I am reading Re-Create by Ron Luce. One great concept is what he calls leaning in. When you see your kid's heart being drawn away from your influence by friends and media you lean in. Spend more time with them and woo their hearts back.
I have always told couples I counsel that they need date nights. In a similar way your kids need special time with you, their parent. No one else will raise your kids for you. Make some time and lean into their lives. Lectures don't communicate love to your kids, time communicates love to your kids.
This morning has been time with Elizabeth.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Weekend Rewind
Today was missions sunday number 2 for 2010. Our theme for the year is, "Taking New Territory." Today we took a litle new territory with the largest one Sunday missions offering we have ever received, $950+.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Logical
I watched the news for the first time in several days. I have been working very hard on the house. The President got heckled during his speech to congress. It is only logical.
If we want a socialized health care system like England, then we need to have a legislature like England that shouts at one another while they are delivering speeches.
In some Rabbinic schools the students are taught to argue. They discuss their theological matter while yelling and being very forceful in their speech.
Our society is so dumbed down we really need it. People function on a Jerry Springer level in life. If our politicians don't get a little mad and do a little shouting the general public will not understand their argument because the general public does not argue civilly anymore.
We expect our leaders to act like stoics, while we act like hedonists. The hypocrisy (rudeness) of the public and media is a horrible as the hypocrisy of the elected officials. He shouted down the President, but you shouted down your spouse last week. He shouted down the President, but you watch Jerry Springer for enjoyment (a colossal waste of time).
If we want a socialized health care system like England, then we need to have a legislature like England that shouts at one another while they are delivering speeches.
In some Rabbinic schools the students are taught to argue. They discuss their theological matter while yelling and being very forceful in their speech.
Our society is so dumbed down we really need it. People function on a Jerry Springer level in life. If our politicians don't get a little mad and do a little shouting the general public will not understand their argument because the general public does not argue civilly anymore.
We expect our leaders to act like stoics, while we act like hedonists. The hypocrisy (rudeness) of the public and media is a horrible as the hypocrisy of the elected officials. He shouted down the President, but you shouted down your spouse last week. He shouted down the President, but you watch Jerry Springer for enjoyment (a colossal waste of time).
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Weekend Rewind
I hope you all had a great holiday weekend! Attendance has been good, at or above 140 since school started. Small Groups are all back in full swing.
We need to finish 2009 strong!!!
Usually our greatest growth and giving is in the January through April months of the the year. Let's see what we can do with September through December. If we stay on track we can have a record giving year with offerings of $172,000. But, if we finish strong we can do better. usually we have all our salivations in the spring. Let's lead some friends back to Jesus this fall.
My weekend was very full. I have been finishing some major remodeling at my house. Last night I sanded sheet rock till almost 9:00 p.m. There is still a lot to do. It seems that for me, Labor Day is always a day of labor.
We need to finish 2009 strong!!!
Usually our greatest growth and giving is in the January through April months of the the year. Let's see what we can do with September through December. If we stay on track we can have a record giving year with offerings of $172,000. But, if we finish strong we can do better. usually we have all our salivations in the spring. Let's lead some friends back to Jesus this fall.
My weekend was very full. I have been finishing some major remodeling at my house. Last night I sanded sheet rock till almost 9:00 p.m. There is still a lot to do. It seems that for me, Labor Day is always a day of labor.
Up, Up, and Away
In Judges chapter eight Gideon wins a decisive military battle and becomes the leader of Israel. The people are so elated with him that they push to make him king. He refuses. The Biblical principal is that God is king of Israel.
However, in the end of the chapter his son from a concubine is named, Abimelech. Keil and Delitzsch commentators tell us that the name means, "King's father." The indication is that Gideon named his son, "kings father." He refused the kingdom, but obviously rethought it later and began to think of ways to grab the power of the King's position.
Here is one the difficulties of our human race. Power and authority is gained, but seldom given back. Authority is shared in the beginning of an organization's life, but it slowly, often over a number of years or decades, begins to drift upward into the hands of a relatively small few. Resources then seem to do the same. Resources move upward, but increasingly fail to move back down to the lower levels, the entry levels of the organization.
There is seldom any way to correct this up, up, and away syndrome. It must be part of an organization's attitude and DNA from the beginning. Then it must be carefully and forcefully be protected.
Here are some examples.
--The United Sates increasingly is becoming a nation where the federal power and influence is increasing. Resources move toward the top, but seem to have a very hard time finding their way back to the individual citizens who need them.
--In the business world we have seen this through the bank bailouts and automotive bailouts. Money that is given directly to the top has a very tough time making its way down to the typical consumer. When it does it is often rewarding extremely bad behavior on the part of the consumer.
--In some situations the upward flow is not about money or resources, but about power, authority, and responsibility. Jobs, decisions, and authority moves upward to a few who are paid by the organization.
Human nature grabs power and authority, but it seldom releases that power, resources, or authority. The leader that stops the up, up, and away trend will face trouble. They will have to communicate more with those who share responsibility and authority. They will have to settle disputes more carefully. They will not likely be the name that is most popular and famous in historical terms. Fame follows authority, riches, and power. But, they may be the most loved by their peers in their day. Their ideas may have the greatest impact on the earth because they have shared and delegated well. The group name and concept will become global, but the leader may go somewhat unnoticed, unless he dies a grousome death for his followers and rises from the dead!
However, in the end of the chapter his son from a concubine is named, Abimelech. Keil and Delitzsch commentators tell us that the name means, "King's father." The indication is that Gideon named his son, "kings father." He refused the kingdom, but obviously rethought it later and began to think of ways to grab the power of the King's position.
Here is one the difficulties of our human race. Power and authority is gained, but seldom given back. Authority is shared in the beginning of an organization's life, but it slowly, often over a number of years or decades, begins to drift upward into the hands of a relatively small few. Resources then seem to do the same. Resources move upward, but increasingly fail to move back down to the lower levels, the entry levels of the organization.
There is seldom any way to correct this up, up, and away syndrome. It must be part of an organization's attitude and DNA from the beginning. Then it must be carefully and forcefully be protected.
Here are some examples.
--The United Sates increasingly is becoming a nation where the federal power and influence is increasing. Resources move toward the top, but seem to have a very hard time finding their way back to the individual citizens who need them.
--In the business world we have seen this through the bank bailouts and automotive bailouts. Money that is given directly to the top has a very tough time making its way down to the typical consumer. When it does it is often rewarding extremely bad behavior on the part of the consumer.
--In some situations the upward flow is not about money or resources, but about power, authority, and responsibility. Jobs, decisions, and authority moves upward to a few who are paid by the organization.
Human nature grabs power and authority, but it seldom releases that power, resources, or authority. The leader that stops the up, up, and away trend will face trouble. They will have to communicate more with those who share responsibility and authority. They will have to settle disputes more carefully. They will not likely be the name that is most popular and famous in historical terms. Fame follows authority, riches, and power. But, they may be the most loved by their peers in their day. Their ideas may have the greatest impact on the earth because they have shared and delegated well. The group name and concept will become global, but the leader may go somewhat unnoticed, unless he dies a grousome death for his followers and rises from the dead!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Mileage
This morning I mentioned that one study says that on average US residents drink 22 gallons of alcohol a year. Another study says that they walk 900 miles in year. That means we get 41 miles per gallon.
What does that mean for Christians who don't drink alcohol? One of our ladies figured it out (She is a math teacher). One ounce of communion juice monthly, and walking 900 miles gives Christians a 19,200 MPG rating.
What does that mean for Christians who don't drink alcohol? One of our ladies figured it out (She is a math teacher). One ounce of communion juice monthly, and walking 900 miles gives Christians a 19,200 MPG rating.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Blog Effectiveness
I have been thinking more about this blog being an effective tool for our church.
First, I need to blog more frequently and make some more effective links to and from it.
Second, I need to know what your experience with this blog has been like. Is it useful from your phone? Or, do you mainly check it from a computer? Do you want more church announcements or more devotional material.
Third, I have my blog entries showing up on my Facebook profile automatically. Thus, those who read it on Facebook are not counted by the stiemeter I use to count hits. When I put the blog on Facebook the meter went from 75 to 100 hits per week to 45 or 60. I assume it is because of the availability of Facebook. If you read it on Facebook rather than Blogger let me know.
Thanks,
First, I need to blog more frequently and make some more effective links to and from it.
Second, I need to know what your experience with this blog has been like. Is it useful from your phone? Or, do you mainly check it from a computer? Do you want more church announcements or more devotional material.
Third, I have my blog entries showing up on my Facebook profile automatically. Thus, those who read it on Facebook are not counted by the stiemeter I use to count hits. When I put the blog on Facebook the meter went from 75 to 100 hits per week to 45 or 60. I assume it is because of the availability of Facebook. If you read it on Facebook rather than Blogger let me know.
Thanks,
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Healthy Church
"The Healthy Church" is the title of the Wednesday night series of messages I am preaching. The concept is this, our church will accomplish its mission when the people in the church are spiritually healthy followers of Christ. Here are a few excerpts.
What the Church needs most is health. Spiritual health is measured by relationship with Christ.
--When a church has a few healthy believers it will be a little attractive.
--When a church has a lot of healthy believers it will be quite attractive.
--When a church has all healthy believers it will be irresistible!!!
"The church is a living organism and all living organisms grow. Living things either grow or die." (Rick Warren)
A church of healthy believers will be a growing church.
--A church with some healthy believers will grow some.
--A church with a lot of healthy believers will grow a lot.
--A church with all healthy believers will double quickly!!!
The church had been running 55 on Sunday mornings when I came to First AG Washington in 2003. In the last few weeks we have consistently had 134-136 on Sunday mornings. Our growth has been slow and consistent, about 12 or 15 added to our average attendance each year. Looking over our records, we have about 9 or 12 first-time salvation's each year, and some people returning to the faith too.
So, based on these numbers, we are a church of about 135 on Sunday's, but our healthy Christian core could be as few as one dozen. That is alarming! You can argue that there may not be a direct correlation between numeric growth and the number of healthy believers in a church, but I think there is.
I want to challenge every person in our church to begin thinking about their relationship with Christ. If you are faithful, you will be fruitful. Your fruitfulness is your faithfulness to Christ. If there is no fruit of harvest in your life, can you really say you are a faithful, saved, born again, follower of Jesus Christ? I know that is hard for some to swallow and most will rationalize it away. As your pastor, your spiritual life coach, it is my job to ask you the tough questions.
Please think about this. What must you change in your attitude and schedule to be a healthy, fruitful, follower of Jesus Christ? I love you all and want to help you. Please let me know what you think would assist you in your spiritual health. Perhaps some of the fault is mine, I am the Pastor! Give me a call some time soon and let me know what you perceive as the need or obstacle for growth in your fruitfulness. Now is a good time to communicate with me. I am arranging my preaching schedule for 2010 and your comments will help me pray.
What the Church needs most is health. Spiritual health is measured by relationship with Christ.
--When a church has a few healthy believers it will be a little attractive.
--When a church has a lot of healthy believers it will be quite attractive.
--When a church has all healthy believers it will be irresistible!!!
"The church is a living organism and all living organisms grow. Living things either grow or die." (Rick Warren)
A church of healthy believers will be a growing church.
--A church with some healthy believers will grow some.
--A church with a lot of healthy believers will grow a lot.
--A church with all healthy believers will double quickly!!!
The church had been running 55 on Sunday mornings when I came to First AG Washington in 2003. In the last few weeks we have consistently had 134-136 on Sunday mornings. Our growth has been slow and consistent, about 12 or 15 added to our average attendance each year. Looking over our records, we have about 9 or 12 first-time salvation's each year, and some people returning to the faith too.
So, based on these numbers, we are a church of about 135 on Sunday's, but our healthy Christian core could be as few as one dozen. That is alarming! You can argue that there may not be a direct correlation between numeric growth and the number of healthy believers in a church, but I think there is.
I want to challenge every person in our church to begin thinking about their relationship with Christ. If you are faithful, you will be fruitful. Your fruitfulness is your faithfulness to Christ. If there is no fruit of harvest in your life, can you really say you are a faithful, saved, born again, follower of Jesus Christ? I know that is hard for some to swallow and most will rationalize it away. As your pastor, your spiritual life coach, it is my job to ask you the tough questions.
Please think about this. What must you change in your attitude and schedule to be a healthy, fruitful, follower of Jesus Christ? I love you all and want to help you. Please let me know what you think would assist you in your spiritual health. Perhaps some of the fault is mine, I am the Pastor! Give me a call some time soon and let me know what you perceive as the need or obstacle for growth in your fruitfulness. Now is a good time to communicate with me. I am arranging my preaching schedule for 2010 and your comments will help me pray.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
If My People Will Pray
Sunday I started a new series of messages from 2 Chronicles 7:14. I want us to really focus on being healthy Christians in the next few weeks and months. If God is going to pour out a double portion of his Spirit on our church and we need to be healthy in prayer! Prayer simply put is communication with God. We need healthy communication with God.
Please keep up with these messages. I am going to work very hard to have each message posted on the church website. If you miss a week I really want you to catch up and get the podcast!
Again, I want to encourage you to begin praying for a double portion of God's spirit in your home, work, parenting, and ministry. Think it through for yourself. What would a double portion of God's spirit would look like in your life? Put everything on the table (altar before God) and find out what things need to be removed from life, what things need more attention, and what needs reorganization. A double portion of God's spirit is not measured by feelings, but by results. Organize your life for God's Spirit to create results for you.
III John 2
Please keep up with these messages. I am going to work very hard to have each message posted on the church website. If you miss a week I really want you to catch up and get the podcast!
Again, I want to encourage you to begin praying for a double portion of God's spirit in your home, work, parenting, and ministry. Think it through for yourself. What would a double portion of God's spirit would look like in your life? Put everything on the table (altar before God) and find out what things need to be removed from life, what things need more attention, and what needs reorganization. A double portion of God's spirit is not measured by feelings, but by results. Organize your life for God's Spirit to create results for you.
III John 2
Importance of Childrens Ministries
I found this great video by Dale Stringer, the Children's Pastor at Harvest Christian Center in Park Hills, MO. Go check it out. It will play automatically.
http://cmlu.org/
http://cmlu.org/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)