubts of naysayers and pessimists who might infiltrate your life. It is a strong positive attitude and belief in who you are “in Christ.”

Be A Dream-Releaser by believing in yourself & believing in others. Speak to the destiny in your own life & in the lives of others.

Abraham Lincoln is regarded by many Americans as our nation’s greatest president. But how many Americans also know that he persisted through more failures than any other president? Abraham Lincoln had a very difficult childhood and less than one year of formal schooling. Up until the age of 51, he suffered 2 business failures, 7 election defeats in his desire to become an elected official, the loss of the woman he was engaged, a difficult marriage & the loss of 3 of his 4 sons before the age of 18. But at the age of fifty-one, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the sixteenth president of the United States. Lincoln’s was well acquainted with difficulties & failure which helped him guide the United States through the difficult trials of the Civil War. Think about it, in the initial stages of that war, the Union suffered defeat after defeat and setback after setback before they finally were victorious under Lincoln’s leadership.

Abraham Lincoln was the essence of a dream releaser! Joel Osteen writes in his best-selling book, 'Every Day A Friday,' "On that fateful night of his assassination, Abraham Lincoln was carrying several things when he was killed that are on display now at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. He had a handkerchief with his initials on it. He had a $5 bill, and he had a newspaper article folded up. the headline read, “Abraham Lincoln-- One of the Greatest Statesman That’s Ever Lived. Why would he carry around an article like that? Lincoln served during difficult times of civil war and upheaval over slavery and other major issues troubling our young country. He was criticized, ridiculed, and constantly put down. So even this great man needed reminded now and then that someone appreciated and believed in him."

2 THINGS THAT YOU NEED TO DO TO BE A DREAM RELEASER

1. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
If you are going to see the dreams that God has placed on the inside of you ultimately released in your life, you need to believe in yourself. You must choose to encourage yourself when you face the difficulties of life. The Bible says in 1 Samuel 30:6, “David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” Remember all that God has done in your life & keep reading all that God says about you in His Word!

2. BELIEVE IN OTHERS
You can be the right person, at the right place, at the right time in someone's life. Sow seeds into others by speaking into their destiny. Look for opportunities to encourage others & remind them of who they can be in Christ! The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to, "Encourage one another and build each other up.” (NIV) Mark Twain once said, “I can live for a whole year off of one good compliment.” Look for opportunities to be a dream releaser in someone's life this week!

Decade Of Destiny, Week 6- How To Find Your Dream Team

2011-11-11T07:45:00.001-05:00

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“If you can dream it, you can do it-- but you can’t do it alone!

"If you want to go fast, go by yourself. If you want to go far, go with others." African Proverb

"One person standing alone is easily attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three people are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)

Key Thought- You can’t choose who will touch your life but you can choose who you will hold hands with. Choose wisely, for it will determine your destiny.

1. You Need To Be Connected With THE Grace-Filled God.

“Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.” Nehemiah 2:17-18

“Every day they continued to meet together... praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47 (NIV)

2. You Need To Be Connected With Grace-Filled People

“... Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages[a] on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me... Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.” Nehemiah 6:1-4

“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own...”. 2 Corinthians 8:1-3

2 Key Thoughts-

People can hold you back or they can hold you up.
Every incredible opportunity or plan meant to destroy you will come into your life disguised as a relationship. Evaluate every relationship in your life.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17

“He who walks with the wise grows wise but a companion of fools suffers harm.” — Proverbs 13:20 (see also Proverbs 14:7, 1 Corinthians 15:33, 1 Corinthians 5:11, Matthew 7:6)

According to Pastor Kevin Gerald, in his book called, "Forces That Form Your Future," there are five areas where God has put people in your life. Each of them have an impact on your future whether you realize it or not & play a part in the overall success and/or failure of your dreams (life). They are your:

• Contacts: They network us.

• Friends: They affirm us and are committed to us.

• Partners: These people share a common interest or goal.

• Mentors: They produce change in us.

• Protégées: They learn from us. God sends great people into all of our lives—how we treat them determines whether they can stay.

4 Questions That You Should Consider This Week:

1. Are you connected to God's dream for your life or are you following your own?

2. Who are the people that are currently influencing your life the most?

3. Is there a voice speaking into your future that you need to silence?

4. Do you need to choose some new members to join your dream team?

10 For 10 Challenge, Pt. 5

2011-11-04T13:33:00.000-04:00

10 for 10 11-4-11 from Freedom Life Christian Center on Vimeo.

If you can dream it, you can do it, but you can NEVER accomplish your dream alone. The Bible teaches us in Ecclesiastes 4:12, that, "One person standing alone is easily attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three people are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (NLT) We were designed to need God & to need others.

You can have a great dream, a great vision & a great strategy & still not accomplish your God-given destiny. You must understand that if you are going to reach your goals, you will need the help of others. There's an old African Proverb that says, "If you want to go fast, go by yourself. If you want to go far, go with others." In other words, you need a DREAM TEAM!

Every success story is a joint venture. In Dr. Dave Martin's book, "12 Traits Of The Greats," says that, "Thomas Edison... acquired an astounding 400 patents in a six-year period of time. But what few people know is that “Thomas Edison” was actually a fifteen-man team with a common goal. As one of his team members so aptly put it, “Edison is, in reality, a collective noun.” His work was the result of the efforts of many men. Those closest to you will determine your success. God gave us many stories & proverbs in the scriptures to help give us wisdom in choosing our dream team. (Proverbs 14:7, Proverbs 13:20, 1 Corinthians 15:33, 1 Corinthians 5:11, Proverbs 27:17)

According to Pastor Kevin Gerald, in his book called, "Forces That Form Your Future," there are five areas where God has put people in your life. Each of them have an impact on your future whether you realize it or not & play a part in the overall success and/or failure of your dreams (life). They are:

• Contacts: They network us.
• Friends: They affirm us and are committed to us.
• Partners: These people share a common interest or goal.
• Mentors: They produce change in us.
• Protégées: They learn from us. God sends great people into all of our lives—how we treat them determines whether they can stay.

Ask yourself these 3 questions today:
1. Who are the people that are currently influencing my life the most?
2. Is there a voice speaking into my future that I need to silence?
3. Do I need to choose some new members to join my dream team?

Decade Of Destiny, Week 5- How To Overcome The #1 Barrier To Your Dream

2011-11-04T12:34:00.000-04:00

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The book of Genesis reminds us that God created the world 1 day at a time. Each day was unique and each day was a masterpiece. In the same way, your future is created 1 day at a time. Today is the seed for tomorrow. The Bible reminds us that, "Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life, and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven." 1 Peter 1:3–4 (MSG) Even though our future is bright and our destiny is secure, it is easy to get stuck in life. Often times our plans can go awry and our dreams seemingly come to a stand still. We stop creating what God desires for our lives. What do you do when you lose energy & focus for the future? What do you do when the life plan you've been working on is written and ready but life seems no different? Stop & consider Nehemiah 2:20, which says, “... The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall.” (NLT) You have the God of heaven & earth on your side, you WILL succeed! Keep moving!

4 THOUGHTS ABOUT KEEPING MOMENTUM TOWARD YOUR DESTINY

1. Don't Drag The Past Into The Present.
“...Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” Nehemiah 2:17 (NLT)
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing... I am making a way...". Isaiah 43:18-19
It's too late for yesterday. Don't allow the past to dictate the present and the future.

2. Don't Allow The Future To Discourage Today.
“Then the people of Judah said, “The work crews are worn out, and there is too much rubble. We can’t continue to rebuild the wall.” Nehemiah 4:10 (GWT)
Bring your life into focus today. The Bible reminds us to, "...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33 Everything starts and ends with God. Pray and focus on today! You can't depend on tomorrow but you can overestimate it. Today is all that you have!

Key Thought- Shake it off & step up-- Remember, Fatigue + Frustration + Failure + Fear = Discouragement. shake it off & keep stepping up in faith!

3. Keep Fighting For Your Future
"Then as I looked over the situation... and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight...”. Nehemiah 4:14 (NLT)
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD... Says the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV)
"...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 30:41 (NIV)

4. Make Today Your Masterpiece.
“they were plotting to harm me, 3 so I replied... “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come... 9 They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination." Nehemiah 6:3,9 (NLT)

Decide what the dominant goal is for today and determine to achieve it. Little successes lead to bigger successes. Every small victory will help you gain momentum toward your destiny. You can't accomplish your dream today, but you can take a step towards it. Remember, you are God's masterpiece & He is at work in your life today!

“For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

10 for 10 Challenge, Pt. 4

2011-10-26T15:57:00.000-04:00

10 for 10 OCT. 26th 2011 from Freedom Life Christian Center on Vimeo.

The book of Genesis reminds us that God created the world 1 day at a time. Each day was unique and each day was a masterpiece. In the same way, your future is created 1 day at a time. Today is the seed for tomorrow. The Bible reminds us that, "Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life, and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven." 1 Peter 1:3–4 (MSG) Even though our future is bright and our destiny is secure, it is easy to get stuck in life. Often times our plans can go awry and our dreams seemingly come to a stand still. We stop creating what God desires for our lives. What do you do when you lose energy & focus for the future? What do you do when the life plan you've been working on is written and ready but life seems no different?

3 Thoughts About Keeping Momentum Toward Your Destiny:

1. Don't drag the past into the present. The Bible tells us, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19 It's too late for yesterday. Don't allow the past to dictate the present and the future.

2. Don't allow the future to frustrate the present. Bring your life into focus today. The Bible reminds us to, "...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33 Everything starts and ends with God. Pray and focus on today! You can't depend on tomorrow but you can overestimate it. Today is all that you have!

3. Make today your masterpiece. Decide what the dominant goal is for today and determine to achieve it. Little successes lead to bigger successes. Every small victory will help you gain momentum toward your destiny. You can't accomplish your dream today, but you can take a step towards it.

Closing thought- The famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed many beautiful buildings, homes, and other magnificent structures. Toward the end of his career, a reporter asked him, “Of your many beautiful designs, which one is your favorite?” Without missing a beat, Frank Lloyd Wright answered, “My next one.” Keep believing and trusting God for the future that He has for you! Take a step into that future by making TODAY a masterpiece. Why not start right now by answering the question, "What Is Your Goal (focus for achievement) for TODAY?"

Click here for a resource that will help you learn more about designing your daily schedule for success.

Decade Of Destiny- Week 4, The Big Thing & The One Thing

2011-10-25T16:42:00.000-04:00

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Everyone Ends Up Somewhere, Few People End Up Somewhere On Purpose!

"The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of heaven, 5 I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” 6 The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked, “How long will you be gone? When will you return?” After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request." Nehemiah 2:4-6

Nehemiah stepped into his destiny by confessing his sin, confessing God’s promises & declaring his dream. His dream got traction though the moment that he set a goal. Planning & setting goals are not only practically useful, they are spiritually powerful! Here are a few thoughts about goal setting that I recently adapted from Rick Warren this past weekend.

KEY THOUGHT- Goals are dreams with deadlines.

WHY DO I NEED TO SET PERSONAL GOALS?

1.   Goal setting is a spiritual discipline.
“God plans to bring all of history to its goal in Christ.  Then Christ will be the head of everything in heaven and on earth!”  Eph.1:10 (GW)
2.  Goals focus my energy.

“I do not run without a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something—not just the air.” 1 Cor. 9:26 (NCV) *see also Eph. 5:16 (NLT)
3.Goals stretch my faith.

“According to your faith will it be done to you.”  Matt. 9:29 (NIV) *see also Rom.14:23 (NIV)
4.  Goals build my character.
Paul: “I do not claim that I’ve already succeeded or have already become perfect.  I keep striving toward the goal for which Christ Jesus has won me to himself.”  Phil. 3:12 (TEV) *see also Eph. 4:13 (CEV)
5. Goals give me hope.

Job: “I do not have the strength to endure. I do not have a goal that encourages me to carry on.” Job 6:11 (NLT) *see also Jer. 29:11 (NIV)

HOW SHOULD I SET PERSONAL GOALS?

"All this I have in writing from the hand of the Lord upon me, and He gave me understanding in all the details of the plan." 1 Chronicles 28:19

1. Goals should be specific, attainable & written. Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)

2. Goals should be for God’s glory. 1 Cor. 10:31 (NIV)

3. Goals should be made by God’s power. Prov. 16:9 (MSG) *see also Zech. 4:6, Prov. 3:5-6

4. Goals should be motivated by God's love. 1 Cor. 16:14 (NLT)

CLOSING THOUGHT- Ask yourself, "What's the big things that I'm believing for & what's 1 thing that I can do about it TODAY?"

Set your faith goals one small step at a time! In one of my favorite movies, What About Bob?, there is a key phrase that Bob's phsychiatrist tells him over & over again: "Bob, take baby steps." Keep taking"baby steps" today into the destiny that God has for your life!

10 for 10 Challenge, Pt. 3

2011-10-19T14:35:00.000-04:00

10 for 10...Oct 19 11 from Freedom Life Christian Center on Vimeo.

Everyone Ends Up Somewhere, Few People End Up Somewhere On Purpose! Thanks for continuing to take part in the 10 for 10 challenge. If you’ll keep giving me 10 minutes a week for the next few weeks, I will help you plan the next 10 years of your life!

During week 1, I asked you to begin to write your future dreams for the 5 most important areas of your life: 1. Spiritual Life. 2. Relational Life. 3. Physical Life. 4. Work Life. 5. Financial Life.

During week 2, I challenged you to think through the following 3 questions: 1. What Are Your Values? 2. What Are You Good At? 3. What Are Your Life Experiences? The answers to these 3 questions will help you prioritize & plan for your future. If you haven't yet done that, why not go back right now & get started!

Before you can ever accomplish anything meaningful in life, you have to see what God sees so you can see what God can do in your life. The sooner you look at your life with faith, the sooner you can step into your destiny. Setting goals is a part of spiritual discipline. It's not just a good idea; the Bible says you need to set goals in order to grow in your faith. Goals stretch you and help you become all God wants you to be. If you set tiny goals, God will work in tiny ways. But if you set big audacious goals, God will working in big ways! Jesus said in Matthew 9:29, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” (NLT)

In 1 Chronicles 28:19, when King David was seeking God’s will for the temple, he says, “All this I have in writing from the hand of the Lord upon me, and He gave me understanding in all the details of the plan." God desires to give you understanding as you consider & plan for your future.

The Apostle Paul said, "I do not run without a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something—not just the air." (1 Corinthians 9:26 NCV) Setting goals is Biblical, spiritual & practical! This week I want to encourage you to begin writing some of your short & long-term goals for the next 10 years. Ask yourself, "What's the big things that I'm believing for & what's 1 thing that I can do about it TODAY?"

When writing out your goals, Rick Warren suggest making F.A.I.T.H goals: Focused (specific), Attainable (realistic), Individual (4you), Trackable (measurable), Heart-felt (motivating)

Remember this when you consider your goals this week, “... those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Proverbs 14:22b-23 Set your faith goals one small step at a time! In one of my favorite movies, What About Bob?, there is a key phrase that Bob's phsychiatrist tells him over & over again: "Bob, take baby steps." Keep taking "baby steps" today into the destiny that God has for your life! Take 5 minutes of focused thinking & begin to write your short & long-term goals today!

Decade Of Destiny, Week 2- Declare Your Dreams

2011-10-18T13:58:00.002-04:00

This week we talked about declaring our dreams. You may be wondering about how you know if you have the right dreams for your life. It's actually much easier than you realize. You discover your God-given dreams by beginning a relationship with God. As God’s child, you will know His voice & the dream that He has for you. Nehemiah is an incredible story of a man who decided to make a difference. (read chapters 1 & 2 of Nehemiah) The city walls of Jerusalem, his homeland, were in ruins for many years & God's people were scattered & disgraced. When Nehemiah heard about this tragedy, he prayed to God & determined in his heart to do something about it. He approached the King with his request to rebuild the walls & the moment that he began to talk about his dream was the moment that it began to happen.

Declaring the dreams that God has placed in your heart is vital to seeing them become reality. You are becoming what you say. Your words are powerful because they are declarations of what’s already in your heart. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21, "Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose." Remember that God said, "I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Therefore choose life." (Deuteronomy 30:19) You choose life by choosing the words you speak. What you say out of your mouth is going to determine whether you have life or death. Your words determine whether you are going to have blessings or curses. Please know this, before anyone or anything could put a curse on you, God had already put a blessing on you. Choose to declare that every good thing God has put in you will come to pass. Every gift, talent, dream & desire. You will fulfill your purpose. You will overcome every obstacle. Strongholds are being broken today & negative things in your past will no longer hold you back.

Still fearful about declaring your future dreams? Remember that God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfill your destiny through His Word. "Every Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (AMP) Why not declare right now that you talented, equipped & able. The Scripture tells us that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are anointed & equipped for every good work.

Speak life over your future today & declare the dreams that God has placed in your heart! Declare right now!

1. The favor of God surrounds my life. (Psalm 5:12, Proverb 11:27 & 12:2)
2. The blessings of God are chasing me down & overtaking my life. (Deut.28:1-2, Luke 6:38)
3. I will prosper & be successful in everything that I do. (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:3, Psalm 35:27, 3 John 2)
4. My heavenly Father gives me power to get wealth. (Deut. 8:18, Proverbs 8:17-21, 2 Corinthians 8:9)
5. God is supplying all of my needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19, Prov. 4:19, Matt. 6:8, 33)
6. I no longer live under the curse of sin, sickness & poverty. The windows of Heaven are open to me, & God rebukes the devourer for my sake. (Gal. 3:13-14, Isaiah 53:5, Malachi 3:8-12, 1 Peter 2:24)
7. The Lord has commanded me to be blessed; so, I am blessed & cannot be cursed. I am the head & not the tail. I am above & not beneath. (Deut. 28:3-14, Proverbs 10:6)

What you believe has a much greater impact on your life than what anybody else believes. Make the decision to declare the dreams that God has placed in your heart! Believe on God's Word today in faith!
Why not make this your prayer today! “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.” 1 Chronicles 4:10

10 for 10 Challenge, Pt. 2

2011-10-12T16:50:00.001-04:00

10 for 10 OCT. 12th 2011 from Freedom Life Christian Center on Vimeo.

Everyone Ends Up Somewhere, Few People End Up Somewhere On Purpose!

Thanks for continuing to take part in the 10 for 10 challenge. If you’ll keep giving me 10 minutes a week for the next few weeks, I will help you plan the next 10 years of your life!

There was a study done by a group of sociologists a few years ago where they asked a group of 90+ year old people, "If you had it to do all over again, what would you do differently?" They responded overwhelmingly by saying, "We would risk more!" Life is too short to play it safe. You'll live approximately 25,550 days. I'm asking you to consider, TODAY, how you will live the next 3,650 days (10 years)!

The Bible tells us to, “Write the vision (revelation, dream) and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV) Planning is hard work but it is the price of admission for a purposeful future.

A number of years ago, you may recall, there was a movie series that came out entitled, "Back To The Future." The underlying theme of these movies was to demonstrate how 1 small act in the past could dramatically affect the present. In the same way, you need to understand that 1 small act in the present can set the course for your future. Let's take a moment & go back to the future by responding to the following questions:

1. What Are Your Values? You've heard it said, "If you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything." Our core values are what we stand for in life. Your values set your priorities & plan your future. You can discover your values by asking yourself: What inspires or angers you in life? What do you love? What is really important to you?

2. What Are You Good At? What are the talents & gifts that you have? What do you do exceptionally well? You are gifted & equipped to do everything that God has called you to do!

3. What Are Your Life Experiences? Everything that you have experienced in life, pain or pleasure, is what makes you who you are. Take a moment & write down those memorable experiences that you've had in your life. The experiences that God has given you will position you for future promotion that can help you fulfill His purpose for you life. Remember, God never wastes a hurt & He never wastes a pain. He will use your past for your future good & the good of others if you allow Him. (Romans 8:28)

Here's the challenge. Step 2 of developing a plan for your future is this, REMEMBER! Take 5 minutes of focused thinking to begin the process of writing your past & present so that you can prepare for your future. Answer each question to the best of your ability. Don't worry if everything looks perfect, just begin! Proverbs 14:22-23 says, “...But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Go ahead & do the hard work & you'll take 1 small step into your future!

10 for 10 Challenge, Pt. 1

2011-10-06T00:35:00.001-04:00

10 for 10 OCT. 5th 2011 from Freedom Life Christian Center on Vimeo.

Everyone Ends Up Somewhere, Few People End Up Somewhere On Purpose!

Thanks for taking part in my 10 for 10 challenge. If you’ll give me 10 minutes for the next 6 weeks, I will help you get started in planning the next 10 years of your life!

There’s a ancient hebrew word known as, “Chawzon,” which means a dream, revelation, or vision. God desires that you would live out the “Chawzon,” that He has for your life! The Bible teaches us about what God desire's for your life in Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “For I know the PLANS I have for YOU, declares the Lord, PLANS to PROSPER you, and not to harm you, PLANS to give you HOPE and a FUTURE.” If you will begin to believe right now that God has good plans for you, it will revolutionize how you think about your future.

I want to challenge you to begin to visualize & get a revelation in regard to the future that God has for you. If 10 years from now your life is going to be any different, it will be the direct result of the change in your thinking today. Albert Einstein once said, "Your imagination is a preview of life's coming attractions." The Bible says it like this in Proverbs 23:7 (AMP), “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Think big in regards to your future. Take the limits off and whatever you do, "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Here's the challenge. Step 1 of developing a plan for your future is this, THINK! Take 5 minutes of focused thinking to begin the process of writing your future dreams for the 5 key arenas of your life. Write 1 or 2 sentences that describe where you envision your life being over the next 10 years. Remember to write down dreams & make plans that are not about God fulfilling your purpose but are about you fulfilling God's purposes. Don't worry if your plans or dreams are perfect. They will change over time. The most important thing is that you begin the process of writing down your future TODAY! “Write the vision (revelation, dream) and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)“

THE 5 KEY AREAS OF LIFE

GOD-

HEALTH-

WORK-

FINANCES-

PEOPLE- (give each one their own mission statement) Spouse, Children, Parents, Colleagues, Friends)

Decade Of Destiny, Week 1- What You See Is What You Get

2011-10-03T13:32:00.004-04:00

Chazown (pronounced Khaw-ZONE)- from the Hebrew, meaning a dream, revelation, or vision. Are you living your own Chawzon?

"For I know the PLANS I have for you, declares the Lord, PLANS to PROSPER you and not to harm you, PLANS to GIVE you HOPE and a FUTURE." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“Where there is no vision (revelation), the people are unrestrained (run wild), But happy (joyful) is he who keeps the law.” Proverbs 29:18 (NASB)

Key Thought- Your Current Decisions Will Determine Your Future Destiny (Read NUMBERS 13-14)

“Moses gave the men these instructions as he sent them out to explore the new land: ‘Go northward through the Negev into the hill country and SEE what the land is like and FIND OUT whether the people living there are strong or weak, few or many. What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? Do their towns have walls or are they unprotected? How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there many trees? Enter the land boldly, and bring back samples of the crops YOU SEE.’” Numbers 13:17-26 (NLT)

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LOOK AT YOUR FUTURE WITH EYES OF FEAR?

1.   I Get STRESSED OUT. (vs. 27-28)
2.   I Develop A SCARCITY MENTALITY.  (vs. 29)
3.   I Live Up To My Own EXPECTATION.  (vs. 31)
4.   I Become NEGATIVE.  (vs. 32)
5.   I See Myself As INADEQUATE. (vs. 32-33)
6.   I Become MISERABLE. (Num.14:1-2)

HOW DO YOU LOOK AT YOUR FUTURE WITH EYES OF FAITH?
1. Choose Faith over FEAR. ( Num. 13:30 & John 11:40)

2. Choose To Invite Jesus Into EVERY Area Of Your Life. (John 3:3)
3. Choose To Do WHATEVER God Tells You To Do. Num. 14:6-9 (CEV)

YOUR DECADE OF DESTINY BEGINS THIS WEEK! IT'S TIME TO WRITE A NEW FUTURE!

“Write the vision (revelation, dream) and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)

"One of the main reasons people lose their dreams is because they fail to write them down, and one of the main reasons people fail to achieve their dreams is because they fail to visualize them."

-Dr. Dave Martin (12 Traits of the Greats)
Visit my this Wednesday at www.sammasteller.com for instructions & a blog message series about how to write a new future!

A 10 Point Strategy For Training Kids, by Willie George

2011-09-17T15:32:00.000-04:00

Below is a 10 point strategy given by Pastor Wille George this past week on Twitter. I thought that it was so practical & excellent that I wanted to share it with you. Here's all of his words compiled together for the blog post. He's a great dispenser of wisdom & I recommend that you follow Him on Twitter & check out His resources at www.churchonthemove.com!

A 10 Point Strategy For Training Kids, by Willie George (via Twitter)

Every kid needs training. Some are easier. Some are fence-pushers. They're not evil just because they need correction. Most parents miss it by being inconsistent. Child-training is a long-haul game & good parenting is not a magic wand! Don't let your kids see you panic. If you don't know what to do with them, don't show it. There's always an answer!

#1- See each child as a gift from God. God doesn't give us kids we can't develop!
#2- Teach them the things of God. Kids learn in bits & pieces-not marathon sessions
#3- Correct them when they do wrong. Do it calmly, not in anger. Proverbs 22:8
#4- Reward them when they do right. Reward character more than talent!
#5- Teach them how to work. Let them earn money for the things they want. Inspect jobs!
#6- Do not undermine the authority you put them under. Support teachers, coaches, etc...
#7- Know what & who they are being exposed to. Some church members don't have your values.
#8- Participate in & help them with their interests. I built bike ramps, forts, etc...
#9- Claim God's promises for them. This saved my daughter's life. Know verses!
#10- Close the door on iniquity in your own life. What you allow finds your kids!

Bringing Honor Back!

2011-09-15T15:18:00.002-04:00

Last weekend we honored & prayed for local 1st responders, military & those affected by the tragic terrorist attacks 10 years ago on September 11th. I deviated from our current series & shared a message that I know will bless, challenge & encourage you! You can listen to this message right now by clicking here or watch it by visiting our online experience by clicking here!

BRINGING BACK HONOR!

HONOR: time (tim-may’); to value, respect, or highly esteem; to treat as precious, weighty or valuable. On the flip side, a lack of honor is: atimos (at'-ee-mos); to dishonor; to treat as common or ordinary.

Read Genesis 9:18-28-- The Story of Noah & His 3 Sons

1. You cannot honor what you don't recognize. (vs. 22)
2. Honor qualifies you to enter any future that God has for you! (vs. 23)
3. Honor will elevate your life, dishonor will deteriorate your life. (vs. 24-27)
4. Bring Honor back by…

*Honoring up (Exodus 20:3, Isaiah 29:13, Psalms 22:23, Proverbs 3:9, 1 Corinthians 6:20)
*Honoring down (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2-3, 1 Peter 3:7, Leviticus 19:32,1 Timothy 5:3-4)
*Honoring all around (1 Peter 2:17, Romans 13:7, 1 Timothy 5:17, Romans 12:10)

5. Remember this about Honor, Adam lost it, Jesus brought it back!
"When Adam sinned, sin entered the world... the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through... Jesus Christ. 16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift (JESUS) leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 11So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." Romans 5:12-16,11 (NLT)
“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." Romans 4:7 (NIV) *see also 1 Corinthians 15:22, 1 Peter 2:16, 1 Peter 4:8

1 Way To Take Your Life To The Next Level!

2011-09-06T18:18:00.004-04:00

Next week we will be launching something that has been in my heart for the life of our church! For well over 5 years I've been desiring to offer our church family, young & old, an opportunity to grow their faith to the next level through a college (like) experience. I've been wanting to offer something that will help people keep growing & gaining momentum in their lives without a great expense. The truth is that momentum graces our lives only when we keep moving forward & doing something new. My desire is that a holy momentum would permeate the life of every single person in our church & one of the ways to do just that is by continuing to learn.

After considering many different options for a continued learning experience, I came across Faith Works evening college, an initiative of Hillsong International Leadership College based in Australia. The material is excellent & the focus is life relevance versus test memorization. During year 1, the student will be able to earn a certificate in Biblical studies & learn how to live life well! Topics included in the course curriculum are:

The Heart of God and the Cross
The Word of God
Faith & God's Covenant
Worship & Spirit-Filled Life
Discovering Your Purpose In Life
Blessed To Be A Blessing
Transforming Your Thought Life
The Spirit of an Overcomer
Attitudes That Build The House
Heaven Is In This House

The cost is very reasonable, the material is first class & the opportunity is invaluable. I want to encourage you to seize the moment & consider being a part of Faith Works this year. If you are waiting until the new year to join, please understand that enrollment will not be open again until next fall. Year 1 is three terms of 10 weeks each finishing in May. If you attend another church or live out of the area, you're welcome to register & join us! For more details that will answer just about every question that you can think of, please visit us at www.faithworkscollege.tv! I truly believe that it will take your life to a whole nutha level!

Exciting Changes For This Fall!

2011-08-24T10:35:00.005-04:00

We're finishing up the best summer that we've ever had as a church! God has been doing fantastic things among us and we're expectant that He is going to do even more great things before the end of the year!

I'm excited to announce changes to our fall programming here at Freedom Life beginning in two weeks! There are some big changes happening that will benefit you and our entire church family. And, we'll be celebrating our 40-year anniversary as a church and preparing for the next decade.

Below is the weekly FL schedule beginning in September. In the coming weeks there will be some small group additions we'll tell you about, and our Decade of Destiny 40-day spiritual growth campaign--complete with 6 week small groups--will be happening from October 2nd through November 6th.

MONDAYS- Faith Works College - This excellent program will be a focal point of our future training to take our church & your leadership to a whole nutha level! Check out the details at www.faithworkscollege.tv!
TUESDAYS- Married Group Ministry will be on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. We will offer two new studies and childcare. Worship Team practice will occur on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday nights.
WEDNESDAYS- Midweek will take place MONTHLY so that we can focus our energies on our 1st Wednesday celebrations & our upcoming expansion! We'll have a special program for children on those nights, along with special guests for our services. 24/7 Youth WILL continue to meet year-round each week from 6:30- 8:30 p.m. Jr. High & Sr. High will now be meeting on the same night, two separate environments. They will have one united youth service during our 1st Wednesday all-church celebrations. Life’s Healing Choices small group will also be meeting in the offices.
THURSDAYS- Men’s Group will be on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Life Cafe. Our new Mommy Minute Group will offer two meeting times: 1st & 3rd Thursday mornings or 2nd & 4th Thursday evenings. Divorce Care will meet weekly in the church offices.
FRIDAYS- Our Lioness Arising Women’s Group will meet the 1st Friday of the month in the Life Cafe at 6:30 p.m.
SATURDAYS- We will be launching a brand new Saturday night service on January 7, 2012.
SUNDAYS- Our Young Adults ministry will meet along with other small groups in the evening.

That is our week at a glance this fall for our primary ministries. All of the details regarding those ministries and their contacts, as well as other small groups opportunities, will be available on our website at www.freedomlife.tv!

The Crazzies, Part 5- MIRACLES

2011-08-23T22:15:00.004-04:00

You can listen to this message right now by clicking here

DEFINITION OF A MIRACLE - A miracle is something that only God can do.

There are 2 types of miracles
“God who gives life to the dead and who creates something out of nothing.” Romans 4:7 (NCV)
1. HE RESURRECTS SOMETHING THAT’S DEAD
2. HE CREATES SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING

That's what Romans is talking about. God does two types of miracles: He resurrects something that's dead (He gives new life to it) and He creates something out of nothing. Those are both miracles. If you need a miracle from God, here's what you need to do:

1. RECOGNIZE That You Need One.
“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” For this people’s heart has become calloused...”. Matthew 13:14,15

2. ASK God for one.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7 “... if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 (NIV) 

3. EXPECT God to do it.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24
Key thought- Faith is a verb, Faith is not passive, it is active. Faith is taking the initiative.

4. You Can TRUST Him.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord that Heals) Exodus 15:26
Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord that Provides) Gen 22:14.

The cross qualified you for a miracle!
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)

The Crazzies, Part 4- LIMITLESS

2011-08-16T13:30:00.004-04:00

You can listen to this message right now by clicking here

Limitless- (adj.)Having no limit or limits; unrestricted: limitless authority; the limitless reaches of outer space. (American Heritage Dictionary)
Limit- something that bounds, restrains, or confines (webster’s dictionary)

It's time for you to believe for increase. I want to challenge you to let go of little dreams, little goals, little plans. You will think 2,400 or so thoughts today & since you're already thinking, why not think & believe big. There’s incredible untappped potential in your life right now! God wants tap into the potential that He has deposited on the inside of you. God wants you to live the limitless life that He purchased for you thru the death of His son Jesus Christ on a cross 2,000 years ago!. If you want to be limitless, here's what you need to do:

1. You Need To Understand Your Limits. (Samson- Judges 13-16)
Jesus qualified us for Gods blessing. Wisdom is 1 of His blessings. Walk in wisdom, obey His principles &build a great life. When you have God's vision for your life it will bring focus & restrain you from making decisions that are not wise.

“Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 (NCV)
“You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. 24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.” 1 Cor. 10:23-24

The best question that you can ever ask if you are unsure about whether or not God wants you to do something is simply this, "What’s the wisest thing to do in light of my past experience, my current circumstance, & my future hopes & dreams?"

2. You Can't Be Limited By The Limitations Of Others. (Elisha- 2 Kings 2)
Walt Disney was told that He lacked talent by his art teacher, Elvis Presley was told repeatedly that he didn’t have the talent necessary to make it in the music industry. The Beatles, Abe Lincoln, Babe Ruth & Bill Gates are just a few examples of people that were told they wouldn’t make it in their field. Don’t allow others to create your life for you, they’ll always create it too small!

Elisha asked the prophet Elijah if he could receive a "double portion" of his anointing, & He did. (see 2 Kings 2:9) He wasn't limited by what this great prophet had done with his life. God wants you to see your life from His perspective & believe big!
Remember, you are“... fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
You were born an original, don't die a copy!

3. You Can't Be Limited By Your Limitations. (Ehud- Judges 3:12-30)
“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” -Anais Nin Look at the limitations of your life from God's perspective.
“Give yourselves to God... Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes.” Romans 6:13 (TEV)
" By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life...". 2 Peter 1:3 NLT
Give your limitations to God & watch Him remove & use them by His power & for His glory! Choose to live a limitless life today!

Honor Your Friends

2011-08-07T20:49:00.005-04:00

This past weekend I had the privilege of hosting my good friend, Rick Shawley & his awesome family. Rick has been a great friend & influence in my life for over 20 years. Over 20 years ago He became my youth pastor & has been investing into my life ever since. A few months ago I asked Rick to come & share to our church so that I could honor him. The Bible teaches us that we should honor one another. Honor is the willingness to reward someone for their difference. It is not flattery. It must be genuine & heartfelt. I recently wrote a post about what the Bible teaches in regard to honor & you can read it by clicking here!

Real friends that love & believe in you don't come along every day & are a blessing from the Lord! The problem that we often have is we don't recognize how valuable the people in our lives really are. In other words, what you don't recognize, you don't honor. Honoring others is a big deal & it will elevate your life! I want to encourage you to recognize those in your life that make a difference & choose to honor them in some way today! Don't just feel it, show it! Make the call, write the note, send the email, buy the gift & esteem the people that God has placed in your life! Honoring others pleases God & qualifies you to enter any future that He has for you!

Did You Know?

2011-07-30T07:21:00.001-04:00

Did you know “the average person spends a typical life span of seventy years? If you live to be seventy years old, more than likely, you will spend twenty-three years sleeping, sixteen years working, eight years watching television, six years eating, six years traveling, four and a half years on leisure activities, four years being sick, and two years getting dressed. The average person spends six months of his or her life on spiritual activities.” Excerpt from Power Thoughts ~ Joyce Meyer. We're all investing our lives into something! I want to encourage you to not waste your life! Today, make a commitment to being PLANTED In God’s House. Psalm 92:12-14, says, "The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing...”. I want to encourage you to invest your life into the only thing that Jesus is building & the only thing that He's coming back for, the local church. Together, we are the hope of the world! Stay planted in the house of God, it's a decision that you'll never regret!

The Crazzies, Part 3- Crazy Favor

2011-07-24T16:38:00.004-04:00

“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

Favor- fa·vor- means to give special regard to; to treat with goodwill; to show exceptional kindness to someone. Sometimes, it means to show extra kindness in comparison to the treatment of others; that is, preferential treatment.

6 STEPS TO HELP YOU RECOGNIZE, GROW IN & WALK IN THE FAVOR OF GOD!

1. Understand That You NEED It. Ruth 1:3-5 (NLT)
Key Thought- Answered prayer (Esther 7:3), Protection (Psalm 5:12), Life (Psalm 30:5), Victory over enemies (Psalm 41:11), Mercy (Psalm 119:58)

2. ASK God For It. Ruth 2:2 (NIV)
"... You do not get what you want, because you do not ask God.3 Or when you ask, you do not receive because the reason you ask is wrong. You want things so you can use them for your own pleasures." James 4:2-3

3. Become FAVOR-Minded Ruth 2:3 (NCV)
Key thought- Whatever you recognize you become thankful for, whatever your thankful for will increase in your life.

4. Understand That You Can GROW In Favor (Ruth 2:6-7)

7 Ways You Can Grow In Favor! (1 Samuel 2:26, Luke 2:52)
1. By having an EXCELLENT spirit. (Eccl. 9:10; Daniel 6:3)
2. By solving a PROBLEM for someone else. (Genesis 39:2-6)
3. By giving a GIFT. (Proverbs 18:16)
4. By sowing a SEED. (Proverbs 3:9-10; Malachi 3:6-12)
5. By being a obedient & living the RIGHT way. (Isaiah 1:19, Proverbs 11:27;14:9)
6. By growing in WISDOM. (Proverbs 8:34-35, Luke 2:52)
7. By being GRATEFUL. (Ruth 2:10)

5. Understand That Favor Follows FAITHFULNESS (Ruth 2:11-12)
“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NLT)

6. Understand That Favor Is RELEASED Into Your Future When You Place Your LIFE In God’s Hands Ruth 1:14-18 (NLT)
“Grace (favor) and peace be given to you more and more, because you truly know God and Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2 (NCV)

Mom, Should I Eat My Booger?

2011-07-21T22:24:00.009-04:00

I am blessed to have 5 beautiful children that fill my life with so many great stories. They also have a tendency to fill my life with some pretty gross ones as well. Recently my 4 year old son Colby posed an interesting question to my wife when he asked, "Mom, should I eat my booger?" As you can imagine, the entire scene was rather, shall we say, disgusting! If you can get past the picture of my son staring at his booger like it's dinner, you (& I) can learn a valuable non-dietary lesson. Colby paused & asked before he acted. In other words, he sought wisdom. Imagine what would happen if we would pause, like Colby, & ask before making our decisions today. What would have happened if Eve would have paused before eating the fruit & said, "Father (God), Should I Eat This?" What would be different about your life today if you would have sought wisdom yesterday? The Bible says in Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." The best question you can ever ask in any situation is simply this, "what is the wisest thing to do?" Wisdom is essentially anointed common sense that begins with pausing & asking before acting. Wisdom is knowing what God wants you to do & then choosing to do it! What are you getting ready to do in your life today that you need to pause & say, "Father (God), should I do this?" Whatever you do, understand that "Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding. 8 Treasure wisdom, and it will make you great; hold on to it, and it will bring you honor." Proverbs 4:7-8 (NCV) Before you take another bite, maybe it's time to pause get some heavenly advice!

The Craz(z)ies, Part 2- Hope

2011-07-18T10:52:00.005-04:00

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Key thought- “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

HOPE- The Greek word for "hope" is elpo meaning "to look forward to with pleasurable confidence and expectation."
HOPELESSNESS- it means- having no expectation of good or success : to despair

WHAT CAUSES US TO HOPE LESS?
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick…” Proverbs 13:12 When the answer to our prayers seems distant, it can cause us to feel these three things:
Disoriented. “Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?” Job 17:13
Drifting. “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.” Isaiah 53:6
Despair. “We had great burdens there that were beyond our own strength. We even gave up hope of living..” 2 Corinthians 1:8

Are you a prisoner of your past, of your circumstance or of hope?
“If you will be a prisoner of hope, God will restore back to you double everything that was stolen.” Zechariah 9:12

3 CHOICES YOU NEED TO MAKE TO BE A PRISONER OF HOPE

1. You need to choose to follow the God of hope.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (see also Psalm 62:5,Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 42:11)

2. You need to choose a perspective that looks to God's promises, not to your circumstance.
Elisha helped his young servant see things from God's persective! Read- 2 Kings 6
"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." Hebrews 11:1 (see also Romans 4:18, Psalm 119:81)

3. You need to choose certainty in the midst of uncertainty.
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego delared in the midst of their trial that they would put their hope & faith in God no matter what! Read Daniel 3
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 (see also Romans 5:2-5, Romans 8:28)

Hope is believing that it can happen. Faith is believing that it will happen. Faith based on hope stays strong no matter what happens! Receive hope, then take a step of faith!

Somebody Honor Somebody!

2011-07-12T22:03:00.005-04:00

This past weekend we celebrated our long time worship pastor, Chad Fisher. Chad has been a huge part of our team for 10 years & I wanted to take time during weekend experiences to present him with money, kind words & encouragement. This morning during our monthly all-staff meeting, we gave him an official 'Dundie' award for his years of service. The replica bobblehead is still being made. The reason that we as a church are taking this week to honor Chad is because we appreciate the fact that he's a gift to our church. We want to demonstrate our appreciation & esteem for his integrity, leadership & giftedness. My desire is to create a culture of honor that flows down & around to everyone that is involved in the life of our church. While honor will be demonstrated differently depending on one's role, the goal is always the same. I desire the life of our church to be filled with the honoring of one another. I wanted to share a few thoughts about what honor is & why it's important to our every day lives.

HONOR  by definition is as follows: honor: time (tim-may’); to value, respect, or highly esteem; to treat as precious, weighty or valuable. On the flip side, a lack of honor is: atimos (at'-ee-mos); to dishonor; to treat as common or ordinary.

 • RESPECT IS EARNED. HONOR IS GIVEN. 
Honor can be demonstrated even when respect is not warranted. In fact, the Bible is a book about honoring God & His instruction. The 10 commandments teach us how to honor. The first 4 are a warning about dishonoring God & the next 6 warn us about dishonoring others. You need to understand that law of honor flourishes in every season & in every environment. It will elevate every part of your life! Honor is a part of the Kingdom culture that He wants you to have in your life.

Honor is the willingness to reward someone for their difference. It is not flattery. It must be genuine & heartfelt.

When thinking about giving honor to others, you need to understand this key thought- HONOR QUALIFIES YOU TO ENTER ANY FUTURE THAT GOD HAS FOR YOU! Honor brings power to your life & to the lives of others. (see Mark 6:4-6) Jesus said that a prophet is without honor in his home town. One of the lessons that we learn from this story in the gospels (Matthew 13:53-58) is that where there is no honor, there is no power.

SINCE HONOR IS VITAL TO OUR DAILY LIFES, WHO THEN ARE WE CALLED TO HONOR? HERE'S WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES-

• OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
THE UNDERLYING REASON THAT OUR CULTURE IS DISHONORING TO OTHERS IS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT FEAR & HONOR GOD.
 The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me…” Isaiah 29:13 (see also Psalm 22:23)
• OUR PARENTS, SPOUSE, GRANDPARENTS, ELDERLY.
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12 (see also Ephesians 6:2-3)
“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together... Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7
“Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:32 (see also 1 Timothy 5:3-4)
 • THOSE IN AUTHORITY.
“Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:17
"Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe…respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Romans 13:7  (*see also 1 Timothy 5:17)
• EVERYONE YOU CAN. 
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12:10

WHO IS GOD CALLING YOU TO HONOR THIS WEEK? SOMEBODY HONOR SOMEBODY!

The Crazzies- Hope

2011-07-11T12:33:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I shared a message about the life of Jonah. In this crazy pill story we see a man that was at the end & had seemingly lost hope. The reality of the situation is that it was His own disobedience to God's Word that caused his life to fall apart. Jonah was in the belly of a large fish pondering how he had gotten there. At that moment, he did something that each & every one of us need to do, he looked to God.
We need to remember that when things don’t look good, we should always LOOK to God. Wherever you may be or whatever you may be going through, you can call out to the God of hope. Jonah 2:1-2,10 says, “Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. 2 He said, ‘I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me...’." God is a God that answers us! (Jeremiah 33:3) The Apostle Paul refers to God as the 'God of hope.' In Romans 15:13 he says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” The Greek word for "hope" is elpo meaning "to look forward to with pleasurable confidence and expectation."
So whether you're in the belly of a large fish or in the midst of discouragement, bankruptcy, difficulty or divorce, you can look forward in life with pleasurable confidence and expectation! Right now, call out to God & let Him fill your life with hope!

THE CRAZZIES, PART 1- JONAH

2011-07-10T23:11:00.002-04:00

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LIFE LESSONS FROM THE CRAZY PILL PROPHET JONAH
4 Truths That You Need To Know When You've Messed Up!

1. You Can RUN But You Can’t HIDE.
“The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” 3 But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. 17 Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:1-3, 17 (NLT)
“I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave,[a] you are there. 9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” Psalm 139:7-10

2. When things don’t look good, always LOOK to God.
“Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. 2 He said, ‘I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me...’10 Then the Lord ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach.” Jonah 2:1-2, 10 (see also Jeremiah 33:3)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

3. God Wants To Give EVERY PERSON A Second Chance!
“When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.” Jonah 3:10
YOU- “The Lord's love never ends; his mercies never stop. 23 They are new every morning...”. Lamentations 3:22-23
OTHERS- “Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” Matthew 18:21-22
“The Lord (God)... does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

4. God LOVES You.
I (Jonah) knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.” Jonah 4:2 (NLT)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

SKITTLES, Part 4- Who's On First?

2011-06-27T08:18:00.008-04:00

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Key Thought- The rest of your life can be the best of your life if you put God first in your life!
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness (live righteously), and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

I WILL GIVE GOD MY 1ST AND MY BEST SO HE CAN BLESS THE REST.
Read 1 Kings 17:1-16- Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath
Thought- God always gives a plan & if you work the plan you get the miracle (vs. 8-12)
Thought- God's plan won't always be logical, but it will be possible. If you do what is possible, God will do what is impossible. (vs. 13-16)

TIME- Exodus 20:8, Psalm 92:13, Luke 5:16
Example- Giant Sequoia trees toppled over a few years ago, partially because of people walking over their roots. The thought is that people walk through our lives and it has an effect on us. We need to honor the sabbath weekly & spend time with God daily to keep strong roots in our faith.
TONGUE (Words)- “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15 *see Proverbs 18:21 (NCV)
TALENT- Ephesians 6:7, Philippians 2:1-5, Ephesians 4:7
TREASURE-
Key Principle: Money is not a financial issue, it’s a SPIRITUAL issue.
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Matthew 6:24

GOD'S 'ILLOGICAL, BUT POSSIBLE' FINANCIAL PLAN FOR YOUR PROVISION (see Luke 16:10-11)

What most people do:
1. Earn it 2. Enjoy it 3. Repay it (past) 4. Save it (future) 5. Give it (eternal)
The order God blesses:
1. EARN it- “... Anyone who refuses to work should not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NCV)
2. GIVE it- “Honor the Lord by giving Him the first part of all your income, and He will fill your barns... to overflow!” Pr. 3:9-10 (LB)

-Tithing provides for God’s work through His church. “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.” Malachi 3:10a
-Tithing teaches me to put God first in my life. “The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.” Deuteronomy 14:23 TLB
-Tithing increases my faith in God. ‘Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.’ Malachi 3:10b

3. SAVE it- “The wise man saves for the future . . . “ Pr. 21:20a (LB)
4. REPAY it- “The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives;” Psalm 37:21
5. ENJOY it- “Be content with what you have . . . “ Heb. 13:5 (NIV)

Reasons that you may not be blessed right now:
Wrong Motives- James 4:3, Hidden Sin- Proverbs 28:13, Growing Season-Galatians 6:8-9

My Prayer For You Today- Whatever you do, “ ...please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us.” 2 Cor 6:1 (MSG)

SKITTLES, Part 3- LEGACY LESSONS

2011-06-20T12:46:00.006-04:00

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Skittles Represent What You Have To OFFER.

"The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” Proverbs 11:24 (Msg)

Here are the 4 things that make up your life: 1. TIME 2. TALENT 3. TREASURE 4. TONGUE (Words)
Key Question- The average life span is 25,550 days. How will your legacy impact those that come after you?

LEGACY LESSONS FROM ABRAHAM & LOT (GENESIS 13)
Legacy (Webster’s dictionary): something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.

LESSON #1- VALUE TODAY BUT VISUALIZE TOMORROW
“And without vision the people perish. . .” Proverbs 29:18
"The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” - Helen Keller 1880-1968
I want to encourage you get a vision for your future. Depression, discouragement & fear are present when hope is absent. Allow God's divine vision for your life to give you faith for your future & hope in your circumstance. Be specific. Believe big. Albert Einstein once said, "Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions." God responds to faith & He's so good that He even gives us even more than we expect.

What Legacy Are You Passing Down To Future Generations?
EQUITY - our integrity, our determination, our godliness, every right decision we make, every time we resist temptation, every time we honor God & do the right thing.
INIQUITY - addictions, bad attitudes, bad habits, wrong mind-sets, poor choices, selfishness, lack of discipline.
Case Study of Max Jukes & Jonathan Edwards- click here

LESSON #2- GIVE A BLESSING TO OTHERS
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 (NIV)
“When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves.” Phil. 2:3 (NCV)
“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.” Proverbs 3:27

4 Ways To Pass A Legacy Of Blessing To Others (see Genesis 27:26-29)
John Trent and Gary Smalley, in their book The Blessing, point out four practical ways that we can bless our children just as Isaac did.
1. TOUCH (Mark 10:16)
2. SPEAK (Proverbs 15:23)
3. ENCOURAGE (Proverbs 10:21, 1 Thess. 5:11)
4. REMIND (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Key Thought- How you spend your days (time) will determine what you become (talent), what you will make (treasure) & the impact that you’ll have on future generations (legacy).

My Prayer For You Today
Whatever you do, “ ...please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us.” 2 Cor 6:1 (MSG)

SKITTLES, Part 2- Investors

2011-06-11T21:33:00.004-04:00

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Skittles Represent The Essence Of Your Life & How You Use Them Will CREATE Your Life.
"The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” Proverbs 11:24 (Msg)

Key Thought- Generosity is an ATTITUDE
“Whoever has a bountiful (generous) eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” Proverbs 22:9 (ESV)

Stingy people say, “When I FEEL good I’ll do it. When I have MORE I’ll give it.”
Generous people say, “I’ll do it, then I’ll FEEL good. I’ll give, then I’ll have MORE.”

“Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8 (MSG)

You will experience the generous life when you:

1. Understand that God’s the owner, You are the manager.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” Proverbs 24:1
“... you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20
2. Recognize that God is your SOURCE.
“My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.” Philippians 4:19 (NCV)
“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes...”. James 1:17 (NLT)
3. Understand the divine law of SOWING & REAPING.
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, And day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22 (NKJV)
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38 (NLT)

You Create Your Future By Investing These 4 Things:
Time- “There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth: ...A right time to plant and another to reap...”. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Talent- “Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...”. Colossians 3:23
Treasure- “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)
Tongue (Words)- “What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded.” Proverbs 18:21 (NCV)
“A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” Proverbs 15:23 (NKJV)
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15

4. Expect your world to grow LARGER.
“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”[a] 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLT)
“So I tell you to believe that you have received the things you ask for in prayer, and God will give them to you.” Mark 11:24 (NCV)
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6 (NKJV)

My Prayer For You Today
Giving up something now for something better later is not a sacrifice. It is an investment. -Andy Stanley
Whatever you do, “ ...please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us.” 2 Cor 6:1 (MSG)

Skittles Thoughts- Are You Giving God Your Leftovers?

2011-06-10T22:12:00.002-04:00

According to Wikipedia, Leftovers are: the uneaten edible remains of a meal after the dinner is over, and everyone has finished eating.

It would seem wise during these economic times to do everything you can to cut corners. One of the things that we often do at our house is save any leftovers from our meals. This helps us keep food on the table for our 5 little human vacuum cleaners that can inhale huge amounts of anything edible. While leftovers are a matter of preference when it comes to our own personal taste, it's a matter of principle when it comes to God. The first recorded worship service in the Bible ended badly because of leftovers & is found in the story of Cain & Able.

Genesis 4:2-8 says, "... When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. 6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”

The reason that God was not pleased with Cain was simple, He brought his leftovers. Most people live by the idea that anything that they give to God is acceptable. The truth is that God expects us to put Him first with our time, talent & treasure! The first & greatest commandment is to love God. This means that we're called to worship God with every area of our lives. Don't have a spirit like Cain who was self-centered and saved the best for himself. Save your leftovers and give your best to God in everything!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...”. Colossians 3:23

SKITTLES, Part 1- Hoarders

2011-06-04T10:02:00.003-04:00

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Skittles Represent What You Have To OFFER.

The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” Proverbs 11:24 (Msg)

Here are the 4 things that make up your life: 1. TIME 2. TALENT 3. TREASURE 4. TONGUE (Words)

Key Question- The average life span is 25,550 days. What will you do with your days?

Lessons from a Hoarder (Luke 12:13-21)
13Someone out of the crowd said, "Teacher, order my brother to give me a fair share of the family inheritance." 14He replied, "Mister, what makes you think it's any of my business to be a judge or mediator for you?" 15Speaking to the people, he went on, "Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot."
#1- Hoarders always need MORE.
16-19Then he told them this story: "The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: 'What can I do? My barn isn't big enough for this harvest.'
Lesson #2- Hoarders are SPENDERS.
Then he said, 'Here's what I'll do: I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones.
Lesson #3- Hoarders are SAVERS.
Then I'll gather in all my grain and goods, and I'll say to myself, Self, you've done well! You've got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!'
Lesson #4- Hoarders are FOOLS.
20"Just then God showed up and said, 'Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?' 21"That's what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God." Luke 12:13-21 (MSG)

The fool in this story wasn't being rebuked for his business savvy, it was the fact that he thought he was in charge. He didn't understand this important principle, " God’s the owner, I am the manager ." We don't really own anything in our lives, we're simply the stewards. The Bible reminds us in   Psalm 24:1, that, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.”

Key Question- What Are You Doing With Your Skittles?
The Bible teaches us that,“A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.” Proverbs 11:28 (Msg)
We are most like God when we are generous. Proverbs 22:9 (KJV) says, "He who has a generous eye will be blessed,  for he gives of his bread to the poor." When you are generous, you have an eye to see the needs of others. The skittles that God gives us aren't simply for us.
“For God so loved the world that He gave...” John 3:16 (NKJV) This verse reminds us that God is a giver. If you want to be like Jesus, you have to become a giver & it all begins with your life!

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Matthew 16:24-25 (NLT)

My Prayer For You Today
The person who waits to do a great deal of good at once will never do anything. -Samuel Johnson
Whatever you do, “ ...please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us.” 2 Cor 6:1 (MSG)

Skittles Thoughts- Is Your World Expanding or Growing Smaller?

2011-06-02T10:37:00.006-04:00

This weekend I'll be sharing a new series called, "Skittles: Experience The Generous Life." Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing thoughts on how you can experience the expansive & generous life that God has for you. God wants to increase you in every area of your life. He has promises of provision for you! The reason that the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years was because they chose pettiness over God's provision. Nothing was good enough. The journey to their destiny didn't go as they had preferred. Their small minded & narrow thinking caused their worlds to shrink & their problems to expand.

My question for you is, "Is Your World Expanding or Growing Smaller?"

The answer to that question can be found in this one word. Pettiness. Many times we allow the expansive lives that God has for us to grow smaller because of a stingy & self-centered mindset. We often allow our preferences to rule our hearts. According to freedictionary.com, Pettiness is defined as:

1. Of small importance; trivial: a petty grievance.
2. Marked by narrowness of mind, ideas, or views.
3. Marked by meanness or lack of generosity, especially in trifling matters.
4. Secondary in importance or rank; subordinate.

Pettiness is really smallness. Petty people choose to be small-minded, narrow & self-centered. Their lives are marked by negativity & lack. Pettiness produces fights, arguments. Pettiness demands it's own preferences over the needs of others. Petty people spend lots of time in other people's lives because they are trying to avoid dealing with their own issues. The root of pettiness is negativity & is rooted in our sinful nature.

So how do you overcome pettiness? Make the decision to no longer focus on your preferences, instead, focus on the good of others. Look at the big picture & don't make mountains out of mole hills. Determine to live a large, expansive & generous life today! Don't become stingy with your life by allowing pettiness to become the rule of the day. Don't allow the unimportant to rule the important. Determine to live a large & generous life by being generous with your words, your time, your talent & your treasure!

Remember, "The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.”Proverbs 11:24 (Msg)

Keep Momentum By Growing Your Faith!

2011-05-27T08:39:00.004-04:00

Momentum begins with movement & is sustained with movement. If you want to grow in your faith, you need to keep pushing forward & taking steps into the future that God has for your life! God desires to grace your life with His holy momentum. I want to challenge you to take a step today! Take a moment & check out this post from Joel Osteen ministries & the link below about how to begin a relationship with God.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Scripture tells us that every person has been given a measure of faith. That faith can grow and increase; or it can be diminished. Notice today’s scripture doesn’t say, “Faith comes by having heard the Word of God one time.” It’s by hearing — present tense. Sure, God’s Word can transform us in an instant, but most of the time, we need to hear God’s truth over and over again in order for it to become active in our lives. The more we hear the Word, the more His truth chisels away at the doubt and unbelief that’s been built up over the years. His truth sets us free and causes our faith to grow!

Just as a seed needs water daily to grow, your spirit needs the Word of God daily. Your faith needs to be watered by His Word. It can be as simple as selecting a few scriptures to meditate on daily. Write them down and carry them in your purse or wallet. Read them out loud over and over. Let His truth sink down into your heart and move you forward into the freedom and victory He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, thank You for Your Word that is living and active and growing in my life. I submit myself to You today and ask You to teach me Your ways. Give me insight into Your Word so that I may know You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

For more about how to grow your faith & begin a thriving relationship with God, check out these previous posts! http://tiny.cc/gbbbu

MOMENTUM: Holy Swagger, How To Keep Godfidence- Part 4

2011-05-25T15:42:00.004-04:00

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The story of the seed and the sower is a powerful parable that helps us understand how God's holy momentum can be sucked out of our lives. In Matthew 13, Jesus shares about the things that can take our confidence in God's Word. Without God-fidence, we'll lack faith to trust and believe God for our future. The key to keeping a holy momentum in your life is to understand and apply God's Word. His Word will produce everything that you've ever desired in your life. Take a moment and identify what momentum suckers may be affecting your life today!

Momentum Sucker #1- Lack of UNDERSTANDING (vs. 18-19)
18 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 19 The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.
Momentum Sucker #2- PERSECUTION and PROBLEMS (vs. 20-21)
20 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.
Momentum Sucker #3- WORRIES of life (vs. 22)
Momentum Sucker #4- Love of WEALTH/MONEY (vs. 22)
22 The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.
Keep Godfidence- by understanding & obeying GOD’S WORD! (vs. 23)
23 The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

Key Thought- You'll never feel good about yourself as long as you live for & depend on yourself. Die to self & live! Gal 2:20
Fill your heart and life with a complete trust in God and His Word and your life will be graced with His holy momentum!

Get Your Holy Swagger Back! How To Build Your Confidence

2011-05-17T11:41:00.001-04:00

My senior year in college was a challenging year. I struggled under the weight of making decisions that would seal my destiny in life. During that time of testing, I made some poor choices that really shook my confidence. I went from being excited about the future to dreading that there was one. When I lost my confidence, it had a very big impact on every area of my life. Fortunately, I made the decision to get back into agreement with God's Word and I allowed that Holy Swagger, Godfidence, to fill my heart again.
Do you need some confidence today? You'll never feel good about yourself as long as you live for yourself & depend on yourself. You need to be willing to die to yourself & live for God! (Galatians 2:20) The Apostle Paul reminds us that we shouldn't have any confidence in our own flesh, but we should have complete confidence in God who is working in us. Godfidence! I still fail from time to time & my confidence can still be shaken by the issues of life. No matter what is going on in my life, I've chosen to have confidence in God & take Him at His Word. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do "all things through Christ who gives us strength."

Here are 7 truths from God's Word that will help you get the Holy Swagger back into your life!

1. God will fulfill His purpose for your life! (Psalm 138:8)
2. God loved and believed in you enough to send His Son, Jesus, to die for you. (John 3:16)
3. God will keep you from falling and present you in His presence with great joy. (Jude 24)
4. He had given you power by His Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8)
5. He has hand-picked you! (John 15:16)
6. While you were lost, He chose you to be made alive with Him. (Ephesians 2:5)
7. He believes in you & has given you a job to finish. (Mark 16:15)

Manic Monday Video- Momentum, Part 4

2011-05-16T16:47:00.002-04:00

Faith Works Is Coming This Fall!

2011-05-14T22:45:00.005-04:00

FaithWorks College Promo - Hillsong from Freedom Life Christian Center on Vimeo.

I'm so excited to announce that we will be launching Faith Works Bible College this fall! What is Faith Works? Check out the details below!

Faith Works Bible College brings you Bible teaching that is world-class. It's an extension college of the world-renowned Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia, and it's currently one of just a handful in the United States. This one and two year evening school comprises dynamic, faith-building Bible study lessons that reveal the believer’s inheritance in Christ Jesus. Easy to understand, with a ‘live-by’ context, this course has been designed to thoroughly ground you and establish you in the Word. It will help you develop and intimate relationship with God and gain confidence in your Christian walk.

Our website for this emerging new ministry in the life of our church is now up and running at www.faithworkscollege.tv! You'll be able to enroll online early next week and you check out all of the details on our website now. I hope that you'll pray and consider being a part of this incredible opportunity!

MOMENTUM: Momentum Moments, Part 3

2011-05-09T15:32:00.003-04:00

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MOMENTUM: Momentum Moments, Part 3
Momentum = mass x speed x direction (the art of movement)
“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” -Albert Einstein

The goal of the Christian life is not simply to arrive safely to our destination. God wants us to walk on the water with Him and experience things that we've never dreamed. There will be moments when you feel like the holy momentum in your life has been sucked away. In those moments you need to do these 3 things:

1. Keep Taking STEPS Into Your Future.
"But Jesus quickly spoke to them, "Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid." Peter said, "Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water." Jesus said, "Come." And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. Matthew 14:27-29
Key Thought- Don't allow your life in Christ to begin with faith and end in fear. If you don't go after what you want, you won't get it; If you never ask, the answer is always no; if you don't move forward, you remain in same place!

2. Keep Your Eyes On JESUS.
"But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, "Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind became calm.33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, "Truly you are the Son of God!" Matthew 14:30-33
Key Thought- The focus of your life will be the future of your life. Focus your thoughts/eyes on the mountain mover, not the mountain.

3. Keep Standing On GOD's PROMISES.
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
“As it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed — the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not”(Romans 4:17, NIV)
Key thought- Faith doesn’t always instantly deliver you, but it always carries you through. Keep walking on the words of Jesus!

Closing thought
The famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed many beautiful buildings, homes, and other magnificent structures. Toward the end of his career, a reporter asked him, “Of your many beautiful designs, which one is your favorite?” Without missing a beat, Frank Lloyd Wright answered, “My next one.” Keep believing and trusting God for the future that He has for you! Why not receive all of God promises for your one and only life! Believe God that your best days are still ahead keep standing on the promises.

Momentum- Live Out Your Divine Purpose! Part 5

2011-05-07T14:05:00.002-04:00

The Fifth and final purpose of your life is to fulfill your divine mission. Jesus said: “In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.” John 17:18 (MSG) The Bible teaches us that Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost without Him. In 2 Corinthians 5:15, the Apostle Paul said, “Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat. He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own.” (MSG) The only purpose that you will not fulfill for eternity is this final one. Life is nothing more than a window of time to find God, and then the judgement. We must focus our lives on this important purpose.
The word for this final purpose is Evangelism, meaning, 'to share the good news.' It is, in my opinion, the most ignored purpose in most peoples lives. My life, and our church, will always be focused on this purpose. Lost people matter to God and they should matter to us. Jesus gave us this incredible promise when he said: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me for real rest...and you’ll recover your life...and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matt. 11:28-30 (MSG) That is good news we can share with others!
Have you made that decision? Have you received the good news that Jesus can forgive your sins if you turn to Him? Don't ever forget, “It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as He says, the door is open.” Acts 10:35 (MSG) You can turn to Jesus today and receive life!

This prayer below by Rick Warren, is a one that I hope that you'll not only pray, but one that you will live! Live for God's purposes and you'll live a rich and fulfilled life!

A PRAYER OF PURPOSE
Dear God, thank You for creating me and loving me. I want to fulfill the purposes that You created me for. So starting today, I really want to get to know and love and trust You. I want my life to bring You pleasure and I want to become a part of Your family. Help me to grow more like Your Son Jesus, and to use my life to follow and serve You. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for me. In the weeks ahead, help me to understand Your vision and mission for the rest of my life.

Momentum- Live Out Your Divine Purpose! Part 4

2011-05-06T18:23:00.002-04:00

The fourth purpose of you life is to serve God by serving others. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:10, “God made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which He planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.” (NCV) Peter the Apostle said, "“God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God's many kinds of blessings.” 1 Peter 4:10 (LB) You need to understand that you were SHAPED for serving God. You are blessed, favored, called & chosen by God for His purpose!
Here's the deal, the Bible tells us that, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others...” 1 Peter 4:10 The shape of your life is made up by your spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, passion & experiences. All of these work together to form how you fulfill this important purpose in your life. Psalm 139:13 says, “You shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb.” (MSG)
“God made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which He planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.” Eph. 2:10 (NCV) You are unique. You’re not one in a million. You’re one in almost 7 billion. You are an original! God doesn’t want you attempting to live up to the expectations of other people. God didn’t create you so that you would be what your parents wanted you to be or anyone else for that matter. He created you to be you.
There may be illegitimate parents but there are no illegitimate babies. There are accidental parents but there are no accidental babies. God has always had a divine plan for you, that's why you're breathing & able to read this blog right now. God has called you to become a full-time minister, which means that you're a servant 24/7.
So how do you start living out this important purpose? It's really very easy. Just begin by finding a need & meeting it! Open your heart & God will open your eyes to the many ways that you can serve Him by serving others! For more information about this purpose, (click here) or how you can serve in the life of our church (click here).

Momentum- Live Out Your Divine Purpose! Part 3

2011-05-05T11:00:00.002-04:00

The third purpose of your life is to grow up spiritually. The Bible says in Romans 8:29, "God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son … We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him." Romans 8:29 (MSG) You need to understand that you were created to become like Christ.

I want to take a moment to explain this because when you understand it, life will make so much more sense. The bottom line is this – God wants you to grow up spiritually. When you grow up physically, that’s automatic. The reality is that you grew up without even trying. You’re a big boy or a big girl now. But God wants you to grow up spiritually too. You can go through your walk with Christ and stay a spiritual baby. God says I want you to grow up while you’re on earth by growing spiritually. One of the reasons Jesus came to earth was to show us what maturity’s like. You wanna know why that is so needed? Because it's the biggest problem in our culture. Childishness & shallow living are an epidemic in our culture. We are a nation of spiritual babies.
What do I mean? Think of what a baby is. I have 5 children so I can speak authoritatively on this topic. Babies are totally self centered, all about the "I" and the "me." They’re impatient. They don’t know how to wait. I’ve got to have it now! Babies are totally focused on their feelings. They don't think long-term. All of us have a tendency to live according to the same pattern. The Bible reminds us, “Some people have such shallow soil of character that when their emotions wear off and difficulty arrives, there’s nothing to show for it.” Mark 4:17 (Mes) If you're going to grow, you must change your thinking. Philippians 2:5 reminds us,“In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.”

Today, right now, it's time to grow in your walk with Christ! Here are some things that you can do to do just that! Click here

Momentum- Live Out Your Divine Purpose! Part 2

2011-05-04T14:23:00.002-04:00

The second purpose of your life is to learn how to love others. You need to understand that you were formed for God's family, this is called Fellowship. In other words, God wanted a family. The Bible says the whole reason you exist is God wanted you to become a part of His family, which makes you unique. And that family that you are adopted into by faith in Jesus is going to last forever. “God has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members of God's own family.” 1 Pet. 1:3 (LB)
The Bible says this, “God’s unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure.” Eph. 1:5 (NLT) Again, He did it for His own enjoyment. God wanted a family and He wanted you to be a part of it.
Here's the deal, your spiritual family, God’s family, is going to outlast your physical family. Physical families don’t last. We all get old, grow up, move away & die. Bottom line, physical families don’t last. But the spiritual family of God is going to go on and on and on for eternity.
To fulfill the second purpose of your life, you need to be rooted & planted in a local church. We're reminded in 1 Peter 2:17 when Peter told us to, “Love your spiritual family.” (Mes) You can NEVER fulfill your destiny & divine purpose alone. You need God & you need His family, the Church! Get connected! Remember, “We belong to each other and each of us needs all the others.” Rom. 12:5 (NLT)

Momentum- Live Out Your Divine Purpose! Part 1

2011-05-03T07:17:00.008-04:00

If you want to receive God's holy momentum in your life, it begins getting right your life right with God through Jesus & by beginning to focus on your future. I want to encourage & challenge you to begin living out your divine purpose this week. Sadly, most people don't realize that God has created them for a specific purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God really does have a plan & purpose for each of our lives. We are not the product of a cosmic accident. The Bible says in Colossians 1:16, “Everything, absolutely everything... got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.” The Bible teaches us in Revelation 4:11, "You God created everything, and it is for Your pleasure that they exist and were created!” That means YOU!
You need to understand that you were planned for God's pleasure. Ephesians 1:4 (MSG) reminds us, “Long before He laid down earth's foundations, God had us in mind, and settled on us as the focus of His love.” God loves you & He desires to grace your life with His holy momentum and presence! When you understand those things, you will understand why the first purpose of your life is WORSHIP. Jesus taught us the most important commandment in the Bible, He said “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind...”. Matt. 22:37-38 (NIV) In other words, God loves you and your reasonable response would be to love Him back.
How can we worship God & fulfill that purpose of our lives? We begin by making the choice to, “...offer (y)our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is (y)our spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1 NIV The first purpose of life is to know & love God by honoring Him in every area of our lives. Everything that we do, we should do it with a heart to please & honor God. Think about how you can love & honor God in the key areas of your life this week! -Physical -Financial -Emotional -Relational -Spiritual

Manic Monday Video- Momentum, Part 2

2011-05-02T16:08:00.002-04:00

MOMENTUM: How To Move Forward, Part 2

2011-05-02T15:08:00.005-04:00

Steps Toward A Momentum-Filled Life!

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FOCUS -- FORGET (forgive) -- LOOK FORWARD
“... but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Phillippians 3:12-14 (NLT) see also *1 Peter 2:9

1. Let Go Of The PAST.
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they (meaning YOU!) may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 *see also 1 John 3:8
“Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:30 (MSG).

2. Start Living Out Your Divine PURPOSE.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
“Everything, absolutely everything... got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.” Col. 1:16 (Mes)

-To learn more about the 5 purposes that you were created as found in these 2 scriptures (Matthew 22:37-40) & (Matthew 28:19-20), click here!

1. WORSHIP- You were planned for God’s Pleasure.
“You God created everything, and it is for Your pleasure that they exist and were created!” Rev. 4:11b (NLT)
“...offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1 NIV *see also 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 12:2, Psalm 16:8-9

2. FELLOWSHIP- You were formed for God’s family
“I am writing these things to you... (so) you will know how to live in the family of God. That family is the church of the living God...” 1 Timothy 3:14-15 (NCV)
“God’s unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure.” Eph. 1:5 (NLT)
*see also Romans 12:9-16, Titus 3:2, Ecclesiastes 4:10, Heb. 10:24, Acts 2:46, 1 Cor. 1:10, James 4:6

3. DISCIPLESHIP- You were created to become like Christ.
“From the very beginning God decided that those who came to Him--and all along He knew who would--should become like His Son." Rom. 8:29 (LB)
“We look at the Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created.” Col 1:15 (Mes)
“In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5 (NCV)
*see also Genesis 1:26

4. MINISTRY- You were SHAPED (Spiritual Gifts Heart Abilities Personality Experiences) for serving God.
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others...” 1 Peter 4:10
“You shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb.” Ps. 139:13 (Mes)
“God made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which He planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.” Eph. 2:10 (NCV)
“God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God's many kinds of blessings.” 1 Peter 4:10 (LB)
*see also 1 Cor. 10:24, Gal. 6:2, 2 Cor. 1:4, Proverbs 3:27-28, Gal. 6:10

*EVANGELISM- You were made for a Mission.
“(Jesus) In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.” John 17:18 MSG
“The Lord is... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NKJV *see also Hebrews 7:25, Luke 14:23, 2 Peter 3:9, Colossians 4:5

Manic Monday Video- Momentum, Pt. 1

2011-04-25T16:17:00.003-04:00

MOMENTUM: Moving Forward, Part 1

2011-04-23T22:23:00.005-04:00

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Momentum = mass x speed x direction (the art of movement)
“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” -Albert Einstein

In What Areas Of Your Life Do You Need Momentum Today?
-Physical -Financial  -Career  -Relational  -Spiritual

Momentum is all about movement. Most people have lost momentum in the key arenas of life. Easter is a celebration of the holy momentum that Jesus brings to our lives. Whatever you may have lost in your life, it's time to get it back!

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
“The Son of God came for this purpose: to destroy the devil's work.” 1 John 3:8

Momentum Begins When You Do Something NEW.
"... (God) said, “...Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5 (NLT)
"Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life, and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven." 1 Peter 1:3–4 (MSG)

The apostle Peter says several things happen once you give your life to Jesus:

• You open up your life to God and get to know him.
• You’re given a brand new life, which gives you everything to live for.
• You get a future in heaven.

“Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:30 (MSG).
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”  2 Corinthians 5:17

Momentum That Brings Real Change Begins With God’s POWER, not your WILLPOWER.
“Can... a leopard take away his spots? Nor can you who are so used to doing evil now start being good.”  Jeremiah 13:23 (LB)
“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:13-14 (NLT)

Maintain Positive Momentum By PUSHING forward, Not By PULLING back.
"So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you.8 Come near to God, and God will come near to you. You sinners, clean sin out of your lives. You who are trying to follow God and the world at the same time, make your thinking pure." James 4:7-8 (NCV)
"The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." Romans 6:4 (NLT) *see also Romans 6:4, Zechariah 6:4

The Same Power That Conquered The Grave Lives In You! You Have Holy Momentum In Your Life Today Because Of Easter! Click Here to listen to the song we closed our Easter services with.

Manic Monday Video- Who Do You Think You Are? Pt. 3

2011-04-18T14:06:00.008-04:00

Who Do You Think You Are? Part 3

2011-04-14T12:36:00.004-04:00

HOW TO BECOME WHO GOD THINKS YOU ARE

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“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

See 2 Samuel 4:4 & 2 Samuel 9. The story of Mephibosheth is an extraordinary story of grace & kindness. Once he understood who he really was (royalty), it changed everything!

1. Know The New You
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
"By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17 (NASB)
2. Meditate On The New You
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT) *see also Psalm 1:1, Joshua 1:8, Colossians 3:16-17
3. Hang Out With The New You
“Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” Proverbs 13:20 (MSG)
*see also Genesis 13:9, James 1:8
4. Act Like The New You
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” Matthew 7:24-25 (NLT)
*see also James 1:23-25
5. Talk Like The New You
“As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.” Romans 4:17 (NIV)
“Words can bring death or life!...” Proverbs 18:21 (CEV)
*see also 2 Corinthians 8:3-9, Psalm 91:16
6. See The New You
“Your eyes are like a window for your body. When they are good, you have all the light you need. 23But when your eyes are bad, everything is dark...” Matthew 6:22-23 (CEV)
*see also Proverbs 22:9,
7. Walk In The New You
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 (ESV)
*see also Galatians 5:16, Romans 8:14

Click here for a list of meditations & confessions about your new life in Christ!

Manic Monday Video- Who Do You Think You Are? Pt. 2

2011-04-11T13:38:00.002-04:00

Who Do You Think You Are? Part 2

2011-04-10T15:23:00.005-04:00

We had a great day in the life of our church! No matter what you're going through, don't quit! God is with you & He loves you! Below are the notes from the message. No matter who you may think you are, if you're a Christ-follower, you're an overcomer!
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• WITH CHRIST, YOU ARE AN OVERCOMER.
…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
…If God is for us, who can be against us?... 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through [Christ] who loved us. Romans 8:31-32, 35, 37

7 CHARACTERISTICS OF AN OVERCOMER

1. REFUSE TO GROW WEARY.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 (see also Matthew 4:2-3, Hebrews 12:3, Isaiah 40:31)

2. COMMIT TO DOING GOOD.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 (see also, 2 Corinthians 8:10-12)

3. RECOGNIZE THAT THEIR ARE SEASONS.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (see also Habakkuk 2:2-4)

4. REFUSE TO LOSE HEART.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9

5. COMMIT TO SOWING INTO YOUR FUTURE.
“They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.” Psalm 126:6 (NLT)
"...one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward." Proverbs 11:18
*see also Hosea 8:7, 2 Corinthians 9:6, Galatians 6:7-8, James 3:17-18

6. COMMIT TO THE WILL OF GOD.
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: Heb 10:36 (see also Matthew 26:38-39)
"O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Matthew 26:38-39

7. COMMIT TO FINISHING.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT) (see also 2 Corinthians 8:10-12, Hebrews 10:36-38, 2 Timothy 4:7)
So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30

Manic Monday Video

2011-04-04T17:25:00.003-04:00

Who Do You Think You Are? Part 1

2011-04-03T14:13:00.002-04:00

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This past weekend we talked about taking a God look at yourself. Below are the notes. The Bible is a revelation of God's thoughts toward you. I hope that these thoughts will help you consider who you really are according to God!

You will become what you BELIEVE.
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 (AMP)
Understand what influences your perception of your life. They are influence by your...Your Parents, Your Past, Your Physique, Your Performance, Your Peers.
When you base the perception of your life on these factors, you are building on the wrong foundation. Matt. 15:10-11, 15-20, Luke 6:47-49

To change your perception of your life, discover what GOD says about you.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” ISAIAH 55:8-9 (NIV)
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2 (NLT) *see also Psalm 139:17, Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 3:20

God Thought- If you have a limited view of God, you’ll always have a limited view of yourself.

1. The Word says you are WONDERFULLY created.
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)

“People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the circular motion of the stars, and they pass by themselves without ever wondering at all.” Augustine (399 AD)

2. The Word says you are created in the IMAGE of God.
“Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us... 27 So God created human beings[b] in his own image. In the image of God he created them male and female he created them... 28 Then God blessed them...”. Genesis 1:26-28
“... put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:10 *see also Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3, John 14:9, 1 Corinthians 15:49, Romans 8:29

3. The Word says you were created with PURPOSE and DESTINY.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) *see also Jeremiah 1:4-5 & 2 Timothy 1:9-10

4. The Word says that you are more VALUABLE than you can imagine.
“You have been bought and paid for by Christ, so you belong to him—be free now from all these earthly prides and fears” 1 Corinthians 7:23 (LB) *see also 1 Peter 1:18-19, Matthew 6:26; 10:31; 12:2

5. The Word says that what’s true of JESUS is true of you!
“Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” Romans 6:3-4 *see also Romans 3:24; 6:23; 8:39,1 Cor.1:30-31, 2 Cor. 1:20; 2:14; 5:17, Gal. 3:26 Eph. 1:3-12; 3:6; 3:12, Philippians 3:9,1 Timothy 1:14; 3:13,1 John 5:14)

Thoughts from our "Daring" Men's Conference 2011!

2011-03-26T21:19:00.005-04:00

Our men's conference was absolutely fantastic! Paul & Brandon Cole from the Christian Men's Network (cmnworld.com), did an awesome job inspiring, encouraging & challenging the men of the house! Our men's team put together an excellent event that represented our church well & blessed the over 100 guys that came out! Here are a few thoughts that were shared in the sessions.

-Victory is always on the other side of the fight!
-Jesus is grace centered & all about your future.
-A champion isn't a man who never fails, A champion is a man who never quits.
-Absence of prayer is a form of hiding from God. (eg. Adam when He sinned)
-Maturity is the acceptance of responsibility.
-Manhood & Christlikeness are synonymous.
-Male by birth, Man by choice.
-When you limit yourself, you limit God.
-God commits to faithfulness, not charisma.
-God never ends anything on a negative, but everything on a positive.
-Create your life on the words of God, not on the words of people.
-Faithfulness is the cornerstone of character.
-God is looking at a man that will keep standing up when everyone else is bowing down.
-Meekness is strength under control.
-Confession of you mouth will create your world.
-Love always appreciates, lust always depreciates.
-To win in life you need wisdom, strategy for victory.
-Whiner's talk about what they are going through & winners look at what they are going to.
-Whatever captures your focus & attention will determine the direction of your life.
-Legacy is never about the past & always about the future.
-Success is to fully satisfy your personal design. (how/what/why God created you)
-Courage is knowing that God is with you.
-Your friends will carry you to your future.

For more information, go to www.cmnworld.com & paullouiscole.com!

PERHAPS- How We Will Build A Flourishing Church

2011-03-22T10:30:00.004-04:00

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This weekend I talked about how what our church is all about, here are some of the thoughts that I shared...
The reason exist to help people experience the freedom & life that only God can offer. We’re all about loving God, loving people & loving life! Our church is all about Jesus & for Jesus! The Bible says in Colossians 1:16, "JESUS is the one through whom God created everything... EVERYTHING was created THROUGH him & FOR him." We're about Jesus & Jesus is all about us (His Church). "... I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18
"The righteous will flourish... planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God." Psalm 92:12-13 Here are 3 things that we will do as a church to make Jesus famous again in our generation!

WE WON'T PLAY IT SAFE.
"One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father." 1 Samuel 14:1
Jonathan was willing to walk away from the safety of the “inner circle” to get things done. God never called us to play it safe.
Jonathan’s heart was set on fire and he had to move. He was consumed by a vision. As a church, we'll always be consumed by the Lord's vision for our church. We will do what God calls us to do. (see Hebrews 11:6)

WE WILL ALWAYS ASK PERHAPS.
PERHAPS- 1. Used to express uncertainty or possibility:
"Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” 1 Samuel 14:6
-why not ask the sun to stand still (healing, restoration, finances, miracles...)
The Bible is full of people who have the guts to say “perhaps”. We will always ask "perhaps" & believe God for "sun stand still" moments. (see Matthew 7:7-8)

WE WILL CREATE A CULTURE OF PASSIONATE PARTNERSHIP.
“Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” 1 Samuel 14:7
We will have a church that carries the vision & stays in unity around the vision that God has given us.
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:1

This Week's APP- The Partnership Process
In his first letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul revealed four distinct attitudes of maturity or levels of involvement among Christians that contribute to and build a flourishing Church. They are found in 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

1. ENJOY.
"(Put) hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17
"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" Psalm 34:8
The first level of Christianity is enjoyment. We should enjoy the abundant life that Jesus has provided for us. That's the beginning.
2. SERVE.
"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds... " 1 Timothy 6:18
Christians who rise to this second level are those who have added to their enjoyment by committing to serve in God’s House. The key is to still keep enjoying God’s House (first level), and apply yourself to serve Him with good works (second level).
3. GIVE.
"... ready to give..." 1 Timothy 6:18
‘I will bless you and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing’ (Genesis 12:2).
‘Freely you have received, freely give’ (Matthew 10:8).
The third level of Christianity involves a revelation of giving. Some people are happy to volunteer or serve in a role, but they never discover that it is more blessed to give than to receive. If you want to move to a deeper level of involvement in God’s House, you will need to expand in the area of giving.
4. CARRY THE LOAD.
"... willing to share..." 1 Timothy 6:18
"for each one should carry their own load." Galatians 6:5
The fourth level of Christianity is about carrying the load, or as Paul put it, ‘willing to share’ (1 Timothy 6:18). Christians who share the load are the ones who will do whatever it takes to fulfil the vision.

Love At Last Sight, Part 4- The Art of Letting Go!

2011-03-08T22:16:00.002-05:00

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“(There’s) a right time to hold on and another to let go.” Eccl. 3:6b (The Msg)

Men who trap animals in Africa for zoos in America say that one of the hardest animals to catch is the ringtailed monkey. For the Zulus of that continent, however, it's simple. They've been catching this agile little animal with ease for years. The method the Zulus use is based on knowledge of the animal. Their trap is nothing more than a melon growing on a vine. The seeds of this melon are a favorite of the monkey. Knowing this, the Zulus simply cut a hole in the melon, just large enough for the monkey to insert his hand to reach the seeds inside. The monkey will stick his hand in, grab as many seeds as he can, then start to withdraw it. This he cannot do. His fist is now larger than the hole. The monkey will pull and tug, screech and fight the melon for hours. But he can't get free of the trap unless he gives up the seeds, which he refuses to do. Meanwhile, the Zulus sneak up and nab him. -Charles Swindoll, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, p.150ff.

This story illustrates what happens to each of us when we can't let go of our our hurts & hang ups! We become trapped by the things in our past that we can't let go of & let God take care of. I talked about the story of Moses this past week & how everything in his life did not go according to plan. It wasn't until he let go of his past until he could embrace his future! I want to challenge you to deal with your unrealistic expectations, bitterness & need for control! This week, let go & let God! Here are the notes:

1. Let go of Unrealistic EXPECTATIONS.  (Acts 7:23-29 NLT)
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18
2. Let go of BITTERNESS. (Acts 7:30-34 NLT)
“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”  Luke 23:34a (NLT)
“Love doesn’t keep score of the sins of others.” 1 Cor. 13:5b (MSG)
3. Let go of CONTROL. ( Acts 7:35-36 NLT)
" Pile your troubles on God's shoulders—he'll carry your load, he'll help you out.  He'll never let good people topple into ruin. " Psalm 55:22 (MSG)

The Process of Letting Go of Control:

·      GIVE UP CONTROL
“Then the LORD said to (Moses), ‘What is that in your hand?’ ‘A staff,’ he replied. The LORD said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’  Exodus 4:2, 3 (NIV)
·      GIVE OVER CONTROL
“Then the LORD said to him, ‘Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.’ So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.” Exodus 4:4 (NIV)
·      GET UNDER CONTROL
“Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, ‘Go back to Egypt, for all the men who wanted to kill you are dead.’ 20 So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.” Exodus 4:19-20 (NIV)

Prayer For This Week
“I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God's children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high His love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last you will be filled up with God Himself.”   Ephesians 3:17-18 (TLB)

Love At Last Sight, Part 3- The Art of Risking Awkwardness

2011-03-02T16:23:00.004-05:00

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Last weekend we talked about risking awkwardness. Pushing through awkward moments when when attempting to reach other people & take our key relationships deeper is vital. I shared the story of the 4 guys that brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus. What if we pushed through the awkwardness of our situation & circumstances & allowed God to use us to reach & impact others like that? Read Mark 2:1-12 (NLT)

REACH OUT TO OTHERS (vs. 2b-3)
One Small Act of Love – A World of Difference.
“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

IGNORE THE DISCOMFORT
“They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above (Jesus) head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.” (Vs. 4)

SHARE YOUR HEART (vs. 5a)

Awkwardness of Asking- “What do you want me to do for you?” Mark 10:51 (NIV)
In this passage, Jesus is asked the blind man what he needed. What would happen in your every day relationships if you if you took the time to ask those that you love what their needs were & how you could meet them?
Awkwardness of Revealing- "Jesus wept." John 11:35 (NIV)
It's the shortest verse in the Bible that reminds us of the powerful example that Jesus set for us. Don't hide who you are or what you're feeling. Express yourself & trust God through your situation & circumstance. (see also Hebrews 11:6, Jeremiah 29:13)

KNOWING THE REWARD IS GREATER THAN THE RISK
“… Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven…Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!’ And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, ‘We’ve never seen anything like this before!’” (Vs. 5; 11-12)

“Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!" 1 Samuel 12:16

KEY QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER-
1. Who is God calling you to reach out to this week?
2. What is on your heart that God is directing you to share with those in your life?
3. What do you need to risk & have faith for in reaching out to others?

Love At Last Sight, Part 2- The Art of Being Intentional

2011-02-22T15:46:00.004-05:00

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This past week we talked about how to become more intentional in our every day lives. I used the story of Jacob & Esau to remind us that our everyday appetites & busyness can cause us to trade away our future one decision at a time. I want to encourage you to live intentionally this week for God's Kingdom. Be conscientious in how you treat those around you & go deeper in relationship with those God has placed in your life. Here are the notes from this weekend:

“Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17
"Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out." Romans 12:1-2 (MSG) (see also Proverbs 24:3, Proverbs 14:12, James 4:17)

Read Genesis 25:19-34 STORY OF JACOB & ESAU

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)

Every person in the world has 3 appetites, they are:
1. PASSION- Temptation to feel “Lust of the flesh”
2. POSSESSION- Temptation to have “Lust of the eyes"
3. POSITION- Temptation to be “Pride of life”

• Consideration- Think of others FIRST.
“And look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.” Phil. 2:4 (GN)
•Generosity- GIVE to others first.
“The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.” Proverbs 11:24 (MSG)
• Servanthood- SERVING others first.
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Phil. 2:3 (NLT)
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 (NIV)

“Don't let sin control the way you live; don't give in to sinful desires.” Romans 6:12

KEY QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK-
1. HOW WILL I FEEL ABOUT THIS DECISION IN 10 MIN., 10 MONTHS, 10 YEARS FROM NOW?
2. HOW WILL THIS DECISION AFFECT MY MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS?

KEY THOUGHT- DON’T TRADE WHAT GOD WANTS FOR YOUR LIFE OR THE MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS IN YOUR LIFE FOR A BOWL OF STEW.

Love At Last Sight, Part 1- The Art of Being All There.

2011-02-07T09:32:00.007-05:00

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We all have relationships that are less than what they should be. Now you can change everything and take steps to reconnect with the people who really matter—and I don’t mean by adding them on Facebook! Relationships are not about initial attractions, but about last things—the experience you shared the last time you were with someone…the words you spoke with her last week…the effort you made for him the last time you saw him. Yesterday we launched our Love at Last Sight one-month relationship challenge! From learning to be present in the moment, acting intentionally, risking awkwardness, and learning to let go, you’ll discover wisdom from the Bible that contradicts what popular culture would have you believe. If you want to improve your important relationships in 30 days. Here’s the Challenge!

1. Show up to each weekend experience during the challenge!
2. Name three key relationships in your life you want to be better.
3. Purchase & Read a chapter a day from the Love at Last Sight book.
4. Perform the Last Sight Challenge activities at the end of each chapter.

(Check out all of the details & resources at www.loveatlastsightchallenge.com!)

Here are the notes from yesterdays message, "The Art of Being All There." (Read, Luke 10:38-42)

1. WHEREVER YOU ARE, CHOOSE TO BE ALL THERE
“… Mary, … sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made….” (Vs. 39-40) “Mary has chosen what is better…” (Vs. 42)

-Choose to remove all distractions
"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” Matthew 6:6 (MSG)
-Choose to embrace the moment
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10 (NIV)
-Choose to focus on the needs of others
“As Jesus and His disciples were on their way…” (Vs. 38a)

2. WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING, BE SENSITIVE TO “HOLY INTERUPTIONS”
Holy Interruption: “God’s greater purpose disguised as an annoying interruption to my man-made plans.”

“She came to Him and asked, ‘Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’" (Vs. 40-42)
“We make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”- Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

3. WHENEVER YOU HAVE OPPORTUNITY, DEMONSTRATE GOD’S LOVE
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
"So be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good."- Eph. 5:15-16

Twitter Message For The Week- NEGATIVITY

2011-02-04T17:15:00.003-05:00

This past weekend I talked about the reality that you need to Know & Apply The Power of a POSITIVE SPIRIT. When I mention a positive spirit, I not suggesting that we should just pretend to be happy & chipper. I believe that Christ-followers should be full of genuine hope & faith that is rooted in the promises of the living God! Learning to apply the power of a positive spirit will determine whether or not you will experience everything that God has for your life. The Israelites under the leadership of Moses missed their divine destiny because of their grumbling & negativity. (see Numbers 13:27-32; 14:24-28) God does not desire that we would miss out on His promises like that generation. He desires that you would be full of life, hope, love, encouragement & grace towards ourself & others. The question you need to ask yourself is this, "Are you living in the power of a positive, faith-filled Spirit?"

Here are a few thoughts about what negativity is & what it will do in your life:
1. Negativity is basically looking at your life from the devil's perspective.
2. Negativity is a reflection of inner defeat that is going on inside of you. Each of us see life & others as we see ourselves. Negativity is a mirror to your heart & mind.
3. Negativity will always justify itself. It will always masquerade behind the guise of truth-telling, but at the end of the day it's simply grumbling.
4. Negativity will choose your friends for you. Proverbs 13:20 says, "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble." (see also Psalm 101:3)

Don't ever forget that Jesus came that we would have life & life to the fullest! (John 10:10) No matter what you may be going through, remember that God doesn't end anything on a negative, He ends everything on a positive. Stay committed to His plan & purpose for your life!

Lessons From The Sun Stand Still Fast!

2011-01-31T23:42:00.004-05:00

Our church-wide fast was absolutely fantastic! It was excellent for my waistline (20 lbs. later) & even better for my spiritual appetite. I'm expecting so many big things this year for my life, my family & our church family! Below are the lessons that I learned from studying Joshua's life during this fast & what I shared with our church this past weekend.

How To Get From Where You Are To Where God Wants You To Be
From twitter last week- ricklgodwin: Knowledge is NOT power! IMPLEMENTATION of knowledge is power!
4 things that you need to KNOW & APPLY from the life of Joshua if you are going to cross over into all that God has for your life.

1. You Need To Know & Apply The Power of a POSITIVE SPIRIT.
“They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! ... But the people who live there are powerful... 30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” 31 But the men who had gone up... spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored.” Numbers 13:27-32
“24 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it. 36 So the men Moses had sent to explore the land... died of a plague before the LORD. 38 Of the men who went to explore the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh survived.” Numbers 14:36-38

2. You Need To Know & Apply The Power of PRAYER
"7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp.11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent." Exodus 33:7,11
"12 On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” 13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped...” Joshua 10:12-13

3. You Need To Know & Apply The Power of OBEDIENCE
“But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Joshua 22:5
“14 Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness... choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. 24 And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.” Joshua 24:14, 24

4. You Need To Know & Apply The Power of a PROMISE.
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20
“You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” Joshua 23:14

21 Day Sun Stand Still Fast has begun!

2011-01-11T20:55:00.000-05:00

“God’s invisible work in you prepares you for his visible works through you.” (P 72) Sun Stand Still by Pastor Steven Furtick

I hope that you’re enjoying the beginning of our church-wide 21 day fast! Whether you are participating in the Daniel Fast, Social media/T.V. fast, sugar & sweets fast, water only fast, not listening to your kid’s whine fast… whatever it is, enjoy taking this time to grow closer to God! Our Sun Stand Still 21 Day fast is all about consecrating yourself & dedicating yourself to the sacred purposes of God! Forget about how hungry or uncomfortable you may be right now & make the decision to stay strong during this vital fast! Remember that today is the price of tomorrow. Today, right now, is the seed for tomorrow. You will reap a harvest of blessings & miracles if you stay strong & full of faith!

Get ready to see the Sun Stand Still in your life as you pray audacious prayers of faith! Join me here at my blog over the next few weeks for encouragement & check out www.awake21.org for a fantastic virtual conference with my favorite speakers Click here
& daily devotional Click Here for your fast! Allow God to do a great work in you over these next few weeks so that He can do a great work through you this year! Below are a list of confessions that I'd encourage you to memorize & make a part of your confession & you grow in your walk with Christ!

Twelve Audacious Faith Confessions

1. I am fully forgiven and free from all shame and condemnation.
Romans 8:1–2; Ephesians 1:7–8; 1 John 1:9
2. I act in audacious faith to change the world in my generation.
Joshua 10:12–14; John 14:12
3. I have no fear or anxiety; I trust in the Lord with all my heart.
Proverbs 3:5–6; Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Peter 5:7
4. I am able to fulfill the calling God has placed on my life.
Exodus 3:9–12; Psalm 57:2; Colossians 1:24–29
5. I am fully resourced to do everything God has called me to do.
Deuteronomy 8:18; Luke 6:38; Philippians 4:13
6. I have no insecurity, because I see myself the way God sees me.
Genesis 1:26–27; Psalm 139:13–16; Ephesians 5:25–27
7. I am a faithful spouse (if you’re single, you can slip futurein there) and a godly parent—our family is blessed.
Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Ephesians 5:22–25; Colossians 3:18–19; 1 Peter 3:1–7
8. I am completely whole—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Psalm 103:1–5; Matthew 8:16–17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:24
9. I am increasing in influence and favor for the kingdom of God.
Genesis 45:4–8; 1 Samuel 2:26; Acts 2:37–47
10. I am enabled to walk in the sacrificial love of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; 1 John 3:16; 4:9–12
11. I have the wisdom of the Lord concerning every decision I make.
2 Chronicles 1:7–12; Proverbs 2:6; Ecclesiastes 2:26; James 1:5
12. I am protected from all harm and evil in Jesus’ name.
Genesis 50:20; Psalm 3:1–3; 2 Thessalonians 3:2–3

Looking forward at Freedom Life! SUN STAND STILL 2011

2011-01-03T14:02:00.008-05:00

The holiday season was awesome & now I'm glad it's over & I'm pumped for 2011! It's time to get back to building holy momentum toward everything that God desires to do in & through our church family! Our theme for this year is, "Sun Stand Still." It comes from a crazy passage in the Old Testament that says, "“So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies.” Joshua 10:13 This miracle occurred as a result of a daring prayer that was prayed by Joshua, the leader of the Israelites as they were taking the Promised Land. Senior Pastor of Elevation Church, Steven Furtick, picked up on this story & wrote an inspiring book called, "Sun Stand Still." (you can buy it in our bookstore this weekend or click here) This year we are praying big, audacious prayers to a big & powerful God! Many people are hoping for a great 2011. Hope is a desire. It's a powerful emotion. But faith is a demonstration. Hope wants it to happen. Faith causes it to happen and acts as if it’s already done. The Bible teaches what faith is in Hebrews 11:6, it says, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” This year, as a church, we are taking steps of faith & praying big, audacious prayers! we are believing to secure land for a new location for our church! We are believing for 500 people to follow Jesus! We are believing for $75,000 for our missions initiatives & for favor as we reach our community. We are believing to reach our community with the freedom & life that only Jesus has to offer!

Check out the top 10 things happening over the next few months here at Freedom Life & get ready for the Sun to Stand Still! For more information, check out our website at www.freedomlife.tv!

1. 21 Sun Stand Still Fast (Jan. 9-30) Daring to ask God for the impossible!
2. Life Training Weekend kicks off on January 30! Classes include: Fresh Start, Membership, Maturity, Ministry & Mission. Take your next step in growing in the house!
3. First Wednesday & MidWeek Community Night Kick-off! (Feb. 2) Don't miss our monthly all-church celebration & the relaunch of our MidWeek Community Night! There's something for everyone so don't miss it!
4. Bring A Friend Day, Love At Last Sight Challenge & Small Group kick-off begins on February 6th! Get connected!
5. Married Life Conference-(Feb. 11 & 12) Special guests- Jimmie & Sherri Bratcher
6. BridgeCommunity, our Downingtown Church Plant launches! (Final preview service on January 23rd 10AM., Launches weekly on February 20, 2011 at East Ward Elementary School)
7. Christian Men's Network Event at Freedom Life- Men's Conference, "Daring!" March 25-26, 2011. Special guests Paul & Brandon Cole.
8. Live Recording at Freedom Life! Don't miss our first ever live recording with the worship team at Freedom Life! 2 nights of incredible worship starting with our First Wed. on April 6th followed by a rock'in night planned for Friday, April 8.
9. Easter Sunday 2011 will be the biggest day in the history of our church! Stay tuned for promotions for this epic day!
10. Consumed Women's Conference at Freedom Life! (May 13-14) Special guest- Beth Greene (co-Pastor of The Living Room Church in Martinsburg, WV.)

There are many events that we have planned for the first part of 2011, but these events don't even begin to paint the picture for what God will do through our community initiatives, small groups, outreaches & everyday lives! Our church is alive & well & the best is yet to come!This year, we're believing for the Sun to Stand Still! Are you?

Looking Back at Freedom Life! BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN, 2010!

2010-12-27T15:42:00.005-05:00

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Our church is all about loving God, loving people & loving life! This year was an incredible year as we set our faith & goals high to impact our church family and the surrounding community. Our theme was "Believe That You Can," based on the scripture found in Phillipians 4:13, that says, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Lost People Matter To God So They Matter To Us- This year we have witnessed over 300 people make decisions to follow Jesus & we have baptized 70 in obedience to Christ! We have supported 17 different missions organizations at both home & abroad with over $52,000. We have assisted in planting churches in Cuba (4), India (1), Dominican Republic (1), Tulsa, Ok (1) & we are currently raising funds for Bridge Community in Downingtown, Pa. This is the heart beat of our church.

Investing Into The Next Generation- We have, on average, over 300 students and children involved in our ministry programs. We are planting seeds into the next generation because they are the engine of our church.

Fellowship Through Small Groups- As a church this past year, we have hosted more than 25 different ministries and small groups, involving hundreds of people! We introduced Life Training Classes (“Fresh Start With God” and Classes 101-401) in 2010, with 115 participants and 62 individuals committed to Freedom Life through membership.

Encouragement Through Relevant Biblical Ministry- A few statistics about our growth: Our average weekend attendance is 600-700; April was our biggest month with an average of 734 people attending. Our highest attended service was Mafia Church, with 1,050 people here. The MidWeek attendance averages over 300. And, we welcomed hundreds of guests and launched into three services to accommodate our growth this past year.

God is doing awesome things in the life of our church & the best is yet to come!

If you'd like to help us finish 2010 strong or be a part of reaching our year-end "Believe That You Can" goal of $150,000, towards our church & Downingtown church plant click here!

Priceless- WEEK 3 Gifts You Can’t Afford Not To Give

2010-12-27T15:39:00.002-05:00

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Definition of GRATITUDE: the state of being grateful : thankfulness
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” Matthew 2:9-12

“Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Luke 17:11-18

UNGRATEFUL MINDSETS
• I WANT IT NOW!
There was a man who had two sons.12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' Luke 15:11-12

• I DESERVE EVERYTHING!
…Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. Luke 15:29

IS THERE ANY UNGRATEFULNESS IN YOUR HEART TODAY?
_____ MATERIAL & FINANCIAL
_____ RELATIONAL
_____ CIRCUMSTANCIAL

WHAT HAS YOUR RESPONSE TO THE BLESSINGS (GIFTS) THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO YOU?
"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." Luke 2:20

• EVERY BLESSING SOMEONE POURS INTO YOUR LIFE, TURN BACK TO GRATITUDE.
• EVERY BLESSING COMES GOD POURS INTO YOUR LIFE, TURN BACK TO PRAISE. (James 1:17)
• EVERY BLESSING YOU DON’T TURN BACK TO PRAISE TURNS INTO PRIDE.

…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13
Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. Ecclesiastes 6:9
…the cheerful heart has a continual feast. 16Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. Proverbs 15:15-16

THINK ABOUT IT
• What are you most grateful for? To whom do you need to express gratitude?
• In each of the three areas—material/financial, relational, and circumstantial—what’s feeding your feelings of entitlement? How will you pursue an attitude of gratitude?
• List your blessings out loud. Take some time together to turn those back to God as praise.

PRICELESS- WEEK 2 Gifts You Can’t Afford Not To Give

2010-12-14T22:32:00.003-05:00

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Priceless Gifts- Part 2- INTEGRITY  
WHAT IS INTEGRITY?
Definition of Integrity – in the Hebrew, the word integrity meant completeness, moral innocence, or perfection. The exact opposite of compromise. IN OTHER WORDS, INTEGRITY IS WHEN YOUR BEHAVIOR MATCHES YOUR BELIEFS. Dishonor & disloyalty are born out of a divided heart.

 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INTEGRITY?
 • YOU CAN WALK CLOSELY WITH GOD.
“Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?... 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart...” Psalm 15:1-5 (see also Psalm 41:12)
  • YOU HAVE GUIDANCE & MAKE BETTER DECISIONS.
“The integrity of the honest keeps them on track; the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin.” Proverbs 11:3
  • YOU HAVE CONSTANT SECURITY IN YOUR HEART & PROTECTION OVER YOUR LIFE. 
“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, LORD, is in you.” Psalm 25:21
 “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9
 • YOU GAIN TRUST, RESPECT, HONOR & INFLUENCE. Matthew 23:25-28

HOW DO YOU BUILD INTEGRITY INTO YOUR LIFE?
Speak HONESTLY.
“...speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15
“God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children.” Proverbs 20:7
Confess REGULARLY.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Matt. 5:23-24
Live CONSISTENTLY. (*see Matthew 7:21-23)
Public life as well as our private life.  Jesus said, "Take care and do not do your public deeds to be admired." What it means very simply is this: I am the same at home as I am here. That’s what it means. In fact, my definition of success is, "Those who are the closest to me, love and respect me the most."

  WHAT’S YOUR INTEGRITY WORTH?   EVERYTHING!
…I will not deny my integrity. 6 I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live. Job 27:5-6  
Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matt. 5:37

PRICELESS- WEEK 1 Gifts You Can’t Afford Not To Give

2010-12-12T22:03:00.003-05:00

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*Read Matthew 1:18-24; Luke 2:1-6
PRICELESS GIFT #1- HONOR  without honor: atimos (at'-ee-mos); to dishonor; to treat as common or ordinary.
honor: time (tim-may’); to value, respect, or highly esteem; to treat as precious, weighty or valuable.
 • RESPECT IS EARNED. HONOR IS GIVEN. 
The Bible is a book about honoring God & His instruction. The 10 commandments teach us how to honor. The first 4 are a warning about dishonoring God & the next 6 warn us about dishonoring others. The law of honor flourishes in every season & in every environment. Honor is the willingness to reward someone for their difference. It is not flattery. HONOR QUALIFIES YOU TO ENTER ANY FUTURE THAT GOD HAS FOR YOU! Honor bring power to your life & to the lives of others. (see Mark 6:4-6)

WHO ARE WE CALLED TO HONOR?

• OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
THIS IS THE UNDERLYING REASON THAT OUR CULTURE IS DISHONORING.
 The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me…” Isaiah 29:13 (see also Psalm 22:23)
• OUR PARENTS, SPOUSE, GRANDPARENTS, ELDERLY.
Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 (see also Ephesians 6:2-3)
“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together... Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7
“Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:32 (see also 1 Timothy 5:3-4)
 • THOSE IN AUTHORITY.
“Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:17
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe…respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:7  (*see also 1 Timothy 5:17)
• EVERYONE YOU CAN. 
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10

 PRICELESS GIFT #2- LOYALTY
loyalty: aman (aw-man'); to wholly trust or believe in, to be permanent, unwaveringly faithful.
What does the Bible have to say about loyalty and being loyal?
Loyalty is unwavering in good times and bad. (Proverbs 17:17)
Loyalty is what you do, not what you say. (Matthew 26:33-35 and 26:69-75)
Loyalty is in your heart. It is willing and not reluctant. (Psalm 78:8)
Loyalty can be demanding. (Exodus 17:8-13)
Loyalty may involve sacrifice. (2 Chronicles 11:13-16)

LOYALTY IS PROVEN IN ACTIONS, NOT SIMPLY WORDS. 
Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? Proverbs 20:6 NLT
• DISLOYALTY IS BORN OUT OF A DIVIDED HEART. 
“The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend...” Proverbs 18:24 (see also James 4:8-9)
 • TO YOUR SPOUSE. 
"Didn't the Lord make you one with your wife… So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth... do not be unfaithful to your wife." Malachi 2:15-16 NLT
 • TO YOUR FRIENDS.
 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17
 • TO CHRIST’S CHURCH.  
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… Acts 2:42, 44-46

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GIVE THESES GIFTS?
“Give, and you will receive. You will be given much. Pressed down, shaken together, and running over, it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you." Luke 6:38
“You will always harvest what you plant.” Galatians 6:7

The Blessed Life- Week 4

2010-11-29T11:17:00.004-05:00

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Week 1- “The Foundation Of A Blessed Life- Generosity”
"A generous man himself will be blessed." Prov. 22:9
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Prov. 11:25

Week 2- “The Blessed Test- The Power Of Tithing”
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt 6:21
"The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives." Deuteronomy 14:23 TLB

Week 3- “Blessed To Be A Blessing- Giving”
“After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

Week 4- “Self Serve" Are you serving others or serving your self?

THE WIDOW- Turn to Luke 21:1-4
Jesus taught us that real giving is not simply when we have enough left over. Real giving is when we give of our time, talent & treasure even at our own expense.
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and whoever sows generously will reap generously." 2 Cor. 9:6

God Thoughts:
-Have a need, plant a seed.
-See a need, plant a seed. You can't harvest without planting seed.
-God's love is unconditional but His promises are conditional upon faith & obedience to His commands.

THE WASHING- Turn to John 13:3-16
Jesus demonstrated that if you want to be like Him, you must become a servant. We become more like Jesus when we choose to serve one another. Serving others is the path to the blessed life!
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Eccl.9:10
“...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matt 20:28
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name…” Phil 2:9

God Thoughts:
-Jesus separated the difference between knowing and doing.
-You believe the parts of the Bible that you do
-Serving leads to the path of blessing.

Make A Difference!

2010-11-20T16:41:00.003-05:00

Don't miss a great opportunity to make a difference by supporting the adoption of 2 precious boys from Haiti. Jake & Kim Wood, our family life pastors, are in the process of raising funds to bring home their boys in the next few months. To help raise the funds, people from our church & community are putting together a spaghetti dinner on Sunday, November 21st. It all takes place at the Christiana Fire Hall from 1 to 6 p.m. If you don't live in the area & would like to make a donation, you can give online at www.freedomlife.tv & specify your donation!

Week 2- THE BLESSED LIFE- “The Blessed Test”

2010-11-16T10:30:00.003-05:00

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MONEY PROMISES WHAT ONLY GOD CAN PROVIDE... SECURITY, FREEDOM, POWER, SIGNIFICANCE
“No one can serve two masters...You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24 (see also Ecclesiastes 5:10)
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

"The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives." Deuteronomy 14:23 TLB

WHAT IS TITHING? "Tithe" means "a 10th part" & is an act of WORSHIP.
WHERE SHOULD I TITHE? WHERE I WORSHIP
"Bring your whole tithe to My Storehouse (Temple) ..." Mal. 3:10
WHEN SHOULD I TITHE? CONSISTENTLY
"On the first day of every week, set aside some of what you have earned and give it as an offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn." 1 Cor. 16:2 (LB)
WHY SHOULD I TITHE? TITHING TEACHES YOU TO PUT GOD FIRST.
"The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives." Deuteronomy 14:23 TLB
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits (first part) of all your crops (income); then your barns will be filled to overflowing…”. Proverbs 3:9-10
"A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." Leviticus 27:30
 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

Tithing releases the work of God through His CHURCH.
“10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.” Malachi 3:10

Tithing teaches you to TRUST God.
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... Test me in this...” Malachi 3:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much... if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” Luke 16:10-11 (see also Matthew 6:24, Ecclesiastes 5:10)

Tithing releases all of HEAVENS provision into your HOUSE.
“... Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:8-10 (NIV)

Are you ready to trust?

Special Announcement Update!

2010-11-09T21:55:00.002-05:00

Huge announcement last week at Freedom Life! No, my wife is not pregnant but we're giving birth to some dreams & visions in the life of our church!
Last week I announced our new staff transitions as we prepare to plant a church in the Downingtown area. The new church is called Bridge Community & will be led by our former Familly Life Pastor, Bob Hulett. 4 years ago God put a desire in my heart to plant a church in this community & that day has finally come. Very exciting stuff! For more information about the church plant & their 1st preview service, you can go to their website at www.bridgecommunity.tv!
The Leadership team & I have been praying for some time about what this transition would ultimately look like after the church plant. God has led us to restructure our staff & put some incredible people over key areas in the life of our church. I'm so excited for the kids of our church & community in these different environments to have some of the best godly leaders on the planet! Here's the breakdown:

Family Life Pastor- Jacob Wood
Jake joined the Freedom Life staff in 2006 as Youth Pastor. He is the primary leader of Twentyfourseven Student Ministries . Jake along with his wife Kim have been a youth pastors for 12 years. Jake is our newly appointed Family Life Pastor & will oversee all areas from Nursery to Young Adults. He is passionate about seeing the lives of children, youth and young adults experience the freedom & life that only God can offer so they can become life long followers of Jesus Christ. For more information about these environments & how you can be involved, please contact jake@freedomlife.tv!

Preschool Director- Kim Wood
Kim Wood serves as the Nursery and Preschool director and is excited to see how God will work in and through the youngest generation of Freedom Life. Kim, along with her husband Jake, are the proud parents of 2 beautiful daughters and are in the process of adopting their 2 sons from Haiti. She can be contacted at kim@freedomlife.tv.

Elementary Director- Valerie Englerth
Valerie Englerth has been a part of the Freedom Life family since she was in high school. Vale, along with her husband Casey, have 2 amazing daughters. Valerie is the director over the Elementary kids at Freedom Life. She is passionate about seeing them grow into life long followers of Jesus Christ. Valerie can be contact at valerie@freedomlife.tv.

Jr. High Director- Christopher Fry
Christopher is currently a student at Valley Forge Christian College and has been studying under the youth ministry at Freedom Life for 2 years. He has a deep passion for the youth of this generation and desires to see them become world changers. Christopher spends his time studying for his Pastoral degree with a minor in Youth Ministry and investing in the lives of the students. He can be contacted at christopher@freedomlife.tv.

Pray for each of these fantastic leaders as they are committed to the success of our church & those entrusted to their care. I'm so excited about the future of our church & all that God is doing! God is good!

The Me I Want To Be- Part 5

2010-10-31T21:25:00.003-04:00

“... I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

HOW TO KEEP HOLY MOMENTUM!
"So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites..." Exodus 1:11-12

The more that the devil comes against you, the more God wants to establish & prosper you! Below are 5 momentum builders that will help you become what God has called you to be!

1. Life giving FRIENDSHIPS & PARTNERSHIPS.
“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.” Psalm 1:1
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV)
2. Positive WORDS & Positive PERSPECTIVE.
“But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.” Psalm 1:2
“There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.” Eph. 4:23
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 (NKJV)
Remember, negativity is nothing more than looking at life from the devil’s perspective. Choose your words & the way that you view life with faith!
3. A Commitment To Being PLANTED In God’s House.
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing...” Psalm 92:12-14

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE PLANTED:

-Making Church a custom (habit) in your life
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Even in the early Church there were people who started out in the House of God, but whose commitment slipped. Are you in the habit of being positioned in God’s House, or in the habit of forsaking God’s House? One of the keys reasons you need to be planted in the House is so that you can impact the lives of others, by exhorting & encouraging one another.
-Making a contribution to the local church
1 Corinthians 3:9-15 “For we are God's fellow workers...”
Paul understood the importance of partnering with heaven and being a builder of God’s House on earth. God is the architect, the plans have been drawn up, the foundation is laid and now you have been commissioned to labour with God in seeing His purpose fulfilled in the earth. There is no greater privilege than building the one organization that Jesus has promised to build. He is constructing a victorious Church that is strong and magnificent in the earth.
-Being committed to the Church
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her." Ephesians 5:25
Jesus loved the Church to the extent that He was prepared to die for the Church. His love was evidenced by a passion and a commitment to the Church. His commitment was total. To be planted in the House means to give radically, and unreservedly contribute to the purpose of God. Give your time, your treasure and your talent to the House of God.
-A willingness to confront people’s attitudes toward the Church ( see John 2:13-17)
Jesus passionately confronted wrong attitudes about His church. When people begin to criticise or speak negatively about the House of God then be prepared to confront their attitude. Do not allow people who are more interested in building their own business, their own ministry or their own kingdom to detract from your commitment to the House of God.

4. A Commitment To A GENEROUS Spirit.
“...Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
“The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.” Proverbs 11:24
5. A Commitment To CHRIST & His CAUSE.
“...For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” John 18:37
“The Son of God came for this purpose: to destroy the devil's work.” 1 John 3:8

THE ME I WANT TO BE- PART 4

2010-10-25T14:37:00.005-04:00

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“A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Proverbs 12:26

DO YOUR FRIENDS PULL YOU FROM FROM YOUR DESTINY? JOHN 5:1-13 (Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man)
DO YOUR FRIENDS PULL YOU TOWARD YOUR DESTINY? MARK 2:1-12 (Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man)

5 THINGS THAT YOU NEED FROM YOUR FRIENDS

1. FULL OF WISDOM FROM GOD.
“BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes],
“He who walks with the wise will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20
2. FULL OF PASSION FOR GOD.
“...nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk,...”
“Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Cor. 15:33
3. FULL OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOU.
“...nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. 2But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.” Psalm 1:1-2
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” Philemon 1:7
4. FULL OF LOYALTY FOR YOU.
“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” Proverbs 18:24 (MSG)
5. FULL OF LOVE FOR YOU.
“A friend loves at all times...” Proverbs 17:17
“This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.” John 15:13 (MSG)

The Me I Want To Be- Part 3

2010-10-25T07:37:00.002-04:00

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We all make declarations over our lives. Often times we allow what others have called us to get on the inside of us & determine how we view ourselves. It is true that, ”The tongue has the power of life and death...” Proverbs 18:21 (GWT)

Regardless of what others have named you over the years or what has been said about you, your heavenly Father has declared good things over your life & your future!

DON’T LET THE WRONG PEOPLE NAME YOU
God chose to alter the future of Abram because of his faith & name him Abraham, the father of many nations. Abraham's name reflected the declaration that was made over his life in faith. God called his one & only son Jesus, declaring him to be the salvation of the world. His name declared what his destiny would be. Whatever God names you, you are!

KNOWING WHAT GOD CALLS YOU WILL SET YOU FREE.
“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 (NLT)
“... you have a full and true life (complete) in Christ, who is ruler over all rulers and powers.” Colossians 2:9-10 NCV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17 (NKJV)
“God made him who had no sin (Jesus) to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
“For we are God’s masterpiece...” Eph. 2:10
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Speak what Heaven says about you... DECLARE IT OVER YOUR LIFE!  Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. Psalm 107:2

The Me I Want To Be- Part 2

2010-10-12T22:02:00.002-04:00

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THE ME I WANT TO BE- PART 2, Renewing Your Mind
"Be careful how you think. Your life is shaped by your thoughts." Prov. 4:23 (GN)
"Your mind must be renewed by a spiritual revolution so that you can put on the `new self' that has been created in God's way ..." Eph 4:23-25 (Jer)

God Has Given You A New Spirit, But You Must Renew Your Mind
When you believe, you become born again! John 3:3
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17 (NKJV)
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Rom. 12:2 (NLT)
Proverbs 23:7, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Preprogrammed Thoughts Control Our Lives More Than We Realize
SPIES RESPONSE TO THEIR GIANT- “We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!” Numbers 13:33 (NLT)
DAVID’S RESPONSE TO HIS GIANT- “...For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”... 29 And David said... Is there not a cause?” 1 Samuel 17:26-29

All behavior is based on a BELIEF.
“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Prov. 4:23 (TEV)
Behind every sin is a LIE that I’m believing.
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.” Titus 3:3
Changing your life requires changing your beliefs which begins with your THOUGHTS.(Think -> Feel -> Act)
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139:23-24 NLT “... the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

DAVID’S REMEDY- PSALM 1
“There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.” Eph. 4:23

1. Meditating on God's Word will give you spiritual SUCCESS.
God told Joshua, "Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed" Joshua 1:8, NLT
2. Meditating on God's Word will help you keep a right HEART.
"The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" Hebrews 4:12, NIV
3. Meditating on God's Word will give you WISDOM that will guide you.
“I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes" Psalm 119:99 NIV
4. Meditating on God’s Word will fill your mind with God’s THOUGHTS.
"Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about" Philippians 4:8, TLB

Change is a matter of CHOICE and I can CHOOSE what I think about.
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" 2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV
Think the same way that Christ Jesus thought. Phil. 2:5

Leadership Summit- Oct. 8, 2010

2010-10-08T22:50:00.003-04:00

We had a good night with some of the greatest leaders on the planet! God is doing so many awesome things in & through our church. Here are the notes that I shared which were taken from Pastor Brian Houston of Hillsong church. Jason Rising & I served up some pretty sweet outfits that were part friar, part don king. Below are some key principles & scriptures that will help you keep holy momentum in your every day life!

HOW TO KEEP HOLY MOMENTUM!

"So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites..." Exodus 1:11-12
“The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.” Proverbs 11:24

1. Positive WORDS & Positive PERSPECTIVE.
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 (NKJV)
2. Life giving FRIENDSHIPS & PARTNERSHIPS.
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV)
3. A commitment to COMMUNITY & PEOPLE.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
4. A sacrificial COMMITMENT & VOLUNTARY spirit.
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
5. Belief in the CAUSE.
“Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” John 18:37
6. Youthful DREAMS & VISIONS.
 

The Me I Want To Be- Part 1

2010-10-05T11:04:00.003-04:00

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Your life is a gift waiting to happen!
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

Understand this about you!
-You have been created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27)
- God breathed the breath His life into you (Genesis 2:7)
-God formed you from the beginning (Jer. 1:5) & you are fearfully & wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)

“God knew- what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the SAME lines - as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. - We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him.” Romans 8:29 (MSG)

We all struggle with...
The me I don’t want to be
The me I pretend to be
The me I think that I should be
The me that other people want me to be
The me that I’m afraid God wants me to be
The me that fails to be
The me that I am meant to be

1 Samuel 16 & 17- The Story of David & Goliath

1. Understand that you are called by God.
Instead of being ruled by the circumstances of your birth or the limitations of your background, you can move forward into God’s amazing plan for your life. 1 Samuel 16:1-13 God doesn't look at the outward appearance, He looks at our hearts.
2. Know that daily obedience is the path to your destiny.
The greatest concern in your life should be whether or not you’re becoming what God has called you to be each day!
1 Samuel 17:12-32- It is obedience to God in the seemingly mundane things of life that position us for God's purposes!
3. Remember the Holy Spirit has gifted & empowered you for the purposes of God.
Set aside other peoples expectations & simply be who God has already called you to be! 1 Samuel 17:32-51- Every Goliath that you won’t conquer in your life will live to terrorize you, your friends & future generations after you. Face your greatest fears with great faith!

“Spiritual greatness has nothing to do with being greater than others. It has everything to do with being as great as each of us can be.” Henry Nouwen

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Eph. 2:10
"For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers...” Acts 13:36 (NLT)

Mafiachurch.com Update- Team Work Makes The Dream Work!

2010-09-27T21:16:00.000-04:00

Wow! What an incredible weekend we had in the life of our church! It was the biggest in the history of our church. (that I'm aware of at least) Here are some of the highlights...

-Michael Franzese did a fantastic job sharing his story. He's a such a genuine follower of Jesus with a crazy pill story that is really inspiring. The podcast will be up tomorrow & you can listen to the message by clicking here I also posted Michael's promo video & our promo video right below.

-The house was packed with over 1,000 people. 79 people watched online & 23 first-time visitors signed in (most normally don't so that was cool). Our church really stepped up & cared enough about their friends & family to bring them to the house to hear the good news of Jesus Christ!

-The new stage lighting was very cool, the worship team was tight & really created an atmosphere of excellence. Most importantly, they led us into the presence of God in a real & powerful way!

-We know that a number of people responded to receive the forgiveness & grace that only Jesus can provide! I don't have a definite count as of yet but many people responded & everyone heard a powerful message. I know that God is at work in the lives of so many. INCREDIBLE!

-Our teams of leaders that volunteer each & every week were absolutely FANTASTIC!! I was so proud of the passion & maturity of each & every one that served this past weekend. They represented our church & Jesus so well. Such an honor to serve alongside them.

It really does make teamwork to make the dream work! This weekend was a testimony of what can happen when a church unifies together around a vision & sacrifices to see it come to pass! The best is yet to come, we've only just begun! Way to go Freedom Lifers! It was so much fun... let's do it again this week!

mafiachurch.com from Freedom Life Christian Center on Vimeo.

Who's Kidding Who? Pt. 2- The Kid Lid

2010-09-16T09:53:00.005-04:00

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Part 2- The Kid Lid
“What’s Pouring Into Your Child’s Heart & Life?”
“…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and
my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-17

*Click here to read PROVERBS 24:30-34- This passage is a reminder that if you're lazy, you'll experience poverty. This translates into parenting as well. If you're to busy to parent your child, there is a great chance that they will not become all that God has called them to be.

LEAD YOUR FAMILY. In the book of 1 Samuel we learn that Eli was a priest that did not lead his home. His children would follow his lead in stealing from God and not honoring Him with their whole heart. They had no fear of God which means they had no wisdom. They died early on in life & Eli’s family would be the only family in all of Israel that would not be blessed.

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.” Proverbs 24:3

... TO HAVE A HEART FOR GOD- You teach what you know, but reproduce who you are.
“He (God) will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Matt. 6:33

...TO HAVE A HEART FOR GOD’S HOUSE
"Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" Eph. 5:25-- Do you have a heart for God's House?
God, talking about His House (the church) "My Name is stamped on it forever; my eyes are on it and my heart in it always."1 King 9:3-4 (MSG)
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Psalm 122:1
“The righteous will flourish... planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.” Psalm 92:12-13

INFLUENCE INTENTIONALLY. (KEEP THE KID LID ON)
Influencers in your home include:
GOVERNMENT- enough said. (redefining the home)
EDUCATION- Sex Ed Guidelines (Sexual Information And Education Council):
• Ages 5-8 Taught Feels Good To Touch And Rub Body Parts
Ages 9-12 Taught Homosexuality Just As Satisfying
Ages 15-18 Taught Pornography Will Enhance Sexual Fantasies
MUSIC- Average teen Listens To 10,500 Hours Of Music From 7th To 12th Grade (Equivalent To 437.5 Days)
T.V. & MOVIES- Kids & Teens watch an average of 22 hours of T.V. per week.
“… children who watch a lot of TV with sexual content were twice as likely to start having intercourse during the subsequent year as those with little exposure to televised sex.” -Pediatrics Magazine
INTERNET- The largest consumers of internet porn are children between 12-17 years of age. 90% of kids ages 8-16 have viewed porn online while doing homework. 80% accidentally. (internetfilterreview.com) *If you love your kid, filter their internet!

HOW YOU THINK WILL DETERMINE HOW YOU LIVE.
Beliefs determine behavior. ----> Thoughts result in actions. “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” Prov. 23:7
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8

3. DETERMINE THE ATMOSPHERE OF YOUR HOME.
DO THE ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES OF MY FAMILY MEET THE GUIDELINES OF PHIL. 4:8?
“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
“I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me.” Psalm 101:3
*see Col. 3:5, Rom. 8:6, 2 Tim. 2:22, 1 Cor. 6:18-20, Prov. 5:3-5, Prov. 13:20
DO THEIR RELATIONSHIP CHOICES ENCOURAGE THE RIGHT SPIRIT?
“So David decided not to move the Ark of the Lord... to the house of Obed-edom of Gath. 11 The Ark of the Lord remained there in Obed-edom’s house for 3 months, & the Lord blessed Obed-edom & his entire household. 12 Then King David was told,“The Lord has blessed Obed-edom’s household & everything he has because of the Ark of God...” 2 Sam. 6:10-12

APP- Invite the presence of God into your House & you’ll experience the blessing & favor of God!

How To Move From Kid CEO to Parent CEO, Pt.4

2010-09-09T09:30:00.004-04:00

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Yesterday we learned that having consistent discipline is God's design for the family. One last time, the flow of the home looks like this: God --> Husband/Wife --> Child. We discovered that real parental love is present only where there is consistent discipline. The Bible teaches us in Proverbs 26:12, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Today, you need to develop a vision for your family with structure that is strategic! The final letter in the K.I.D.S. acrostic is "S" & it stands for...

Structure that’s STRATEGIC.

“He (God) will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Matt. 6:33

Children scream for structure! According to family expert Gary Smalley, "Study after study has demonstrated that children need boundaries in order to grow up with a healthy sense of stability and security." In other words, good old fashioned rules still rule the house. When parents provide structure, they follow God's example and offer one of the greatest gifts they can give to their child.

Here's the deal, Parent-driven homes set the priorities PRIOR to activities. So how do you do that?
1. Give Your Kids Downtime. (Psalm 46:10) You must schedule your family/down time together. Free time is always free for others to take so be sure to put it on your calendar!
2. Give Your Kids A Set Bed-time. Here are some stats that Ed Young gives in regard to bed time that you don't want to be present in your home!
51% of kids 10-18 go to bed after 10pm
60% of kids 7-12 feel tired during the day
15% of kids fall asleep at school
3. Don’t OD on options. Consider not allowing more than 1 activity per child, per season. Don't put your family at risk by being overcommitted! (Luke 10:41-42) In this Biblical story, Mary ran around cramming and trying to get everything done, Martha sat at Jesus feet. Jesus told her that she did what was right.

The question is, are you choosing what is right for your family?

Remember, the Parent CEO driven household isn't a military academy masquerading as a home! It is a home that follows God's flow chart for the family and is based on structure and routine, a strong marriage (single parent- strong relationships), and a heart for God & His House!

How To Move From Kid CEO to Parent CEO, Pt.3

2010-09-07T16:21:00.007-04:00

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As we discovered yesterday, having a parent-centric household with intentional intimacy is God's design. Remember, the flow of the home looks like this: God --> Husband/Wife --> Child. We discovered that we must keep doing the things that won our spouses heart in order to keep our spouses heart. This week we're using the ever-clever acrostic, K.I.D.S., to learn how to do just that. The Bible teaches us in Proverbs 26:12, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” You need to have a vision for your family which means you need to have a plan for DISCIPLINE! The next letter in the acrostic is "D" & it stands for...

3. Discipline that’s CONSISTENT.
Discipline is simply correction driven by love. When it comes to discipline, it needs to be consistent and parents must be in agreement. The Bible stresses the importance of discipline over and over again. Here are two examples:

“Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.” Proverbs 19:18
“If you love your children, you will correct them; if you don't love them, you won't correct them. Proverbs 13:24

Here's the deal, if you won’t discipline your kids, the world will. Love your kids by disciplining consistently. Please understand that discipline does not mean humiliating them. In Ed Young's book, "Kid CEO," he shares 5 essentials for discipline. They are:

1. Draw Clear Lines. (they understand the rules)
2. Maintain Consistent Boundaries. (you enforce the rules consistently)
3. Present a Unified Front. (you stay in agreement as parents in front of your child)
4. Consider the Personality Factor. (you understand each kid is different and needs different things)
5. Build the Parental Portfolio. (consistent personal investment into parenting skills)

Keep winning the daily battles by giving love and appropriate discipline that is firm and under control. As you depend on God in prayer, He will give you the strength you need to eventually win the war of wills. Remember, the goal is an obedient heart, not a perfect child!

Question- Which of the 5 essentials for discipline do you do well with as a parent?

How To Move From Kid CEO to Parent CEO, Pt.2

2010-09-06T22:37:00.007-04:00

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As we discovered yesterday, having a kid-centric household is not God's design. In God's design, the flow of the home looks like this: God --> Husband/Wife --> Child. We discovered that the foundation of the home is to keep our lives grounded in God's Word & His House. This week we're using the ever-clever acrostic, K.I.D.S., to learn how to do just that. The Bible teaches us in Proverbs 26:12, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” You need to have a vision for your family which means you need a vision for your marriage! The next letter in the acrostic is "I" & it stands for...

I- Intimacy that’s INTENTIONAL.

Revelations 2:4-5 says, "But I do have something against you! And it is this: You don't have as much love as you used to. Think about where you have fallen from, and then turn back and do as you did at first.” While this scripture is in reference to a church that had fallen away from God, it is also an accurate depiction of what can happen in a marriage. With people divorcing at a 50% clip, couples need to be more intentional about keeping the relational fires stoked.

Here are 2 commandments for marital intimacy that you should consider introducing into your life this week.

1. Thou shall date your mate.
Dating teaches your kids that the marriage relationship is important. This breeds security for them and greater intimacy for you and your spouse. You can spend $40 every week or 2 on a date or $200 an hour to an attorney.
2. Thou shall keep your kids & technology out of your bed.
God's desire is that the marriage bed would be pure & active! That's difficult to accomplish if little Jimmy, your computer & T.V. are there night after night. Put your children to bed, in their own beds, and spend time together! Turn off the T.V., put down the computer and pay attention to each other, ALONE!

Remember, the best thing that you can ever do for your children is have a great marriage! If you're a single parent, the best thing you can do is have a healthy house and a heart for God's House.

Question- What are you going to do this week to be more intentional about intimacy in your home?

How To Move From Kid CEO to Parent CEO, Pt.1

2010-09-06T08:26:00.008-04:00

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How to move from Kid CEO to Parent CEO, Part 1

Have you ever stuck your head out of the car window while driving 55mph? If you have, you now know that you were in for a really bad hair day! Not only that, you would be sucking in more oxygen than you could possibly handle all at once. You need oxygen, but too much can be bad and potentially suffocating! Parents, we need to give our kids attention, love, and care. In doing so, we need to make sure that they aren't the focus of the entire house. Having a kid-centric household is not God's design. In God's design, the flow of the home is God --> Husband/Wife --> Child.

The Bible teaches us in Proverbs 26:12, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” You need to have a vision for your family. If you don't, you'll never experience all that God has for you & your children! One of my favorite leaders in all the Bible declared this, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) I want my kids to grow up and live big and expansive lives for the Kingdom of God. If our children are going to succeed, they need to be centered around God's plan and His purposes. Like Joshua, it is the parents responsibility to LEAD the family in the ways of God. This week we'll use the ever-clever acrostic, K.I.D.S., to learn how to do just that. Here are some tips to help you keep your kids from running your lives. Remember, if you allow your kids to run your life, you will ruin theirs. The essence of parenting is training and preparing your kids to LEAVE. That's a good thing! In order to help prepare them for their future, here's what they will need from you in the present...

1. Knowledge that’s GROUNDED.
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.” Proverbs 24:3
“Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;13 planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.” Psalm 92:12-13

The scriptures above point to the way that we can help our kids become grounded. When they spend time in God's Word and with God's House (His people) they will acquire wisdom. Simply stated, wisdom is knowing what God wants you to do and choosing to do it. Much like you, I want my children to flourish & live purpose-driven lives. I desire that they will grow in the greatness that God has planned for them in Christ Jesus! (Jeremiah 29:11) If that is to ever occur, they will need large levels of wisdom. Children must understand that the universe doesn't revolve around them and that they were born for the purposes of God. I want to challenge you to help your kids live purpose-driven lives!

Listen, your children will grow up and face the issues of this life, such as: discouragement, job loss, sickness, relationship issues. Their knowledge of sports & culture will not help them make it through those days. If they are grounded in God's Word and His House, they will have the foundation that they need to succeed.

Question- What changes do you intend to make to your House this week so that your kids can receive the knowledge they need to stay grounded?

Who's Kidding Who? Pt. 1- Who's In Charge?

2010-09-05T16:52:00.004-04:00

Who's Kidding Who? Pt. 1- Who's In Charge?
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“The thing that impresses me most about America is the way that parents obey their children.”
Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor

This week we kicked off our new 3-part series on all things parental. This week I'll be posting a series of blogs in relation to that message. If you missed the message, I'll be posting all about it this week as we discover how to keep the right people in charge of your home. Who's in charge of your home? The Bible teaches us that God's family flow chart looks like this:

GOD’S FAMILY FLOW CHART
GOD- “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.” Eph. 5:1
Husband-Wife- “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” Eph. 5:25
Children- “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Eph. 6:1

God's the owner of everything & He calls the parents to be the CEO of the family. Unfortunately in today's culture, the family flow chart has been flipped upside down & the little guys have been left to call the shots & to set the agenda. The children have become the CEO of the family & whenever kids are at the wheel, you can guarantee the results are not good. How do you know if your children are the CEO of your home? How do you know if life revolves around them versus God's flow? Take this quick test to find out!

THE BALANCED FAMILY TEST

NEVER =1
SOMETIMES =2
ALWAYS =3

1. Do you go on a date with your spouse at least twice a month?

2. Do you eat dinner as a family around the dinner table at least three times
per week?

3. Do your children sleep in their own beds (not your bed) every night?

4. Do you and your spouse have TLC (touch, look, conversation) on a daily
basis?

5. Do you get away for a weekend alone as a couple (without your kids) at
least twice a year?

6. Do you have sexual intimacy with your spouse at least two times a week?

7. Do you and your spouse present a unified front when your children
question your authority?

8. Do you have a set bedtime for your kids/teens that is consistently
enforced?

9. Do you regularly evaluate your calendar to prevent ECA-itis (over-
scheduling extra-curricular activities)?

10. Is weekly church attendance a priority for you and your children?

This is a test, it's only a test! But, it can also help you see if your family flow is functioning the way God has designed. Join me tomorrow as we discover how to become parent CEO's of the household. Your marriage & your kids depend on it!

Wanna Go Deep?

2010-09-01T15:36:00.002-04:00

I recently rediscovered this devotional that I had received from CreativePastors.com a number of years ago called- Deeper.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

Have you ever heard the following statement: “I wish the sermons at church would be deeper?” Maybe you have even said it yourself. Many times we feel like our study of God’s word is too superficial and that we need to study “deeper” material. But the question that we should really ask ourselves is, “What is deeper?”

This is an excellent question for those of us who seek to truly know the Bible and follow Christ. Too many times we simply don’t know how to articulate what or where “deeper” is. Often, we are really just looking for an emotional fix to our current life situation. The problem with emotional fixes is their inherent inconsistency. What does it for us one day may not do it for us the next. Our emotional responses change right along with life’s circumstances. What we need to remember when we start looking for something new is that we are often following a shift in our emotions, not necessarily our spirit.

This shift is very important to recognize because Satan can use it as a tool to drag you away from where God wants you to be. If you spend your life looking for a certain emotion, you will merely drift from one place to another, like a ship without a rudder. Eventually you will run up on dry land, trapped by the very shallowness you were trying to avoid.

To avoid drifting we need to follow the true “deeper” journey that is presented to us in the Bible. One of the greatest examples is the command that Jesus gives us in Matthew 22:39, “'Love your neighbor as yourself.'” This command calls us to accept another person, regardless of how we feel about them. Jesus was calling us to get outside of our comfort zone and to do life the way that he did. Jesus didn’t spend all of his time with his closest friends. He ate with prostitutes and tax collectors while others disapproved. He touched the untouchable and loved the unlovable. It wasn’t easy, but it was deep.

The Bible and all of its lessons can take you as deep as you are willing to go – and beyond. But it takes work. You have to take the leap. Don’t follow your emotional tide. Put the lessons into practice – then try it somewhere other than your comfort zone. Take what you already know and apply it to your life. God will take you on a “deeper” journey than you ever knew was possible.

Unstoppable, Part 5

2010-09-01T14:03:00.003-04:00

You can listen to this message right now by clicking here

Key Thought- Do not let the storms of life stop you from your destiny! Read Acts chapters 26-28.

Understand, like the NT martyrs, faith can get you into trouble but don't let the storms of life define your life. Below are a few things that we can learn from the storm that the Apostle Paul encountered, as well as the storms of life.

1. In a storm you find out what a PRIORITY is.
Acts 27:18-20, “We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19On the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved."

The economic downturn has forced many make difficult choices in their spending. Many of us have had to choose necessities over luxuries. The storms of life teach us to hold onto the most precious cargo & throw everything else overboard.

2. Don’t let storms determine your DESTINATION.
Acts 27:22-25, “But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar..."

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Some storms you didn't start & some storms you can't stop. God is with us in the midst of both. Don't let the things of life keep you from doing the thing that God has called you to do! If you have a plan B for God's call on your life, a storm will always push you to it.

3. Your destiny is always connected to OTHERS.
Acts 27:24-37, “ and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' 25So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. ...34Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head...36They were all encouraged... 37Altogether there were 276 of us on board. (NIV)

God is passionate about reaching others through YOU! (Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Peter 3:9, Acts 1:8) Just like Paul, you have a Rome to get to & a Caesar to stand before. You must live with a sense of mission & purpose. If you don't go, others may perish!

4. If you have unfulfilled DESTINY, you can't be stopped.
Acts 28:30-31, “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31Boldly and without hindrance (UNSTOPPED) he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (NIV)

If You’re In The Midst Of A Storm Today, Stay Anchored

1st Anchor- The Word of God.
“16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2nd Anchor- Prayer
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

3rd Anchor- The House of God.
“The righteous will flourish... 13 planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.” Psalm 92:12-13

Unstoppable, Part 3

2010-08-17T15:20:00.005-04:00

You can listen to this message right now by clicking here
Luke 1:32-34, says, "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
God has a Kingdom that will never end, it is UNSTOPPABLE! He invites you & I to be a part of that Kingdom.

Key Thought- WHEN YOU ARE ALIGNED WITH THE KING (Jesus), YOU HAVE AN ASSIGNMENT FOR THE KINGDOM, & YOU ARE UNSTOPPABLE. (Phil. 4:13, Matthew 6:33)

From time to time we get discouraged & face difficulties in life. In those moments we need to remember our alignment & our assignment. We are aligned with the king & have an assignment for His kingdom! WE NEED TO KEEP A KINGDOM SPIRIT so that we will fulfill our destiny!

1. KINGDOM SPIRITED PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE WHO GIVE ALL & NEVER GIVE UP!
Peter & the early disciples left everything to follow Jesus. Jesus when he was dying on the cross, gave up his Spirit, but he never gave up. Stephen followed in his Savior's footsteps & gave up his spirit but he never gave up! He had an unstoppable Spirit & shared the message of Jesus even as he was being put to death!

Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!" Mark 10:28
Acts 6, says, "57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him (Speaking of Stephen), 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep."

2. KINGDOM SPIRITED PEOPLE GIVE LOVE TO THE UNLOVEABLE

Ananias was called by God to reach out to a man that was hurting & killing his friends! God calls us to love the unloveable!
Acts 9:1-18, says,"...In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. 11The Lord told him, "Go to... Saul, for he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight." 13"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name." 15But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go!... Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."... He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength."

3. KINGDOM SPIRITED PEOPLE FOLLOW GOD’S SPIRIT, NOT THEIR OWN.
People normally ask questions of graduates like, “what do you want to do when you graduate?” Those kinds of questions are common but they are the wrong question. The question is, “what does God want you to do?” Paul's had a vision of a man from Macedonia needing help. He changed his life plans immediately to travel to this region & share the good news of Jesus!

Acts 16:6- 15, says, "Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them..."

4. KINGDOM SPIRITED PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE WHO PRAISE PAST THEIR PROBLEMS
Paul and Silas were unfairly & unjustly beaten & thrown in prison. They responded differently that we normally do when we encounter difficulties. They praised in spite of their circumstance & God brought the breakthrough!

Acts 16:16-34 says, "...The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. 23After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them."

THIS WEEK, KEEP A KINGDOM SPIRIT & REPRESENT GOD WELL WITH YOUR LIFE!

Unstoppable, Part 2

2010-08-17T12:05:00.005-04:00

You can listen to this message right now by clicking here
UNSTOPPABLE-- If you have unfulfilled destiny, you are unstoppable for the purposes of God.
Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5:38-39

KEY THOUGHT- Understand that the end of an era does not mean the completion of your destiny. Peter & the entire Church was stopped & unable to move forward. The end of an era was complete & Jesus went to Heaven. They were all alone. In that moment, they did what each of us should do when we are stopped, THEY PRAYED!

Peter, the Apostle, became an unstoppable force in the New Testament church despite his past problems! Maybe you can relate...

1. Peter Had A Problem With Fear & Failure.
"Come," he said.Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:29-31
Key thought- You may be stopped by fear & failure today, but all you need to do is reach out to Jesus!

2. Peter Had A Problem Aligning His Will With God’s Will.
"Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" 23Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." 24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Matthew 16:22-24 (see also, Luke 22:47-52)
Key thought- You can realign your will with God's will today & receive God's Holy Spirit. The Bible shows us that Peter responded to God by receiving forgiveness for his past, rising up in faith in his present, & seizing hold of the destiny God had for his life.

Closing thought- Why not ask God for that same power today? God is able to unstop whatever is holding you back so that you can become unstoppable for His plans & purposes! You can't achieve it, just receive it! Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit for His plans & His purposes! You won't regret it!

Thoughts from Wave Conference 2010

2010-08-08T21:22:00.006-04:00

I went with a team of about 20 people from our church to the 2010 Wave Conference in Virginia Beach last week & it was awesome! Every single one of us left with God encounters that significantly changed & challenged us. It's much like going to an awesome youth camp, but for adults. :-) Pastors Steve & Sharon Kelly & their team (wavechurch.com) always do a tremendous job in creating environments that produce life changing experiences. Wave Conference, much like Hillsong Conference, is designed for the entire family which is an awesome blessing. I'd recommend anyone wanting to grow their church or grow their lives attend next year. (waveconference.com) I wanted to share a few thoughts that stood out to me from the various speakers. Most of these quotes are without context, so keep that in mind. Words can't describe what God deposited into my heart & our team in those few days... but I'll give it a shot.

WAVE NETWORK PRE-CONFERENCE
Speaker- Gary Clarke, Lead Pastor of Hillsong Church (London)
Key Quotes- "Wherever you find disorder, chaos or trouble in an organization you'll find a heart filled with selfish ambition" (James 3)
"Be an attractive person. Attractiveness is about doing the best with what God has given you."
Speaker- Scott Wilson, Eurolead.net (His, 'The G Factor' book is worth a read)
Key Quotes- "Your destiny is determined by your connections. Give thought to your life long relationships" He said so many good things but I couldn't write them all down because he had me laughing so hard. Hilarious!

WAVE CONFERENCE 2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Speaker- Pastor Brian Houston, Hillsong Church (Australia)
Key Quotes- "The theme of your heart will determine the story of your life."
"The end of an era is not the same as the completion of your destiny."
"Leaders live with the belief that the best is yet to come"
"Your alignment (who you partner with) is just as important as your assignment (what you're called to do) because it will determine whether or not you fulfill your assignment."
"Never develop a wounded Spirit."
"Don't bring your theology down to the level of your experience."
Speaker- Pastor Steve Kelly, Wave Church (Virginia Beach)
Key Quotes- "You may need to chew on mediocrity for a season, but don't develop a taste for it."
"Your self-esteem will attract a certain type of person. What you respect you will attract."
"Don't sabotage the good things in your life by expecting bad things."
"Don't make important decisions in isolation or in anger. Resist being a compulsive or reactionary person & leader."
Speaker- Pastor Judah Smith, The City Church (Seattle, WA)
Key Quotes- "God is not a pinata & prayer is not a stick."
"Don't try to 'fix' it when you really need to 'faith' it."
"We should pray each day not because it's the right thing to do but because we need to do it to make it each day"
Click here to listen to or watch a version of the message that he shared at the conference. Fantastic!
Speaker- Pastor Casey Treat, Christian Faith Center (Seattle area, WA)
Key Quotes- "The Spirit of a man or woman decides whether or not they will overcome & will sustain them through tough times."
"Who's in your life & how are they affecting your spirit?"
"There may be bad stuff going on around you, but don't let it get in you."
"Have an excellent Spirit like Daniel (the prophet) & rise up anyway (despite your circumstance)"
"You can say the right thing but have the wrong spirit."

Those are a few of the quotes from the life changing sessions that I had the privilege to be a part of. The environment was life giving, the worship was phenomenal & I had an absolute blast. Looking forward to 2011 already!

Urban Legends, Part 4

2010-07-29T09:50:00.005-04:00

This past weekend I shared a variety of Urban Legends, some true, some false. Two of the more popular ones are the ones below. Both are true! :-)

Paul Karason puts a whole new spin on "feeling blue.” For more than a decade, the 57-year-old has been living with a blue face. (read more by clicking here)

While most folks today are too squeamish to take more than a glance into the casket during a funeral, in the late 19th through early 20th centuries someone dying meant it was time to break out the camera for a family photo. The practice was known as memorial photography. (read more by clicking here)

Crazy pill stuff but totally true. The point of the message was to tackle the Urban Legend that God wants you to be poor. I talked about the FACT that God wants to prosper you & bless you to be a blessing. You can listen to the podcast by clicking here & the notes are below!

Urban Legends II- Part 4
FICTION- GOD WANTS YOU TO BE POOR/ FACT- GOD WANTS YOU TO PROSPER
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (NKJV)
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." 3 John 1:3 (KJV)

The Greek word "prosper" here is euodoo (yoo-od-o'-o)
which means "to have a successful journey through life."

DO YOU HAVE A POVERTY OR PROSPERITY MENTALITY?
The Hebrew words for prosper are:
sakal (saw-kal') Definition: consider, expert, instruct, prosper- in other words, to experience prosperity as a result of wise decision making.
tsalach (tsaw-lakh') Definition: prosper, success, to break out & come mightily- in other words, to experience sudden supernatural prosperity.
shalom (shaw-lome') Definition: favor, To make amends, happiness, restore, Peace, Prosperity, Wellness, Wholeness- In other words, all your needs are being met, Spirit, soul and body.

YOU WILL PROSPER BECAUSE OF GOD’S PRESENCE 
"The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did..." GENESIS 39:1-6

GOD’S GREATEST DESIRE IS TO TAKE YOU FROM THE PIT TO THE PALACE FOR HIS PURPOSE!

THE PROCESS OF PROSPERITY (TURN TO JOSHUA 1:6-9)
1. Be strong and of a good courage.
2. Be strong and VERY courageous.
3. Observe
4. Don't turn to the right or the left.
5. Prosper
6. Mouth
7. Meditate
8. Only then!

sakal--tsalach--shalom (wisdom, supernatural breakthrough, peace & wholeness)
Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22 So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. 23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. GENESIS 39:20-23

39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you...” Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.." GENESIS 41:39-44

PROSPERITY ISN’T MERELY FOR OUR PLEASURE, BUT FOR GOD’S PURPOSES
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” GENESIS 50:20 (NLT) *see also LUKE 19:10, 2 PETER 3:9

This Week’s APP-
Change your perspective from one of poverty, to one of prosperity. Know that you are blessed to be a blessing & that God has good things in store for your life. Prosperity is for the purposes of God, not merely pleasure! Take time to meditate & think about Joshua 1, Psalm 1 & Psalm 112 this week & get ready to prosper!

Urban Legends Updates!

2010-07-23T10:53:00.004-04:00

We've been in the midst of a fantastic series called, "Urban Legends." If you missed last weeks great message by Pastor Bob Hulett, or any of the messages, click here to listen. Also, many of you requested seeing the video that we shared just a few weeks ago courtesy of Bryan Allain & our drama team. Take a few moments & check it out, very funny! Next week I'll post my notes for the completion of our Urban Legends series. The message is entitled, "God wants you to be poor." Can't wait to challenge your thinking this weekend. Good stuff! Enjoy the video...

The ScamWow from Bryan Allain on Vimeo.

Urban Legends II- Part 2, Everything Happens For A Reason

2010-07-11T21:28:00.002-04:00

EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

WHEN BAD STUFF HAPPENS:  
The Good News: Everything happens for a reason.  The Bad News: It’s not always the reason we hoped for!
  The Promise: It says, “In all things God works for good” – NOT “all things are good!”

Larry Osborne writes in his book, 10 dumb things smart Christians believe, “No matter what happens, God is in control. But that doesn’t mean that everything that happens is something that he wants to happen & it certainly doesn’t mean that everything he allows is good. God didn’t cause Lucifer to rebel, Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, or David to sleep with Bathsheba. He didn’t kill Abel, build the tower of Babel, or force the crowd to cry out Barabbas. Those who carried out these evil deeds bear full responsibility for their actions. They can’t blame God. Adam tried. It didn’t fly. You can look it up”

  Two Conditions:
1. If we LOVE God.
"If you love me, you will obey what I command.” John 14:15
2. If we’re PART of God’s family.
“So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.” 1 John 3:10 (*see also Galatians 3:26-28, Rom. 1:6-7, 1 Timothy 6:12-14 & 2 Timothy 1:9)

5 Things To Consider Before You Claim This Promise

  (1) We live in a FALLEN world. 
“Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.” Genesis 1-4:8
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12 (Heb. 9:27, 1 Cor. 15:21-26, Isaiah 5:20, Dan. 1:1-6)
Sometimes bad people do things and good people get hurt. When it comes to the consequences of our fallen world, we’re not offered immunity, we’re offered eternity.
Remember: This World Is Not Heaven
“If our hope in Christ is good only for this life, we are worse off than anyone else.” 1 Cor. 15:19 (*see also 1 Peter 5:6-10, Rom. 8:35-39)

(2) If we’ve IGNORE God’s warnings.
    If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God...” DEUTERONOMY 28:1-2
“However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you...” DEUTERONOMY 28:15
*see also Romans 6:23, Proverbs 1:23-33, Proverbs 19:2-3

(3) If we’ve made FOOLISH decisions.
A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 22:3
   “...A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord." Proverbs 19:2-3
Sometimes trials & hardships we face are the result of our own sinful choices. Self-inflicted wounds. That’s not God’s doing, it’s ours.

The belief that God is the direct cause of everything that happens & has a specific reason and blessing for it is not only untrue, it has the potential to produce great spiritual harm, including:
-unjustified anger at God, -glossing over sin, -irresponsibility

 (4) If it’s a necessary step toward a greater GOOD.
“God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:5-12 (*see also 2 Cor. 1:3-6)
Key thought- How you live is far more important than where you live (Genesis 39,40, 13:5-11; 18:17-19:30, Daniel 1-6)

(5) If God has something BETTER in mind.
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20

Back to our story of Joseph... God was obviously present & working behind the scenes. When Joseph’s brothers eventually came to ask him for mercy despite their evil behavior, Joseph didn’t call his brothers acts good or even necessary. He didn’t say that everything happened for a reason. He simply pointed out that God was at work despite their evil intents. Joseph had no clue that God was up to something special.
It’s easy to see for us that God OVERCAME the brother’s sin to position him for a high post in Egypt’s royal court. In the process, God provided for Joseph’s father and brothers and put them in a setting where a small nomadic clan could grow into a great nation. JOSEPH SIMPLY OBEYED. Joseph obeyed and trusted. He did the right thing no matter what. Sometimes we’ll be rewarded in the present, other times in the future in heaven. Only time will tell.
Joseph obeyed and trusted. He did the right thing no matter what. Sometimes we’ll be rewarded in the present, other times in the future in heaven. Only time will tell.

Jesus lived a sinless life yet was rushed to judgement in an illegal trial that broke jewish law, accused unjustly & put to a horrible death. For that, God had a reason & the reason was YOU. (John 3:16)

This Week’s APP-
Remember, God never wastes a hurt & He never wastes a pain!
*If you are going through difficulty, consider the 5 things that we talked about today. Can you claim the promise found in Romans 8:38-39?
*Ask God for wisdom & favor as you deal with the issues of life.
God wants to use you to save many lives!

Urban Legends II- Christians Shouldn't Judge

2010-07-04T15:04:00.002-04:00

CHRISTIANS SHOULDN’T JUDGE

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others.The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. 3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV)

This urban legend is one of the most misunderstood, misquoted & misapplied teachings of scripture. If we were forbidden to make moral and spiritual judgments, we would have no objective way to distinguish between truth and error. If we follow the crowd on this one, we’ll end up going down a trail that not only differs from what Jesus said but also defies logic, obscures truth, and propagates sin. The verb that’s translated "judge" (krinete) is one that basically means "to separate", or "to make a distinction" between things, to discriminate. Our word critic is derived from this word. It means to sift out and analyze evidence.  Simply put to judge means to observe the evidence, evaluate it, and arrive at a certain conclusion based on the evidence.

WHEN ARE CHRISTIANS NOT TO JUDGE?

Christians are not to judge people’s MOTIVES or INTENTIONS.
“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.” 1 Corinthians 4:5
Christians are not to judge other Christians regarding DISPUTABLE MATTERS.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.” Romans 14:1-2 (rd. 1-10)
Christians are not to pass judgement on people for their MORAL FAILURES.
  “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” Romans 2:1-5 (see also Luke 6:37-38)
Christians are not to judge UNBELIEVERS.
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.” 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (see also John 3:17)

WHAT ARE CHRISTIANS TO JUDGE?

1. Christians are to judge DOCTRINE.
“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” 2 John 1:10-11
2. Christians are to judge OURSELVES.
 “But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32
3. Christians should judge UNREPENTED SIN among those who claim to be Christians.
“So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” Luke 17:3
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.” 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (see also, 1 Corinthians 5)

HOW ARE CHRISTIANS TO JUDGE?

Christians are to use the MIND OF CHRIST to make judgements about everything.
“The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:15-16
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword... it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Christians are to offer GRACE and MERCY to others.
“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1
“Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7