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.
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.
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.
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.
Long Time Plans From God
O Lord, I will honor and praise your name,
for you are my God.
You do such wonderful things!
You planned them long ago,
and now you have accomplished them. Isaiah 25:1 (NLT)
The joys, sorrow, desperation, satisfaction, excitement, or phase in life we find ourselves in my be a surprise to us, but these are not a surprise to God. No matter the situation, we must learn on a continuing basis to allow our Heavenly Father permission to guide us through the deep waters of our journey.
It works something like this:
- God knows
- God plans
- We listen
- We wait
- God implements the plan promise
- We are humbled and respond by humbly shining light, giving glory, to Him.
I just put this in a nice easy package, right? But with God, we should never do that. It all comes down to the TIMING of the ONE who created TIME ETERNAL. And that’s not you or me.
The powerful verse here in Isaiah 25 is that God DOES have the last word — HE ACCOMPLISHES … It’s not our strength or perhaps even our battle, it comes down to OBEDIENCE and FAITH.
Pick Me!
Remember the first Shrek movie? The donkey says the famous line, “Pick Me! Pick Me! Pick Me!” hilarious and yet it shows a sense of passion.
I’m sure it was the same way when King David in the Bible was chosen. His brothers were surely thinking, if not expressing the same kind of passion. If chosen — things would be different forever for any one of the that would be selected by Samuel the prophet to replace Saul.
When you look at Isaiah 6, it is a little different. As you know, the previous chapters laid out a vivid picture that was not easy for one trusting God to gaze upon. The need was great, if not incomprehensible. King Uzziah died, the corruptible and leprous, and a new day was now at hand.
Looking upward, Isaiah knew his request would be timely:
Isaiah 6:5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
Some lessons from prayer time and meditation:
- My words can be sinful
- My words can hurt God
- My words can hurt others
- My words can mirror or echo my friends who disappoint God
After Isaiah had allowed God to purge this sin from him, he cried out, “GOD — PICK ME!”
And God not only PICKED him, but SENT him to GO and TELL others a holiness they had thus far ignored.
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