How Did that Church Begin – or – WHY ARE WE HERE?
Our church, Central Assembly in El Sobrante, California began in 1953. It still exists today, some 60 years later. People gave a lot of money for a building, then expanded and relocated. Built more building space, started a school — and continued to move forward.
Literally THOUSANDS of people have been through the doors of our church and it’s ministries, one of which is a K-12 school.
I truly believe that we are still called to the primary purpose of “THE CHURCH” — and that is found in Matthew’s gospel.
[19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)
We MUST continue to get back to the basics, right? We modify, change, and introduce our programs, approach, and styles constantly. It happened in the 50′s, too, by the way. It’s an ongoing challenge for every generation, decade, and season.
When we evaluate WHAT WE “DO” at/in our churches, the question to ask is actually pretty simple. Are we STILL IN EXISTENCE to see LOST people SAVED?
YouVersion’s Top 10 Bookmarked Verses of 2011
I’m not really sure if you have used YouVersion — but if you are into apps for your Smartphone, you probably have the “Bible” app. Actually that app IS YouVersion. It is AWESOME both on the phone and online. Here is a release they put out in January. I think it SPEAKS VOLUMES about the encouragement God’s Word brings us. It would make a great 10-week study, too!
2011 was a big year for Bible engagement in the YouVersion community. One of the ways we did that was by creating tens of millions of bookmarks. A bookmark is a great way to keep track of a verse you want to return to again and again, whether it’s because you want to memorize it, you want to share it with a friend, or simply because it’s one of your favorites. Here are the top 10 bookmarks that the YouVersion community saved during 2011*:
1. Philippians 4:6 – 123,035
2. Jeremiah 29:11 – 100,044
3. Proverbs 3:5 – 97,758
4. Romans 12:2 – 95,804
5. Philippians 4:13 – 87,120
6. Philippians 4:7 – 83,193
7. Romans 8:28 – 78,491
8. Proverbs 3:6 – 74,770
9. Matthew 6:33 – 73,544
10. 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 71,923
Encouragement – What “hope and promise” has God given you?
Pay special attention to the “for God” part in verse 23.
Got a promise God has given to you?
Hebrews 10:19-25
19 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death,t Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Like this:
FOCUS
Facebook, Twitter, Web, Letters, Email, Cell Phone, Text Messages, Interruptions.
All of these are in ADDITION to what leadership really is – to inspire people to change and grow toward what God wants them to be. And to introduce the hope of Jesus to those who are not followers.
What if:
YOU FOCUSED for THREE ONE-HOUR SEGMENTS each day? Turn off everything and get the important things cleaned up and out of the way. Then ENJOY the other stuff systematically.
Helpful? Leave a comment!
Buy on Amazon: Your Brain at Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long
Chazown Book Review
Chazown Book Review, Author: Craig Groeschel
I think as people, we are always looking to find our way, and that is certainly scriptual. God has a plan and purpose for our lives that will only be fulfilling if He is involved.
Craig brings this out in a very easy-to-read and inspiring book. Chazown is a Hebrew word that means dream, revelation or vision. The key verse is Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.
We need Chazown (vision) in order to thrive as a believer. As Craig unwraps the theme, it challenges all of us to pray a lot over how we are becoming more and more devoted to Christ’s action plan for us. It does not come immediately, but certainly is intentional.
Here are the five areas explored:
- Your relationship with God
- Your relationship with people
- Your financial health
- Your physical health
- Your life’s work
Link for book PLUS DVD.
I received this book for free to review from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Hambone in the Backyard
Hambone in the Backyard, originally uploaded by RevTimMedia.
We put a hambone in the yard for the neighborhood cats. This morning we looked out and saw this! Actually there were 3 of these guys out there.
Reading Leads to Knowing
Have you ever wanted to know God? I mean, really KNOW Him? If you do, it will take a lot of time. Knowing God is much more than a simple hike in the mountains, soaking in a sunset, or running in the rain. All those things are romantic, emotional, and refreshing. But there is so much more to it, isn’t there.
If you want to strengthen your faith, a formula exists. It has been proven over much time and by the millions. You gain faith by READING the BIBLE. Yes, reading it a lot!
Many people KNOW a ton about Harry Potter, the Twilight series, even Star Wars or Jaws. I’ve “put in my time” with the Rocky movies and can talk about him with the best of them.
When it comes to IDENTIFYING with CHRIST, we must absorb and then practice. Study – to SHOW yourself approved and then realize that you were created to do great things for the cause of Jesus.
Ummm…. it LOOKS like something. A changed life lives it’s values OUT LOUD. I challenge you to allow God to change YOU!
“One of the marks of our modern time is the fact that many are guilty of merely “nibbling” at the truth of the Christian gospel. If the cross of Jesus Christ means what it should to us and we know that we must carry it and die on it and then rise and live above it, we will have a constant desire to advance and gain spiritual ground.”
- A.W. Tozer, Day By Day
Mind Flood
These past few weeks… And days have been bringing floods of emotion.
It started in August with the death of my step-mom, Phyllis. Off to Texas where we were able to be with my two brothers, dad, and father-in-law. A quick trip for the funeral.
Now, I’m waiting to fly the second part of a “Redeye” connection for my grandma’s (maternal) funeral.
Now add this layer. A great friend, everyones mom/grandma passed away within 15 minutes of my grandmother. Back to California for a Saturday funeral – No, a CELEBRATION of LIFE!
Hurting? Yes!
But all three will be there in heaven to meet us!
Jesus has given us strength and great hope!
Off to Texas! And an Early Thank You
On Tuesday we will spend a few days in Texas. My step-mom, Phyllis passed away a week ago and we are going to her memorial service.
Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, the temp where I live has been in the very low 70′s for weeks! There, it will be over 100 each day — that’s CRAZY HEAT! We will be right down the road from the main Ft. Hood entrance, though. That leads me to thank once again the men and women in uniform that have served so wonderfully for our freedom. I hope to see some of you and thank you!
Make the Connections
Coffee, Facebook, Twitter, Picture Sharing, Wall Posting … they are all about one main thing — CONNECTION. Just this past week I have heard from classmates, relatives, young people I have mentored, and even my mom.
As a Christ Follower, whenever I read about Jesus who WAS the great teacher (and the one I choose to direct my life) actually went out of His way — often to make these “connections”.
I would have loved to read his Tweets or Status Updates:
- “Have a meal with me … “
- “Feed my lambs … “
- “Just told the guys to throw the net on the other side — we’re gonna have a lot of fish tonight!”
- “On my way to raise a dear friend from the dead …”
- “I love you, even though you haven’t realized it yet.”
- “Father, forgive them …”
You may want to read some of these bible-time updates yourself. You could start with the Gospel of John, it’s a great read.
Message of Hope
Wow! Love this from “The Message” version of the Bible.
It’s a Good Thing to Hope for Help from God
19-21I’ll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness,
the taste of ashes, the poison I’ve swallowed.
I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—
the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there’s one other thing I remember,
and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:
22-24God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He’s all I’ve got left.
25-27God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
It’s a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God.
It’s a good thing when you’re young
to stick it out through the hard times.
28-30When life is heavy and hard to take,
go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions:
Wait for hope to appear.
Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face.
The “worst” is never the worst.
31-33Why? Because the Master won’t ever
walk out and fail to return.
Worship Teams – Dynamics – Drums
I really have to agree with Greg Atkinson when he posted that dynamics can really be a HUGE factor in leading worship. You should read his post, it’s right on. But I think the big thing for me is to watch how simple and DYNAMIC this video is that he posted by Phil Collins. I like it so much that I wanted to post it below.
Greg Laurie Interview – One Year Later
On July 24, 2008, Greg Laurie who is the Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship Church in Riverside, California lost his first-born son to a tragic car accident. This devastating pain still lives throughout his family.
An excellent interview by Dan Wooding is posted on Greg’s blog. You should read it. (Click Here)
Apollo 11 Memories
I was THERE!! Well, not actually present with the Astronauts of Apollo 11, but as a 10-year-old boy the memories are very vivid. I had cereal box punch-outs of the lunar module (LEM) and knew exactly what would happen next. Walter Cronkite was my hero as he explained every detail in advance.
But when the live TV of 1969 hit the airwaves, I was hooked. And I watched so attentively that I’m not sure I even ate a meal that day.
I remember that everyone in my house went to bed except my dad and me. As Neil Armstrong was preparing to take that first “small step” I looked back at my dad and he had fallen asleep — Ha! I watched continuously until they had made their walk, and until the TV stations all went off the air. Too bad I didn’t have a blog back then!!
I am now streaming the exact radio transmissions and living the moments over again at http://wechoosethemoon.org. Love it!
And here’s some restored video that captures some key moments of the famous NASA team working together for our U.S. Space Program.
Michael Jackson Meets His Maker
The news unfolded this afternoon. Michael Jackson is dead.
Michael Jackson is dead. The reports brought Twitter to it’s knees. The news channels are now on the 24/7 with it all.
Here are some quotes I heard.
- An American Icon.
- Another Elvis.
- Innovative.
- One of the biggest stars of all time.
- A Legend.
- Passionate.
- A Wonder.
- A great loss for America.
On Fox, Sheppard Smith said, “I sense that the next few days will become a true ‘American Event’”.
It is true, Michael Jackson was talented, creative, and eccentric. He was my age, so I grew up and listened to all the reports. From the publicity stunts to the tragedies of choices he made, I know he didn’t want to face death. In the 80′s he even spent time in a hyperbolic chamber in order to ensure amazing longevity.
What if you were to be surprised by your death? What if your family discovered that you were gone from this life?
Legacy, sure we all think about this. Regrets, they are ongoing in life. Do-overs? Yes, we want those, too. But the most important thing to answer is this? ARE YOU READY TO MEET YOUR MAKER? Do you know and love the God who made you to know and to love. He loves you so much. In fact the Bible tells of the peace you find when you do discover this truth. Peace in storms, decisions, relationships, difficulties, sickness, etc., etc.
Hebrews 9:27-28 And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.
michael jackson, jackson, thriller, death, dying, funeral, hope, inspiration, help, counseling, salvation, christian, god, jesus, hope, revtim, revtim.com, tim hohm, hohm
The Great Facebook Username Chase
It was on. And just like 200,000 reported seekers, I landed my new username ( user name ) on Facebook. It was fun to see all the related Twitter posts of people doing the same race to secure their unique identities.
So now, on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RevTim
And on Facebook: http://facebook.com/RevTim
I wonder if this is becoming the new “dial tone” of the internet?
Have fun and get your identity if you haven’t yet. Just go to http://facebook.com/username
I like this: The Bible has a record of it’s own type of user names. Christ Followers are written down and it’s told about in Revelations 21:23-27 (ESV)
23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and u there will be no night there. 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But v nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
CD Release Party Video of Ginger Hohm and “This Train”
Recorded January 10, 2009. Enjoy!
Ginger Hohm, “This Train”. http://GingerHohm.com
Hostage! Lies
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does .The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
WHAT LIES HOLD US HOSTAGE?
LIE: GOD CAN’T CHANGE ME
TRUTH: …we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation ; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
THE STRATEGY of THOUGHTS AND OVERCOMING LIES
1. CAPTURE WRONG THOUGHTS.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
…whatever is true…noble…right…pure…lovely…admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8
2. SPEAK TRUTH.
The tongue has the power of life and death… Proverbs 18:21
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14 NLT
3. DON’T GIVE UP.
To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Colossians 1:29-2:1
…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Inspired by Lifechurch.tv
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