Eric's Blog

Do Something Different in 2009

2008-12-17T11:30:00.000-06:00

This is a new sermon series I am preparing to teach beginning the second week of January. Attached to my blog are the 6 weeks of topics. Would you post comments, questions, ideas, scriptures, changes, etc…? Help me write the sermons?

Week One

2008-12-17T11:29:00.000-06:00

Being Different in 2009
As we evaluate our life at the beginning of the New Year, does it seem that you are heading in the same direction as everybody else? After a while this sense of sameness makes us feel trapped. How do you stand up and be different?

Week Two

2008-12-17T11:28:00.000-06:00

Making Wise Decisions in 2009
How can we learn to make wise decisions that lead to desirable outcomes? We must first embrace the simple truth that God knows what’s best for us.

Week Three

2008-12-17T11:27:00.000-06:00

Appreciating the Value of Others in 2009
Every person we encounter is someone that matters deeply to Jesus. When we live our lives with this in the forefront of our thinking we realize that all are precious in His sight.

Week Four

2008-12-17T11:26:00.000-06:00

Making Changes Financially in 2009
Do you desire to break free from others financially? It starts when you embrace the truth that God owns everything!

Week Five

2008-12-17T11:25:00.000-06:00

Understanding Your Purpose in 2009
Do you despise the question, “What is the purpose of your life?” God desires that we believe He has a purpose for our life and He longs for us to participate in all that He is up to in this world. Let’s move from despising the question to answering the question.

Week Six

2008-12-17T11:24:00.001-06:00

No More Excuses 2009 – Breaking Free
In order to have different lives, we need to dig down deep and discover the true reasons why we make the decisions we do, not just the excuses we come up with to cover up our embarrassment.

Update from Bonao

2008-06-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thought you might enjoy seeing the finished project at Pastor Elvis' house. It's really beautiful and Pastor Elvis can't believe it!

God is an awesome God

2008-06-19T08:43:00.003-05:00

A short time ago I received this email and thought the congregation should know. Dotti Manley writes:
"I want to share with my church family, esp. those who have been prayinig for my sister, June Speak. On Wednesday April 30th, she had a PET scan. The results show that there is presently no cancer in her body. This is the first time in a year that she has had any good medical news and been without chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments. This is so amazing because it was just on March 24th that the doctors did not expect her to live through the night. Our God is an awesome God. Thank you all for the prayers that have been made in her behalf.
Please keep her on your prayer list because she still has lots of issues that have come up from the side effects of the radiation and chemo. One of the main concerns is her kidneys. Once again thanks to you all for your continued prayers for my sister. Love Dotti

Thanks for sharing this with us Dotti. God is great!

What do you think - a miracle or just really good medicine? Was it the hand of God or coincidence? Does prayer matter? If you want to discuss it - I'm open.

One more thing about Bonao

2008-06-15T21:15:00.002-05:00

Someone posted a comment about Bonao and asked about Pastor Elvis' transmission and car. I totally forgot to let the congregation know this morning that we not only put a new transmission in Elvis' car but we fixed the fuel pump and fixed his motor scooter issues too! The work was accomplished for a great price and we had the money to get it all done for the price we thought the transmission would cost. Elvis is most grateful.

Tony Miceli

2008-06-14T07:02:00.004-05:00

It was good to hear "welcome home" from the man behind the customs booth. It was great to see both of my girls & Sam... and see balloons and a poster that said "welcome home". However I knew that 'welcome home' would soon be replaced with many difficult hours. Tony Miceli, one of the greatest guys I have ever met found out earlier this week that his son, Clinton Miceli was killed in a bicycle accident. I wasn't worried about writing a funeral or finding my way through the streets of Chicago to find the funeral home. My heart was just broke for my brother. His treasured son had been snatched away from life so quickly. I fought to control my emotions as I prayed and talked with Tony.

A pastor has similar emotions than a parent at times. As a parent I sit on the edge of my seat while attending Kayla's dance recital. I know how badly she has worked for this night. Although I cringe at the hours of the recital when there are 40 dances and she is only in 6 (that's another blog!) I want her to do well because I know she wants to do well. When Erica is taking her finals and her GPA matters to her auto insurance, job placement and where she attends college next, I want her to do well because it matters to her.

When a church family member faces a crisis like Tony did this week - you want the church (the body of Christ) to shine -- and you did! From the Men of Faith to the children's ministry team - from staff to Tony's small group -- you called, sent flowers and most important dozens attended the wake and funeral. When I was giving my final good-bye to Tony yesterday after all the events; he said with deep emotion and tears - "Pastor Eric, I feel so supported with my church family." It was as if Erica got an "A" or Kayla danced perfectly - I was so happy to be your pastor. You shined. Better yet - you were the body of Christ to a hurting brother.

Tony's pain is huge and the fact is he still needs incredible doses of love and care; I'm not worried because even though our lives will return to normal schedule I have a feeling you will continue being the church. I'm proud of you Shorewood Church of God. Love, Dad

http://www.chicagobikeblog.com/2008/06/clinton-miceli.html

Day 6 - Bonao

2008-06-10T07:00:00.003-05:00

Tuesday June 10, 2008
We leave Bonao this morning. Items to be done by noon today: Perry and Kirk are finishing up an electrical project at Elvis’ house. To operate the back yard light they take to hanging loose wires and stick them in a live socket and hold them while the other person does what is necessary in the yard. Kirk said, “There is no way I am leaving town with that like that!” So three gringos will go to the hardware store which is stocked as well as a Ben Franklin store to try and figure out the plan. If we could only run to Home Depot the project would be done in 15 minutes. The ladies will start to pack; when I return to the hotel I am taking them on a few site seeing places before picking up the guys so they can come back to the hotel and shower. We plan to be in Santo Domingo by 2pm.

I know it sounds like I am taxi driver. I have two things to say about that. I drove in the Dominican Republic which has been amazing to me and all who have traveled outside of North America. I wanted to get comfortable with driving over here for future visits. I am. I think I have some Dominican blood; actually I’m not that great. I hit a wave in the road and sent Perry Ackerman into the ceiling of the van with a full cup of his favorite café leche (Mud flavored coffee) and he hurt his neck and spilt his mud. Pooooor Perrrrry! Come on say it with me, it makes him feel better.

The second thing I want to tell you about the driving is this; Elvis asked me if I would pick up a few people for church so he wouldn’t have to hire a taxi driver to do it this week. I was glad to help. So on Sunday I started driving my 12 passenger van picking up people for church. For next two hours I continued to pick up and drop off – and then off to another run – 120 adults and children later I had them all at church. Elvis had over 180 people in church – about 15 people gave their heart to the Lord – most of them had their Santa Biblia (given by the Men of Faith) in their hands. It was wonderful to experience the hand of God moving. Evlis and Jamie are so excited! To think two months ago the church was still being organized and meeting in four homes with about 30 people and over 180 people.

I like their method. A young man Orlando rode his motorcycle ahead of me in the van and rounded up the church. It was their Call to Worship. He would stop, get off his bike, open the van door and fill it up. A few men didn’t even know where they were going, they thought – a free ride somewhere. One of those men sat in the service weeping and praying. He didn’t raise his hand to receive Christ but I know he was under conviction and will soon.

Another person grabbed my heart. It was a 16 years old Haitian teenager dedicating her twin boys, dressed in two beautiful outfits (from somebody in Shorewood) to the Lord in worship. If you could see those two babies. When I dropped her off I slipped her 100 pesos ($3.40) she said thank you and slipped into a one room house with nothing but a bed, a few clothes, and a little food preparation corner.

That’s not unusual in the neighborhood we ministered in. The need is so great I have trouble expressing my appreciation to you as a church for responding to the need and struggle writing without weeping. Weeping because I know their greatest need is Jesus and they are having that need met.

I have so much more to say about the ministry and our wonderful day yesterday at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and how Perry called me his wife to a Dominican sales person, and the ride to the beach and Pastor Elvis and the food and the other mission group we met but for now I must get the boys to the hardware store. Please pray for the group. Each of them are having stomach problems and a few very sunburned bodies. All in all it’s been wonderful and we can’t wait to hear the customs agent in Miami say, “Welcome home!” Two words I love to hear! Grace and Peace to you! Pastor Eric

Day 5 - Bonao

2008-06-08T08:46:00.001-05:00

Sunday, June 08, 2008
Another busy morning at the Hotel Jacaranda in Bonao. I’m alone waiting for some of the others to join me. I love the atmosphere. Bonao is about 45 miles from Santa Domingo on the south of the island and about 45 miles from Santiago the second largest city located on the north side of the island. Bonao is the stopping place for travelers and truckers. It’s a small hotel with most of the accommodations of a decent hotel in the United States. The unique character of the hotel is not the hotel but the stores and eateries connected to it. Three small open air gift shops, a café, a buffet, a sandwich shop. There is a little office for phone calls at 10 cents a minutes to the states and an open air place to sit. It’s a great place for my quiet time, journaling and blogging!

We delivered more clothing and food last night. That has taken much longer than I planned it would. Pastor Elvis had about 15 new families since we adopted the ones he sent us for clothing. So we have given the new families food and other staple items and then delivered to the others the clothing. They have been so appreciative. For the most part, we will be the only ‘foreign’ visitors that ever step foot in their area. They have a difficult time understanding why we would do this. Their response is hard to read at times but the next day they will be wearing the outfit we brought.

There’s a young man named Raphael at the hotel that has become a friend. I met him in January when Lisa and I were here. He begs from the people stopping by on their way to Santiago or Santa Domingo. He has worn the same clothes since Thursday. He doesn’t smell – I’m assuming he washed them everyday and then wears them the next day. He is partially crippled and has trouble speaking. Of course if he spoke fluent Spanish I wouldn’t understand him so the speech thing is really not an issue. He is alone most of the time until it rains. Then the hotel is swarmed with little boys (always boys) with umbrellas helping the people to the car and back and forth to the hotel. You then tip them a little peso and they are able to buy juice or café leche.

Speaking of café leche. Perry and Lori love it. A few folks that came the first time bought little pots to make it. I love coffee. I hate this stuff. It is mud with a little milk. They serve it in small cups because that’s all people can stand of it. I took a sip of it because it looks good when Perry finishes getting his ready – But ugh; I was ready to eat a cock roach (see Day 2) to get the taste out of my mouth.

Delivering the gifts is fun for some. Kirk and Amy are naturals at loving kids. Lori is awesome with one on one compassion to the kids. Her laugh while she loves the kids is contagious. Lisa is filled with love for the women and older ladies. Perry is Perry – organizing and working at making sure it all goes right. Perry never minds being last and is always the last to stop working. Amy led the kids in a simple song yesterday for the children’s day and instantly wanted to pack a few kids in her suitcase. Last night after a long day Kirk was planning the work for the next day. They are working today trying to finish the project up. They don’t know it yet but tomorrow we are going to the beach, I think. We weren’t planning on it but we have a first timer with us on this trip (Manny) from Pastor Carlos’ church and it just doesn’t seem right to visit the Caribbean and not let this young man visit Sosua. So, we will suffer through the difficult trip of winding horrible roads, traffic through Santiago and pressure of Haitian ladies selling things on the beach for Manny.

It’s about your worship service time or at least rehearsal; so I will tuck away at the Hotel Jacaranda for prayer for Kyle and you! Vaya Con Dios! Pastor Eric

Day 4 Bonao

2008-06-07T18:32:00.001-05:00

We slept in this morning but I managed to sneak out of my room early enough to spend time in devotions and journaling. I happened to be reading about Peter standing before the priests and Jewish leaders in Acts 4 being questioned for healing the lame man in chapter 3. Peter asks the question, ‘You are upset with us for healing this man, aren’t you? Well, it wasn’t us, it was the mighty name of Jesus that caused this man to walk.”

It was a great reminder to me that no matter what good comes out of the day or our ministry wherever we are it’s because of the mighty name of Jesus. We have nothing to offer! It was the mighty name of Jesus that allowed us today to have a great Children’s Day with over 70 children. We were expecting 30? Planned for 50? We had gifts for 50. Jesus multiplied the gifts, provided a great day and the children had a great day. The Men of Faith provided Bibles for all the children – they were thrilled to receive that gift. Most of the children received their first Bible today. God has to be pleased with that!

Each of the children also received a beanie baby that Amy purchased on Ebay for next to nothing. They loved that too. Then lunch was served (provided by the love offering that Shorewood Church of God gave!) We served over 70 children for under $2.00 a child which included the taxi bus to get the children to the center. The meal included chicken, rice and a potato salad. The children were thrilled with the lunch.

As the children were saying ‘good bye’ to us one of the little boys said to Lori Ackerman in English, “I hate you” and gave her a big hug. Lori, looked puzzled and hugged him back and he looked up embarrassingly and said, “Sorry, I mean I love you!” It was cute to see the children trying to speak English to us.

It’s frustrating not being able to love with words! But we are making it! Kirk and Perry have worked like dogs providing a great place for children’s small group at Pastor Elvis’ house. Amy, Lori and Lisa have a great connection with the ladies and children when we visit in the homes. I just sip Fresa’s while they work! Fresa is an awesome strawberry drink that I can’t seem to do without!

Last night we visited nine families from very poor areas. They all lived in the same alley. As we walked down the alley people stared at us as we carried these gifts. It was a little intimidating because Pastor Carlo and Elvis warned us about sticking together in this area. God provided safety and the people were so happy! They had been expecting us and we were greeted into their two room homes with hugs. This was one of the heaviest depressed spirit areas that I have yet to enter in Bonao. The needs are overwhelming.

We are having a wonderful time with Pastor Elvis and his family. The bond is growing with each trip. Praise be to God. I will be praying for the services tomorrow at Shorewood. As you are worshipping and Kyle is teaching I promise I will be praying. Our service tomorrow doesn’t begin until 6pm. It’s cooler at that hour and the breeze is nice in the place we are renting. This is a good thing that Shorewood Church of God is doing! I am humbled to be your pastor.
With Love,
Pastor Eric

Day 3 - Bonao

2008-06-06T14:25:00.001-05:00

Friday – June 6, 2008
It’s about 2:00 in the afternoon – Perry and Kirk (and Manny) are working at Pastor Elvis’ house and I am back at the hotel protecting the women from all of the many harms that can befall them in a strange land. Actually, the guys are digging a trench, laying cement footings and preparing for concrete work and they are incredibly worn out. This is the trip we could have used 30 people! It’s hot and I have never seen skin leak like Kirk and Perry’s. I have been running around getting equipment, paying bills, and delivering gifts with the Lisa, Amy and Lori. The church family in the Dominican are appreciative of the gifts we have brought them. It is fun to deliver the gifts – I wish you could experience it – maybe next time? The families look at you like, “why are you doing this?”

One story – When we started knocking out the old concrete and digging we disturbed hundreds of cockroaches. Each sizing up at about one inch with some as large as three! The chickens in Pastor Elvis’ yard went crazy. It was Cockroach Buffet at Pastor Elvis’ house. We were trying to keep them from attacking our legs. These bugs were so big they could have carried a young child away. I took some pictures but I am having trouble getting to internet. Hope to solve the problem later today. I decided to pick one up and fry it and eat it! Okay, that parts not true but the rest of the story is the truth.

Tomorrow is the Children’s Day. Carlos’ church is in charge and we are helping them. After about two hours with the kids we are having an all church catered chicken and rice dinner provided by Shorewood Church of God and your love offering! Again, I wish you could experience this. The people are so moved by your generosity and blind love. In addition to the dinner, all of the supplies for the work, new chairs at the church and Pastor Elvis’ car is being fixed for the first time in two years. It’s hard to understand for the people but that’s the way Christ loves.

He loves us and it’s hard to comprehend why – it has nothing to do with our performance or worthiness. We’re not. It has nothing to do because we’re family – he adopts us. Amazing love, how can it be that thou my God would die for me? Grace and Peace to you!

Day 2 - Bonao

2008-06-06T14:21:00.001-05:00

Thursday, June 5, 2008
A day in the Dominican Republic – awesome. A day in the Dominican Republic with friends – priceless! The day started out by visiting Pastor Elvis and seeing the work that was needed in his backyard. We are actually adding a room on to the back of his house that is about the size of the Yellow Room at church. The clean up and preparation was completed within a couple of hours by a local group of men out of work. The concrete work will start tomorrow and Pastor Carlos’ brother had all the equipment and skill that we needed to start the project.

The rest of the day was spent in Santa Domingo trying to recover four bags that customs wouldn’t let though as well as filling up 20 bags of groceries for the families in the church. Customs stopped us from bringing into the country four of the bags of clothing and shoes last night. We brought a total of 600 pounds of clothing (not counting Lisa’s suitcase) We were afraid and very frustrated that they would search the luggage and take what they wanted. We prayed.

Yesterday my devotional reading was in Acts 4 when Peter and John were put in prison for one night for teaching. This morning while I was journaling I thought how our luggage had been put in prison over night. When Peter and John woke up the next morning in prison, Peter preached one of his best sermons and thousands were added to the church. So I thought if God do that with two men why not use the luggage some way.

This afternoon when we arrived at the airport we went to customs and talked with the head of customs in Santa Domingo. Pastor Carlos told him what we were doing, he asked, “With what church?” Carlos told him the Church of God (Anderson). The customs director was a Christian, knew of the Church of God – gave us his direct number to call him in the future and promised that we will never have a problem with customs again. He blessed us for our work. He apologized for the inconvenience and welcomed us to the island. Praise the Lord! So with the four bags we went to the grocery store – loaded up the cart with twenty of everything (rice, beans, etc…) and returned to begin the sorting. God has been good and we are seeing His hand move already. Tonight we plan on eating at my favorite restaurant. The end of a great day. Writing about the experience – fun. Writing about the experience with you reading it – priceless! Grace and Peace to you.

Day One - Bonao

2008-06-05T03:00:00.002-05:00

It was a day of traveling; a safe landing so it's a good day. People from the Dominican clap when the plane lands. Pastor Carlos' says it's part of the custom. Not sure if that makes me feel too safe. Tomorrow we will scout out the work projects and shop for some food items to take to the homes. We should start delivering the gifts that we brought. Would anybody like to take a guess on the weight of the gifts from Shorewood Church of God? I'll let you know tomorrow.

How can you pray? There are some obvious things like safety and health which is vital and should not be minimized. However, the greatest need is for us to open our eyes to what God wants to do. Our agenda is important but it doesn't compare to what God's agenda is. So pray that we would be open to God's agenda. Pray that we will have spiritual breakthroughs relationally with the people in the church. I want the Church of God in Bonao to know us as brothers and sisters in Christ that deeply care about their needs as well as their walk with Christ. On the first night in Bonao I would also ask that you pray for our families: Erica and Kayla; Kyle and Jaycie Ackerman Kyle, Keaton, Abbi, and Alexa Doty. Pray that they will be safe and grow with wisdom knowing that their moms and dads love God through serving others. Perry and Lori, Kirk and Amy and Lisa and I want our kids to know that loving God means serving.

We love you and want you to know that your gifts and offering have made it possible for us to purchase supplies and deliver the gifts and to work as unto the Lord! We will do our best in being good stewards with your gifts while here in the Dominican. Grace and Peace!

Stewardship of Creation

2008-06-02T10:25:00.002-05:00

As I talked about yesterday, for hundreds of years, the church has championed the beauty of God's creation, demonstrating in many ways how it points to the Creator. Sadly, over the last century those values in many Christians have slipped away. The charge yesterday was for the people of God to connect with God outside. He created and He deeply cares about creation. We need to care about what God cares about! So did you do it? Did you go for the walk with worship music? Did you read a creation psalm? Comment about the experience.

The rest of this week will be blogging about the Dominican so don't forget to check in and pray for us daily. Grace and Peace - and enjoy the Creator.

Acts 3.1-11

2008-05-29T11:28:00.002-05:00

S.O.A.P.
Acts 3.1-11
Observations: A) Peter and John were doing what they knew to do. B) They were not anti-Jewish or simply Christian; they were just followers of Christ. C) Some people, like the beggar don’t want to change or have given up that it will never be any better than begging. D) “Look at us”; how is it meant? “Do we look like we can help you?” or “Look at us, because we’re going to help you.” My grandmother used to say, “Look at me!” because she couldn’t explain it without motions and eye contact. E) The lame man was just asking everybody like a pastor at the door on a Sunday morning, “God bless you, God bless you, God bless you…” F) People are so quick to think that money will fix their issue. G) Spirit filled leaders like Peter and John are able to look beyond and see the real need. Pet and John knew from Jesus it wasn’t worth worrying about food; they remember the 5,000, the sparrow falling to the ground, and the fishing stories! They knew the future of the lame man was not in gold or silver by in meeting the Master! I) All the people were curious about the healing. Curious does not mean converted.

Application: Once you allow the Holy Spirit to fill you life it’s overwhelming how the confusion and emptiness leaves you. In Acts 1 & 2 it was Christ followers who were scared and empty and hopeless but they immediately (following the Holy Spirit) started to serve those that were scared and empty. Because they could relate to felling lame and begging and they knew what the Spirit could do. What do I have to offer? I know this about God… when you are obedient financially, He changes things. I know that God will give you strength to go through relationship disasters. I know God will give you strength as a parent if you turn to Him. I know God will open doors for serving opportunities and mission if you’re willing to walk through the doors. I know God will provide at your deepest need when you are listening. What do you know about God?

Prayer: Father God, I identify with three people in this story. I identify with the beggar because there are so many times I think I know exactly what my need is when all along you want to meet a deeper need that would solve what I am thinking. I identify with Peter and John, having confidence at the power of your Spirit working in someone’s life. I identify with the crowd that stood in amazement at the healing but had so many questions. All of these attitudes come and go; Needing, Confidence and Amazement. I think that’s okay with you. So today I say this: I need more of you in my life. I have confidence that you will meet my deepest need and I stand amazed at your work, your love and your devotion in my life. In Jesus name, Amen

Question from a young teenager.

2008-05-29T10:13:00.002-05:00

sorry this kind of doesn't have anything to do with your blog. but i have a question, im really young & my dream has always been to be a singer, dancer, and actress. and the good thing is i can sing, dance & act. haha but the thing is i dont have faith in myself & i dont belive that i can do it so when i think about that dream i get depressed because i cant fufill it.

i know we all have a purpose because God had everything planned out before the beginning of time but i really truely belive my purpose was to share my music to everyone.

i just need a really powerful scripture or someting that will lift me up & give me faith that i can do this & fulfill my dream. and i want to do it young so i can enjoy it longer & what not. i was just wondering if you had any advice on what you think or a real powerful scripture or maybe ?--

PASTOR ERIC'S NOTE: Part of the idea of a blog is to let others sound off. What would you tell this young person? Follow your dream or seek wisdom? Do we say 'go for it!' or something else?
Post your thoughts and let's discuss this. By the way, this is a real person seeking guidance!

Kyle DeHoff's Teaching on Sunday

2008-05-25T07:15:00.002-05:00

To comment or dialogue on Kyle's message visit this link: http://anonymousmonk.blogspot.com/

S.O.A.P.

2008-05-21T07:52:00.001-05:00

Scripture – Acts 2.1-21

Observation – The infilling of the Spirit or the joy of the Spirit can resemble drunkenness. We need more joy like this in our life. Good ole belly laughing fun that brings pleasure to the Father. The prophecy that was fulfilled in the morning goes like this: God gives the Spirit. His children receive the Spirit for the purpose of telling others about the coming of Jesus. Young people will see visions and Older people will see dreams. Could it be the breakdown of age carries an implication that the young people (defined as my age and younger) are to see visions of what can be in their lifetime. To envision what God is going to do. There is a urgency in this thought. Then the older people dream dreams. Could it mean that they are excited about the vision just as much as the younger? They know perhaps they might not see vision but they can dream about it? Notice the vision or dream has to do with one thing – people getting saved and ready for the return of Jesus Christ.

Application – The infilling of the Spirit was to equip people to speak and serve in such a way that would draw people to Jesus. The role of the Holy Sprit is not to make us feel anything do anything or say anything a certain way. To be filled with the Spirit (Sanctification) is to possess an all consuming power that draws people to Jesus. Its clothing we wear on the outside because of the Spirit living on the inside. It’s not how we act or how we behave. It’s yielding to the all consuming power of the Spirit. Outside changed without inside workings result in works and judgment. Drawing people to Jesus has nothing to do with out talents, personality, or ability. The power of the Spirit is the power of the Spirit not our power. Peter moves from confused, lonely, powerless, broken, sad, to spokesman of the church! And he speaks with authority and wisdom and power. Peter was always bold but not wise. Peter was always the first to speak but he was always inserting his foot in his mouth. When he is filled with the Spirit he becomes wise and articulate.

Prayer: Lord, fill me with your Spirit once again. I pray for a boldness to speak of the return of Christ and that whosoever calls upon your name will be saved. I spend so much time becoming equipped to speak that I often fail to speak. Pour out power upon my life for the glory of God so that others find the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Being In Your Game

2008-05-18T06:54:00.004-05:00

Here are the questions I left you with at the end of my teaching today. I am anxious to dialogue.

What’s your story?

Identify yourself in the game: Overcome with problems or Ready to be a lifter?

How would your story lift someone?

Does your story point to Jesus (as the deliverer) or yourself?

What does it mean to ‘let God move you’?

First Blog

2008-05-15T14:06:00.008-05:00

This is new to me and like anything new; it will take me a while to get use to it. I feel like I am talking to myself and in reality, I guess I am. My hope is that this blog will be a way for me to stay connected to the people I am called to serve. It used to be in ministry that pastors had Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, Wednesday Night, Sunday School and probably two meetings a week. It's different today - small groups and multiple worship services just don't always allow for the pastor shaking hands at the door. So this is my attempt at shaking your hand, letting you know how I'm connecting with God and saying, "Have a great week, you matter to God and to me!"

I just recently finished reading The Divine Mentor by Wayne Cordeiro. It was a book given to me by Jen, my creative assistant, secretary and someone that just ran to McDonalds for me to pick up a Happy Meal. The book gripped her heart and I couldn't wait to read it. It caused two reactions in my life. I started journaling! I am the worst at this discipline so don't try any excuses, I have said them all. The second was a great new way to journal. He uses the acronym SOAP. Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Check out the sample I put on the next blog. I wanted you to see what I mean. Give it a try.

S.O.A.P.

2008-05-14T14:35:00.000-05:00

Scripture: Psalm 1.1-3
Observation: Listening to advice from people that don't know God and joining in their bad talk leads to misery. Delighting in God's Word is like a solid tree that always produces and prospers and that leads to joy. Mission exist because worship doesn't. Let the nations be glad and worship with joy. Mission is temporary (until all nations hear) but worship never ends.
Application: We have so many things pressing on us from all directions in life. How we approach these things lead to a life of misery or joy. If you desire misery - look to the world for advice instead of God's Word. Hanging out with people wasting time talking about nothing always leaves you empty. Instead reflect the glory of God.
Prayer: God, I long for the strength in my life to be Your Word. I don't want to be persuaded with new ideas or fine sounding arguments. It's your voice I desire/ Let me turn my face to you for guidance. When I am with people that don't know you - give me confidence to not get trapped by their arguments but to be light in the darkness. Make me like that tree that prospers with fruit - year after year and season after season. In Jesus name, Amen.