The Example of Andrew
He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. —John 1:41–42
In the first chapter of John’s Gospel, we see John the Baptist pointing to Jesus and directing his disciples to follow Him. Andrew and John heard him and followed Jesus. Then Andrew went to tell his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus.
The thing about Andrew is that once he was convinced, he was convinced. He saw for himself. He believed. And he immediately went out to tell his brother Simon. How we need more Andrews today. If we had more Andrews, we would have more Simon Peters. One person bringing another person to Jesus — it’s so simple. It’s so effective. And it is so neglected.
Mark 2 gives an account of four men who brought their paralyzed friend to Christ. As Jesus was teaching inside a house overflowing with people, these four persistent men climbed up to the roof and lowered their friend inside. Jesus was so impressed with their demonstration of faith that He forgave the man of his sins and healed him (see Mark 2:3–5).
This reminds us that a number of Christians working together can bring a person to Christ who cannot necessarily be brought by one. As Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). We all have a part.
Andrew was brand-new in the faith, and often the newest converts are the most zealous evangelists. That’s probably because they are so cognitive of the fact that they have just been saved from a miserable lifestyle. That was Andrew. Maybe we, too, need to remind ourselves time and time again of what God has done for us.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Check this out...Don't miss out
This is from the Forty Days of Prayer Website.
Beginning on August 1, and continuing daily through September 9, this site will be updated with a daily prayer emphasis - all focused on praying for the AIDS orphans and OVC's we work with in Africa. You can find out more about these precious children and what we're doing by visiting the Children's Cup website.
We'd appreciate any comments - your thoughts, prayers or encouragements - as we join together for this time of unified prayer.
For more information about FORTY DAYS OF PRAYER FOR THE CHILDREN, click here.
This is a great thing to get behind and support. There is absolute power in prayer. -Chris
I had a great time this weekend
I hand a wonderful time this weekend at Doubleday Farm. I got to play atleast one baseball game with my dad. We even played catch. That is really special to me. Too bad we had rain, we could play anymore games together. We went into the town of Carlisle alot, we also went to Hershey to the Chocolate Factory.
I am still a little bummed that Clete Boyer backed out of his contract and decided not to show up this weekend. I have issues with people who have no integrity and character. However, the Brad and Erin, the ones who run Doubleday Farm are amazing people and we enjoyed hanging out and talking with them. I would highly recommend that if you get a chance to go to Doubleday, please do it is really nice.
Here are some more pictures...
Lora and my step-mother Roni
My dad and stepmother @ Factory Cafe at Hershey Hotel
Pictures of the ballfield @ 6a
A few pictures from one of my favorite places on Earth
I am still a little bummed that Clete Boyer backed out of his contract and decided not to show up this weekend. I have issues with people who have no integrity and character. However, the Brad and Erin, the ones who run Doubleday Farm are amazing people and we enjoyed hanging out and talking with them. I would highly recommend that if you get a chance to go to Doubleday, please do it is really nice.
Here are some more pictures...
Candid pictures of me and my dad on the ballfield
Lora and my step-mother Roni
My dad and stepmother @ Factory Cafe at Hershey Hotel
Pictures of the ballfield @ 6a
A few pictures from one of my favorite places on Earth
Daily Caffeination 7/30/06
See for Yourself!
He said to them, “Come and see.” —John 1:39
God knows whether we mean business. He knows who the true seekers are. To those who are really seeking Him, He reveals Himself. He says, “Come and see.” And to those who are playing silly religious games, He utters not a single word.
You might be asking yourself, Why am I here? Why is it that when I pray, I don’t seem to hear anything from heaven? Why is it when I sing God’s praises, it just seems like there is an icy silence, a wall that separates me?
But what is your motive? What are you doing it for? What do you seek? If your motives are right, then He says to you, “Come and see.”
“What are you seeking?” Jesus asked Andrew and John when He noticed they were trailing Him (see John 1:42). In other words, “What are you looking for?” They probably felt a little uncomfortable.
“Where do you live?” they asked.
Jesus said, “Come and see.” Now we don’t know where Jesus was living at this time, but we do know from other passages of Scripture that He had no home to speak of. So Jesus was speaking to them on a deeper level. He was not just saying, “Come and see where I rest,” but, “Come and see who I am. Come and see what I am all about.”
And they saw indeed. Through his years with Jesus, John saw so many things as he had the privilege of personally walking and talking with the Lord for three years. And then of course, God gave John a great vision that became what we know as the Book of Revelation. Oh, he saw! Jesus said, “Come and see,” and John saw so much.
Jesus is saying to you today, “Come on! Come see for yourself. Come investigate for yourself.” You will see so much too.
He said to them, “Come and see.” —John 1:39
God knows whether we mean business. He knows who the true seekers are. To those who are really seeking Him, He reveals Himself. He says, “Come and see.” And to those who are playing silly religious games, He utters not a single word.
You might be asking yourself, Why am I here? Why is it that when I pray, I don’t seem to hear anything from heaven? Why is it when I sing God’s praises, it just seems like there is an icy silence, a wall that separates me?
But what is your motive? What are you doing it for? What do you seek? If your motives are right, then He says to you, “Come and see.”
“What are you seeking?” Jesus asked Andrew and John when He noticed they were trailing Him (see John 1:42). In other words, “What are you looking for?” They probably felt a little uncomfortable.
“Where do you live?” they asked.
Jesus said, “Come and see.” Now we don’t know where Jesus was living at this time, but we do know from other passages of Scripture that He had no home to speak of. So Jesus was speaking to them on a deeper level. He was not just saying, “Come and see where I rest,” but, “Come and see who I am. Come and see what I am all about.”
And they saw indeed. Through his years with Jesus, John saw so many things as he had the privilege of personally walking and talking with the Lord for three years. And then of course, God gave John a great vision that became what we know as the Book of Revelation. Oh, he saw! Jesus said, “Come and see,” and John saw so much.
Jesus is saying to you today, “Come on! Come see for yourself. Come investigate for yourself.” You will see so much too.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/29/06
Small Things
Who despises the day of small things? - Zechariah 4:10
Life is filled with a series of small things that can amount to something big. Have you ever considered why the God of the universe came to earth and spent 33 years identifying with mankind through work? Jesus grew up as a carpenter's son and, no doubt, learned the trade from His daily routine of helping His father. For 30 years He worked. When it was time for Him to begin to fulfill His purpose for mankind, He told countless stories of people and their work. He told stories of landowners, farmers, fishermen, tax collectors, and so on. He related to the everyday man because He Himself was one. This is why it was important for Him to have some personal work experience.
Life is filled with daily routines. Every now and then, God takes us to the mountaintop to experience His presence in a dramatic way. This is not the norm. It was not the norm for those in the Bible either. Moses spent 40 years in preparation. Paul spent a great deal of his life working toward the wrong purpose until a dramatic event changed his life. Jacob spent 20 years working for Laban.
God uses work to develop character qualities that He plans to use at the appropriate time. In the small things we develop trustworthiness with God. The day-in and day-out grind of working life molds us and makes us into what God desires. God may still be preparing you for something far greater. For now, however, you are learning the daily lessons of small things. Pray that you will be faithful.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Who despises the day of small things? - Zechariah 4:10
Life is filled with a series of small things that can amount to something big. Have you ever considered why the God of the universe came to earth and spent 33 years identifying with mankind through work? Jesus grew up as a carpenter's son and, no doubt, learned the trade from His daily routine of helping His father. For 30 years He worked. When it was time for Him to begin to fulfill His purpose for mankind, He told countless stories of people and their work. He told stories of landowners, farmers, fishermen, tax collectors, and so on. He related to the everyday man because He Himself was one. This is why it was important for Him to have some personal work experience.
Life is filled with daily routines. Every now and then, God takes us to the mountaintop to experience His presence in a dramatic way. This is not the norm. It was not the norm for those in the Bible either. Moses spent 40 years in preparation. Paul spent a great deal of his life working toward the wrong purpose until a dramatic event changed his life. Jacob spent 20 years working for Laban.
God uses work to develop character qualities that He plans to use at the appropriate time. In the small things we develop trustworthiness with God. The day-in and day-out grind of working life molds us and makes us into what God desires. God may still be preparing you for something far greater. For now, however, you are learning the daily lessons of small things. Pray that you will be faithful.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Friday, July 28, 2006
In Pennsylvania
Lora and I are currently in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The Bed & Breakfast we are staying at has no internet connection so we had to run into town to Panera's to connect with you, the blog reader and the rest of the world.
We are here with my parents for a fanatasy baseball camp with Clete Boyer, formerly of the Yankees/Braves. However, Mr. Boyer decided he did not want to come to the camp and he stayed in Cooperstown, NY (Baseball Hall Of Fame) to sign autographs. He intitially said his reason for not coming is that he was sick, as it turns out, he is fine and was signing autographs all day yesterday when he was supposed to be here. I am very disappointed at this man's professionalism and integrity.
With that being said, I do get to spend time with my parents and play baseball with my dad which is awesome. Today we are going to Hershey, PA, to tour the Chocolate Factory (oh yeah). Can't go wrong there. Then we have two games tonight - 6p and 8p.
The Bed & Breakfast is like a "Field of Dreams" of sorts in the middle of no where. It is called Doubleday Farm. I am having fun in spite of the ball player not showing up and standing up those who came to see him.
Here are a few pictures to hold you over until we return tomorrow evening...
We are here with my parents for a fanatasy baseball camp with Clete Boyer, formerly of the Yankees/Braves. However, Mr. Boyer decided he did not want to come to the camp and he stayed in Cooperstown, NY (Baseball Hall Of Fame) to sign autographs. He intitially said his reason for not coming is that he was sick, as it turns out, he is fine and was signing autographs all day yesterday when he was supposed to be here. I am very disappointed at this man's professionalism and integrity.
With that being said, I do get to spend time with my parents and play baseball with my dad which is awesome. Today we are going to Hershey, PA, to tour the Chocolate Factory (oh yeah). Can't go wrong there. Then we have two games tonight - 6p and 8p.
The Bed & Breakfast is like a "Field of Dreams" of sorts in the middle of no where. It is called Doubleday Farm. I am having fun in spite of the ball player not showing up and standing up those who came to see him.
Here are a few pictures to hold you over until we return tomorrow evening...
Me and my dad before our game.
Me playing short stop.
Me up at bat.
The B &B.
Me playing short stop.
Me up at bat.
The B &B.
Daily Caffeination 7/28/06
Taking Time for People
I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.—1 Corinthians 9:22
When it comes to sharing our faith, we sometimes will spend a lot of time getting answers down pat to questions people may ask. But we should never come across as preprogrammed robots. It would do a lot more good if, instead of just rattling off information, we would show a little compassion, a little love. People can tell when we care about them.
That is what is so beautiful about the way Jesus dealt with people. He took time with them. Of course, there are circumstances in which we cannot sit down with someone and get to know them. But if you have the luxury of time, take it. When you have the opportunity, take the time to talk to people.
When I am traveling and am seated next to someone on a plane for five hours, I don’t usually pull out my Bible and say, “Hi. You just got seated next to a preacher!” Instead, we will talk a little bit. I will ask them about themselves and get to know them. They will usually get around to asking, “So, what do you do for a living?” Building a relationship with someone is very important.
Jesus, the Master Communicator, modeled this for us. He spoke directly to the religious man, Nicodemus, who supposedly had all the answers. Rather than rebuke the woman at the well for her sin, Jesus appealed to her spiritual thirst. This was the apostle Paul’s strategy when he said, “To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).
It is important to remember that Jesus reached out in love to people. And we should do the same.
I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.—1 Corinthians 9:22
When it comes to sharing our faith, we sometimes will spend a lot of time getting answers down pat to questions people may ask. But we should never come across as preprogrammed robots. It would do a lot more good if, instead of just rattling off information, we would show a little compassion, a little love. People can tell when we care about them.
That is what is so beautiful about the way Jesus dealt with people. He took time with them. Of course, there are circumstances in which we cannot sit down with someone and get to know them. But if you have the luxury of time, take it. When you have the opportunity, take the time to talk to people.
When I am traveling and am seated next to someone on a plane for five hours, I don’t usually pull out my Bible and say, “Hi. You just got seated next to a preacher!” Instead, we will talk a little bit. I will ask them about themselves and get to know them. They will usually get around to asking, “So, what do you do for a living?” Building a relationship with someone is very important.
Jesus, the Master Communicator, modeled this for us. He spoke directly to the religious man, Nicodemus, who supposedly had all the answers. Rather than rebuke the woman at the well for her sin, Jesus appealed to her spiritual thirst. This was the apostle Paul’s strategy when he said, “To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).
It is important to remember that Jesus reached out in love to people. And we should do the same.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/26/06
Being an Overcomer
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33
"Why does it seem that those involved in Christian enterprise find the way so hard? It seems as though it is harder for those who are committed Christians in business. Have you found this to be true?" This was the comment from a business associate recently. My answer was a definite yes. In fact, if you were not a Christian and sought to do a similar business without regard to maintaining a biblical philosophy, the way would be much smoother sailing. It makes us think of the prophet who asked, "Why do the wicked prosper?" (see Jer. 12:1)
It is a spiritual principle of which we speak. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan before they entered the Promised Land, they fought only two battles. Then after they entered the Promised Land, they fought 39 battles. The way of the cross is not paved with lilies; it is paved with grace. When we seek to honor God in our business life, we will be met with opposition from the spiritual forces of this world. This is why each of us must commit ourselves to walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and to be as gentle as doves but as wise as serpents.
Do not be surprised when you find the way harder as a believer than when you were a non-believer. You now have more at stake among the spiritual forces that desire you to be defeated and ineffective.
Stand firm against the evil forces that desire to keep you from walking in freedom in the Promised Land. Jesus is your victory for every battle you will encounter. Call on His name.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33
"Why does it seem that those involved in Christian enterprise find the way so hard? It seems as though it is harder for those who are committed Christians in business. Have you found this to be true?" This was the comment from a business associate recently. My answer was a definite yes. In fact, if you were not a Christian and sought to do a similar business without regard to maintaining a biblical philosophy, the way would be much smoother sailing. It makes us think of the prophet who asked, "Why do the wicked prosper?" (see Jer. 12:1)
It is a spiritual principle of which we speak. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan before they entered the Promised Land, they fought only two battles. Then after they entered the Promised Land, they fought 39 battles. The way of the cross is not paved with lilies; it is paved with grace. When we seek to honor God in our business life, we will be met with opposition from the spiritual forces of this world. This is why each of us must commit ourselves to walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and to be as gentle as doves but as wise as serpents.
Do not be surprised when you find the way harder as a believer than when you were a non-believer. You now have more at stake among the spiritual forces that desire you to be defeated and ineffective.
Stand firm against the evil forces that desire to keep you from walking in freedom in the Promised Land. Jesus is your victory for every battle you will encounter. Call on His name.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
We started playing soccer last night
Last night Lora and I had our first soccer practice for a beginners coed team in Richmond. It was a good practice, except for the four laps around the field. Hmmmm, go figure running for endurance. :-) I am not much of a long distance runner, so I was winded after first lap and walked 2/3 of the time. On the field, however I can run a little more. After last night we were totally exhausted, but had fun.
Our first game is in September, we are looking forward to getting out there and playing for real, it has been a real long time for the both of us.
So here is workout/excercise schedule for the week now.
Disciplining the mind, body and Spirit,
Chris
Our first game is in September, we are looking forward to getting out there and playing for real, it has been a real long time for the both of us.
So here is workout/excercise schedule for the week now.
- M-F Working out at the Y from 6a-7:30, Weights and Cardio
- Sunday afternoons 2-4, soccer games
- Mon, Tues & Thurs - 7p-8:30 Soccer practice
- Sunday evening 6p-9p (varies) Softball this does include fall ball as well. (just Chris)
Disciplining the mind, body and Spirit,
Chris
Daily Caffeination 7/25/06
Experiencing God in Your Business
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1
The CEO walked into the president's office after reviewing his new marketing plan for the next year. It was a well-prepared, thoughtful plan.
"This will not do!" exclaimed the CEO. "This plan describes how you will achieve these objectives through your own planning. I am certain you can achieve these objectives through normal business operations; however, you have allowed no room for faith in your plan. Now you must determine what God wants us to trust Him to accomplish through this business. You must go beyond what you can naturally achieve."
What was this CEO saying? If you and I want to experience God in business at the practical level, we must be willing to trust Him for more than what our natural abilities can accomplish. God likes to show Himself in the midst of unlikely circumstances. This is the place that God receives the glory. God always forced Israel to trust Him for the supernatural. This is how glory was brought to the Father. It is no different in our lives.
The world is looking for real faith. Perhaps you are the instrument that He wants to use to demonstrate real faith to the unbelieving business world. It will require courage, faith, and action; also, it will require risk. You may risk finances, reputation, and being misunderstood. This was the risk of all leaders in the Bible. It was a risk worth taking. Are you willing to see God move in your business life? Ask Him what this might mean for you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1
The CEO walked into the president's office after reviewing his new marketing plan for the next year. It was a well-prepared, thoughtful plan.
"This will not do!" exclaimed the CEO. "This plan describes how you will achieve these objectives through your own planning. I am certain you can achieve these objectives through normal business operations; however, you have allowed no room for faith in your plan. Now you must determine what God wants us to trust Him to accomplish through this business. You must go beyond what you can naturally achieve."
What was this CEO saying? If you and I want to experience God in business at the practical level, we must be willing to trust Him for more than what our natural abilities can accomplish. God likes to show Himself in the midst of unlikely circumstances. This is the place that God receives the glory. God always forced Israel to trust Him for the supernatural. This is how glory was brought to the Father. It is no different in our lives.
The world is looking for real faith. Perhaps you are the instrument that He wants to use to demonstrate real faith to the unbelieving business world. It will require courage, faith, and action; also, it will require risk. You may risk finances, reputation, and being misunderstood. This was the risk of all leaders in the Bible. It was a risk worth taking. Are you willing to see God move in your business life? Ask Him what this might mean for you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
A Quote from Fast Company's First Impressions
"The essence of leadership today is to make sure that the organization knows itself. There are certain durable principles that underlie an organization. The leader should embody those values. They're fundamental. But they have nothing to do with business strategy, tactics, or market share. They have to do with human relationships and the obligation of the organization to its individual members and its customers."
—Mort Meyerson, chairman and CEO, Perot Systems
The same is true for the local community of faith (church). It is all about relationship with people. People really don't care about how much you know, but the want to know how much you care.
—Mort Meyerson, chairman and CEO, Perot Systems
The same is true for the local community of faith (church). It is all about relationship with people. People really don't care about how much you know, but the want to know how much you care.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/24/06
Finding Meaning in Our Labor
But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." - Isaiah 49:4
Have you ever felt like you're spending your life using your talent for nothing? Life is often spent doing mundane activities that seem to have little eternal purpose.
The great prophet Isaiah was struggling with his own purpose. He knew he was chosen to be a voice for God, yet life became purposeless for Isaiah. We all go through periods when our purpose seems to be clouded with the mundane. We see little meaning in life. On the other hand, Isaiah didn't stay in this place. We read in this passage that he knew the truth of his existence. He could look past his present circumstance and know that his real reward and purpose would be revealed in eternity. He knew that God was just and fair, so he placed his faith on this truth.
When life appears to lack meaning and purpose, remember that if you devote your life to the purposes He has for you, the fruits of your labor will be manifested in due time. "The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it" (1 Thess. 5:24).
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." - Isaiah 49:4
Have you ever felt like you're spending your life using your talent for nothing? Life is often spent doing mundane activities that seem to have little eternal purpose.
The great prophet Isaiah was struggling with his own purpose. He knew he was chosen to be a voice for God, yet life became purposeless for Isaiah. We all go through periods when our purpose seems to be clouded with the mundane. We see little meaning in life. On the other hand, Isaiah didn't stay in this place. We read in this passage that he knew the truth of his existence. He could look past his present circumstance and know that his real reward and purpose would be revealed in eternity. He knew that God was just and fair, so he placed his faith on this truth.
When life appears to lack meaning and purpose, remember that if you devote your life to the purposes He has for you, the fruits of your labor will be manifested in due time. "The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it" (1 Thess. 5:24).
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Abe Quigley Fan
If you a music fan especially a fan of acoustic, blues, jazz and great vocals you need to check out this amazing artist. I am a huge fan of Abe Quigley, his sound just totally blows me away and his art truly makes a beautiful picture of music. If any of you have a coffeehouse you need to get this guy to perform, this dude bring down the house.
Check him out @ www.myspace.com/abequigleymusic
or www.abequigley.com/
I have really become a fan of independent music especially great acoustic art. You must check Abe, you will not be disappointed.
Chris
Check him out @ www.myspace.com/abequigleymusic
or www.abequigley.com/
I have really become a fan of independent music especially great acoustic art. You must check Abe, you will not be disappointed.
Chris
A Day at the Lake With Our YMCA Community
Lora and I have been going to the YMCA here in Chester just about every morning since the beginning of February to workout and to get ourselves into shape so we can be healthier.
We are at the Y every morning about 5:45 - 6:00. Where during that time there is a group of wonderful people that we have connected with and built freindships. Our early morning group is called the Early Risers. This group has become a community to us outside of our wonderful church community and for me outside of my softball community (a whole other story).
Well yesterday we had the honor of going to the lake home at Smith Mountain Lake of George and Peggy Morrison along with some others from our Early Riser group. We had such an amazing time, we really enjoyed hanging out and connecting with our new friends. I love this community because we are all so real and authentic, each one of us are uniquely different with different backgrounds, political views and faith beliefs. This is absolutely a genuine group of people. I wish the church community as whole could be a little more like this.
Here are pictures from this awesome day and of this beautiful home...one word to describe this house is WOW!!!!!
Front of the amazing house
View from 3rd Floor look out toward the huge window.
Living room that overlooks the lake with a two-sided fireplace
Looking up at the 3rd level from the living room
George (owner), Vick, Heidi and Tiffany about to out in the boat
Wendi riding the the tube behind the boat, what fun.
Jeff riding the tube
The incredible kitchen...I definitly could eat the food from this kitchen
Looking down at the boat house Peggy (owner), Victor, Brian, Lora, Paul,Janette and Michelle
Can I say a movie theater in the house, the seats have cup holders, my own theaterchurch? hmmmmm :-) This was awesome!
View of the back of the from the boat
View of the back of the house from the boat house
View of the lake from the one of the many balcony of the house.
Peggy, Tiffany, Brian and Heidi
Me relaxing in the lake...awww the life.
Lora on the boat
We are at the Y every morning about 5:45 - 6:00. Where during that time there is a group of wonderful people that we have connected with and built freindships. Our early morning group is called the Early Risers. This group has become a community to us outside of our wonderful church community and for me outside of my softball community (a whole other story).
Well yesterday we had the honor of going to the lake home at Smith Mountain Lake of George and Peggy Morrison along with some others from our Early Riser group. We had such an amazing time, we really enjoyed hanging out and connecting with our new friends. I love this community because we are all so real and authentic, each one of us are uniquely different with different backgrounds, political views and faith beliefs. This is absolutely a genuine group of people. I wish the church community as whole could be a little more like this.
Here are pictures from this awesome day and of this beautiful home...one word to describe this house is WOW!!!!!
Front of the amazing house
View from 3rd Floor look out toward the huge window.
Living room that overlooks the lake with a two-sided fireplace
Looking up at the 3rd level from the living room
George (owner), Vick, Heidi and Tiffany about to out in the boat
Wendi riding the the tube behind the boat, what fun.
Jeff riding the tube
The incredible kitchen...I definitly could eat the food from this kitchen
Looking down at the boat house Peggy (owner), Victor, Brian, Lora, Paul,Janette and Michelle
Can I say a movie theater in the house, the seats have cup holders, my own theaterchurch? hmmmmm :-) This was awesome!
View of the back of the from the boat
View of the back of the house from the boat house
View of the lake from the one of the many balcony of the house.
Peggy, Tiffany, Brian and Heidi
Me relaxing in the lake...awww the life.
Lora on the boat
It is officially official :-)
On Friday, I received in the mail from the General Council of the Assemblies of God in Springfield, MO my License to Preach Card, in other words my official approval from my great fellewoship. In the AG it is the second level of ministry for credentialing, Certified; License; and then Ordination.
To say the very least I am extremely excited, one for the fruit of my act of obedience and two because this I believe will open some doors for me with my desire to plant a church within the Assemblies. There is nothing like accomplishing a goal, and seeing the reward of that goal.
My church is honoring me with a commissioning ceremony and will present me with my certificate, all of you are invited, yes even you. The service will be held Sunday, August 22nd at 10:00. The dress is come as you are. Don't miss it!!! I am very excited.
Had to share my joy.
Later,
Chris
To say the very least I am extremely excited, one for the fruit of my act of obedience and two because this I believe will open some doors for me with my desire to plant a church within the Assemblies. There is nothing like accomplishing a goal, and seeing the reward of that goal.
My church is honoring me with a commissioning ceremony and will present me with my certificate, all of you are invited, yes even you. The service will be held Sunday, August 22nd at 10:00. The dress is come as you are. Don't miss it!!! I am very excited.
Had to share my joy.
Later,
Chris
Daily Caffeination 7/23/06
Like Noah’s Day
“In those days before the Flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the Flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes."—Matthew 24:38–39
The people in Noah’s day mocked his beliefs. They laughed at the old man who was building his huge boat when there was no body of water around. But when those first drops of rain started coming down, they changed their tune.
This mockery like Noah experienced, that is, the mockery of the things of God, will also be a sign of the last days. The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:3, “First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will be scoffers who will laugh at the truth and do every evil thing they desire. This will be their argument: ‘Jesus promised to come back, did he? Then where is he? Why, as far back as anyone can remember, everything has remained exactly the same since the world was first created.’ ” How accurate this description is. It’s the same argument being used today. The writing is on the wall for all to see. And it isn’t hard to read that writing if you’re paying attention.
According to the Bible, there is a generation that will not see death. Instead, they will be removed from the face of the earth. And if you believe in the Rapture, you are not alone. According to one study done by a news magazine, 61 percent of Americans believe that Jesus Christ will return to the earth, and 44 percent believe in the Rapture.
“In those days before the Flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the Flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes."—Matthew 24:38–39
The people in Noah’s day mocked his beliefs. They laughed at the old man who was building his huge boat when there was no body of water around. But when those first drops of rain started coming down, they changed their tune.
This mockery like Noah experienced, that is, the mockery of the things of God, will also be a sign of the last days. The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:3, “First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will be scoffers who will laugh at the truth and do every evil thing they desire. This will be their argument: ‘Jesus promised to come back, did he? Then where is he? Why, as far back as anyone can remember, everything has remained exactly the same since the world was first created.’ ” How accurate this description is. It’s the same argument being used today. The writing is on the wall for all to see. And it isn’t hard to read that writing if you’re paying attention.
According to the Bible, there is a generation that will not see death. Instead, they will be removed from the face of the earth. And if you believe in the Rapture, you are not alone. According to one study done by a news magazine, 61 percent of Americans believe that Jesus Christ will return to the earth, and 44 percent believe in the Rapture.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/22/06
Admitting Failure
They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.
—John 21:3
It was a familiar scene. The disciples had been fishing all night, but caught nothing. Then they hear a voice from the shore call out, “Children, have you any food?” (John 21:5).
The word “children” used here could also be translated “boys.” Both terms would normally be used by a parent or an authority figure. I wonder if Peter thought, Who is he calling boys? We are men. Why is he even talking to us? It’s not his business.
But John, always the perceptive one, recognized that it was Jesus. But why did the Lord ask them this question? The point was to show them their own need. He wanted them to admit their failure: “We caught nothing.” It isn’t that this was the biggest failure you could ever have. After all, we have all had this happen when we have gone fishing. But Jesus was using their empty nets to illustrate a larger point.
God will do the same with us. Before we can find restoration, before we can find forgiveness, we have to admit our failure. That is really hard for some people. We don’t like to admit we have failed. It seems like more people are willing to say, “I’m sick” than “I’m sorry,” or “I have sinned.” We have become a nation of dysfunctional victims with all kinds of imaginary diseases. It seems like no one wants to take responsibility for their actions any more.
So to the disciples, the Lord said, “Did you catch anything?”
Before we can find God’s forgiveness, and indeed, His restoration, we must first admit our need. No excuses. No blaming others. Instead, just honest confession as we take responsibility for our own actions.
They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.
—John 21:3
It was a familiar scene. The disciples had been fishing all night, but caught nothing. Then they hear a voice from the shore call out, “Children, have you any food?” (John 21:5).
The word “children” used here could also be translated “boys.” Both terms would normally be used by a parent or an authority figure. I wonder if Peter thought, Who is he calling boys? We are men. Why is he even talking to us? It’s not his business.
But John, always the perceptive one, recognized that it was Jesus. But why did the Lord ask them this question? The point was to show them their own need. He wanted them to admit their failure: “We caught nothing.” It isn’t that this was the biggest failure you could ever have. After all, we have all had this happen when we have gone fishing. But Jesus was using their empty nets to illustrate a larger point.
God will do the same with us. Before we can find restoration, before we can find forgiveness, we have to admit our failure. That is really hard for some people. We don’t like to admit we have failed. It seems like more people are willing to say, “I’m sick” than “I’m sorry,” or “I have sinned.” We have become a nation of dysfunctional victims with all kinds of imaginary diseases. It seems like no one wants to take responsibility for their actions any more.
So to the disciples, the Lord said, “Did you catch anything?”
Before we can find God’s forgiveness, and indeed, His restoration, we must first admit our need. No excuses. No blaming others. Instead, just honest confession as we take responsibility for our own actions.
Friday, July 21, 2006
MySpace Part 2
A Follow up to my previous post...this is from the most recent Relevant Network email. I like their take on MySpace...people in our community is on there. Check it out...
from an article from the Relevant Leader Network Getting the Word Out 4.0 by Drew Moser
MySpace www.myspace.com
Yes, MySpace has been in the news for some pretty nasty stuff. But our unofficial motto: "We're using MySpace for good, not evil." And yes, the ads are less than tasteful, And yes, it appears to have been created by a caveman with a Commodore 64. And yes, it's owned by Rupert Murdoch. But the fact is, your community is on it, whether you know it or not. Plus, others who should be a part of your ministry are on it. Shouldn't we meet them where they are?
from an article from the Relevant Leader Network Getting the Word Out 4.0 by Drew Moser
My Take On MySpace
I have read many opinions from people I respect on the subject of using MYSPACE. Actually, many recent blogs that I have read have really good takes on myspace. I want to share my view.
Many of the opinions I have read come from fellow Christ-followers, Church leaders and professional bloggers. I would never honestly dismiss their views about myspace. I agree there is alot of garbage on there...same is true for the internet as a whole. I also agree a whole lot of teenagers and young adults use myspace...in my opinion those are the ones that the church need to reach. I also agree it is not a "blog" site...you can blog, but I think it is designed more for community, kind of like a cross of IM and email.
Here is my list why I believe MySpace can be a great tool for us to use...
1. Ministries can use MySpace as HisSpace...make it a light in a dark community.
2. The community of MySpace continues to grow among youth and young adults, many of our ministries focus on that group...why not use it.
3. MySpace is a social network (WIRED Magazine calls it that), why can't the church take advantage of that.
4. It is a free resource that takes little time to maintain...why does the church use something like this as a good steward of resources or do we need $$$ for something all the time. I believe we need to spend $$$ for excellence, we can also take advantage of open source and free resource material as well.
5. MySpace may be the only "webblog" some people may ever look at why can't we use it to direct them to our blogs or churches.
6. Apparently businesses, movies, music and others are using MySpace for their advantage and creating an edge in advertisement, why can't the church do the same thing.
7. There is value in using every resource there is to reach every culture...especially youth and young adults.
8. As bloggers we must be careful not to be superior to those who use MySpace, what if Christ-followers were like that to the unchurched or denominations were like that. That ticks me off.
9. Yes there are people who are fake out there on MySpace, but there those who are sincere and need help and looking for something real.
10. If Rupert Murdoch sees value in MySpace, why can't the emerging/cutting edge church find value.
I would love to hear your opinion on Myspace. One other thing I have friends who have introduced their music on MySpace that without it they wouldn't get their art out there.
We have just recently started a MySpace site for our Student Ministry...Fuse Student Ministry.
I also had my personal MySpace for sometime now...Facedownworshipper.
Please comment on this subject I would love to read your opinions.
Take advantage of every media and resource available to us.
Later,
Chris
Many of the opinions I have read come from fellow Christ-followers, Church leaders and professional bloggers. I would never honestly dismiss their views about myspace. I agree there is alot of garbage on there...same is true for the internet as a whole. I also agree a whole lot of teenagers and young adults use myspace...in my opinion those are the ones that the church need to reach. I also agree it is not a "blog" site...you can blog, but I think it is designed more for community, kind of like a cross of IM and email.
Here is my list why I believe MySpace can be a great tool for us to use...
1. Ministries can use MySpace as HisSpace...make it a light in a dark community.
2. The community of MySpace continues to grow among youth and young adults, many of our ministries focus on that group...why not use it.
3. MySpace is a social network (WIRED Magazine calls it that), why can't the church take advantage of that.
4. It is a free resource that takes little time to maintain...why does the church use something like this as a good steward of resources or do we need $$$ for something all the time. I believe we need to spend $$$ for excellence, we can also take advantage of open source and free resource material as well.
5. MySpace may be the only "webblog" some people may ever look at why can't we use it to direct them to our blogs or churches.
6. Apparently businesses, movies, music and others are using MySpace for their advantage and creating an edge in advertisement, why can't the church do the same thing.
7. There is value in using every resource there is to reach every culture...especially youth and young adults.
8. As bloggers we must be careful not to be superior to those who use MySpace, what if Christ-followers were like that to the unchurched or denominations were like that. That ticks me off.
9. Yes there are people who are fake out there on MySpace, but there those who are sincere and need help and looking for something real.
10. If Rupert Murdoch sees value in MySpace, why can't the emerging/cutting edge church find value.
I would love to hear your opinion on Myspace. One other thing I have friends who have introduced their music on MySpace that without it they wouldn't get their art out there.
We have just recently started a MySpace site for our Student Ministry...Fuse Student Ministry.
I also had my personal MySpace for sometime now...Facedownworshipper.
Please comment on this subject I would love to read your opinions.
Take advantage of every media and resource available to us.
Later,
Chris
Daily Caffeination 7/21/06
Expectations
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. - Philippians 1:20
Have you ever had expectations that did not get fulfilled? Perhaps a coworker let you down. Perhaps you were trusting God for something in your life that never materialized. Perhaps you became devastated by an unmet expectation that you felt you were entitled to. Expectations can be a difficult trap for each of us if we are not fully committed to God's purposes in our lives.
Paul wrote this verse from prison to the people of Philippi. He had an expectation that his life would bring glory to God, whether through his continued ministry or his death. His joy in living was not based on his expectations getting fulfilled, but on remaining true to the purpose for which God made him.
When we react to circumstances with bitterness and resentment as a result of unmet expectations, we are saying that we know better than God, and that God has made a mistake in not meeting our expectations. The process of resolving unmet expectations may require full disclosure to the individual who was the source of the unmet expectation, and of how the unmet expectation made you feel. This is not to make the person feel obligated to meet the expectation, but simply to share your feelings about it. If God was the source, then it is important to share this with the Lord. However, once we have done this we must let go of the situation and allow God to work in our hearts the grace that is needed to walk in freedom from the pain of the unmet expectation. If we do not do this, we will allow the seed of bitterness and resentment to enter in. This seed of bitterness will create leanness in our soul and eventually will spread to others.
Ask yourself today if you have any unmet expectations. How have you responded to them? Have you processed this with the Lord and others who may be involved? These are the steps to freedom from unmet expectations.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. - Philippians 1:20
Have you ever had expectations that did not get fulfilled? Perhaps a coworker let you down. Perhaps you were trusting God for something in your life that never materialized. Perhaps you became devastated by an unmet expectation that you felt you were entitled to. Expectations can be a difficult trap for each of us if we are not fully committed to God's purposes in our lives.
Paul wrote this verse from prison to the people of Philippi. He had an expectation that his life would bring glory to God, whether through his continued ministry or his death. His joy in living was not based on his expectations getting fulfilled, but on remaining true to the purpose for which God made him.
When we react to circumstances with bitterness and resentment as a result of unmet expectations, we are saying that we know better than God, and that God has made a mistake in not meeting our expectations. The process of resolving unmet expectations may require full disclosure to the individual who was the source of the unmet expectation, and of how the unmet expectation made you feel. This is not to make the person feel obligated to meet the expectation, but simply to share your feelings about it. If God was the source, then it is important to share this with the Lord. However, once we have done this we must let go of the situation and allow God to work in our hearts the grace that is needed to walk in freedom from the pain of the unmet expectation. If we do not do this, we will allow the seed of bitterness and resentment to enter in. This seed of bitterness will create leanness in our soul and eventually will spread to others.
Ask yourself today if you have any unmet expectations. How have you responded to them? Have you processed this with the Lord and others who may be involved? These are the steps to freedom from unmet expectations.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/20/06
Obeying the Captain
And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.—John 21:6
It sounded a little illogical. The disciples had been out fishing all this time and hadn’t caught anything. Now Jesus was telling them to move the net to the other side of the boat. Was that really going to matter?
But the technique wasn’t important. What was important was Who told them to do what. So the disciples threw their net to the other side.
This would remind them of an earlier encounter with the Lord, when Peter loaned his boat to Jesus because Jesus wanted to speak to the multitudes gathered on the shore. When he had finished speaking from His floating pulpit, Jesus said to Peter, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4).
Peter responded, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing . . . ” (verse 5). But then he made an interesting statement: “Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” (verse 5). In the original language, this was a unique nautical phrase that could be translated, “Nevertheless, captain of this boat, we will do it.” Whatever Peter’s tone might have been, he caught a lot of fish that day.
Sometimes God’s commands don’t always make sense to us. But it’s important that we obey them whether we like them or not, whether we agree with them or not. When Jesus is the captain of your boat, things will always go much better. Let Him on board. Give Him the wheel. Let Him take control. And don’t be afraid to obey His Word.
And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.—John 21:6
It sounded a little illogical. The disciples had been out fishing all this time and hadn’t caught anything. Now Jesus was telling them to move the net to the other side of the boat. Was that really going to matter?
But the technique wasn’t important. What was important was Who told them to do what. So the disciples threw their net to the other side.
This would remind them of an earlier encounter with the Lord, when Peter loaned his boat to Jesus because Jesus wanted to speak to the multitudes gathered on the shore. When he had finished speaking from His floating pulpit, Jesus said to Peter, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4).
Peter responded, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing . . . ” (verse 5). But then he made an interesting statement: “Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” (verse 5). In the original language, this was a unique nautical phrase that could be translated, “Nevertheless, captain of this boat, we will do it.” Whatever Peter’s tone might have been, he caught a lot of fish that day.
Sometimes God’s commands don’t always make sense to us. But it’s important that we obey them whether we like them or not, whether we agree with them or not. When Jesus is the captain of your boat, things will always go much better. Let Him on board. Give Him the wheel. Let Him take control. And don’t be afraid to obey His Word.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/19/06
Knowing Our Limits
He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. - Proverbs 28:19
Webster's defines entrepreneur: "one who organizes, operates, and assumes the risk in a business venture." [Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth ed. (Springfield, Massachusetts, 1993), "entrepreneur."] Entrepreneurs can smell an opportunity a mile away. However, what is often their greatest asset can become their greatest downfall. The road is littered with entrepreneurs who have been successful in one venture only to fail in countless others. Is this the natural way for an entrepreneur, or is there a better way?
King David was an entrepreneur. He grew up as a shepherd boy and later became Israel's greatest warrior. He responded to opportunities, like the time when no one would fight Goliath. He saw this as an opportunity. He ultimately became king of Israel and faced many opportunities placed before him. David learned an important lesson somewhere along the way that each of us as workplace believers should learn.
As an entrepreneur the greatest danger is engaging ourselves in activities in which God never intended us to be involved. This is poor stewardship of what God has entrusted to us. When the Philistines attacked David, he always inquired of God as to if and when he was to counterattack. When he was attacked a second time on one occasion, David inquired of God as to whether he was to attack yet. This time God said yes, but with a condition, "Wait until you hear the sound of marching in the balsam trees" (see 2 Sam. 5:24). This story tells us that David had learned an important lesson about staying vertical in his relationship with God at all times. David had learned the important principle of staying focused on what God wanted for him, not what seemed logical. He was an opportunist, but only through the filter of the Holy Spirit in his life.
How do you approach opportunities? Do you consider the merits of the opportunity only? Or do you inquire of God as to whether He desires you to pursue? It may be a wonderful opportunity, but it may not be God's will for you to be involved. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you as you seek to use the skills He has given you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. - Proverbs 28:19
Webster's defines entrepreneur: "one who organizes, operates, and assumes the risk in a business venture." [Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth ed. (Springfield, Massachusetts, 1993), "entrepreneur."] Entrepreneurs can smell an opportunity a mile away. However, what is often their greatest asset can become their greatest downfall. The road is littered with entrepreneurs who have been successful in one venture only to fail in countless others. Is this the natural way for an entrepreneur, or is there a better way?
King David was an entrepreneur. He grew up as a shepherd boy and later became Israel's greatest warrior. He responded to opportunities, like the time when no one would fight Goliath. He saw this as an opportunity. He ultimately became king of Israel and faced many opportunities placed before him. David learned an important lesson somewhere along the way that each of us as workplace believers should learn.
As an entrepreneur the greatest danger is engaging ourselves in activities in which God never intended us to be involved. This is poor stewardship of what God has entrusted to us. When the Philistines attacked David, he always inquired of God as to if and when he was to counterattack. When he was attacked a second time on one occasion, David inquired of God as to whether he was to attack yet. This time God said yes, but with a condition, "Wait until you hear the sound of marching in the balsam trees" (see 2 Sam. 5:24). This story tells us that David had learned an important lesson about staying vertical in his relationship with God at all times. David had learned the important principle of staying focused on what God wanted for him, not what seemed logical. He was an opportunist, but only through the filter of the Holy Spirit in his life.
How do you approach opportunities? Do you consider the merits of the opportunity only? Or do you inquire of God as to whether He desires you to pursue? It may be a wonderful opportunity, but it may not be God's will for you to be involved. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you as you seek to use the skills He has given you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/18/06
Unlimited Potential
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13
What might God want to accomplish through you in your lifetime? As a workplace believer, you may yet have your greatest contribution to society. Such was the case of Cyrus McCormick, born in 1809. Raised on a farm by an inventor father, Cyrus McCormick sought to invent a mechanical reaper to harvest wheat. His father's attempts at inventing a successful machine had failed until Cyrus, at 22, created one that worked. McCormick had to overcome many setbacks including the loss of his patent 14 years after his first invention. This opened up competition. Then, in 1837 he went bankrupt due to the bank panic of 1837. However, these setbacks did not prevent McCormick from achieving his goals.
He expanded his market by trying to sell his machine to European farmers in 1851. A long series of honors compensated for the lack of recognition and praise from his American compatriots. By 1856, he was not only a world figure but his factory produced more than 4,000 reapers a year.
McCormick was a committed believer. He lived during the time of D.L. Moody and gave $10,000 to Moody to start the Chicago YMCA in 1869. That building burned along with his Chicago factory in 1871. By this time, McCormick was over 60 and wealthy enough to retire. Before his death in 1884, he had given $100,000 to help open Moody Bible Institute. His son, Cyrus Jr., was to become the first chairman of the school's board. Cyrus McCormick was a devoted Christian who passed his faith on to his son who later met up with J. Pierpoint Morgan to become the first president of a combined reaper firm, the famed International Harvester Corporation. [John Woodbridge, ed., More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 328-331.]
What might God want to accomplish through your life? Surely you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13
What might God want to accomplish through you in your lifetime? As a workplace believer, you may yet have your greatest contribution to society. Such was the case of Cyrus McCormick, born in 1809. Raised on a farm by an inventor father, Cyrus McCormick sought to invent a mechanical reaper to harvest wheat. His father's attempts at inventing a successful machine had failed until Cyrus, at 22, created one that worked. McCormick had to overcome many setbacks including the loss of his patent 14 years after his first invention. This opened up competition. Then, in 1837 he went bankrupt due to the bank panic of 1837. However, these setbacks did not prevent McCormick from achieving his goals.
He expanded his market by trying to sell his machine to European farmers in 1851. A long series of honors compensated for the lack of recognition and praise from his American compatriots. By 1856, he was not only a world figure but his factory produced more than 4,000 reapers a year.
McCormick was a committed believer. He lived during the time of D.L. Moody and gave $10,000 to Moody to start the Chicago YMCA in 1869. That building burned along with his Chicago factory in 1871. By this time, McCormick was over 60 and wealthy enough to retire. Before his death in 1884, he had given $100,000 to help open Moody Bible Institute. His son, Cyrus Jr., was to become the first chairman of the school's board. Cyrus McCormick was a devoted Christian who passed his faith on to his son who later met up with J. Pierpoint Morgan to become the first president of a combined reaper firm, the famed International Harvester Corporation. [John Woodbridge, ed., More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 328-331.]
What might God want to accomplish through your life? Surely you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Monday, July 17, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/17/06
Making the Lord our Banner
Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. - Exodus 17:15
The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. God instructed Moses to stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in his hand. Moses' staff represented something that God said He would use to bring glory to Himself. The staff represented what Moses had done for most of his life - shepherding. It was his vocation. When God first called Moses at the burning bush, He told him to pick up the staff; He would perform miracles through it.
God wants to perform miracles through each of our vocations. At Rephidim, God defeated the Amalekites only when Moses held his staff to Heaven. It was a symbol of dependence and acknowledgment that Heaven was the source of the Israelites' power. When he dropped his hand, the power was removed and they began to lose the battle.
Each day we are challenged to reach toward Heaven and allow God to be the source of victory in the workplace or be defeated. God calls us to let His banner reign over the workplace so that others may know the source of our victory. "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven' " (Ex. 17:14). The Lord wants those behind us and around us to know that He is the source of our power and success. With each victory is a testimony that is to be shared with our children and our associates.
Is the Lord your banner today? Reach toward Heaven today and let His banner wave over your work so that He might receive glory from your life.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. - Exodus 17:15
The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. God instructed Moses to stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in his hand. Moses' staff represented something that God said He would use to bring glory to Himself. The staff represented what Moses had done for most of his life - shepherding. It was his vocation. When God first called Moses at the burning bush, He told him to pick up the staff; He would perform miracles through it.
God wants to perform miracles through each of our vocations. At Rephidim, God defeated the Amalekites only when Moses held his staff to Heaven. It was a symbol of dependence and acknowledgment that Heaven was the source of the Israelites' power. When he dropped his hand, the power was removed and they began to lose the battle.
Each day we are challenged to reach toward Heaven and allow God to be the source of victory in the workplace or be defeated. God calls us to let His banner reign over the workplace so that others may know the source of our victory. "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven' " (Ex. 17:14). The Lord wants those behind us and around us to know that He is the source of our power and success. With each victory is a testimony that is to be shared with our children and our associates.
Is the Lord your banner today? Reach toward Heaven today and let His banner wave over your work so that He might receive glory from your life.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/16/06
God's Selection Process
So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, "Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink." - Judges 7:5
Would you ever take on an army of 100,000 with only 300 men? Sound preposterous? I agree. However, this is exactly what happened with Gideon. It was bad enough that he began with 10,000 against 100,000, but this was too many men according to God. He would not allow Gideon to fight with this many soldiers, because the temptation would still remain to believe that it was the strength of his army that won the victory. God told Gideon to pare down his army to a mere 300. This would ensure that God would receive total credit for the victory. This is a law in the Kingdom of God. All glory must go to Him. "Announce now to the people, 'Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.' So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained" (Judg. 7:3).
Now there are 10,000 men left but that was still too many. God gave Gideon an interesting selection method for the 300 as he took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, "Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink" (Judg. 7:5b). What was the significance of this? Those soldiers who lapped water like a dog were soldiers who were more aware of the enemy around them compared to those who kneeled to drink. The lappers were men who were on constant guard to the danger around them, keeping their eyes up and looking about them. The others could be easily picked off.
If you and I are going to be one of God's elite, we must be battle ready. We must be sensitive to the spiritual dangers around us. We must be trained to go about our business while, at the same time, discern when the enemy of our souls is prowling about seeking to destroy us. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). Beware of the spiritual dangers around you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, "Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink." - Judges 7:5
Would you ever take on an army of 100,000 with only 300 men? Sound preposterous? I agree. However, this is exactly what happened with Gideon. It was bad enough that he began with 10,000 against 100,000, but this was too many men according to God. He would not allow Gideon to fight with this many soldiers, because the temptation would still remain to believe that it was the strength of his army that won the victory. God told Gideon to pare down his army to a mere 300. This would ensure that God would receive total credit for the victory. This is a law in the Kingdom of God. All glory must go to Him. "Announce now to the people, 'Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.' So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained" (Judg. 7:3).
Now there are 10,000 men left but that was still too many. God gave Gideon an interesting selection method for the 300 as he took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, "Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink" (Judg. 7:5b). What was the significance of this? Those soldiers who lapped water like a dog were soldiers who were more aware of the enemy around them compared to those who kneeled to drink. The lappers were men who were on constant guard to the danger around them, keeping their eyes up and looking about them. The others could be easily picked off.
If you and I are going to be one of God's elite, we must be battle ready. We must be sensitive to the spiritual dangers around us. We must be trained to go about our business while, at the same time, discern when the enemy of our souls is prowling about seeking to destroy us. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). Beware of the spiritual dangers around you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/15/06
Seeing Us for What We Will Become
..."The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." - Judges 6:12
God always looks at His children for what they will be, not what they are now. The Lord already had seen Gideon as a leader of others, not just a laborer who threshed wheat.
Gideon was an Israelite who lived during a time of oppression from the Midianites. God had allowed Israel to be oppressed because of its rebellion. However, the Israelites cried out to God, and He heard their cry for help. He decided to free them from the oppression of their enemies. God chose a man with little experience in such matters to lead an army against Midian.
When God came to Gideon through a visit by an angel, the angel's first words to him were, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." God always looks at His children for what they will be, not what they are now. The Lord had already seen this man as a leader of others, not just a laborer who threshed wheat.
The apostle Paul said, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Phil. 4:13). God has reserved an inheritance for you and me. He has foreordained that we should accomplish great things in His name-not so that we will be accepted or become more valued, but to experience the reality of a living relationship with a God who wants to demonstrate His power through each of us.
What does God want to accomplish through you today? He used Gideon, with only 300 men, to deliver Israel from an army of more than 100,000. He demonstrated His power through one man who was willing to let God use what little faith he had to free a nation from oppression and bring glory to the God of Israel. The Lord delights in showing Himself strong through those who will trust Him.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
..."The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." - Judges 6:12
God always looks at His children for what they will be, not what they are now. The Lord already had seen Gideon as a leader of others, not just a laborer who threshed wheat.
Gideon was an Israelite who lived during a time of oppression from the Midianites. God had allowed Israel to be oppressed because of its rebellion. However, the Israelites cried out to God, and He heard their cry for help. He decided to free them from the oppression of their enemies. God chose a man with little experience in such matters to lead an army against Midian.
When God came to Gideon through a visit by an angel, the angel's first words to him were, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." God always looks at His children for what they will be, not what they are now. The Lord had already seen this man as a leader of others, not just a laborer who threshed wheat.
The apostle Paul said, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Phil. 4:13). God has reserved an inheritance for you and me. He has foreordained that we should accomplish great things in His name-not so that we will be accepted or become more valued, but to experience the reality of a living relationship with a God who wants to demonstrate His power through each of us.
What does God want to accomplish through you today? He used Gideon, with only 300 men, to deliver Israel from an army of more than 100,000. He demonstrated His power through one man who was willing to let God use what little faith he had to free a nation from oppression and bring glory to the God of Israel. The Lord delights in showing Himself strong through those who will trust Him.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Friday, July 14, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/14/06
More Important than Success
“We had thought he was the Messiah who had come to rescue
—Luke 24:21
Sometimes we think we are failures, because what we do isn’t as big as we had hoped it would be, or we don’t have the worldly earmarks of success.
But more important than how successful we have been is how faithful we are. We may not know how successful we have been in this life, especially in our spiritual endeavors, until we get to heaven. Those whom we thought were great successes may not have been as successful as we thought they were. And those whom we deemed failures may have been the greatest successes of all. We just don’t know.
Before Jesus’ disciples saw Him again after His death on the cross, they probably felt He had failed. I think the two disciples on the Emmaus road summed it up well when they were joined by the risen Lord, not knowing it was Him.
Life can work that way too. Maybe something in your life right now seems like the end. But it might be a new beginning for you. God might be doing something above and beyond what you could ever imagine. So be faithful, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/13/06
Overlooking Offenses
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. - Proverbs 19:11
I have a friend who tells a story of a lesson the Lord taught him through his wife. It seems that every time he and his wife would get in the car to travel somewhere, his wife had a strong need to direct his driving. She would tell him where to turn and when to turn, even in their own subdivision. It was such a horrible habit that it drove my friend crazy and became the source of many an argument. Finally, one day my friend concluded that the Lord was trying to teach him something through this experience. He decided he would let go of his need to be free from this correction. He began to affirm his wife and even thank her for her input. It was excruciatingly painful to do this from where he sat.
A few months passed. He let go of the entire situation and actually got to a place where it just didn't matter to him anymore. An interesting thing happened a few months later. One day his wife looked at him and said, "John, I just realized that I have been directing your driving all these years and now realize why I do that. It goes back to my childhood when I had to direct my younger brothers and sisters. I am so sorry I have been doing that." My friend nearly fell out of his seat!
Whenever we work close to another person, whether in an office or home, small offenses can become the source of great conflict. Resentment and irritability soon follow. God brings these "offenses" into our lives to develop character qualities in us. He uses individuals in our lives to accomplish his goal of making us more Christ-like. So the next time you complain or resist a habit or action from someone close to you, ask God if it has been placed there to develop some quality in you.
Pride is the root source of the need to change another person. A man's wisdom gives him patience-to let go of little offenses. This is where spiritual maturity is seen in the day-to-day activity of life. Is there someone close to you who has some habit you really want to change? Give up that desire to the Lord. Who knows, He may even change it after you let go of the need to change it.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. - Proverbs 19:11
I have a friend who tells a story of a lesson the Lord taught him through his wife. It seems that every time he and his wife would get in the car to travel somewhere, his wife had a strong need to direct his driving. She would tell him where to turn and when to turn, even in their own subdivision. It was such a horrible habit that it drove my friend crazy and became the source of many an argument. Finally, one day my friend concluded that the Lord was trying to teach him something through this experience. He decided he would let go of his need to be free from this correction. He began to affirm his wife and even thank her for her input. It was excruciatingly painful to do this from where he sat.
A few months passed. He let go of the entire situation and actually got to a place where it just didn't matter to him anymore. An interesting thing happened a few months later. One day his wife looked at him and said, "John, I just realized that I have been directing your driving all these years and now realize why I do that. It goes back to my childhood when I had to direct my younger brothers and sisters. I am so sorry I have been doing that." My friend nearly fell out of his seat!
Whenever we work close to another person, whether in an office or home, small offenses can become the source of great conflict. Resentment and irritability soon follow. God brings these "offenses" into our lives to develop character qualities in us. He uses individuals in our lives to accomplish his goal of making us more Christ-like. So the next time you complain or resist a habit or action from someone close to you, ask God if it has been placed there to develop some quality in you.
Pride is the root source of the need to change another person. A man's wisdom gives him patience-to let go of little offenses. This is where spiritual maturity is seen in the day-to-day activity of life. Is there someone close to you who has some habit you really want to change? Give up that desire to the Lord. Who knows, He may even change it after you let go of the need to change it.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/12/06
Independence That Leads to Sin
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. - Luke 15:20
The two young men had worked for many years in their family business. One day one of the sons decided he wanted to venture out on his own. He had been under the employment of his dad's business long enough. He felt he had learned all he needed to know. He wanted his independence. He wanted to take his stock options early, which would allow enough capital to begin on his own. The other son remained behind, working day in and day out, faithfully doing his job.
The first son went out on his own only to find it was more difficult than he had ever imagined. The immediate cash gained from the advance from his dad's business was a temptation that was too great for him. He spent all of the money, fell into sin, and failed to invest it in another business. He failed miserably. Finally, he came crawling back to his dad, seeking to be taken back as a mere laborer. The father took him back with open arms, fully restoring him to his original place. He experienced grace and love in a way he had never known before.
When we desire independence so much that we launch out without God's full blessing, we can expect to fall on our face. When pride enters our lives, it discourages us from dependence on anyone but ourselves; yet God says that we are to depend on Him alone. If we think we can go it alone, we will fail. On the other hand, in spite of the prodigal son's failure, he learned a great lesson of grace that he had not known before. This resulted in humility of the heart, which had a lasting impression for the rest of his life. Therefore, God even turns our failures into successes spiritually when we are willing to admit our failure.
Pride always goes before a fall. Check your heart today and ask God if there is any pride that is encouraging independence from total trust in God.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. - Luke 15:20
The two young men had worked for many years in their family business. One day one of the sons decided he wanted to venture out on his own. He had been under the employment of his dad's business long enough. He felt he had learned all he needed to know. He wanted his independence. He wanted to take his stock options early, which would allow enough capital to begin on his own. The other son remained behind, working day in and day out, faithfully doing his job.
The first son went out on his own only to find it was more difficult than he had ever imagined. The immediate cash gained from the advance from his dad's business was a temptation that was too great for him. He spent all of the money, fell into sin, and failed to invest it in another business. He failed miserably. Finally, he came crawling back to his dad, seeking to be taken back as a mere laborer. The father took him back with open arms, fully restoring him to his original place. He experienced grace and love in a way he had never known before.
When we desire independence so much that we launch out without God's full blessing, we can expect to fall on our face. When pride enters our lives, it discourages us from dependence on anyone but ourselves; yet God says that we are to depend on Him alone. If we think we can go it alone, we will fail. On the other hand, in spite of the prodigal son's failure, he learned a great lesson of grace that he had not known before. This resulted in humility of the heart, which had a lasting impression for the rest of his life. Therefore, God even turns our failures into successes spiritually when we are willing to admit our failure.
Pride always goes before a fall. Check your heart today and ask God if there is any pride that is encouraging independence from total trust in God.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/11/05
Called to the Mission Field
To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 12:8
"I'm called to the mission field," said the beautiful young woman.
It was my first real encounter with the woman. As she spoke the words to me, I heard these words, "She's called to the mission field, but it's not what she thinks." I quietly kept this to myself until the following week when I felt compelled to share these words with her. She was taken back as I conveyed what I felt the Lord was saying to her. She questioned my motives, thinking I might simply be trying to gain her heart.
Sometimes God speaks through others to move His purposes forward in an individual's life. He will speak through those willing to listen and speak. It is exciting to know God speaks to us and through us at times. Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God, believes God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the Church (His Body) to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.
After three days passed, the woman called me on the telephone and said, "I have sold all that I have to go to the mission field but have not been accepted as yet. I believe what you said is true. I've had a history of thinking the Lord was doing one thing in my life only for it to end up as another."
As the days progressed, God made it known these words were, in fact, true. She was called to the mission field of marriage and the workplace was with her husband, this writer.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 12:8
"I'm called to the mission field," said the beautiful young woman.
It was my first real encounter with the woman. As she spoke the words to me, I heard these words, "She's called to the mission field, but it's not what she thinks." I quietly kept this to myself until the following week when I felt compelled to share these words with her. She was taken back as I conveyed what I felt the Lord was saying to her. She questioned my motives, thinking I might simply be trying to gain her heart.
Sometimes God speaks through others to move His purposes forward in an individual's life. He will speak through those willing to listen and speak. It is exciting to know God speaks to us and through us at times. Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God, believes God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the Church (His Body) to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.
After three days passed, the woman called me on the telephone and said, "I have sold all that I have to go to the mission field but have not been accepted as yet. I believe what you said is true. I've had a history of thinking the Lord was doing one thing in my life only for it to end up as another."
As the days progressed, God made it known these words were, in fact, true. She was called to the mission field of marriage and the workplace was with her husband, this writer.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Monday, July 10, 2006
Reflections from Yesterday's Service
Yesterday, I had the great honor of preaching. I love to share God's Word. God's Word is powerful and I have the honor of sharing the timeless Truths of His Word in a relevant and practical way.
Yesterday, I shared on something every person deals with and something that there isn't a cure for...I shared about STRESS.
I spoke about God's Purpose In Our Stress - - To Build Character in Us and To Change Our Direction. Also, God's Presence In Our Stress.
Here are the passages I shared - -
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Proverbs 12:25
“An anxious heart weighs a man down.” (--Stress affects our life.)
Stress affects us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Stress can absolutely destroy our lives.
Here is the answer to stress in our life...
Seek the One, that can make it better.
“So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?… But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1
Seek God...Seek God...Seek God...only God can make it better.
That is the basic outline from my message yesterday. There was a tremendous response to what God used me to share. Many people commented that this was a very timely message for their life. I felt for many it was very practical something people needed to hear.
I can not take any credit for God through this message...it was totally Him. I am so secure in the fact God doesn't need me, He chooses to use me for purpose and there is no greater excitement for than seeing people draw closer to God.
Thank you Lord what all that you did yesterday. You deserve all praise and glory.
For His Fame,
Chris
Yesterday, I shared on something every person deals with and something that there isn't a cure for...I shared about STRESS.
I spoke about God's Purpose In Our Stress - - To Build Character in Us and To Change Our Direction. Also, God's Presence In Our Stress.
Here are the passages I shared - -
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Proverbs 12:25
“An anxious heart weighs a man down.” (--Stress affects our life.)
Stress affects us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Stress can absolutely destroy our lives.
Here is the answer to stress in our life...
Seek the One, that can make it better.
“So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?… But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1
Seek God...Seek God...Seek God...only God can make it better.
That is the basic outline from my message yesterday. There was a tremendous response to what God used me to share. Many people commented that this was a very timely message for their life. I felt for many it was very practical something people needed to hear.
I can not take any credit for God through this message...it was totally Him. I am so secure in the fact God doesn't need me, He chooses to use me for purpose and there is no greater excitement for than seeing people draw closer to God.
Thank you Lord what all that you did yesterday. You deserve all praise and glory.
For His Fame,
Chris
Daily Caffeination 7/10/06
The Prodigal Pig
Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.—1 John 3:9
We have heard the story of the prodigal son from Luke 13, but have you heard the story of the prodigal pig? That’s in the Bible too. Peter talks about a pig that has been washed, but then goes back to wallowing in the mud (see 2 Peter 2:22).
Pigs are very intelligent animals. They have become rather popular. In fact, one movie about a pig actually was nominated for a number of film awards. And there was a time not long too ago when pigs were a favorite pet. You could even take a pig and shower him, put some nice cologne on him, and then make a little outfit for him—maybe a little pig tuxedo, fitted just for him. You could give him a little hat and a little cane to carry in his hooves. Then you could seat him at your table and have a nice meal together.
But let me tell you something. The first chance that pig gets, he will make a beeline from your dining room table back to his pigpen, because that’s where he really wants to be. Why? Because he’s a pig. He wants to hang out with his pig friends. He wants to do pig things.
Now think about this: a pig will always go back to his element, but a prodigal will always return home, because a prodigal is a child of God who has gone astray.
No matter what you have done, whatever sins you have committed, God stands ready to forgive you if you will come back to Him. He will forgive His prodigal children again and again.
Oink! Oink!
Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.—1 John 3:9
We have heard the story of the prodigal son from Luke 13, but have you heard the story of the prodigal pig? That’s in the Bible too. Peter talks about a pig that has been washed, but then goes back to wallowing in the mud (see 2 Peter 2:22).
Pigs are very intelligent animals. They have become rather popular. In fact, one movie about a pig actually was nominated for a number of film awards. And there was a time not long too ago when pigs were a favorite pet. You could even take a pig and shower him, put some nice cologne on him, and then make a little outfit for him—maybe a little pig tuxedo, fitted just for him. You could give him a little hat and a little cane to carry in his hooves. Then you could seat him at your table and have a nice meal together.
But let me tell you something. The first chance that pig gets, he will make a beeline from your dining room table back to his pigpen, because that’s where he really wants to be. Why? Because he’s a pig. He wants to hang out with his pig friends. He wants to do pig things.
Now think about this: a pig will always go back to his element, but a prodigal will always return home, because a prodigal is a child of God who has gone astray.
No matter what you have done, whatever sins you have committed, God stands ready to forgive you if you will come back to Him. He will forgive His prodigal children again and again.
Oink! Oink!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/09/06
Nineveh or Nothing
So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. . . .—Jonah 3:3
When God told Jonah to go preach in Nineveh, he instead caught a ship going in the opposite direction. But Jonah was miserable as long as he was running from God. And when he was swallowed by a great fish, he cried out to God (see Jonah 2:7). Jonah knew that he needed to return to God and do what He had told him to do.
I love what happened next: “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell
you’ ” (Jonah 3:1–2). Notice the phrase, “the second time.” Where did God send Jonah? Back to Nineveh. What was Jonah running from? Nineveh. When Jonah got right with God, where did he end up? Nineveh. It was Nineveh or nothing.
Each of us as Christians might face a Nineveh in our lives. There may come a moment when we read something in the Bible that we don’t like. Or, God will direct us in a certain way, and we may say, “Well, I don’t really want to do what the Lord wants me to do.” That, in a sense, is our Nineveh.
When Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command, the people of Nineveh turned to God. They believed God, turned from their evil ways, and God relented. Along with you, I have been given my marching orders from Jesus Christ, who told us to go into all the world and preach the gospel. There is dynamic, dynamite power in the simple message of the gospel. Don’t be afraid to proclaim it. Go to Nineveh, and see what God will do.
Nineveh or Bust!
So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. . . .—Jonah 3:3
When God told Jonah to go preach in Nineveh, he instead caught a ship going in the opposite direction. But Jonah was miserable as long as he was running from God. And when he was swallowed by a great fish, he cried out to God (see Jonah 2:7). Jonah knew that he needed to return to God and do what He had told him to do.
I love what happened next: “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell
you’ ” (Jonah 3:1–2). Notice the phrase, “the second time.” Where did God send Jonah? Back to Nineveh. What was Jonah running from? Nineveh. When Jonah got right with God, where did he end up? Nineveh. It was Nineveh or nothing.
Each of us as Christians might face a Nineveh in our lives. There may come a moment when we read something in the Bible that we don’t like. Or, God will direct us in a certain way, and we may say, “Well, I don’t really want to do what the Lord wants me to do.” That, in a sense, is our Nineveh.
When Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command, the people of Nineveh turned to God. They believed God, turned from their evil ways, and God relented. Along with you, I have been given my marching orders from Jesus Christ, who told us to go into all the world and preach the gospel. There is dynamic, dynamite power in the simple message of the gospel. Don’t be afraid to proclaim it. Go to Nineveh, and see what God will do.
Nineveh or Bust!
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Check it out
I want everyone to check out this awesome site of Sean Dietrich. I really love his honest, passionate and raw music. Any I would encourage you to go and read some of his articles, awesome stuff there.
Thanks Sean for commenting to my blog, I have been blessed by your music and writings. I am very impressed with your work.
I encourage all of you to check him out.
Later,
Chris
Thanks Sean for commenting to my blog, I have been blessed by your music and writings. I am very impressed with your work.
I encourage all of you to check him out.
Later,
Chris
Daily Caffeination 7/08/06
Living As If You Were Dead
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. - Romans 6:11
What are the things that arouse the strongest emotions in you? Perhaps it is a rude motorist who cuts you off in traffic. Perhaps it is the anger you feel when you are wrongfully accused. Perhaps it is frustration that results from not having enough money to meet perceived needs. When do emotions turn into sin?
Whenever our peace is upset over events and circumstances in life, we have moved past emotions into sin. Sin says that circumstances of life now dictate anxiety, worry, fear, or anger. Consider the attributes of a dead man. He does not get angry when slandered. He does not worry about the future. He does not fear what can be done to him. Why? Because he is dead. Nothing can harm a dead man.
Christ said we are to live as if we are dead - dead to the temptation of responding to stimuli in our life that are designed to stir up the sinful nature that resides in each of us. We do not have to respond to that nature; we can consider it dead. Christ said He is enough. When He is our all in all, nothing can move us. If we are moved, then Christ is not our all in all.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. - Romans 6:11
What are the things that arouse the strongest emotions in you? Perhaps it is a rude motorist who cuts you off in traffic. Perhaps it is the anger you feel when you are wrongfully accused. Perhaps it is frustration that results from not having enough money to meet perceived needs. When do emotions turn into sin?
Whenever our peace is upset over events and circumstances in life, we have moved past emotions into sin. Sin says that circumstances of life now dictate anxiety, worry, fear, or anger. Consider the attributes of a dead man. He does not get angry when slandered. He does not worry about the future. He does not fear what can be done to him. Why? Because he is dead. Nothing can harm a dead man.
Christ said we are to live as if we are dead - dead to the temptation of responding to stimuli in our life that are designed to stir up the sinful nature that resides in each of us. We do not have to respond to that nature; we can consider it dead. Christ said He is enough. When He is our all in all, nothing can move us. If we are moved, then Christ is not our all in all.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Friday, July 07, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/07/06
The Consequence of Faith
We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. - Romans 6:4
If you commit yourself to live for Christ in and through your work life, there will be a consequence of faith. You could avoid much hardship and take a much easier road in life if you do not choose to live an obedient life of faith in Christ. This is a spiritual law. None of us is excluded from identification with the cross.
When we commit ourselves to fully follow Christ, He begins a "circumcision" process in each of us designed to rid all that is of the world system from our lives. This circumcision is required of every believer. Moses had much preparation from God for His calling to free the people of Israel from Egypt. He spent years in training as a young boy in the family of Pharaoh. He tried to free the people through the flesh by killing an Egyptian. That cost him 40 years in the desert of loneliness and toil before God said he was prepared to free the people from their suffering. God invested much in Moses; however, that preparation was not enough. Experience and preparation had to be mixed with obedience. God required his family to be circumcised. Moses failed to circumcise his son before returning to Egypt. This was so important to God that He was going to kill Moses if he did not uphold his commandment. "At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him" (Ex. 4:24).
Are there any areas in your life that have not come under the lordship of Christ? Is there any lack of obedience that will prevent you from being used fully by the Lord? Ask Him to show you this today so that you might be fully used of God.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. - Romans 6:4
If you commit yourself to live for Christ in and through your work life, there will be a consequence of faith. You could avoid much hardship and take a much easier road in life if you do not choose to live an obedient life of faith in Christ. This is a spiritual law. None of us is excluded from identification with the cross.
When we commit ourselves to fully follow Christ, He begins a "circumcision" process in each of us designed to rid all that is of the world system from our lives. This circumcision is required of every believer. Moses had much preparation from God for His calling to free the people of Israel from Egypt. He spent years in training as a young boy in the family of Pharaoh. He tried to free the people through the flesh by killing an Egyptian. That cost him 40 years in the desert of loneliness and toil before God said he was prepared to free the people from their suffering. God invested much in Moses; however, that preparation was not enough. Experience and preparation had to be mixed with obedience. God required his family to be circumcised. Moses failed to circumcise his son before returning to Egypt. This was so important to God that He was going to kill Moses if he did not uphold his commandment. "At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him" (Ex. 4:24).
Are there any areas in your life that have not come under the lordship of Christ? Is there any lack of obedience that will prevent you from being used fully by the Lord? Ask Him to show you this today so that you might be fully used of God.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/06/06
Our Work Versus Our Value
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. - Genesis 2:15
Man was created to have seven basic needs. Each of us has a need for dignity, authority, blessing and provision, security, purpose and meaning, freedom and boundary, intimate love and companionship. When we go outside God's provision to meet these needs, we get into trouble.
Every man has a need to work and gain satisfaction in caring and seeing something come from his efforts. Many of our basic needs are derived from our work; it was one of the first acts God did for man in the Garden of Eden. He gave him responsibility to care for and work the Garden. God knew man needed to be productive. He needed to gain satisfaction from his work.
The danger of this is when we allow our work to be our complete source of purpose and meaning in life. This leads to a performance-based life. A performance-based life says, "As long as I perform in my work, I am acceptable to myself and others." This is a subtle trap for all of us. It can lead us to become workaholics if we are seeking acceptance through what we do. Sometimes this can be on a subconscious basis.
Our value must be centered in Christ, not in what we do. If we lose our job or our business, this should not devastate us if we are centered in Him. It will certainly create difficulties, but God is the orchestrator of all the events in our lives for His purposes. Even difficult times have purposes.
Today, ask the Lord if you have a proper balance in your work life. Is Christ the central focus? If you work long hours, ask yourself why. You might discover that God may not be the central focus.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. - Genesis 2:15
Man was created to have seven basic needs. Each of us has a need for dignity, authority, blessing and provision, security, purpose and meaning, freedom and boundary, intimate love and companionship. When we go outside God's provision to meet these needs, we get into trouble.
Every man has a need to work and gain satisfaction in caring and seeing something come from his efforts. Many of our basic needs are derived from our work; it was one of the first acts God did for man in the Garden of Eden. He gave him responsibility to care for and work the Garden. God knew man needed to be productive. He needed to gain satisfaction from his work.
The danger of this is when we allow our work to be our complete source of purpose and meaning in life. This leads to a performance-based life. A performance-based life says, "As long as I perform in my work, I am acceptable to myself and others." This is a subtle trap for all of us. It can lead us to become workaholics if we are seeking acceptance through what we do. Sometimes this can be on a subconscious basis.
Our value must be centered in Christ, not in what we do. If we lose our job or our business, this should not devastate us if we are centered in Him. It will certainly create difficulties, but God is the orchestrator of all the events in our lives for His purposes. Even difficult times have purposes.
Today, ask the Lord if you have a proper balance in your work life. Is Christ the central focus? If you work long hours, ask yourself why. You might discover that God may not be the central focus.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/05/06
Ready to Go?
Thus says the Lord: ”Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.”
—Isaiah 38:1
The one who is walking with God should always be looking forward to the Lord’s return. The Bible tells us to prepare to meet our God (see Amos 4:12). The prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and essentially told him, “Get your house in order, because tomorrow you will die” (Isaiah 38:1). Is your house in order? Are you prepared to meet your God? We always need to be ready.
When I travel, I always pack my bags the night before. I like to travel with carry-on luggage if possible, because my luggage sometimes doesn’t make it to where I am going. But the problem is that I have a tendency to overpack. My garment bag looks more like a large ball than something that is stored in an overhead compartment.
But there is another thing I always remember to do: purchase my ticket. I can’t just show up at the airport and decide at random where I’m going that day. Rather, I always know where I am going, because it says so on my ticket.
So I want to ask you: Are your bags packed? Is your life right with God? Is there anything that you need to change? If so, deal with it now.
Also, do you have your ticket for heaven? You could never afford to buy the ticket. All the money in the world could not buy it. All the religious deeds, all the morality and goodness we could muster could not buy it. It was bought by the blood of Jesus Christ. And He offers it to you at no cost. But even though it is free, it wasn’t cheap. Your ticket to heaven cost Jesus everything.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Happy 4th of July
HAPPY
4th
of
July
4th
of
July
I thank God we live in the greatest nation on the Earth that He has created. We honor all those men and women who have fought and died for our nations independence to so we can have the freedom to worship the our living Savior - - Jesus Christ.
While we celebrate Independence Day as a nation, I am constantly thankful for the dependence that I have in the Lord. It is my hope and prayer is that you would depend on the Lord for true and genuine freedom.
As you watch the fireworks tonight think of them as great praise going up to God for all that He has done for us as a nation and for the great blessings He has given to us.
Again, Happy Fourth of July to each one of you. Please be safe! Blessings to you.
Later,
Chris
While we celebrate Independence Day as a nation, I am constantly thankful for the dependence that I have in the Lord. It is my hope and prayer is that you would depend on the Lord for true and genuine freedom.
As you watch the fireworks tonight think of them as great praise going up to God for all that He has done for us as a nation and for the great blessings He has given to us.
Again, Happy Fourth of July to each one of you. Please be safe! Blessings to you.
Later,
Chris
Daily Caffeination 7/04/06
Play to Your Strength
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 12:4
Have you ever tried to do anything that you were not gifted to do? I am not a handy man. If there is a household project, like a plumbing leak or anything mechanical - forget it. God has not given me any "natural" gifts for such things. And I'd prefer not buying anything that requires assembly!
I have a friend who can fix or assemble anything. It comes naturally to him, and he loves to help me. This same person looks at some of my abilities and marvels. We appreciate the gifts God has given to each of us. These differences have created a need for one another. God wants each of us to need one another. The Scriptures describe the Body of Christ in the same way. Each person is a member of His Body with gifts and talents designed to make His Body perform as a multi-talented group, all playing to the same tune. It is when one member is "out of tune" or decides he doesn't like his gifts, or decides to do something he is not designed to do that the orchestra begins to sound off key. Imagine if the parts of the human body decided they didn't want to fulfill their parts any longer. That body would no longer function effectively because one or more of its members were not performing the functions they were designed for.
What has He equipped you for? What role has he called you to play in God's Kingdom? When one link in the chain is weakened, the whole chain is susceptible to breaking. God made it that way so that we could help that weak link. He made it that way so we would be forced to depend on one another. Are you being a strong link in the chain of God's Kingdom? Ask Him if you are fulfilling your role as He designed.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 12:4
Have you ever tried to do anything that you were not gifted to do? I am not a handy man. If there is a household project, like a plumbing leak or anything mechanical - forget it. God has not given me any "natural" gifts for such things. And I'd prefer not buying anything that requires assembly!
I have a friend who can fix or assemble anything. It comes naturally to him, and he loves to help me. This same person looks at some of my abilities and marvels. We appreciate the gifts God has given to each of us. These differences have created a need for one another. God wants each of us to need one another. The Scriptures describe the Body of Christ in the same way. Each person is a member of His Body with gifts and talents designed to make His Body perform as a multi-talented group, all playing to the same tune. It is when one member is "out of tune" or decides he doesn't like his gifts, or decides to do something he is not designed to do that the orchestra begins to sound off key. Imagine if the parts of the human body decided they didn't want to fulfill their parts any longer. That body would no longer function effectively because one or more of its members were not performing the functions they were designed for.
What has He equipped you for? What role has he called you to play in God's Kingdom? When one link in the chain is weakened, the whole chain is susceptible to breaking. God made it that way so that we could help that weak link. He made it that way so we would be forced to depend on one another. Are you being a strong link in the chain of God's Kingdom? Ask Him if you are fulfilling your role as He designed.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Monday, July 03, 2006
Daily Caffeination 7/3/06
Your Epitaph
He will bless those who fear the Lord- small and great alike. - Psalm 115:13
What will be written on your epitaph? How do you want people to remember you? What type of legacy will your life leave behind?
I interviewed a very successful and powerful man one time for a magazine when this question came up. The man ran an international business that is a household name to all. He was a professed Christian, but he had difficulty answering my question. "I always knew someone would ask that question some day. I am not sure I am any more prepared to answer it now either," was the man's answer. He grappled for a few nice words, but it was clear he had not seriously considered his life much beyond his business success.
It is said of George Washington Carver that he got up early in the morning each day to walk alone and pray. He asked God how he was to spend his day and what He wanted to teach him that day. Carver grew up at the close of the Civil War in a one-room shanty on the home of Moses Carver - the man who owned his mother. The Ku Klux Klan had abducted him and his mother, selling her to new owners. He was later found and returned to his owner, but his mother was never seen again.
Carver grew up at the height of racial discrimination, yet he had overcome all these obstacles to become one of the most influential men in the history of the United States. He made many discoveries with the use of peanuts and sweet potatoes. However, after he recommended farmers to plant peanuts and sweet potatoes instead of cotton, he was led into his greatest trial. The farmers lost even more money due to the lack of market for peanuts and sweet potatoes. Carver cried out to the Lord, "Mr. Creator, why did You make the peanut?" Many years later, he shared that God led him back to his lab and worked with him to discover some 300 marketable products from the peanut. Likewise, he made over 100 discoveries from the sweet potato. These new products created a demand for peanuts and sweet potatoes, and they were major contributors to rejuvenating the Southern economy.
As he made new discoveries, he never became successful monetarily, but he overcame great rejection during his lifetime for being black. He was offered six-figure income opportunities from Henry Ford, and he became friends with presidents of his day, yet he knew what God had called him to do. His epitaph read:
He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world. [John Woodbridge, More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 312.]
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
He will bless those who fear the Lord- small and great alike. - Psalm 115:13
What will be written on your epitaph? How do you want people to remember you? What type of legacy will your life leave behind?
I interviewed a very successful and powerful man one time for a magazine when this question came up. The man ran an international business that is a household name to all. He was a professed Christian, but he had difficulty answering my question. "I always knew someone would ask that question some day. I am not sure I am any more prepared to answer it now either," was the man's answer. He grappled for a few nice words, but it was clear he had not seriously considered his life much beyond his business success.
It is said of George Washington Carver that he got up early in the morning each day to walk alone and pray. He asked God how he was to spend his day and what He wanted to teach him that day. Carver grew up at the close of the Civil War in a one-room shanty on the home of Moses Carver - the man who owned his mother. The Ku Klux Klan had abducted him and his mother, selling her to new owners. He was later found and returned to his owner, but his mother was never seen again.
Carver grew up at the height of racial discrimination, yet he had overcome all these obstacles to become one of the most influential men in the history of the United States. He made many discoveries with the use of peanuts and sweet potatoes. However, after he recommended farmers to plant peanuts and sweet potatoes instead of cotton, he was led into his greatest trial. The farmers lost even more money due to the lack of market for peanuts and sweet potatoes. Carver cried out to the Lord, "Mr. Creator, why did You make the peanut?" Many years later, he shared that God led him back to his lab and worked with him to discover some 300 marketable products from the peanut. Likewise, he made over 100 discoveries from the sweet potato. These new products created a demand for peanuts and sweet potatoes, and they were major contributors to rejuvenating the Southern economy.
As he made new discoveries, he never became successful monetarily, but he overcame great rejection during his lifetime for being black. He was offered six-figure income opportunities from Henry Ford, and he became friends with presidents of his day, yet he knew what God had called him to do. His epitaph read:
He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world. [John Woodbridge, More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 312.]
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
Sunday, July 02, 2006
We had the great honor to hang with our "kids" from Harvest yesterday
We went to Rusty and Shawna Turner's home yesterday for a little bit before I had to come back to play in a softball tournament in Richmond. Rusty and Shawna are two of our "kids" from Harvest Church in Alexandria, VA. Rusty and Shawna are about to have their third baby girl (wow I feel really old). The have an absolutely beautiful home with an amazing swimmong pool. I miss my "kids" a whole lot and love them dearly. Here are a few pictures from yesterday.
Love you all! I love hanging with you all, it was a short time but fun. There is nothing like having authentic lasting Christian relationships.
Aly
Nassika
Annie(her husband Brett is the youth pastor at Harvest Church, they were two of my youth leaders.)
Pierre (Valley Forge Christian College graduate, speaking to my youth in August)
Shawna (mother to be) and Aly
Nassim, Rusty, Brett, Pierre, & Danny
Brandi & Jon (Brandi is due in December, we had the amazing honor of being at their wedding back in March)
Love you all! I love hanging with you all, it was a short time but fun. There is nothing like having authentic lasting Christian relationships.
Daily Caffeination 7/2/06
Living for a Greater Cause
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13
What does it mean for workplace believers to live for a cause greater than themselves in our day and time? Jeremiah Lanphier was a businessman in New York City who asked God to do this in his life in 1857.
In a small, darkened room, in the back of one of New York City's lesser churches, a man prayed alone. His request of God was simple, but earth-shattering: "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" [John Woodbridge, ed., More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 337]
He was a man approaching midlife without a wife or family, but he had financial means. He made a decision to reject the "success syndrome" that drove the city's businessmen and bankers. God used this businessman to turn New York City's commercial empire on its head. He began a businessmen's prayer meeting on September 23, 1857. The meetings began slowly, but within a few months 20 noonday meetings were convening daily throughout the city. The New York Tribune and the New York Herald issued articles of revival. It had become the city's biggest news. Now a full-fledged revival, it moved outside New York. By spring of 1858, 2,000 met daily in Chicago's Metropolitan Theatre, and in Philadelphia the meetings mushroomed into a four-month long tent meeting. Meetings were held in Baltimore, Washington, Cincinnati, Chicago, New Orleans, and Mobile. Thousands met to pray because one man stepped out. Annus Mirabilis, the year of national revival, had begun.
This was an extraordinary move of God through one man. It was unique because the movement was lead by businessmen, a group long considered the least prone to any form of evangelical fervor, and it had started on Wall Street, the most unlikely of all places to begin.
Could God do something extraordinary through you? Take a step. Ask God to do mighty things through you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13
What does it mean for workplace believers to live for a cause greater than themselves in our day and time? Jeremiah Lanphier was a businessman in New York City who asked God to do this in his life in 1857.
In a small, darkened room, in the back of one of New York City's lesser churches, a man prayed alone. His request of God was simple, but earth-shattering: "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" [John Woodbridge, ed., More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 337]
He was a man approaching midlife without a wife or family, but he had financial means. He made a decision to reject the "success syndrome" that drove the city's businessmen and bankers. God used this businessman to turn New York City's commercial empire on its head. He began a businessmen's prayer meeting on September 23, 1857. The meetings began slowly, but within a few months 20 noonday meetings were convening daily throughout the city. The New York Tribune and the New York Herald issued articles of revival. It had become the city's biggest news. Now a full-fledged revival, it moved outside New York. By spring of 1858, 2,000 met daily in Chicago's Metropolitan Theatre, and in Philadelphia the meetings mushroomed into a four-month long tent meeting. Meetings were held in Baltimore, Washington, Cincinnati, Chicago, New Orleans, and Mobile. Thousands met to pray because one man stepped out. Annus Mirabilis, the year of national revival, had begun.
This was an extraordinary move of God through one man. It was unique because the movement was lead by businessmen, a group long considered the least prone to any form of evangelical fervor, and it had started on Wall Street, the most unlikely of all places to begin.
Could God do something extraordinary through you? Take a step. Ask God to do mighty things through you.
(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)
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