Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/31/06
The Cost of Broken Covenants
During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the Lord. - 2 Samuel 21:1a
There was a famine in the land, and David equated that famine to the blessing or lack of blessing from God. He sought God to know why there was a famine. The Lord did not take long to answer: "It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death" (2 Sam. 21:1b). Many years earlier, when Joshua entered the Promised Land, the Israelites were tricked by the Gibeonites into believing they were travelers when they were actually enemies of Israel. The Gibeonites tricked Israel into making a peace treaty with them. It was one of the first major mistakes Israel made after entering the Promised Land. As a result of the peace treaty, the Gibeonites were kept as slaves to Israel. This was never God's intention for Israel. He had wanted Israel to destroy all their enemies, but they made an error in judgment that required that they honor a covenant with the Gibeonites.
Saul made a decision to disregard this covenant with the Gibeonites and sought to annihilate them. David sensed there was something preventing God's blessing on Israel. As a nation they had violated a covenant made before God. Now they were reaping the consequences.
There are two things we can learn from this story. First, when we make a covenant, God expects us to fulfill it. God is a covenant maker. He made one with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He made one with each of us through Jesus Christ. The Scriptures are numerous regarding the importance of honoring our commitments.
Second, God is a very longsuffering God. He gave Israel many years of grace before He exercised judgment for their sin. However, there always comes a day when God must uphold His standard of righteousness.
Are you failing to walk in God's blessing due to some failed commitment? Calamities can befall us for many reasons; sin can be one of them. In the case of Israel, David had to make things right with the Gibeonites. When he did this, God removed the famine, and Israel again was prosperous. When you feel you lack God's blessing on your life, ask the Lord if there are any past - generation sins that you may need to repent of. He may be waiting on us before He can release His blessing on our lives.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the Lord. - 2 Samuel 21:1a
There was a famine in the land, and David equated that famine to the blessing or lack of blessing from God. He sought God to know why there was a famine. The Lord did not take long to answer: "It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death" (2 Sam. 21:1b). Many years earlier, when Joshua entered the Promised Land, the Israelites were tricked by the Gibeonites into believing they were travelers when they were actually enemies of Israel. The Gibeonites tricked Israel into making a peace treaty with them. It was one of the first major mistakes Israel made after entering the Promised Land. As a result of the peace treaty, the Gibeonites were kept as slaves to Israel. This was never God's intention for Israel. He had wanted Israel to destroy all their enemies, but they made an error in judgment that required that they honor a covenant with the Gibeonites.
Saul made a decision to disregard this covenant with the Gibeonites and sought to annihilate them. David sensed there was something preventing God's blessing on Israel. As a nation they had violated a covenant made before God. Now they were reaping the consequences.
There are two things we can learn from this story. First, when we make a covenant, God expects us to fulfill it. God is a covenant maker. He made one with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He made one with each of us through Jesus Christ. The Scriptures are numerous regarding the importance of honoring our commitments.
Second, God is a very longsuffering God. He gave Israel many years of grace before He exercised judgment for their sin. However, there always comes a day when God must uphold His standard of righteousness.
Are you failing to walk in God's blessing due to some failed commitment? Calamities can befall us for many reasons; sin can be one of them. In the case of Israel, David had to make things right with the Gibeonites. When he did this, God removed the famine, and Israel again was prosperous. When you feel you lack God's blessing on your life, ask the Lord if there are any past - generation sins that you may need to repent of. He may be waiting on us before He can release His blessing on our lives.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/30/06
God's Motives
He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me. - 2 Samuel 22:20
Questioning someone's motives for their activities can become an overriding response to those to whom we relate. Wrong motives can result in broken relationships, poor business decisions, and falling out of God's will. Sometimes we do not know the motive of another person. It is wrong for us to assume what their motive is until we have confidence that we know their intentions. When we respond or react prematurely, we become judge and jury over them.
God has a motive for every one of His children. His desire is to bring us into a spacious place. He wants us to go beyond our borders of safety and security so that we might experience life at a level that goes beyond ourselves. What do you think of when you think of a "spacious place"? No limitations? A large, grassy field? Open air? These are positive images. Sometimes these spacious places encourage us to step out in faith into areas where we've never ventured. Sometimes we need to be rescued by the Lord. When Peter walked on the water, God was inviting him to a spacious place. He went beyond the borders of his boat and ventured into a whole new world. He didn't have complete success in his venturing out, but it was a process that would lead him to the next victory in his faith walk with Jesus. Sometimes failure is what is needed in order to move us to the next level of faith with God. However, we must be willing to fail and let God rescue us.
The Lord delights in this process. His motive for His children is always love. It is always to bring us to a new level of trust and dependence on Him.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me. - 2 Samuel 22:20
Questioning someone's motives for their activities can become an overriding response to those to whom we relate. Wrong motives can result in broken relationships, poor business decisions, and falling out of God's will. Sometimes we do not know the motive of another person. It is wrong for us to assume what their motive is until we have confidence that we know their intentions. When we respond or react prematurely, we become judge and jury over them.
God has a motive for every one of His children. His desire is to bring us into a spacious place. He wants us to go beyond our borders of safety and security so that we might experience life at a level that goes beyond ourselves. What do you think of when you think of a "spacious place"? No limitations? A large, grassy field? Open air? These are positive images. Sometimes these spacious places encourage us to step out in faith into areas where we've never ventured. Sometimes we need to be rescued by the Lord. When Peter walked on the water, God was inviting him to a spacious place. He went beyond the borders of his boat and ventured into a whole new world. He didn't have complete success in his venturing out, but it was a process that would lead him to the next victory in his faith walk with Jesus. Sometimes failure is what is needed in order to move us to the next level of faith with God. However, we must be willing to fail and let God rescue us.
The Lord delights in this process. His motive for His children is always love. It is always to bring us to a new level of trust and dependence on Him.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Monday, May 29, 2006
Memorial Day: Honor Those Who Made The Ultimate Sacrifice
On this Memorial Day, it is my hope and prayer that we do not forget those men and women who paid the ultimate cost for our nation so that we can have the freedom that we have today.
There have been many, who who fought, bled and died for a cause greater than themselves. There are families who gave up their children, spouses and parents so our nation could be defended and our freedoms protected.
Let us honor those people who made the ultimate sacrifice and pray for the families that many left behind.
In my opinion these are some of the greatest heroes that we have. These are men and women of courage and strength. These men and women are the greatest patriots that we ever had.
Thank you for giving your lives to secure my freedom so I may live in the greatest nation on Earth. Let us not just remember you on Memorial Day, but let us remember you everyday. Let us also remember all those men and women who are out on the frontlines today, they are constantly in harms way.
Dear Lord, be with all of our troops and their families.
Chris
There have been many, who who fought, bled and died for a cause greater than themselves. There are families who gave up their children, spouses and parents so our nation could be defended and our freedoms protected.
Let us honor those people who made the ultimate sacrifice and pray for the families that many left behind.
In my opinion these are some of the greatest heroes that we have. These are men and women of courage and strength. These men and women are the greatest patriots that we ever had.
Thank you for giving your lives to secure my freedom so I may live in the greatest nation on Earth. Let us not just remember you on Memorial Day, but let us remember you everyday. Let us also remember all those men and women who are out on the frontlines today, they are constantly in harms way.
Dear Lord, be with all of our troops and their families.
Chris
Daily Caffeination 5/29/06
One of the Twelve
And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again. - 2 Corinthians 5:15
It is believed that there were about 5,000 believers during the time of Christ. Among those believers, it was thought there were three types. The largest number of believers were those who came to Jesus for salvation. They served Him little beyond coming to Him to receive salvation. A much smaller number, say 500, actually followed Him and served Him. Then, there were the disciples. These were those who identified with Jesus. They lived the life that Jesus lived. Each of these ultimately died in difficult circumstances. They experienced the hardships, the miracles, and the fellowship with God in human form.
If you had to say which group best represented your life, which one would you fall into-the 5,000 who simply believed, the 500 who followed and sought to implement what they were learning from the Savior, or the 12 who identified completely with the life and mission of the Savior? Jesus has called each of us to identify with Him completely. "This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did" (1 Jn. 2:5b-6).
Pray that God will allow you to walk as Jesus did. Experience His power and love in your life today so that others will see the hope that lies in you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again. - 2 Corinthians 5:15
It is believed that there were about 5,000 believers during the time of Christ. Among those believers, it was thought there were three types. The largest number of believers were those who came to Jesus for salvation. They served Him little beyond coming to Him to receive salvation. A much smaller number, say 500, actually followed Him and served Him. Then, there were the disciples. These were those who identified with Jesus. They lived the life that Jesus lived. Each of these ultimately died in difficult circumstances. They experienced the hardships, the miracles, and the fellowship with God in human form.
If you had to say which group best represented your life, which one would you fall into-the 5,000 who simply believed, the 500 who followed and sought to implement what they were learning from the Savior, or the 12 who identified completely with the life and mission of the Savior? Jesus has called each of us to identify with Him completely. "This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did" (1 Jn. 2:5b-6).
Pray that God will allow you to walk as Jesus did. Experience His power and love in your life today so that others will see the hope that lies in you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/28/06
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
Then Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." - Genesis 50:24
I was boarding the airplane in Frankfurt, Germany, when a mentor of mine asked me this question, "Would you consider why God referred to Himself as the 'God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob'? Why didn't He simply say, 'the God of Jacob'?" What a strange question, I thought to myself.
For the next hour I racked my brain trying to discover the meaning to this question. I had never read it in a commentary, and the Scriptures do not really say why this is so. It became a good exercise with the Holy Spirit that led to some interesting observations - one from my mentor, one from my own insight.
First, could it be that the Lord has given us a "type of trinity" in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Abraham was considered a father figure to the nation of Israel. Isaac was the son who had to be sacrificed on the altar. Jacob was the man who had to learn to walk according to the Holy Spirit instead of his flesh. Each of these patriarchs had a particular relationship with God to fulfill.
My friend asked about an hour into the flight, "So, what did you discover?"
I told him of my observation.
"Hmm...that is interesting. I believe that what we also see in the patriarchs are examples of three distinct types of personalities. If the Lord had cited only one of the patriarchs, we would tend to seek to model that leader. However, the Lord has given us three distinct personalities in whom He performed His work. Abraham was the pioneer who ventured out into unknown territory and was considered righteous for his faith. Isaac was faithful to follow in his inheritance with few ups and downs in his life. He had the fewest calamities among the three. He was called simply to be faithful to what had been already given. Jacob had extreme conflict in his life. He suffered more pit experiences than either of his predecessors. He had much conflict in relationships that became the source of his inheritance. Each of us can identify with one of these men in how God has related to them."
God works in each person's life uniquely, and He has provided examples of lives for us to identify with from the Scriptures. Who do you identify with most in your Christian pilgrimage? Discover this for yourself. You will find encouragement as you seek to learn from someone who has gone before you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Then Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." - Genesis 50:24
I was boarding the airplane in Frankfurt, Germany, when a mentor of mine asked me this question, "Would you consider why God referred to Himself as the 'God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob'? Why didn't He simply say, 'the God of Jacob'?" What a strange question, I thought to myself.
For the next hour I racked my brain trying to discover the meaning to this question. I had never read it in a commentary, and the Scriptures do not really say why this is so. It became a good exercise with the Holy Spirit that led to some interesting observations - one from my mentor, one from my own insight.
First, could it be that the Lord has given us a "type of trinity" in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Abraham was considered a father figure to the nation of Israel. Isaac was the son who had to be sacrificed on the altar. Jacob was the man who had to learn to walk according to the Holy Spirit instead of his flesh. Each of these patriarchs had a particular relationship with God to fulfill.
My friend asked about an hour into the flight, "So, what did you discover?"
I told him of my observation.
"Hmm...that is interesting. I believe that what we also see in the patriarchs are examples of three distinct types of personalities. If the Lord had cited only one of the patriarchs, we would tend to seek to model that leader. However, the Lord has given us three distinct personalities in whom He performed His work. Abraham was the pioneer who ventured out into unknown territory and was considered righteous for his faith. Isaac was faithful to follow in his inheritance with few ups and downs in his life. He had the fewest calamities among the three. He was called simply to be faithful to what had been already given. Jacob had extreme conflict in his life. He suffered more pit experiences than either of his predecessors. He had much conflict in relationships that became the source of his inheritance. Each of us can identify with one of these men in how God has related to them."
God works in each person's life uniquely, and He has provided examples of lives for us to identify with from the Scriptures. Who do you identify with most in your Christian pilgrimage? Discover this for yourself. You will find encouragement as you seek to learn from someone who has gone before you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/27/06
Forgiven and Restored
“But go, tell His disciples — and Peter — that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” —Mark 16:7
One of the most powerful verses in the Bible is Luke 22:61: “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.” Peter had just denied the Lord three times, but Jesus turned and looked at him.
How do you think the Lord looked at Peter? Knowing Jesus, I think it was a look of compassion. A look of love. A look of forgiveness. Jesus knew the denial was coming; He knew Peter was coming back. It was a look that said, “Peter, I still love you.”
Peter went out and wept bitterly. Understand that the disciples did not have this thing all figured out. They didn’t know that Jesus was going to die and rise from the dead.
So then when Jesus was crucified they thought, It is finished. There is no hope. Somehow they had missed the part where Jesus said, “ ‘They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again’ ” (Luke 18:33).
After the crucifixion, Peter was one hurting guy. He was thinking, I have failed. I wish I could undo what I did. But after Jesus rose from the dead, He sent this message: “ ‘Go, tell His disciples — and Peter — that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you’ ” (Mark 16:7). Isn’t that amazing?
Why do you think the Lord threw in Peter’s name? Because He knew Peter needed that reassurance. Peter was forgiven and restored by the Lord. And you know what? God will forgive you and restore you, too.
“But go, tell His disciples — and Peter — that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” —Mark 16:7
One of the most powerful verses in the Bible is Luke 22:61: “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.” Peter had just denied the Lord three times, but Jesus turned and looked at him.
How do you think the Lord looked at Peter? Knowing Jesus, I think it was a look of compassion. A look of love. A look of forgiveness. Jesus knew the denial was coming; He knew Peter was coming back. It was a look that said, “Peter, I still love you.”
Peter went out and wept bitterly. Understand that the disciples did not have this thing all figured out. They didn’t know that Jesus was going to die and rise from the dead.
So then when Jesus was crucified they thought, It is finished. There is no hope. Somehow they had missed the part where Jesus said, “ ‘They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again’ ” (Luke 18:33).
After the crucifixion, Peter was one hurting guy. He was thinking, I have failed. I wish I could undo what I did. But after Jesus rose from the dead, He sent this message: “ ‘Go, tell His disciples — and Peter — that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you’ ” (Mark 16:7). Isn’t that amazing?
Why do you think the Lord threw in Peter’s name? Because He knew Peter needed that reassurance. Peter was forgiven and restored by the Lord. And you know what? God will forgive you and restore you, too.
Quote of the Day...5/27/06
Our really good friends Mike and Sonja Colon with their two daughters are hanging with us at our home.
Well Sonja gave us an awesome quote this morning at breakfast, "If it could happen, it could happen." How deep and how profound.
I thought I would share this with the blogging world. I hope this will speake to you like it spoke to me.
Well Sonja gave us an awesome quote this morning at breakfast, "If it could happen, it could happen." How deep and how profound.
I thought I would share this with the blogging world. I hope this will speake to you like it spoke to me.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/26/06
Hearing the Father Speak
My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. - John 10:27
An Englishman tells a true story of his encounter with a Muslim man while walking in the country. The Englishman wanted to share the gospel with this man but knew little of Muslim beliefs. The two men talked as they walked and agreed they would each share their beliefs with one another. The Muslim went first and dominated the time of sharing. The Englishman asked the Holy Spirit how to share his faith with the Muslim man. "Do you consider your god your father who speaks?" asked the Englishman.
"Certainly not," replied the Muslim man.
"That is one of the big differences between your god and my God. I consider my God as my Father who speaks to me personally."
"You cannot prove that," stated the Muslim man.
The Englishman again prayed to himself, "Lord, how do I prove this to this man?" A few moments later the two men began walking toward two young ladies on the other side of the road coming toward them. As they approached, the Englishman spoke to the ladies and made small conversation. He then said to one woman, "I believe you are a nurse, is that correct?"
The woman was startled that a man whom she had never met had just informed her of her occupation. "How would you know that? I have never met you before," she questioned.
He replied, "I asked my Father and He told me." The Muslim had his proof.
Many of us do not hear God's voice because we do not believe He speaks or desires to speak to us. In order to hear, we must listen. In order to listen, we must believe that He speaks. Ask the Lord today for a listening ear so that others might know that you have a heavenly Father who speaks.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. - John 10:27
An Englishman tells a true story of his encounter with a Muslim man while walking in the country. The Englishman wanted to share the gospel with this man but knew little of Muslim beliefs. The two men talked as they walked and agreed they would each share their beliefs with one another. The Muslim went first and dominated the time of sharing. The Englishman asked the Holy Spirit how to share his faith with the Muslim man. "Do you consider your god your father who speaks?" asked the Englishman.
"Certainly not," replied the Muslim man.
"That is one of the big differences between your god and my God. I consider my God as my Father who speaks to me personally."
"You cannot prove that," stated the Muslim man.
The Englishman again prayed to himself, "Lord, how do I prove this to this man?" A few moments later the two men began walking toward two young ladies on the other side of the road coming toward them. As they approached, the Englishman spoke to the ladies and made small conversation. He then said to one woman, "I believe you are a nurse, is that correct?"
The woman was startled that a man whom she had never met had just informed her of her occupation. "How would you know that? I have never met you before," she questioned.
He replied, "I asked my Father and He told me." The Muslim had his proof.
Many of us do not hear God's voice because we do not believe He speaks or desires to speak to us. In order to hear, we must listen. In order to listen, we must believe that He speaks. Ask the Lord today for a listening ear so that others might know that you have a heavenly Father who speaks.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/25/06
The Goal of the Christian Life
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. - John 12:24
The goal of the Christian life is death, not success. A popular teaching says that if we follow God, we will prosper materially. God may, in fact, bless His people materially, but few can make this claim among third-world countries. Wealth must never be the goal of a person's life, only a by-product.
A missionary to a Middle-Eastern country has shared a motto among their ministry team: "God does not require success, but radical, immediate obedience." Jesus' obedience gained Him the cross. It did not gain Him popularity among the heathen, the religious or financial success, or a life of pleasure. His obedience resulted in His death on the cross. This is the same goal Christ has for each of us-death of our old nature so that He might live through us. That may not sell well among outcome-based Christian workplace believers, but it will result in an eternal reward that far exceeds any earthly reward. "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done" (Rev. 22:12).
The Christian life is a paradox-the first will be last, death in return for life, and we are encouraged to offer praise to God to overcome a spirit of heaviness. It requires faith in a God who operates from a different set of values that are sometimes difficult to measure from human standards. Let death work in you a life that only God can raise up.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. - John 12:24
The goal of the Christian life is death, not success. A popular teaching says that if we follow God, we will prosper materially. God may, in fact, bless His people materially, but few can make this claim among third-world countries. Wealth must never be the goal of a person's life, only a by-product.
A missionary to a Middle-Eastern country has shared a motto among their ministry team: "God does not require success, but radical, immediate obedience." Jesus' obedience gained Him the cross. It did not gain Him popularity among the heathen, the religious or financial success, or a life of pleasure. His obedience resulted in His death on the cross. This is the same goal Christ has for each of us-death of our old nature so that He might live through us. That may not sell well among outcome-based Christian workplace believers, but it will result in an eternal reward that far exceeds any earthly reward. "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done" (Rev. 22:12).
The Christian life is a paradox-the first will be last, death in return for life, and we are encouraged to offer praise to God to overcome a spirit of heaviness. It requires faith in a God who operates from a different set of values that are sometimes difficult to measure from human standards. Let death work in you a life that only God can raise up.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/24/06
Working Versus Striving
So he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty." - Zechariah 4:6
Your greatest obstacle in fulfilling God's purposes in your life is the skills you have acquired to perform well in your work life. One of the great paradoxes in Scripture relates to our need to depend on the Lord; yet at the same time, we're instructed to use the talents and abilities God gives us to accomplish the work He gives us to do. It has been one of the most difficult principles to live out. How do we know that what we achieve is by the power of the Holy Spirit in our life versus our own abilities, and is there a difference? When we reach a level of excellence and performance in our fields, it actually becomes an obstacle to seeing God's power manifest in our work. What we naturally do well becomes the object of our trust. When this happens, God retreats. You see, God allows us to develop skills, but these must be continually yielded to God's Spirit. There will be times when God will use these skills to accomplish His purposes. There will be other times that God will not use any of our skills just to ensure that we know it is by His power that we can do anything.
It is the oxymoron of all oxymorons for Christian workplace believers. Learning not to act until God shows you to act is a sign of maturity in God. "Do not lean on the natural skill which you have been given. Let God manifest Himself in what you are doing," said a mentor who has learned this balance of skill and walking with God. "You must almost restrain from doing those things you know you are prone to do and actually go against them."
I was learning this lesson recently when I was asked to participate in a large event that would give great exposure and much needed financial increase to my ministry. It made all the sense in the world to participate. Then I prayed with a friend and asked the Lord His mind on it. The Lord showed us this was not His plan for me. I declined the invitation.
Ask God to teach you what it means to walk according to the power of the Holy Spirit in your business life. Develop a listening ear to the small voice inside that wants to direct your efforts by His Spirit.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
So he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty." - Zechariah 4:6
Your greatest obstacle in fulfilling God's purposes in your life is the skills you have acquired to perform well in your work life. One of the great paradoxes in Scripture relates to our need to depend on the Lord; yet at the same time, we're instructed to use the talents and abilities God gives us to accomplish the work He gives us to do. It has been one of the most difficult principles to live out. How do we know that what we achieve is by the power of the Holy Spirit in our life versus our own abilities, and is there a difference? When we reach a level of excellence and performance in our fields, it actually becomes an obstacle to seeing God's power manifest in our work. What we naturally do well becomes the object of our trust. When this happens, God retreats. You see, God allows us to develop skills, but these must be continually yielded to God's Spirit. There will be times when God will use these skills to accomplish His purposes. There will be other times that God will not use any of our skills just to ensure that we know it is by His power that we can do anything.
It is the oxymoron of all oxymorons for Christian workplace believers. Learning not to act until God shows you to act is a sign of maturity in God. "Do not lean on the natural skill which you have been given. Let God manifest Himself in what you are doing," said a mentor who has learned this balance of skill and walking with God. "You must almost restrain from doing those things you know you are prone to do and actually go against them."
I was learning this lesson recently when I was asked to participate in a large event that would give great exposure and much needed financial increase to my ministry. It made all the sense in the world to participate. Then I prayed with a friend and asked the Lord His mind on it. The Lord showed us this was not His plan for me. I declined the invitation.
Ask God to teach you what it means to walk according to the power of the Holy Spirit in your business life. Develop a listening ear to the small voice inside that wants to direct your efforts by His Spirit.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Last Episode of Alias :-(
Last night ended a five year run of one of my favorite TV shows, Alias. I faithfully watched this show from the very beginning. It was one of those shows that made you think, had action and dropped in humor here and there. The show many times left the viewer in suspence and sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to see what would happen next.
Last night's final episode answered many questions and for the most part wrapped the storyline, it wasn't the best ending. Overall, I was satisfied with the final show.
There was one nugget from last night show that had me thinking about a spiritual truth. Sloane, the main bad character throughout the five seasons, while at one time I believe he changed, but ended up turning bad again. He ended up getting the one thing I believe he was seeking, that was "eternal life". Unfortunately for him, his "eternal life" is stuck in a place of "hell".
This character while he may have "eternal life" was stuck in a place he couldn't leave, he couldn't escape from, buried and trapped.
I am not minimizing the Biblical placed called Hell, however the same is true for those who choose not to become a Christ-follower, they to will live eternally in a real place call Hell. This is place of eternal separation from God. A place that is eternal where there is no escape.
I thank God for the awesome HOPE that we have in His Son, Jesus Christ for those who choose to place their trust in Him as Lord and Savior, there is another place called Heaven where we can spend eternity in the presence of God.
I am so glad that God has provided a WAY for each of us and all that we have to do is choose to follow that way for our personal life.
The greatest way to live is the way that Jesus lived while here on Earth...
Last night's final episode answered many questions and for the most part wrapped the storyline, it wasn't the best ending. Overall, I was satisfied with the final show.
There was one nugget from last night show that had me thinking about a spiritual truth. Sloane, the main bad character throughout the five seasons, while at one time I believe he changed, but ended up turning bad again. He ended up getting the one thing I believe he was seeking, that was "eternal life". Unfortunately for him, his "eternal life" is stuck in a place of "hell".
This character while he may have "eternal life" was stuck in a place he couldn't leave, he couldn't escape from, buried and trapped.
I am not minimizing the Biblical placed called Hell, however the same is true for those who choose not to become a Christ-follower, they to will live eternally in a real place call Hell. This is place of eternal separation from God. A place that is eternal where there is no escape.
I thank God for the awesome HOPE that we have in His Son, Jesus Christ for those who choose to place their trust in Him as Lord and Savior, there is another place called Heaven where we can spend eternity in the presence of God.
I am so glad that God has provided a WAY for each of us and all that we have to do is choose to follow that way for our personal life.
The greatest way to live is the way that Jesus lived while here on Earth...
Daily Caffeination 5/23/06
Wrestling With God (This is too funny look at my previous post, I did not plan this devotional today. -CJ)
So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. - Genesis 32:24All that Jacob had lived for was coming down to one event - his reunion with Esau. More than 20 years had passed since Jacob had manipulated his father's blessing away from his brother Esau. During these years God had been changing Jacob from a controller and manipulator to a man who was learning to trust God. He was now ready to meet Esau. However, he was fearful that Esau might take revenge on him and his family for his past sin, so he sent a gift ahead, while he retreated and sought mercy from God.
As an angel appeared to Jacob, he realized the only hope he had was in God. Only if God blessed him would he survive this ordeal. In the past, Jacob would have sought to solve his problem his way. Now, he wanted only God's way. He wanted Him so badly that he wouldn't let go of the angel. He was striving with God, but it was the right kind of striving. Jacob was striving to have all God's blessing on his life. He was seeking God with all that he had. "When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man" (Gen. 32:25). The only way to overcome the strong will of this man was to physically immobilize him. The angel touched the socket of Jacob's hip. It was painful; it broke him. This was the final stage of removing the old nature from Jacob. It was the place of complete brokenness and surrender. No longer would Jacob walk in his own strength. He would now have to lean on a cane, symbolic of his leaning on God alone.
It was the final act from God in Jacob's life that was celebrated with a new name - Israel. No longer would he strive with God or man. The process was now complete. God could now bless this man abundantly. He gave him favor with Esau and restored their broken relationship.
What does God have to do in our lives to remove the controlling and manipulative nature that so often is part of a workplace believer's life? Perhaps it will require a time of immobilizing, loss of a job, loss of income, loss of health, loss of a close relationship. These are His methods of preparation. Your new nature will not be complete until you've stopped striving with God through your own self-efforts. If God is taking you through this process, be encouraged; it is because of the inheritance He has prepared for you. However, the inheritance can only be received when God brings us to total dependence on Him.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Monday, May 22, 2006
More about me...
If you read my previous post...Top Ten Passion, I might as well continue that theme and really be totally authentic.
When I was in high school (T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, VA, Remember The Ttians) atleast before I wasted away my senior by not going to school and eventually not graduating, however I did get my GED. Anyways, I want to share with you the three things I wanted to become as an adult after high school.
First thing, I wanted to do was to be a professional football or baseball player (I think I would have done well if I truly pursued that dream throughout high school).
Second thing, I wanted to go to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA and study acting that would eventually to an acting career. I really wanted to be a soap opera actor (I hear all of you laughing).
I want to let you all know I didn't grow up going to church, I didn't become a committed Christ-follower until I was 18, middle of my senior year.
If you weren't laughing before, you are about to laugh now.
Third thing I wanted to do as an adult when I was in high school, I wanted to become a professional wrestler. Yes, I had my wrestling name picked out...The Sensational One Chris Jarrell.
Yes, I am absolutely serious. This was my before Christ days.
What do I do now? I am an associate pastor, looking forward to planting a Community of faith.
God has definitly brought me a long way. Thank you Lord!!!
When I was in high school (T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, VA, Remember The Ttians) atleast before I wasted away my senior by not going to school and eventually not graduating, however I did get my GED. Anyways, I want to share with you the three things I wanted to become as an adult after high school.
First thing, I wanted to do was to be a professional football or baseball player (I think I would have done well if I truly pursued that dream throughout high school).
Second thing, I wanted to go to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA and study acting that would eventually to an acting career. I really wanted to be a soap opera actor (I hear all of you laughing).
I want to let you all know I didn't grow up going to church, I didn't become a committed Christ-follower until I was 18, middle of my senior year.
If you weren't laughing before, you are about to laugh now.
Third thing I wanted to do as an adult when I was in high school, I wanted to become a professional wrestler. Yes, I had my wrestling name picked out...The Sensational One Chris Jarrell.
Yes, I am absolutely serious. This was my before Christ days.
What do I do now? I am an associate pastor, looking forward to planting a Community of faith.
God has definitly brought me a long way. Thank you Lord!!!
Daily Caffeination 5/22/06
God's Preparation for Moving Out
Jacob left his homeland after suffering a broken relationship with Esau for stealing the family blessing. He went to work for his uncle Laban where he stayed for 20 years. It came time for him to leave, but he had no physical assets to show for those years under Laban. Laban had taken advantage of his nephew in every way. (In some ways, Jacob was reaping the seed he had sown his entire life as a manipulator and controller.) Nevertheless, God's hand was on Jacob, and He had plans to prosper him. However, Jacob had one problem - he had no resources of his own. For Jacob to launch out on his own, he would need resources. In those days, resources often meant large flocks of animals. God gave Jacob a dream that resulted in a strategy for creating wealth by multiplying his sheep. Even though Laban sought to thwart Jacob's efforts, God overcame the evil in Laban to allow Jacob to prosper.
There are many important lessons for us in this story. First, when God decides it is time to move you into a larger place of His calling, He has the ability to provide the resources you need to support the call. God gave Jacob a dream that resulted in a strategy never used before to build wealth. It was totally from God's hand. It was creative and new. God called Jacob to move out after he had demonstrated his faithfulness in 20 years of serving Laban. He learned to live under authority and served Laban faithfully, even though he knew he was being taken advantage of.
God will do the same for you and me. However, a word of caution: Be sure the strategy is born from above, and not from self-effort. The difficulty for most of us workplace believers is to learn the difference between the strategies born of God versus the strategy of self-effort.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Sunday, May 21, 2006
My Top Ten Passions In Life...The Core of Who I am & Why I do what I do
I want to share with you the things that I am passionate about, those things that describe who I am, these things are really what I am all about. They are not only my passions, they are also my priorities. I will sacrifice and pursue these passions.
1. My Savior, My Lord, My King, My God, Jesus Christ - I am a facedown worshipper of the One True Living God...My relationship with Jesus is at the center of my life...He is what motivates my actions, my thoughts, my desires, and my dreams. I love God through His Son Jesus so intimately, I would have an absolute void and vacuum in my life without Him. He has saved me from a life of destruction.
The greatest way to live is the way that Jesus lived. This is why I am a committed Christ-follower and a passionate facedown worshipper.
Personal Core Statement #1: Loving God with ALL my heart, ALL my mind, and ALL my soul.
2. My Wife - I am willing to sacrifice and give up my life for Lora just the way Christ gave His life up for the Church. I love her so much. I am thankful for everyday that God allows me to be with the most wonderful, the smartest, the most beautiful, the most tender hearted, the kindest, the most giving woman on her. I can go on and on.
I would never want to do anything to ever hurt my wife. She is my friend; partner; someday mother of my children; and lover. I am so blessed to have her in my life for the past 14 years, with many more to come.
Personal Core Statement #2: Loving and giving myself completely, just as Christ loved and gave himself up for the church.
3. Children/"kids"/dogs - First of all, I know we don't have children, yet. Hopefully soon. I am looking forward to the blessing(s) that God will eventually give us. I am looking forward to loving these children and spending time with them.
I am planning to leave behind a spiritual legacy for my children.
Lora and I have many spiritual "kids" out there that we think of as our own. We love them all so dearly and are so thankful for the opportunity to pour into their lives to influence and to inspire them to be Christ-followers. Many of them are committed to serving the Lord and are leaders within their church. We love our "kids' so much and are so glad that they are in our lives.
It is our desire to be a godly examples to those God has placed in our lives. We value our "kids".
Our dogs, Pebbles (Baby Girl) and Bam Bam (Little Man), are like children to us right now. We love our dogs. They are the sweetest and cutest little kids. Lora and I really enjoy our dogs. We are so glad they are a part of our lives.
Personal Core Statement #3: Leaving behind a spiritual legacy and heritage for the next generation.
4. Family - It has been said, "You could choose your friends but not your family". I am thankful for my family and my extended family. Family over time as become more and more important to me. I wasn't always much of a family person, but as I get older and little wiser I am becoming more of a family guy.
My family is very valuable and important to me...God thank you for placing these people in my life.
Personal Core Statement #4: Be a blessing to my family through honoring them.
5. Friends - Great friends don't always tell you what you want to hear, they tell you what you need hear. I have many people I call friends. I have very few I call close friends. My closest friends are of course Lora; the there are Mike and Sonja Colon; and Bill and Elizabeth Fields. I am a very loyal friend. Great friends walk with you through the good and the tough/bad times. To me a great friend holds you accountable and has your back. I love every relationship I have built with individuals and couples (Lora and I) in my journey.
Every friendship has helped form who I am today. I am blessed to have wonderful friends.
Personal Core Statement #5: Cultivate and nurture friendships through accountability and authenticity.
6. Influencers/Mentors - Those people I have allowed to invest, to teach, to train;, and to form my life. I have had closer mentors and influencers in my life, I also have people I have allowed to influence me from a distance. These influencers and mentors have had such a profound and significant influence on my life and ministry. I have learned so much from these people.
Here are just a few of some of my influencers and mentors I have allowed to invest in my life. Mike Colon (former Youth Pastor, accountability partner, great friend and brother); Tim Cerce (my former Senior Pastor); Mike Buckley (current senior Pastor); Mark Batterson (Senior Pastor of National Community Church, I have learned a lot from him from a distance); Dr. H. Robert Rhoden (former District Superintendant, great leader)
My influencers and mentors have inspired me so much that I have this strong desire to influence and mentor others.
Personal Core Statement #6: Allowing others to invest wisdom, knowledge, and experience into my life.
7. The Community of faith/The Church - The church is about people not an organization or a building. I love the community of faith that God has place me in. The people that I live out my faith with are like another family. The community of faith is a source of unconditional love, support, encouragement, and inspiration as we grow together in our faith and understanding of the awesome God we serve.
The church needs to get back to the Acts 2:42-45 model, we must devoted studying God's Word, meeting together regularly, to eating together, to praying for and with one another. The church actually enjoyed being with together.
Personal Core Statement #7: It is my desire to be involved in the life of those within the community of faith.
8. My Community, the Unchurched, the Dechurched and those who aren't Christ-followers- I have a strong desire to reach people. I have a heart to reach the community that the Lord has placed me. I also have a desire to reach teens and twenty-somethings. I take advantage of every opportunity that I have to influence and inspire with my life those outside of the community of faith. I want to be known to those within the community as someone who actions matches his words. I want to live out my faith as a Christ-follower with character and integrity. If I don't have those two things my faith is worthless.
It is important to me have authentic relationships with those that outside the community of faith, as well understanding the culture around me so I may serve people better.
Personal Core Statement #8: Influencing those who are away from Christ to become committed Christ-followers.
9. Education/Learning - I love to learn. I am an experiential learner. I also read alot. I look at every opportunity and every experience as learning and growth opportunity for my life and ministry. It is my goal to read one book a week. I also make it a point to read magazines outside of ministry i.e. Wired; attend conferences i.e Buzz Conference; read blogs i.e. Leadership blog; and learn from those who are more experienced.
I am passionate about being a lifelong learner.
Personal Core Statement #9: Continue to learn so I can grow spiritually and intellectually so I may find favor with God and man.
10. Creativity - Our God is a creative God. He placed that creativity inside of each one of us. I approach everything I do with a creative curve. I get tired and bored with the simple and the mundane. I like to living things up and be creative in all that I do. Whenever I look at something, I look at how I can make it better through being creative. I am creative in my cooking, ministry, in workouts, I am creative in everything I do. I am a very creative person.
As Christ-followers, I believe we should be the most creative people on this planet.
Personal Core Statement #10: Be creative in all that I do in life and ministry.
Everything I do in life flows from these passions in my life...these things are at my core. Those who know me best will say these things best describe who I am.
The one thing I want said about me when I am gone, the one thing I want remembered about me is this..."Chris Jarrell lived with passion".
1. My Savior, My Lord, My King, My God, Jesus Christ - I am a facedown worshipper of the One True Living God...My relationship with Jesus is at the center of my life...He is what motivates my actions, my thoughts, my desires, and my dreams. I love God through His Son Jesus so intimately, I would have an absolute void and vacuum in my life without Him. He has saved me from a life of destruction.
The greatest way to live is the way that Jesus lived. This is why I am a committed Christ-follower and a passionate facedown worshipper.
Personal Core Statement #1: Loving God with ALL my heart, ALL my mind, and ALL my soul.
2. My Wife - I am willing to sacrifice and give up my life for Lora just the way Christ gave His life up for the Church. I love her so much. I am thankful for everyday that God allows me to be with the most wonderful, the smartest, the most beautiful, the most tender hearted, the kindest, the most giving woman on her. I can go on and on.
I would never want to do anything to ever hurt my wife. She is my friend; partner; someday mother of my children; and lover. I am so blessed to have her in my life for the past 14 years, with many more to come.
Personal Core Statement #2: Loving and giving myself completely, just as Christ loved and gave himself up for the church.
3. Children/"kids"/dogs - First of all, I know we don't have children, yet. Hopefully soon. I am looking forward to the blessing(s) that God will eventually give us. I am looking forward to loving these children and spending time with them.
I am planning to leave behind a spiritual legacy for my children.
Lora and I have many spiritual "kids" out there that we think of as our own. We love them all so dearly and are so thankful for the opportunity to pour into their lives to influence and to inspire them to be Christ-followers. Many of them are committed to serving the Lord and are leaders within their church. We love our "kids' so much and are so glad that they are in our lives.
It is our desire to be a godly examples to those God has placed in our lives. We value our "kids".
Our dogs, Pebbles (Baby Girl) and Bam Bam (Little Man), are like children to us right now. We love our dogs. They are the sweetest and cutest little kids. Lora and I really enjoy our dogs. We are so glad they are a part of our lives.
Personal Core Statement #3: Leaving behind a spiritual legacy and heritage for the next generation.
4. Family - It has been said, "You could choose your friends but not your family". I am thankful for my family and my extended family. Family over time as become more and more important to me. I wasn't always much of a family person, but as I get older and little wiser I am becoming more of a family guy.
My family is very valuable and important to me...God thank you for placing these people in my life.
Personal Core Statement #4: Be a blessing to my family through honoring them.
5. Friends - Great friends don't always tell you what you want to hear, they tell you what you need hear. I have many people I call friends. I have very few I call close friends. My closest friends are of course Lora; the there are Mike and Sonja Colon; and Bill and Elizabeth Fields. I am a very loyal friend. Great friends walk with you through the good and the tough/bad times. To me a great friend holds you accountable and has your back. I love every relationship I have built with individuals and couples (Lora and I) in my journey.
Every friendship has helped form who I am today. I am blessed to have wonderful friends.
Personal Core Statement #5: Cultivate and nurture friendships through accountability and authenticity.
6. Influencers/Mentors - Those people I have allowed to invest, to teach, to train;, and to form my life. I have had closer mentors and influencers in my life, I also have people I have allowed to influence me from a distance. These influencers and mentors have had such a profound and significant influence on my life and ministry. I have learned so much from these people.
Here are just a few of some of my influencers and mentors I have allowed to invest in my life. Mike Colon (former Youth Pastor, accountability partner, great friend and brother); Tim Cerce (my former Senior Pastor); Mike Buckley (current senior Pastor); Mark Batterson (Senior Pastor of National Community Church, I have learned a lot from him from a distance); Dr. H. Robert Rhoden (former District Superintendant, great leader)
My influencers and mentors have inspired me so much that I have this strong desire to influence and mentor others.
Personal Core Statement #6: Allowing others to invest wisdom, knowledge, and experience into my life.
7. The Community of faith/The Church - The church is about people not an organization or a building. I love the community of faith that God has place me in. The people that I live out my faith with are like another family. The community of faith is a source of unconditional love, support, encouragement, and inspiration as we grow together in our faith and understanding of the awesome God we serve.
The church needs to get back to the Acts 2:42-45 model, we must devoted studying God's Word, meeting together regularly, to eating together, to praying for and with one another. The church actually enjoyed being with together.
Personal Core Statement #7: It is my desire to be involved in the life of those within the community of faith.
8. My Community, the Unchurched, the Dechurched and those who aren't Christ-followers- I have a strong desire to reach people. I have a heart to reach the community that the Lord has placed me. I also have a desire to reach teens and twenty-somethings. I take advantage of every opportunity that I have to influence and inspire with my life those outside of the community of faith. I want to be known to those within the community as someone who actions matches his words. I want to live out my faith as a Christ-follower with character and integrity. If I don't have those two things my faith is worthless.
It is important to me have authentic relationships with those that outside the community of faith, as well understanding the culture around me so I may serve people better.
Personal Core Statement #8: Influencing those who are away from Christ to become committed Christ-followers.
9. Education/Learning - I love to learn. I am an experiential learner. I also read alot. I look at every opportunity and every experience as learning and growth opportunity for my life and ministry. It is my goal to read one book a week. I also make it a point to read magazines outside of ministry i.e. Wired; attend conferences i.e Buzz Conference; read blogs i.e. Leadership blog; and learn from those who are more experienced.
I am passionate about being a lifelong learner.
Personal Core Statement #9: Continue to learn so I can grow spiritually and intellectually so I may find favor with God and man.
10. Creativity - Our God is a creative God. He placed that creativity inside of each one of us. I approach everything I do with a creative curve. I get tired and bored with the simple and the mundane. I like to living things up and be creative in all that I do. Whenever I look at something, I look at how I can make it better through being creative. I am creative in my cooking, ministry, in workouts, I am creative in everything I do. I am a very creative person.
As Christ-followers, I believe we should be the most creative people on this planet.
Personal Core Statement #10: Be creative in all that I do in life and ministry.
Everything I do in life flows from these passions in my life...these things are at my core. Those who know me best will say these things best describe who I am.
The one thing I want said about me when I am gone, the one thing I want remembered about me is this..."Chris Jarrell lived with passion".
Daily Caffeination 5/21/06
Becoming Aware of God
Jacob was forced to flee his family after receiving the blessing of God from his father, Isaac. He ran as a result of his broken relationship with his brother, Esau, who threatened to kill him. He was alone after leaving his family and was sleeping in the wilderness area at Bethel. It is here that Jacob encountered God personally for the very first time. He had a dream in which Heaven was opened up to him. The Lord spoke to him there and gave him a promise to give him the very land on which he was lying.
This encounter with God made him realize that God was in this place, even though he had not been aware of it. God had to remove Jacob from all that was of comfort to him in order to reveal Himself to Jacob. What began as a crisis that forced him to be removed from his family and friends led to an encounter with the living God and a fresh vision of God's purposes for his life.
How often we go about our daily routine and fail to recognize that God is in the place where we are. God had to bring Jacob to a place of separation from his old life and remove all his worldly possessions. He was alone with God at Bethel; nothing else could distract him from an encounter that would change his life.
God often must do radical things in the life of the servant in whom He has special plans: separation from family, removal of physical and emotional resources, an encounter with God. These are often the hallmarks of ownership by God that build a vision into a life.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Saturday, May 20, 2006
More Pictures from Lora's Graduation From Lora's Dad's Digital Camera
Here are a few more pictures some with me in the pictures...see I was actually there. :-)
That is it for the pictures. Thanks for allowing me to show off my wife's big day and this with the blogosphere.
Lora after the big graduation outside the Richmond Coliseum. Love you sweetie.
Lora and me after the big graduation outside the Richmond Coliseum
Lora and me after the English Department Ceremony @ Second Presbyterian Church
Lora and me after the English Department Ceremony @ Second Presbyterian Church
Lora and me at Bottoms Up Pizza
Lora and me after the big graduation outside the Richmond Coliseum
Lora and me after the English Department Ceremony @ Second Presbyterian Church
Lora and me after the English Department Ceremony @ Second Presbyterian Church
Lora and me at Bottoms Up Pizza
That is it for the pictures. Thanks for allowing me to show off my wife's big day and this with the blogosphere.
Pictures from Lora's Graduation Day from VCU (Oh I am very proud of her)
Huge and exciting day for Lora. We had her huge graduation at Richmond Coliseum with 3000 graduates, then her English Department Ceremony, and after party at Bottoms Up Pizza in Shockoe Bottom (Best pizza place in Richmond). A great day with family and friends.
We absolutely love being around our family and friends. They are totally a blessing to us...
Thank you all for your love and support, all of you are amazing. We love you.
Here are a few pictures from Lora's Graduation Day, enjoy.
We absolutely love being around our family and friends. They are totally a blessing to us...
Thank you all for your love and support, all of you are amazing. We love you.
Here are a few pictures from Lora's Graduation Day, enjoy.
Lora about to receive her diploma at the English Department Ceremony @ Second Presbyterian Church
Lora receiving her diploma at her English Department Ceremony @ Second Presbyterian Church
Lora in the middle, trust me she is there. It is like a Where is Waldo picture @ her big graduation in the Richmond, VA
Lora with one our "kids" former youth/young adult Christie Bacon from Springfield, VA @ The Richmond Coliseum after her big graduation
Lora with her dad Bob From Naples, New York and her dad's friend Bonnie @ Bottoms Up
Lora with our really good friends Bill & Elizabeth Fields ffrom Colonial Heights, VA @ Bottoms Up
Lora with her really good friend Patricia @ Bottoms Up
Lora with her mom Marsha from Centreville, VA and mom's friend Dick @ Bottoms Up
Lora and her best friend Sonja Colon from Springfield, VA @ Bottoms Up
My Amazing Wife is Graduating Today
Today, my amazing wife Lora is graduating from VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University) right here in Richmond, VA with a 3.882 GPA, with a BA in English with minors in Writing and Psychology.
Today is a celebration for us. It has been 14 years since she began going to school part time and working full time. This is very exciting for us both.
Lora's dad came down from Upstate New York yesterday and today her mom and several of our friends are coming down to celebrate this exciting time with us.
I am so proud of Lora and love her much. She is absolutely the smartest person I know.
Today is a celebration for us. It has been 14 years since she began going to school part time and working full time. This is very exciting for us both.
Lora's dad came down from Upstate New York yesterday and today her mom and several of our friends are coming down to celebrate this exciting time with us.
I am so proud of Lora and love her much. She is absolutely the smartest person I know.
Daily Caffeination 5/20/05
Becoming a Mighty Man
Have you ever felt that you could accomplish a whole lot more if you had more talented people around you? Perhaps you are in an office and think that some of your fellow workers don't quite measure up. Imagine what David must have thought in the years following his anointing by the prophet Samuel as the next king of Israel. He spent the next many years running from King Saul. Now God was beginning to bring men to support David. But what kind of men? The down-and-out. God gave David not the elite or the sophisticated; He gave him those who were in debt and discontented with life. David turned those men into the best fighting men of their day. In fact, David never lost a battle during his entire reign as king of Israel-quite a feat for a bunch of no-name, lowlifes! Some of those men became an elite group known as David's Mighty Men. These were the elite of the elite, the Navy Seals, the Few Good Men, the Green Berets. Whatever you call them, they were exceptional warriors.
Jesus took a few men who weren't exactly the cream of the crop either. He built His life into these men, which resulted in 12 men who turned the world upside down. Are you one of God's mighty men or women? Are you investing your life to build other mighty men or women? David and Jesus set the example of what can be done when we invest in others. God does extraordinary things through men who have an extraordinary God. Ask God to use your life to be a mighty man or woman for a cause greater than yourself. He delights in such prayers.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Friday, May 19, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/19/06
Selling Your Birthright
Esau was brother to Jacob. One day he came back from hunting in the fields. He was hungry and tired. His brother Jacob was preparing some stew and Esau asked Jacob for a bowl. Jacob used this time to negotiate for what seems unimaginable - the family birthright.
Why would Esau take his birthright so lightly? Because he did not understand its value. Every business day countless men and women exchange their birthrights for worldly goods, because they see what the world has to offer as more valuable than what God might offer.
This is not all their fault. Satan has blinded the minds and hearts of men and women for centuries. He does not want them to know the tremendous gold mine that awaits the child of God. Their inheritance is filled with meaning, purpose, and rewards that await them both here and in Heaven. Satan keeps men and women from seeing the real value of their own godly inheritance.
Your role as a workplace Christian is to be the key that unlocks this prison that keeps so many in captivity. You may be the one to reveal the truth that allows them to enter into the inheritance God desires for them. Pray that God allows you to see each unsaved person you encounter as one who needs the key you hold in your hand. Then you will add to your own inheritance laid up for you in Heaven.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/18/06
Building a Solid Foundation
But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. - Matthew 7:26
There were two kinds of people in the days of Jesus. Some heard the words that Jesus spoke and were awed by His wisdom and understanding, but did nothing about what they heard. Others heard those words and acted on them. Jesus said that those who heard the words but failed to put them into practice were foolish and likened them to building a house on sand. How foolish, indeed, it would be to build a house on sand.
The person who followed what Jesus taught was a person who would be sure to weather life's storms.
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock (Matthew 7:24-25).
You never know how well your house is built until it is tested by the elements. Torrential rains reveal the quality of your roof. Wind and cold reveal how well your home is insulated. Heat and sun reveal the quality of your paint and siding. All these elements reveal whether a solid foundation has been laid to make your home a secure and lasting place to live.
Many of us find that we have given only lip service to God's commands. We are faced with the reality that our foundations are not strong enough to weather life's storms. How do we react when the trials come? Do we fret and worry? Do we take life into our hands? Do we respond inappropriately when we don't get what we want? The Lord uses these times to help us recognize whether our foundations are sand or rock. Ask the Lord today if you have built on His rock. If so, you can be comforted to know that you can weather any storm that may come your way.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/17/06
Being a Person Under Authority
..."I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." - Matthew 8:10
The centurion came to Jesus and told Him of his servant who was paralyzed and in terrible suffering. He came to Jesus because he believed He could heal him. He told Jesus of the matter, and Jesus was willing to come with the centurion. But the centurion would not have it. He knew that Jesus, being under the authority of Heaven itself, did not have to see the servant to help him. The centurion understood authority. He understood that he himself had certain rights that his position granted him to have power over situations and people. He also was a man under authority. The centurion understood Jesus' position and what power that position held in Heaven - the power to heal his servant if He chose to exercise that authority.
When Jesus saw that the centurion understood this principle of authority and that He did not have to visit the servant to heal him, He acknowledged the centurion's faith. Jesus knew it took great faith to understand authority and whether He had the authority to do what was being asked.
God has placed a system of authority in our world that requires faith to operate under its boundaries: fathers over sons and daughters, employers over employees, government leaders over the people, church leaders over church members. These are authority structures God has placed in our lives to protect and guide us to His will. Some confuse position with worthiness or qualifications of that position. It is the position that God works through. The fact that an authority may not be a Christian may have no bearing on whether God can work through him as your authority. It is only when that authority counsels against a biblical mandate that we should not follow that person's guidance. The hand of the king is in the hand of God.
Today, we find few who understand this system of authority God has ordained. It requires great faith to operate in this realm. Yet Jesus said that when we understand this, we demonstrate the kind of faith that He rarely sees. Be a person of rare faith. See the authorities placed in your life as those God is using to protect you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/16/06
Sowing in Tears
The most difficult place to keep moving in faith is the place of extreme pain. Extreme pain, especially emotional pain, can become immobilizing to the human spirit if it is allowed to overcome us. The psalmist tells us there is only one remedy for overcoming painful circumstances that will result in joy. We are to sow in the midst of these times. You cannot do this if you live by feelings alone. It is an act of the will. This act requires that we go outside ourselves in pure faith.
I learned this principle during one of the deepest periods of my life. I had lost much that was dear to me. A mature man in the faith admonished me to reach out to others in spite of my own pain. "Invest in someone else," he said. I did not realize what a place of healing and comfort that would become.
"He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him" (Ps. 126:6). Pain can become a source of joy if we take the first step by planting seed. There is a harvest that will come if we sow in the midst of tears.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Monday, May 15, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/15/05
Overcoming Our Past
We've all heard stories of individuals who have overcome extreme hardship during their childhood years. Children of alcoholics, orphans who never have parents, loss of parents to a fatal crash, childhood disease - these are all difficult circumstances to overcome.
Jephthah was a man who overcame his obstacles and refused to allow his circumstances to prevent him from becoming great in God's sight. He was born to Gilead, a result of his father's adulterous encounter with a prostitute. Gilead's wife, who had bore more sons, decided to reject Jephthah, and drove him away from their home saying, "You are not going to get any inheritance in our family because you are the son of another woman." Imagine the rejection this young man felt as he was cast away from his own family.
This experience taught Jephthah to become a hardened warrior. Today he probably would have been part of a street gang. As he got older, his reputation as a warrior became known to those in his country, so much so that when the Ammonites made war on Israel, the elders of Gilead went to Jephthah and asked him to be their commander. Jephthah had to fight off those feelings of rejection from previous years.
"Didn't you hate me and drive me from my father's house?" he responded. He overcame his hurt and pain, and responded to the call God had on his life.
It is said that if we were to help the butterfly remove itself from the cocoon, the butterfly would not be strong enough to survive. It is the struggle that prepares the butterfly to become strong enough to fly. Without the struggle in the cocoon, it could not survive as a butterfly.
The Lord prepares each of us in similar ways. Some of our childhoods seem to have been harsh and born from a seemingly unloving God. However, the Lord knows our struggle and will make our life an instrument in His hand if we will follow Him with an upright heart. He does make all things beautiful in His time if we are willing to be patient.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/14/06
A Two-way Relationship
He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. - Isaiah 50:4b
The prophet Isaiah describes his relationship to God as a relationship that has two-way communication. Have you ever felt that your communication with God was only one way - you to Him only? Isaiah tells us, "The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.... The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back" (Is. 50:4-5).
The key to Isaiah's relationship with God lies in four important principles:
1. He had an instructed tongue. Isaiah had given over rule of his life completely to God's purposes.
2. He knew the word of the Lord, which allowed him to sustain and encourage others.
3. He took time to listen.
4. He did not flee from the tough assignments. He didn't shrink back.
If we are to be able to listen to God, we must follow the same principles. Knowing and spending time studying God's Word allows the Holy Spirit to bring to mind His instructions for what He wants for us. Recently, I became very busy in my work and other activities. It wasn't long before I felt distance between God and me. I had to make a conscious decision to carve out more time alone to listen, study, and meditate on His Word. This is the lifeline for the follower of Jesus. When we begin to lose the relationship, we are susceptible to becoming rebellious, going our own way. Invest your life in this relationship so that you may continue to hear His voice and sustain the weary ones around you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Daily Caffeination 5/13/06
Entitlements
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross! - Philippians 2:8
Society today has duped many of us into believing that the world owes us. It owes us a good living, a loving spouse, good health throughout our whole life, sexual pleasure when we want it, and paid vacations the rest of our lives. The world has told us if we work hard and do right, we are entitled to these things. This is the Esau perspective on life. For a mere meal, he sold his own birthright for a simple pleasure to which he felt entitled.
Society, and even the Church, is more pleasure-focused than ever before. George Barna, the Christian researcher, cites,
We are not a society that simply enjoys its time off. Our leisure appetites drive us. It is increasingly common to hear people turning down job offers because the hours or other responsibilities would interfere with their hobbies, fitness regimens and other free time activities. Even our spending habits show that playing has become a major priority. The average household spends more money on entertainment than it does clothing, health care, furniture or gasoline. Recreational activities have jumped more than 10 percent in the amount of time given to them. [George Barna, Frog In The Kettle (Ventura, California: Regal Books, 1990), 82.]
What are the motives for our work life? Is it only to gain increased pleasure and leisure time? Jesus said He came only to do the work of the Father. I am sure that Jesus had times of refreshment in His life that allowed Him to get recharged for the mission God called Him to. However, He understood the balance of maintaining mission and play. When we view life with an attitude of entitlements, we are susceptible to becoming disappointed, resentful, and even bitter when our expectations go unmet. Ask the Lord if you need to relinquish any rights that may be hindering your freedom to experience His love and grace.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Friday, May 12, 2006
Pictures of American Idol - Elliot Yamin
Lora and I went to the Richmond Braves game (AAA minor league team) with two of our really good friends Bill and Elizabeth Fields and Elliot Yamin the American Idol came home to Richmond. I am sure the footage will shown on American Idol this week. Anyways, he threw out the first pitch and sang the National Anthem as well signing autographs before the game. I believe Elliot will be the Next American Idol, atleast I hope so since Chris Daughtry is no longer in the competition.
Here are a few of the picture I captured from tonight...
Here are a few of the picture I captured from tonight...
Daily Caffeination 5/12/06
A Fleeting Shadow
Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow. - Psalm 144:4
Every time I fly over a large body of water, I imagine opening the window of the jet and pouring out my coffee into the immense body of water below. I imagine the time that I spend on this earth compared to eternity is no more than that cup of coffee. The incredible size of the ocean compared to one small cup of coffee is what our life is like compared to eternity. Why then do we invest so much in temporal pursuits when we know that our investment here can have so much impact on our eternity? It is the great paradox of human behavior, especially for Christians.
Does your business life have an overall ministry objective to it? This does not mean we must be constantly involved in "Christian activity." It only means that we should be about what God has called us to do with the motive of being obedient to this mission. Do not let the worries and cares of this life keep you from having an eternal impact on the lives of those you meet each day. Satan has a way of keeping our focus on the problems of today rather than the spiritual opportunities before us. He is master of the urgent, not the important.
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Thursday, May 11, 2006
AMERICAN IDOLS - New Series for Students
Last night in youth we start a new four week series - AMERICAN IDOLS: The Worship of the American Dream. We started off the series with...
An interesting fact...eBay has over 13 million items on sale, with more than 18 thousand categories of items to buy.
The attitude of wanting more prompts us to never be satisfied with what God has already given us.
Ecclesiates 5:10-15
3 Myths about having more...
Myth #1 - Having More Will Make Me Happier
Myth #2 - Having More Will Make Me More Important
Myth #3 - Having More Will Make Me More Secure
Do you spend more time with your stuff than with God? Are your things more valuable to you than your relationship with God? Do you spend more time trying to acquire than you do trying to grow your relationship with God?
If you are a Christ follower, allow me to ask you:what are you willing to-and what are you willing to do with out-in order to obey God and nurture your relationship with Him by putting Him first in your life? Are you willing to overcome the idol of consumerism and wanting more?
We had a good service last night. I really feel God is about to do something incredible in our student ministry. We are begining to see some new faces come out and growth in some of the ones who have been in youth for awhile.
Thank you Lord...do your work and create BUZZ!
Do You Have The Desire To Acquire?
The Idol Of Consumerism and wanting more.
The Idol Of Consumerism and wanting more.
An interesting fact...eBay has over 13 million items on sale, with more than 18 thousand categories of items to buy.
The attitude of wanting more prompts us to never be satisfied with what God has already given us.
Ecclesiates 5:10-15
3 Myths about having more...
Myth #1 - Having More Will Make Me Happier
Myth #2 - Having More Will Make Me More Important
Myth #3 - Having More Will Make Me More Secure
Do you spend more time with your stuff than with God? Are your things more valuable to you than your relationship with God? Do you spend more time trying to acquire than you do trying to grow your relationship with God?
If you are a Christ follower, allow me to ask you:what are you willing to-and what are you willing to do with out-in order to obey God and nurture your relationship with Him by putting Him first in your life? Are you willing to overcome the idol of consumerism and wanting more?
We had a good service last night. I really feel God is about to do something incredible in our student ministry. We are begining to see some new faces come out and growth in some of the ones who have been in youth for awhile.
Thank you Lord...do your work and create BUZZ!
Still In Shock
I am still in shock...that is right...Chris Daughtry was voted off American Idol last night. I thought for sure Chris was going to win, atleast that is what I was hoping.
I am looking forward to Chris' album whenever it is released, he is/was my favorite American Idol so far of all five seasons.
I guess I am now going to root for the Richmond, VA native Elliot Yamin.
Have a great day...
Chris
I am looking forward to Chris' album whenever it is released, he is/was my favorite American Idol so far of all five seasons.
I guess I am now going to root for the Richmond, VA native Elliot Yamin.
Have a great day...
Chris
Daily Caffeination 5/11/06
An Encounter With God
So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision, I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. - Daniel 10:8
Daniel received a vision that troubled him greatly. He wanted understanding of this vision. He set himself out to understand the vision by fasting for three weeks. Three days after his three weeks of fasting, a messenger of God appeared to Daniel. The messenger explained that Heaven had heard his prayer from the first day, but the angel was temporarily prevented from coming by the prince of Persia, a demon angel, who sought to thwart God's messenger from coming to Daniel.
There are times in our lives when we must set ourselves to seeking God with all our hearts. It is in these times that we hear from Heaven in ways we may never have experienced before. Daniel's perseverance in prayer was rewarded with a personal encounter with Heaven. However, in order to receive from God, Daniel had to be left alone, have his strength removed, and be placed in a helpless condition. When we have no ability in our own strength to move Heaven or the events around us, we are in position to hear from Heaven. It is the acknowledgment of our humanity and our frailness that places us in a position to have a personal encounter with the living God.
Do you need a personal encounter with God today? Do you need God to intervene on your behalf? Seek Him with all your heart. Demonstrate to Him you are serious. Get alone and acknowledge your helpless condition before Him. He will reward you with His presence.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Ed & Mark from Buzz Conference '06
Here are two pictures of the two speakers from Buzz Conference '06, two supercool dudes with attitudes. :-)
Pictures from Buzz
BUZZ Conference '06
These are from my video capture...More Pics from BUZZ '06 to come.
These are from my video capture...More Pics from BUZZ '06 to come.
Dan Ohlerking One of the coolest guys around...the one person I was really looking forward to meeting at the Buzz Conference.
Pastor Mark Batterson speaking at the Theater Church Forum, downstairs @ Ebenezzars
Brad Abare amazing communicator and has great stuff to say...
I am on my brand spanking new macbook pro
I finally got it...a brand new Macbook Pro. I have to get used to using it now. Hey any suggestions or ideas on where I should start learning bad boy. I feel like I a have reach the top with this awesome device. I am looking forward to getting into the video editing and podcasting.
It seems like it will take forever to learn how to this thing. Please pray that it comes easy. Well I am off to play with my new machine. Oh by the way...if Dave Russell reads this I will come up to DC and treat you for dinner if you help me learn the Mac the Dave Russell way. :-)
Here are my specs.
15.4-inch widescreen display
1440x900 resolution
2.0GHz Intel Core Duo—upgradeable to 2.16GHz(1)
1GB (single SO-DIMM) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
100GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive
4x SuperDrive
ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB GDDR3 memory
One FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports
It seems like it will take forever to learn how to this thing. Please pray that it comes easy. Well I am off to play with my new machine. Oh by the way...if Dave Russell reads this I will come up to DC and treat you for dinner if you help me learn the Mac the Dave Russell way. :-)
Here are my specs.
15.4-inch widescreen display
1440x900 resolution
2.0GHz Intel Core Duo—upgradeable to 2.16GHz(1)
1GB (single SO-DIMM) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
100GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive
4x SuperDrive
ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB GDDR3 memory
One FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports
Daily Caffeination 5/10/06
The Flight of Geese
A major corporation conducted a study on the flight of geese. In their study they found that geese fly in a "V" formation with one goose in the lead. After a period of time, this goose relinquishes the lead to another goose. During flight they noticed head movements of the leader that seem to give signals to the other geese flying, perhaps to let the others know how he was doing. They estimate that the formation flight pattern reduces wind drag due to the lift the other birds receive and believe it increases their performance by up to 70 percent. Whenever one goose drops out, another goes with it. These two geese do not catch up to the original pack, but join another group later.
Independence is one of the strongholds of the workplace. The entire system feeds the desire within us to gain recognition from our individual achievements. We wrongly believe financial independence frees us from needing to depend on anyone else. The fact is dependence on others is a good thing. It can bring us into a unity of spirit that accomplishes much more with less effort while meeting needs for each of us. Christ talked a lot about unity among brothers and sisters. He said that others would know we are Christians by our love for one another and by our unity. We need to depend on others so that we don't go it alone. By walking together we increase our strength. By going it alone we must carry a load we were never intended to carry. God did not create us to go it alone. By joining together we accomplish more for Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord today if there is an independent spirit within you that prevents you from joining others in the mission He has called you to.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Me behind Tony Morgan at the Buzz Conference
I am the one in the red hat behind the handsome Tony Morgan...I feel like I have made it to the big time, I grabbed this picture from evotional.com website. By the way we were waiting in line to get some Ben and Jerry's ice cream. I don't seem to pathetic trying to get some of that buzzbuzzbuzz ice cream. It was truly an honor to be in the same vacinity as men like Tony Morgan and Mark Batterson. These men are not only men of God but some of the most creative and innovative people I know. I told you all I got buzzed in DC. :-)
Daily Caffeination 5/09/06
The Value of Words
And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your "Yes" be "Yes," and your "No," "No"; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. - Matthew 5:36-37
Imagine for a moment that you are living in Jesus' time. It is before Jesus has begun His public ministry. He is a carpenter in your local town of Nazareth. You have asked Jesus to make a table for you. You're on a deadline and you must have it in a week. You agree on the price of $100 for the table and the date of one week for completion. A week later you arrive to pick up the table. You lay your money down on the table and Jesus says, "Mr. Johnson, I am sorry but the table is not ready. I ran into complications. Also, I can no longer honor the price I gave you. It is now $150 instead of $100."
Two years later you hear about this same Jesus who is preaching to the local townspeople. How are you going to view this Jesus? You probably won't give much credence to His message because of your personal experience. Our lives have an ability to reinforce the message we stand for, or they can violate it and make it totally ineffective. This literally happens all over the world in different settings with Christian workplace believers. Our message becomes ineffective because we have not done what we said.
I know people who, when they tell me they plan to do something, I can expect them to follow through about 50 percent of the time. I am sure you have had the same experience. Words and commitments are made with little meaning behind those words. However, I know others who will follow through almost every time. The only time they don't is when something falls outside their control. I quickly learn whose words have substance behind them.
There are times when we are unable to perform or deliver what we promised due to outside influences. The key to turning these potentially negative circumstances into a witness for Christ is communication. If we are unable to pay a bill on time, we must communicate with those we owe and make a good faith effort to resolve it within our means. In these cases, God's purposes are being performed as well if we seek to do the right thing.
Do your words mean anything to those who hear them? Do you make commitments and fail to follow through on them? What would others say about how you follow through? Ask the Lord today to show you how you are doing in this area. You might even want to ask three people who are the closest to you how you fare in this area.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Monday, May 08, 2006
Takeaways From The Buzz Conference
-"Worst fate for the church is to be ignored." -Pastor Mark Batterson
-"Doing things halfway hurts more than it helps." -Pastor Mark Batterson
-"Be Yourself." -Pastor Ed Young
-"If you can see it with your eyes plagiarize." -Pastor Ed Young
-"Promote the fool out of stuff." -Pastor Ed Young
-"Stop chasing negative people." Don't go horizontal, stay vertical." -Pastor Ed Young
-"Failure of imagination = the failure of the future church." -Pastor Mark Batterson
-"Our jobs are not to talk, but get people to listen." -Pastor Mark Batterson
-"Be who you are and not who you are not. Be the church on the corner and not on the cover." -Brad Abare from Churchmarketingsucks.com
-If people aren't getting the message, it is our fault." -Brad Abare from Churchmarketingsucks.com
-"The best buzz is the stuff people want to talk about." -Brad Abare from Churchmarketingsucks.com
-"Be willing to fall on your face." -Pastor Mark Batterson
-"Avoid regrets of inaction." -Pastor Mark Batterson
I love to study people's communication styles...everybody has those crutch words, phrases or sounds. Such as...ummm; like; and; guys; and many others...
My favorite crutch phrase from the weekend... "For what it's worth." -Pastor Mark Batterson
Again, I want to mention how awesome the volunteer staff was NCC. They were totally amazing and kind. Thanks to Pastor Mark and the NCC Staff for a great conference.
-"Doing things halfway hurts more than it helps." -Pastor Mark Batterson
-"Be Yourself." -Pastor Ed Young
-"If you can see it with your eyes plagiarize." -Pastor Ed Young
-"Promote the fool out of stuff." -Pastor Ed Young
-"Stop chasing negative people." Don't go horizontal, stay vertical." -Pastor Ed Young
-"Failure of imagination = the failure of the future church." -Pastor Mark Batterson
-"Our jobs are not to talk, but get people to listen." -Pastor Mark Batterson
-"Be who you are and not who you are not. Be the church on the corner and not on the cover." -Brad Abare from Churchmarketingsucks.com
-If people aren't getting the message, it is our fault." -Brad Abare from Churchmarketingsucks.com
-"The best buzz is the stuff people want to talk about." -Brad Abare from Churchmarketingsucks.com
-"Be willing to fall on your face." -Pastor Mark Batterson
-"Avoid regrets of inaction." -Pastor Mark Batterson
I love to study people's communication styles...everybody has those crutch words, phrases or sounds. Such as...ummm; like; and; guys; and many others...
My favorite crutch phrase from the weekend... "For what it's worth." -Pastor Mark Batterson
Again, I want to mention how awesome the volunteer staff was NCC. They were totally amazing and kind. Thanks to Pastor Mark and the NCC Staff for a great conference.
Daily Caffeination 5/08/06
Changing Besetting Habits-The $10 Challenge
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin." - John 8:34
"I hate being late," my friend lamented. "It has been a problem for me all my life."
"Do you really want to change that?" I asked.
"Yes, I do."
"All right. Every time you are late to work or anywhere else where you have committed to be at a particular time you must give me $25."
"No way!" my friend responded. "I would go broke! But I will do $10."
"All right, $10 it is. It has to be a large enough amount of money for it to hurt your pocketbook."
"Believe me, that will hurt," my friend said. About a month later my friend found great motivation to be on time to every place she had to be. In the first week, I got only $10 from my friend. The next week, $20. The third week, nothing. By the fifth week, my friend had changed a lifelong habit that had hindered her all her life. In order for my friend not to be resentful of me for the money she had to give, we put it in a jar to be given to some other Christian cause. This ensured my motive was only for her best interest.
Some might be reading this now and say it is legalism. For my friend it was freedom. For the first time she had some means of changing a behavior that had caused her problems in relationships and her own work habits. Psychologists tell us that it takes 21 days to form a habit. So, if you need to change some habit, you need to be actively engaged in that new behavior at least 21 days. My friend needed help to change a habit she didn't like about herself. It took another individual to hold her accountable, and it took a potential loss of something to provide the added incentive.
A successful businessman was experiencing a difficult marriage. When counseling the couple over dinner one night, a friend of mine noticed that the man often criticized his wife. After further counsel it was determined the man simply could not love his wife. My friend asked him if he truly wanted to see change in his marriage. When the man said he did, my friend said, "Every time you criticize your wife you must agree to give me $100." This man was well-off and needed substantial incentive to change his behavior. After the man rebelled and retorted, he agreed in front of his wife. A few weeks later a report came back that things were changing. This man did not want to write any checks to my friend. Although it was a competitive game to the man, it was also yielding some positive changes in his marriage. He began to acquire the habit of avoiding criticism of his wife, which was killing her spirit.
What are the habits that keep you from becoming all that God may want you to become? Do you desire change enough to be accountable in a way that it costs you something when you fail? Ask a friend to hold you accountable in an area that needs change. You will find new freedom as you conquer old besetting habits.
by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Saturday, May 06, 2006
The 411 on the Buzz
WOW!!!! I am totally looking forward to June of 2007 for BUZZ '07. This was an amazing event @ an excellent location being surrounded by some of the most innovative, creative and geuinely all around great people.
I will get to the sessions in a moment. I was the most excited about getting connected with some of the coolest people in the world. I had the amazing chance to meet Dan Ohlerking from Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, LA. He is a super duper nice guy...he was the one guy that I really wanted to meet. I wish I had the opportunity to spend more time with Dan, he seems like such fun guy to be around. Dan, mad love to you bro. I also had a chance to meet the man with the most beautiful handwriting in the world, he sat right next to me during a few sessions, his name is Ben Arment from History Church in Reston, VA. I also had a chance to hang with my friends from Centerpointe Church in Fair Oaks, VA, Pastor Brimmer, Pastor Kevin (Peachy) Beachy, and Pastor Karen Clark also my really good friend Pastor John Kenney from Calvary Assembly in Frederick, MD. I honestly love the times of meeting new people and getting connected with others who are like minded and as passionate as I am about reaching this culture.
There were three sessions that stuck out in my mind. These sessions were my personal favorites of the whole conference. In my opinion, they were the most informative and captivating sessions that I took the most from.
The first session was the Theater Chruch forum. I enjoyed the dialogue of ideas and stories of doing Theater Churches, I went to the forum with the idea of just wanting to check out the idea of planting a church and starting it in a movie theater. During, this time I enjoyed Warren Bird from the Leadership Network sharing, which I videotaped. I also loved the panel of Theater Church pastors which consisted of Gary Lamb from Ridge Stone Church in Georgia, this guy is hilarious and a redneck, what a trip. Also, Trinity Jordan from Elevation Church in Utah, this guy is very funny as well, I wish I had more of an opportunity to pick his brain, he seems like a very interesting dude. Also, one other guy shared I totally forgot his name, I know he is from Utah and looked like a Harley guy. Anyways, I totally thought this forum was fantastic I enjoyed hearing the stories of the three churches represented up there as well has hearing Pastor Mark sharing the 10 Lessons that NCC Learned as a theater church. This forum had a lot of great content and original in information.
The second session I highly enjoyed was Brad Abare from The Center For Church Marketing and from Church Marketing Sucks. This was my favorite session by far. Brad shared a lot of great stuff and he is an awesome communicator, I could just listen to him speak for a whole conference. Very bright guy, he simply knows what is going on I enjoyed the nine things he shared that we need to ask ourselves and challenge ourselves with...I want to hear him again. I was very impressed with Brad.
The third session I enjoyed was the the Branding Panel with Joe Dascenzo, Change Design; Dawn Baldwin, Aspire!One; and Brad Abare, Center for Church Communication.
I enjoyed the different things these three bring to the table and their passion to see the future of the church be successful at reaching their communities. I enjoy listening to people who are passionate about reaching those outside the church. I was very impressed with this panel.
My two big disappointments from the conference...these things will not keep me from going back again next year, but these were things that I didn't enjoy as much or was a little diappointed with.
My main disappointment was Pastor Ed Young, I still have mad love for the dude and I will still watch him every Sunday morning as I get ready for church. I think my expectation may have been too high. I felt he used too much of his cliche stuff, also I have heard everything before thourgh his sermons and podcasts, so the content to me while it was excellent for those who have never heard it before was not original. I also perceived that he didn't seem like he wanted to be there. Again, that is my perception that I got from his expression from the begining. Again, I still have mad love for the guy and he is doing an incredible job, I also bought hisbook Creative Leader and I bought the CD from the session he spoke for a freind.
My other disappointment, wow this one is hard to say, because I know Pastor Mark reads my blog occassionally, I have nothing but mucho love and respect for him, but his two sessions on the Buzz Commandments were basically his blog posts on the top ten buzz commandments that I printed off and filed away. For those that don't read Pastor Mark's blogs this is great material and resources and I am sure they got alot out of what he shared...but in my opinion this was not fresh or new to those of us who read his blog on a regular basis. That was really hard for me to share because of the great amount of respect I have for Pastor Mark, I still think he one of the coolest and most genuine guys I know.
Overall the conference was excellent and I am looking forward to next year, I will personally do what I can to encourage leaders/pastor that I know to attend BUZZ '07. I also thought Ebenezzars was an awesome place great coffee and great atmosphere to the place.
With all the information I received I am looking forward to appling and challenging myself to build on what I have taken away from this conference. Thanks again NCC for the great hospitality and for being a generous host, thanks to all the speakers for your insights and the value you have added into my life, and thanks to all the awesome people I had the opportunity to connect with and meet.
Later
Chris
I will get to the sessions in a moment. I was the most excited about getting connected with some of the coolest people in the world. I had the amazing chance to meet Dan Ohlerking from Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, LA. He is a super duper nice guy...he was the one guy that I really wanted to meet. I wish I had the opportunity to spend more time with Dan, he seems like such fun guy to be around. Dan, mad love to you bro. I also had a chance to meet the man with the most beautiful handwriting in the world, he sat right next to me during a few sessions, his name is Ben Arment from History Church in Reston, VA. I also had a chance to hang with my friends from Centerpointe Church in Fair Oaks, VA, Pastor Brimmer, Pastor Kevin (Peachy) Beachy, and Pastor Karen Clark also my really good friend Pastor John Kenney from Calvary Assembly in Frederick, MD. I honestly love the times of meeting new people and getting connected with others who are like minded and as passionate as I am about reaching this culture.
There were three sessions that stuck out in my mind. These sessions were my personal favorites of the whole conference. In my opinion, they were the most informative and captivating sessions that I took the most from.
The first session was the Theater Chruch forum. I enjoyed the dialogue of ideas and stories of doing Theater Churches, I went to the forum with the idea of just wanting to check out the idea of planting a church and starting it in a movie theater. During, this time I enjoyed Warren Bird from the Leadership Network sharing, which I videotaped. I also loved the panel of Theater Church pastors which consisted of Gary Lamb from Ridge Stone Church in Georgia, this guy is hilarious and a redneck, what a trip. Also, Trinity Jordan from Elevation Church in Utah, this guy is very funny as well, I wish I had more of an opportunity to pick his brain, he seems like a very interesting dude. Also, one other guy shared I totally forgot his name, I know he is from Utah and looked like a Harley guy. Anyways, I totally thought this forum was fantastic I enjoyed hearing the stories of the three churches represented up there as well has hearing Pastor Mark sharing the 10 Lessons that NCC Learned as a theater church. This forum had a lot of great content and original in information.
The second session I highly enjoyed was Brad Abare from The Center For Church Marketing and from Church Marketing Sucks. This was my favorite session by far. Brad shared a lot of great stuff and he is an awesome communicator, I could just listen to him speak for a whole conference. Very bright guy, he simply knows what is going on I enjoyed the nine things he shared that we need to ask ourselves and challenge ourselves with...I want to hear him again. I was very impressed with Brad.
The third session I enjoyed was the the Branding Panel with Joe Dascenzo, Change Design; Dawn Baldwin, Aspire!One; and Brad Abare, Center for Church Communication.
I enjoyed the different things these three bring to the table and their passion to see the future of the church be successful at reaching their communities. I enjoy listening to people who are passionate about reaching those outside the church. I was very impressed with this panel.
My two big disappointments from the conference...these things will not keep me from going back again next year, but these were things that I didn't enjoy as much or was a little diappointed with.
My main disappointment was Pastor Ed Young, I still have mad love for the dude and I will still watch him every Sunday morning as I get ready for church. I think my expectation may have been too high. I felt he used too much of his cliche stuff, also I have heard everything before thourgh his sermons and podcasts, so the content to me while it was excellent for those who have never heard it before was not original. I also perceived that he didn't seem like he wanted to be there. Again, that is my perception that I got from his expression from the begining. Again, I still have mad love for the guy and he is doing an incredible job, I also bought hisbook Creative Leader and I bought the CD from the session he spoke for a freind.
My other disappointment, wow this one is hard to say, because I know Pastor Mark reads my blog occassionally, I have nothing but mucho love and respect for him, but his two sessions on the Buzz Commandments were basically his blog posts on the top ten buzz commandments that I printed off and filed away. For those that don't read Pastor Mark's blogs this is great material and resources and I am sure they got alot out of what he shared...but in my opinion this was not fresh or new to those of us who read his blog on a regular basis. That was really hard for me to share because of the great amount of respect I have for Pastor Mark, I still think he one of the coolest and most genuine guys I know.
Overall the conference was excellent and I am looking forward to next year, I will personally do what I can to encourage leaders/pastor that I know to attend BUZZ '07. I also thought Ebenezzars was an awesome place great coffee and great atmosphere to the place.
With all the information I received I am looking forward to appling and challenging myself to build on what I have taken away from this conference. Thanks again NCC for the great hospitality and for being a generous host, thanks to all the speakers for your insights and the value you have added into my life, and thanks to all the awesome people I had the opportunity to connect with and meet.
Later
Chris
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