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?
NFL: The Journey of Not Quitting
Two very different scenarios happened in NFL Football today. Did you watch the games?
Game ONE: San Francisco Giants vs. New Orleans Saints.
Game TWO: Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots.
Game one was exciting — a nail-biter, and VERY FUN to watch. Neither team gave up, and it required us to watch until the end.
Game two was boring — and I didn’t want to watch very much after the first half. It was truly one-sided.
When we are going through a WALK WITH GOD, the challenge is to NOT LOOK at the SCORE along the way. We must stay in the race, stay in the “competition” lest we fall.
Don’t get bored, God MAY be developing some very strong character in you. HE is on your side — UNTIL THE END! So stand firm, and don’t forget to keep fighting for YOUR VERY LIFE!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us . . . Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
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.
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.
Posterous vs. Tumblr
I REALLY like Posterous. But today I took a lot of time debating whether to make a new site ( http://LeaderShare.com ) at Tumblr or Posterous. In the end, I had to go with Tumblr. The reason? It has a simple “submit” button, and a simple “ask a question” button. That actually made the difference for me.
You see, I want people — other leaders — to contribute short lists of 5 or less items that will help us try or retry leadership stuff. It can be a simple list, or a list with descriptions. Posterous lets you “contribute” but you have to register and jump through hoops. And because of this, it is not ready for what I want at a site for sharing information.
What do you use?
Oh, and if you have something to contribute? Just go to LeaderShare.com and drop something in, ok?
Posterous vs. Tumblr
I REALLY like Posterous. But today I took a lot of time debating whether to make a new site ( http://LeaderShare.com ) at Tumblr or Posterous. In the end, I had to go with Tumblr. The reason? It has a simple “submit” button, and a simple “ask a question” button. That actually made the difference for me.
You see, I want people — other leaders — to contribute short lists of 5 or less items that will help us try or retry leadership stuff. It can be a simple list, or a list with descriptions. Posterous lets you “contribute” but you have to register and jump through hoops. And because of this, it is not ready for what I want at a site for sharing information.
What do you use?
Oh, and if you have something to contribute? Just go to LeaderShare.com and drop something in, ok?
Haiti Trip Postponed
With about 72 hours notice, our trip to Haiti has been postponed. Facing hurricanes, mudslides, people being even more displaced, and uncertainty has made this trip too unsafe for now.
It looks like it may be rescheduled for January, but I won’t know much more until next week (hopefully by Wednesday). I’m bummed because Convoy of Hope wanted to do this tour for about a dozen pastors. Please pray for the people of Haiti — they are pretty forgotten and times are really difficult there.
Haiti Trip Postponed
With about 72 hours notice, our trip to Haiti has been postponed. Facing hurricanes, mudslides, people being even more displaced, and uncertainty has made this trip too unsafe for now.
It looks like it may be rescheduled for January, but I won’t know much more until next week (hopefully by Wednesday). I’m bummed because Convoy of Hope wanted to do this tour for about a dozen pastors. Please pray for the people of Haiti — they are pretty forgotten and times are really difficult 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!
uStream and Streaming in Ministry
Here’s an interview I did with my friend, Gunnar Simonson. Poor Skype video connection, but the audio comes through pretty well. Enjoy!
Honor
THE MEDAL OF HONOR! One of the greatest awards that our nation gives has incredible history.
Honor is empowering inspiring. There are people in my life who I often take for granted. If you ask me straight up, I would be quick to tell you how much I appreciate not only what these ones I love DO, but WHO THEY ARE. Unfortunately, I get caught up in my own little world way too often.
My wife, Ginger, is just one of these people. She is my best friend and confidant. In fact, she OFTEN will encourage me with scripture, words, wisdom, and honor.
I will miss her this weekend. She is once more spreading her wings in ministry. It seems that not only being a singer-song writer is natural, but so is speaking. She will be the featured guest speaker — 3 messages — at a retreat at Lake Tahoe. Under that beautiful backdrop — and disconnection from technology — God will challenge nearly 100 women.
So, THANK YOU, Ginger for being MY inspiration! Today, I would like to honor YOU! I am praying for changed lives and stories of spiritual victories as a result of your inspiration.
Giving Challenge
Mariner’s Church made this video about giving. It is very well done and helps us to understand some very challenging things about how we think about money and giving to a church.
Tithe Challenge 2010 Into Video from mariners church on Vimeo.
Flickr Photos
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